TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019
ADVERTISING FEATURE
s Keep thi dy n a feature h next for your re! adventu
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Rush Adventures Enter to win! YOU COULD WIN A TRUE WEST COAST EXPERIENCE!
A DINE + PADDLE for Two! Prize includes: • A two-hour Double Kayak Rental or Paddleboard Rental (with instruction) from Rush Adventures • Two Stickleback Burgers at the Stickleback West Coast Eatery (sticklebackeatery.com) • Two Beverages (non-alcoholic)
Here’s how to enter: Simply email us your name and day phone number at funandgames@timescolonist.com with ‘Stickleback’ in the subject line. Contest closes June 16, 2019 at midnight. Winners will be contacted by phone/email. No purchase necessary. The odds of winning are dependent upon the number of participants. Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia at the age of majority. One entry per email address per day. Winners must correctly answer a skill-testing question. No cash value. Prize must be accepted as awarded.
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rom their waterfront location beside the Sooke Basin and Coopers Cove, Rush Adventures offers up-close and unique West Coast paddle board and kayaking experiences. People love Rush Adventures because of their 20 years of experience operating on Vancouver Island, personalized tour packages, and professional, friendly guides. They are located on the most beautiful and protected waters around — the Sooke Basin, located 40 minutes from Victoria. This is an authentic, West Coast experience. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for sea kayaking and paddle boarding, and
also for the area’s wildlife and natural history. The wildlife is unpredictably amazing. You could see seals basking in the sun, oystercatchers battling bald eagles, or sea stars hanging out. Stickleback West Coast Eatery, situated right beside Rush Kayak Adventures on Cooper’s Cove, serves West Coast cuisine and local award-winning beer. Enjoy the gorgeous ocean view from the patio after your tour as you view of the Olympic Mountains. If, during your paddle, you didn’t see enough wildlife, you may spy seals, otters, eagles and other wildlife right from their patio seats at the restaurant.
Gregarious café delivers delicious visit
Rush Adventures has a solid reputation for its guiding expertise. Kayak and paddleboard lessons are available, and courses and programs can be customized to your needs. Each tour is led by registered a SKGABC guide and experienced naturalist who help you discover the unique wildlife throughout Sooke Basin. A short paddle along the West Coast of the Island exposes you to a series of small coves and beaches — rich in marine life. Experience one of the best paddling destinations southern Vancouver Island has to offer. 5449 Sooke Rd. Phone: 250-642-2159. rushadventures.com
tours 0011702629 RENTALS LESSONS STICKLEBACK WEST& sales COAST EATERY Sooke to PR 4 x 40 CMYK, ,
R ES E RV E N OW ! 7 78. 4 2 5. 4 4 9 9 w w w. ST I C K L E BAC K E AT E RY. cO M
PULL IN OFF THE HIGHWAY TO GET YOUR COFFEE AND PASTRY FOR YOUR AFTERNOON HIKE OR MAKE IT A DESTINATION FOR YOUR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH. SHIRLEY DELICIOUS IS LOCATED BETWEEN SOOKE AND JORDAN RIVER, ABOUT A ONE- HOUR DRIVE FROM VICTORIA. — JENUS FRIESEN PHOTOS.
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hirley Delicious opened their doors on International Women’s Day on the 8th of March in 2013, and has become the gateway to the Pacific Circle Route ever since. Praises have been won locally and abroad, and include mentions in the New York Times and the UK’s Guardian. This little café lives up to it’s name while providing a year-round summer vibe. Located between Sooke and Jordan River, Shirley Delicious was launched by Salt Spring friends — Phillip du Preez, Sheena Mercer and Lou Ellis. Despite being in the “middle of nowhere”, the café offers a large selection of in-house made organic muffins, scones, croissants, savouries and desserts, along with a tasty soup, sandwich and brunch menu. Many options are available in gluten free and/or vegan.
Shirley Delicious is a community-based café — they utilize seasonal produce from neighbouring farms. Their coffee is also a stand-out. Shirley Delicious pulls and brews their own organic espresso and filtre blends from beans that are custom-roasted for them by Agro Roasters in Vancouver. The beans are available by the pound from the café. Victoria’s JagaSilk chai blends and Honestly-T loose leaf teas are also on the menu. This friendly little café is well-known for their effulgent atmosphere, which can go from calm and soothing to line-ups out the door in a matter of minutes — all the while delivering a thoroughly gregarious and entertaining experience. facebook.com/ShirleyDelicious
0011668324 SHIRLEY DELICIOUS Sooke to Port Refrew 4 x 110 CMYK, ,
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019
timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST
Sheringham’s Seaside Gin Won World’s Best Contemporary Gin AT THE 2019 WORLD GIN AWARDS IN LONDON, UK
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stablished in 2015 in Shirley, and now located in nearby Sooke, Sheringham Distillery is a multiple international award-winning creator of exceptional spirits that reflect the unique terroir* of Vancouver Island. Created during a walk on French Beach, their flagship Seaside Gin is a testament to the Island’s West Coast scenery, scents and aura. Founded by globe-trotting chef Jason MacIsaac and marketing/sales veteran Alayne MacIsaac, the distillery adheres to meticulous, small-batch distilling methods, uses 100 per cent B.C. agricultural products and sources other ingredients from Vancouver Island whenever possible. Prior to becoming the Distiller, Jason was a chef who achieved high accolades cooking both locally and internationally. At the helm of Distillery business logistics, Alayne worked in sales and marketing in Vancouver, then jumped ship to be an entrepreneur and homesteader, returning to the Island where she grew up.
Currently available at private retailers throughout B.C., Alberta and Manitoba, Sheringham’s range of products includes Seaside Gin, akvavit, vodka, and the recently introduced Kazuki Gin. For those looking for something sweet, a coffee liqueur was created to round out their list of spirits. Limited seasonal releases are also offered each summer and winter, allowing something different to fans of their products. Earlier this year, Sheringham’s Seaside Gin won World’s Best Contemporary Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards in London, UK, besting 200+ different entrants from 25 countries. No other Canadian gin has won such an accolade. Their Kazuki Gin and akvavit recently picked up silver medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well. While inspired by all things Japanese, the Kazuki gin contains the essence of imported cherry blossom petals and yuzu peel from Kyoto, as well as green tea leaves and flowers from Westholme Tea Farm in the Cowichan Valley.
The distillery is open for tours and complimentary tastings seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer, and on limited days during the other seasons. Visit their website for exact times and dates. For details on each spirit and their awards, recipes, retailers offering the product for sale, and bars and restaurants serving Sheringham’s products — visit: sheringhamdistillery.com. *”Terroir is the set of all environmental factors that affect a crop’s phenotype, including unique environment contexts, farming practices and a crop’s specific growth habitat. Collectively, these contextual characteristics are said to have a character; terroir also refers to this character. Some artisanal crops for which terroir is studied include wine, coffee, tobacco, chocolate, chili peppers, hops, agave (for making tequila and mezcal), tomatoes, heritage wheat, maple syrup, tea and cannabis.” – Wikipedia
WORLD’S BEST CONTEMPORARY GIN WORLD GIN AWARDS 2019
SEASIDE GIN refreshing as a seaside stroll sheringhamdistillery.com
0011676623 SHERINGHAM DISTILLERY Sooke to PR 3 x 83 CMYK, ,
Bad Dog!! Bad Dog Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated micro brewery in rural Otter Point, near the town of Sooke. The brewery has a small store front offering their products in tall cans, tasting flights and growlers, as well as branded merchandise and packaged snacks. A treed picnic area is on the property to sit and enjoy their offerings. Feel free to bring a picnic — it’s well worth the visit! baddogbrewing.ca
More than a fishing trip EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF TRAILHEAD RESORT AND FISHING LODGE
T 0011699504 BAD DOG BREWING CO Sooke to Port Renfre 311:00 x 53 Open Daily am - 7:00 pm 7861 Tugwell Road Sooke 250.642.3621 www.baddogbrewing.ca CMYK, , Facebook @ sookebaddogbrewing Instagram baddogbrewingco
his Vancouver Island fishing lodge offers luxurious and comfortable cabins, suites and hiker hut accommodations in Port Renfrew. Fishing Vancouver Island is an experience you won’t forget, with trophy salmon and monster halibut aplenty. From one-day fishing charters to three-day adventures, Trailhead has the Vancouver Island fishing experience for you. Trailhead Resort offers world class salmon and halibut fishing at their fishing lodge, just two hours from Victoria in Port Renfrew. Some of the world’s best salmon fishing is found here. The Swiftsure Bank is rich with life and is the feeding grounds for the biggest fish as they
0011671479 TRAILHEAD RESORT Sooke to Port Renfre 4 x 40 CMYK, ,
prepare to spawn up the Fraser River and Puget Sound. Experienced fishing guides get you to the best spots. With halibut bigger than your teenager, the Swiftsure Bank is world renowned for amazing halibut fishing conditions. Just 15 miles from the dock, the experienced fishing guides know where to find the biggest, hardest-hitting fish. Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime Trailhead Resort is a full-service fishing lodge and hotel, decorated with Island fishing paraphernalia and local first nations artwork. Delicious West Coast cuisine with B.C. seafood and homemade deserts is available to guests. trailhead-resort.com
0011666800 Come Relax Wit h Us!
LE SOOKE SPA Sooke to Port Renfre Le Sooke Spa 3 x 30 Located in the beautiful Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke
www.lesookespa.com phone: 250-642-7995 | email: info@lesookespa.com
TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Big trees and big seas YOUR AMAZING ADVENTURE AWAITS
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e are not the boastful kind, but when it comes to the size and scale of nature found in Port Renfrew, we are in a league of our own. It is little wonder these aromatic forests are compared with royalty — crowns, towers and kings. Our beaches are the protected homes to hundreds of species of plants and animals. They are also the terminus for the
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and West Coast Trail. Hours of fun for beachcombers of all ages await you. Renfrew is where you’ll find some of the top fishing charters and guides on Vancouver Island. Single or multi-day charters are quick, safe ways to gear up and get out to prime fishing grounds. Local experts know the conditions and can give you the inside line.
Experience some of the best halibut and salmon fishing in North America on our 31 foot Oceanmaster. This vessel is fully equipped with modern electronics, navigation systems and a sound system that allows guests to unwind while playing their catch. A professional and experienced fisherman guides you on the Port of San Juan, sharing their joy of fishing on the Pacific. Our high
quality gear is maintained to the highest standards, so you will be well equipped for an amazing experience. Whale watching tours and fishing charters are now taking bookings for the season. Operations begin June 1st. Inquire for both at: 250-647-5541, ext 1. or: adventures@wildrenfrew.com Your amazing adventure awaits.
Fishing in Port Renfrew!
0011701486 Leave HOLDINGS the navigation to us on this ultimate adventure. 17310 PARKINSON ROAD Book B k your fishing hi charter h t today! t d ! Sooke to Port Renfre 250-647-5541 EXT 1. 10 x 30 WWW.WILDRENFREW.COM
Another good reason to
Little Vienna
HEAD TO SOOKE
AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN BAKERY, CAFÉ & MARKETPLACE
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ittle Vienna Bakery’s outdoor garden terrace is Sooke’s beloved local tradition and everyone’s favourite meet-up place since 2003. This locally owned establishment has earned numerous community awards and is listed in Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame. Little Vienna Bakery, Café & Marketplace is an authentically European bakery café in the heart of Sooke. They create beautiful handformed artisan breads, buns and baguettes, and lovingly prepared decadent pastries, pies and cakes, with a strong consciousness toward “fresh-from-scratch”. The food they create is made from the finest ingredients — non-gmo, locally sourced and organic. Step inside. The interior of Little Vienna has an authentic Austrian decor, complete with full-length Baroque-style mirrors, gold chandeliers, ornate crown moldings, period-
correct furniture and a collection of handpainted Austrian murals by world-renowned French artist, Philippe Metaireau. He was was commissioned for this exclusive project. A 600 square-foot paving stone courtyard, complete with a ornate three-tiered fountain, is set within the expansive raised flower gardens to complete the ambience. Whether it’s a business meeting, a quick bite or a sit-down with a group of friends — the Bakery is ready for you with a smile. Peggy and Ron Gardiner took the reins from Susan and Michael in late 2018. Along with their dedicated team members, their belief in using high quality ingredients and artisan baking techniques highlights their commitment to the continued success of Little Vienna. Thanks to all the local supporters who
enabled the Bakery to receive the Sooke Region’s 2012 Business of the Year award and be a Top Five Finalist in the 2014 Vancouver Island Small Business of Year category. Little Vienna placed in the 2016 Vancouver Island Food Establishment of the Year Category, while receiving the prestigious 2016 Dining and Hospitality Award for the Sooke region. Enjoy a fresh, hot breakfast or a hearty lunch with specialty coffees and teas, or a wide selection of lighter fare salads, sandwiches and made-from-scratch, freshly-baked pastries and treats. Little Vienna features gluten- and dairy-free and vegan options, too. While you’re there, take out the finest fresh breads and select meats and cheeses from the in-store marketplace. 6726 West Coast Rd. in Sooke. littleViennaBakery.com
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ooke Oceanside Brewery (SOB) was born from the desire to bring the love of craft beer to the West Coast community of Sooke. They are the seventh brewery in the capital region. The brewery is the brainchild of Sooke residents and husband-andwife team Ryan Orr and Karri Jensen. Along with brewer Garritt Lalonde, they have established the brand and the beer as another reason for people to head to Sooke. Founded in 2015, SOB has been a long standing labour of love. It has taken a lot of recipe development and planning to arrive where they are now and it has been time well spent. You will love their beer. The tasting room is up and running, so plan to visit for a flight — drop in and say ‘hello’. SOB poured their brews at this year’s Island Craft Beer, Spirit and Cider fest in the Strathcona Hotel earlier in February. They offer their classic — Stiff Jab Pale Ale, their award winning Bear Beach Baltic Porter and a cask of oak aged Fight in the Dog. SOB will do their best to keep excellent beer coming your way. sookeoceansidebrewery.com
Sooke’s original brewery
0011682657 LITTLE VIENNA BAKERY Sooke to PR 5 x 50 CMYK, ,
S.O.B.
is an award-winning 0011670803 indie brewery dedicated to the craft of BREWERY beer since 2016 SOOKE OCEANSIDE Sooke to Port Renfre 5 x 50 CMYK, , Renfrew Red Ale
Bear Beach Baltic Porter
Whiffen Weizen
778-352-2739 #1-5529 Sooke Rd.
sookeoceansidebrewery.com Follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook @SookeBrew
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019
timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST
Engage all your senses
Up close!
PORT RENFREW IS NO ORDINARY PLACE.
and natural
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s the marine eco-tourism and whale watching industries continue to grow throughout Vancouver Island, so with it comes increased awareness of the human impact on our natural environment. With this growing awareness, we see a stronger demand for sustainable co-existence with our very delicate marine ecosystems. In recent years, we have seen populations of species like humpback whales, stellar sea lions and elephant seals rebound from near extinction to healthy sustainable numbers, thanks to public support for the regulation of fisheries and species protection acts. Adventures By HIP has taken a leading role in fulfilling the demand for responsible eco-tourism in the Sooke to Port Renfrew region.
Operating small vessels which utilize state of the art, ultra-quiet propulsion motors, owners Mike and Sarah expose hundreds of visitors and locals alike, to the beauty of our natural surroundings with minimal impact to the complex and sensitive ecosystems being viewed. While on tour with this energetic couple, prepare to immerse yourself into a safari of marine mammals — just a stone’s throw from the shores of this quaint harbour community. Conveniently located at the Sooke Adventure HQ, 6971 West Coast Rd., an Ocean Wildlife Tour ($94) with Adventures By HIP is a perfect activity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Sooke region. Book your adventure: 250-818-1093. For details, visit: adventuresByHIP.com
You Deserve Luxury
0011666878 EAGLE REACH Sooke to Port Renfre 4 x 40 CMYK, ,
Eagle Reach - A West Coast Cottage Port Renfrew, BC
Book Your Stay With Us Today www.eaglereach.ca | 1-778-926-2974
West Coast Outdoor Adventure
0011669301 @Sooke Harbour Resort 6971 West Coast Rd, Sooke BC 250-664-7794 WEST COAST OUTDOOR www.WestCoastOutdoor.com ADVENTURE RENTALS TOURS SALES BringSooke this ad in for ato 10%Port discount inRenfre April, May, or June 4 x 40 CMYK, , 0011678713 ORCA SPIRIT ADVENTURES Sooke to PR 4 x 40 CMYK, ,
ROOSEVELT ELK CROSSING ON ISLAND ROAD. — DIANE MORAN PHOTO.
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t all begins with the ever-curving drive along the Pacific Marine Highway, with plenty of places to stop along the way. The drive offers access to local landmarks, vistas of majestic trees, driftwood laden sandy and rocky beaches, under-explored trails and waterways, lush forests and abounding fish and wildlife. Port Renfrew is a place to unplug, recharge and balance your being. It’s
a known fact that spending time in nature is necessary for everyone. Young and old alike — we all have a need for nature. We also need to go screen-free and disconnect. With no cell service in Port Renfrew, you have no choice but to turn off, tune in and use your phone as a camera to capture a moment or many moments. Explore, hug a tree, listen to the ocean, watch for wildlife, hike, bike
or paddle. Engage all of your senses. This small coastal community offers deluxe and basic accommodations, from cabins to camping, hotel rooms and vacation homes. A handful of quaint and quality restaurants are also here to enjoy. Or pack a picnic and really experience the simple pleasure of eating outdoors. Capture a moment. Come, see, stay and play in Port Renfrew. remoterenfrew.com
Get into nature
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ooking for a classic Canadian activity, but with a twist? West Coast Outdoor offers kayak tours and rentals in Sooke, but you’ll find that things are done a little differently here. Hobie Mirage Drive (pedal-powered) kayaks are the watercraft of choice here. These are not one of those pedal boats that go nowhere. Hobie kayaks are fast and stable and easy to control via the hand-controlled rudder. You use your legs to power the kayaks, which means you are instantly an expert. In a Hobie Kayak, you can travel further faster, leaving your hands free to take those classic pictures of the friendly seals, soaring eagles and spectacular rocky coastline. Whether on a guided tour or heading out on your own to explore at your own pace, you’ll be sure to have a great time and a host of memories to last a lifetime. And if the breeze picks up that keeps most others off the water, West Coast Outdoor will get out the Hobie Island “sail-kayaks”, and you'll be humming along the water with the wind doing all the work for you. If you fall in love with the boat — and most people do — we’re Vancouver Islands only Hobie Kayak dealer, so you can take one home with you. Stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours are also on offer. Again, there is no experience needed, and if
needed, you’ll be given basic instruction before you set out. Or load a couple of paddleboards up and head to a local lake, with warm water to play in, or explore that cool little cove you’ve always wanted to visit “up the coast”. We love our RED SUP’s so much that we also sell them new, too. Standing on a board or sitting on your Hobie kayak, we’re your #1 stop shop for fun in Sooke. Finally, if its a bit of distance you want to cover, West Coast Outdoor’s fleet of bikes will get you there. Giant Talon MTBs, perfectly suited for the Galloping Goose converted railway trail, enable you to take some of the challenging local terrain at Harbourview — Sea to Sea Regional Park. Don’t worry if you aren’t a fan of the short highway section between the shop and the trail. There’s a shuttle vehicle to get you there and collect you at the end of the day. (set times) New this summer — guided bike tours are in the pipe for those looking for a bit more insight into the surrounding flora and fauna. Whether it be kayaks, bikes or stand-up paddleboards, West Coast Outdoor Adventure has the gear to “get you into nature!” westcoastoutdoor.com
If you are interested in advertising in the next
SOOKE TO PORT RENFREW SPECIAL FEATURE Contact: Stephanie Conrad Phone: 250-380-5314; Email: sconrad@timescolonist.com
0011701490 ADVENTURES BY HIP Sooke to PR 4 x 40 CMYK, ,
EVENTS Celebrate Shirley Day Sunday, Aug. 18 Shirley Day is an annual event for residents and visitors. You’ll find plenty of local artisans, crafters and live entertainment, as well as activities for kids and a salmon barbecue dinner. There will be a number of gift items available to bid on during a silent auction. Details: shirleycommunity.ca/shirley-day.html
Shirley’s popular Country Market Beginning June 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then every Sunday til Sept. 1 (except Aug. 18). Featuring a mix of hand-made, home-baked, garden-grown, and local artisan products and services. Market is combined with the popular Shirley Loves Music Open Mic.