September 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Festivals & Events
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Metchosin Day is an annual event celebrating the rural coastal community of Metchosin. This was my first time attending and I was really excited at the wonderful collaborative spirit present and the obvious pride Metchosinites take in their community.
Metchosin Day starts with a 5km run/walk, followed by a pancake breakfast. All day long there is live music (with local acts such as the high school jazz band) and entertainment, including a beer garden! My favourite event was the pet show, which included dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and even miniature ponies. Every animal entered received a ribbon, for categories such as “happiest pet” and “softest fur”.
Many local vendors and craftspeople were present as well, selling handmade clothing, jams and preserves, and locally grown produce. Plenty of tasty food was available as well, including bannock, buttered corn on the cob and, the grand finale of the day, a lamb and salmon dinner. The lamb and salmon are cooked on display throughout the day over a constantly burning fire, so the end result is smoky and delicious.
Not only is Metchosin Day tons of fun, Metchosin itself is very beautiful and worth a visit any time. I can’t wait for next year!
June 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Duncan, Wineries & Vineyards
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Recently myself and a small group of friends headed to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island for a small tour of exploring and imbibing the wines of "the warm land".
We started the day with breakfast at Whippletree Junction and hunted for bargains in the nearby antique shops, set in charming restored buildings from the early 1900s. Next stop was Cherry Point Estate Wines, for incredible mussels paired with pinot gris, followed by a tasting in the wine shop with Xavier Bonilla, the friendly owner of the winery. There were crisp ciders to sample at Merridale’s lovely cidery in Cobble Hill and it was hard to resist wandering the sunny orchards afterwards. We finished with refreshing gelato and organic chocolate at Organicfair farm and turned our tour into an overnight trip by camping at Gordon Bay Provincial Park on Cowichan Lake. Sipping our Merridale Scrumpy Ciders next to a campfire under the tall Douglas firs was a great way to end the day.
Next time I head to the Cowichan Valley, I’ll tour via bicycle and make sure to try lunch in the 1903 farmhouse at Zanatta Winery and Vinoteca or maybe time my visit with the annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival.
March 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Sooke, Hiking
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Recently I took a day trip up Island to join a small group of friends staying at a cabin in Port Renfrew, a small and remote town set amongst stunning west coast scenery. Beaches, crashing waves and thick, lush coastal rainforest surround this tiny community.
We decided to do a hike into Avatar Grove (apparently named for the movie to promote awareness of the area). The ground was moist and muddy -- bring your boots! -- and there were ropes for when the trail became too steep. We passed trickling streams, bizarre fungus and enormous, mossy trees, dwarfing us with their massive trunks. Inside the trees, the air was damp and silent.
On the drive home the sun came out, glittering on ocean waters. We stopped for a break at Jordan River to watch surfers bobbing the waves too.
Avatar Grove is not a well-marked trail but it's short and relatively easy to find the big trees. Make sure to dress for constantly changing (wet!) weather
September 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Alberni, Hiking
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I love a good west coast beach, so visiting three Vancouver Island beaches seemed like an obvious long weekend trip for me and three friends.
After a bumpy drive on a gravel road from Port Alberni to the tiny town of Bamfield, we settled in a campground on Pachena Bay. Wandering the sweeping crescent of sand, we examined mussels and invertebrates hiding in rocky nooks and crannies.
The next morning we braved a very muddy and challenging hike to Keeha Bay. Our reward was a pristine and nearly deserted beach with rich tide pools and plenty of rocks and hidden mini-beaches to explore. We set up camp amongst the driftwood and searched the horizon for whales (none that trip unfortunately!). After some time around the beach fire, we fell asleep in our tents to the sound of crashing waves.
Luckily our hike back was much drier. After a picnic lunch at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (which can be toured!) we took a water taxi across Bamfield Inlet and a short walk down rural roads brought us to Brady’s Beach. Although private properties border on sections, the beach still feels as secluded and wild as Keeha Bay. Amongst rugged rock islands, we saw river otters and bald eagles and a spectacular sunset that turned islands on the horizon into pastel silhouettes. A final beach fire and an attempt at photographing star trails in the clear night sky ended the last leg of our West Coast beach tour.
August 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Dining
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No other city loves breakfast like Victoria. Where else are the line ups for the breakfast spots longer than the nightclubs?
AVALON
1075 Fort Street
Just a short walk up Fort Street is Avalon, a small, bright cafe that offers inexpensive breakfast with friendly charm. Eggs benedict is a specialty here, but the menu also includes skillets and old stand-bys such as perogies. I wake up thinking about the West Coast Benny more than I probably should.
MO:LEWith its exposed brick walls and rotating display of local art, Mo:Le's interior represents the combination of heritage and culture seen throughout the city. The menu features creative takes on traditional favourites with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and does its part to represent the modern palate of Victoria.
FERRIS' UPSTAIRSFeaturing light breakfasts in addition to bennies, omelettes and scrambles, Ferris' is a great place to sneak some seafood into your breakfast, such as crab, smoked salmon or albacore tuna. High ceilings, exposed brick and plush couches under tall, breezy windows make it a tranquil place to relax after a late night out. I love the broiled grapefruit, the lox bagel or The Weekend Crossword (two words: truffled hollandaise).
BLUE FOX CAFE919 Fort Street
The Blue Fox is known for its long lines and very generous portions. Lively and cozy inside, sitting elbow to elbow with your neighbour is all part of the experience, and makes it easy to see the best dish to order off the extensive menu. On weekdays, there's consistently great soup as well.
Editor's note: For more ideas on great places to eat in Victoria, click here.