Issuu

Connector ONBOARD MAGAZINE FOR THE WILSON’S GROUP

The Fun Is In Getting There!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Butchart Shines Victoria’s beloved Christmas destination and other hot spots to visit this season

FORBIDDEN VANCOUVER

BUG-EYED AT THE ZOO

DARK, DIRTY AND WILD SECRETS OF HISTORIC VANCOUVER

A DAY-TRIP TO THE VICTORIA BUG ZOO

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Contents

NOV/DEC 2017 5 President’s essage 6 Victoria Bug Zoo 9 Forbidden Vancouver 12 Meet the Team 13 Butchart Shines 14 Five After the Drive 18 Five for the Foodie 20 Hit the Road 22 Ask the Concierge

ON OUR COVER

A blaze of lights at The Butchart Gardens. (Photo courtesy The Butchart Gardens.)

14 ADVERTISING Ruby Della Siega 250.480.3222

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto 250.480.3204

PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton Sierra Lundy

EDITOR Susan Lundy lundys@shaw.ca

WRITERS Chelsea Forman, Sierra Lundy, Darcy Nybo, Sara Wilson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan PRODUCTION Janice Marshall

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mario Gedicke 250.891.5627 mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca

Patty Doering 250.480.3242 Nick Warrington 250.480.3399 Annemarie Rindt 250.480.3244

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CONNECTOR magazine is published six times a year by Black Press and is distributed by The Wilson’s Group. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or The Wilson’s Group. The contents of Connector magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

818 Broughton Street Victoria, BC Canada V8W 1E4 www.blackpress.ca

www.gowilsonsgroup.com

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Enrollment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 3

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

welcome aboard or our family, the holiday season is a time to relax, eat, drink and be merry. We are fortunate in that most of our family has remained on Vancouver Island, making it easy for lots of get-togethers. But for some, travel is necessary to share the holidays with family and friends. Many of our local travellers will be pleased to know that we have increased our runs on the BC Ferries Connector this fall/winter to four daily departures from both Vancouver and Victoria. We hope this gives everyone the travel options they need to get to Vancouver or Victoria for some of the season’s many amazing festivities. Victoria’s downtown is always spectacular during the holiday season, from the twinkling lights to the many decoration themes in the hotels and shops. This year we’re pleased to once again have a Wilson’s Group Family Tree in the annual Festival of Trees. This event offers an opportunity to contribute to the critical care of BC’s children and to support their families. We

encourage you to stop by both the Fairmont Empress Hotel and The Bay Centre and enjoy these beautifully decorated trees and, at the same time, support the important work of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Vancouver is equally beautiful during the holidays, offering so many things to see and do, ranging from the VanDusen Festival of Lights to the Vancouver Christmas Market, which returns to the Jack Poole Plaza this year. Here, there will be more than 75 huts stuffed with sweets, treats and treasures. German or not, you are sure to enjoy the authentic food and drink — from sizzling Bratwurst to the warming Glühwein. Whatever you do, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season from our family to yours. Now, I’m off to pull out the skates for our own family’s traditional visit to The Butchart Gardens’ The Magic of Christmas Light Up! John Wilson President

29th annual artisan fair

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VICTORIA

DAY-TRIPPING:

BY CHELSEA FORMAN PHOTOS BY DON DENTON AND COURTESY VICTORIA BUG ZOO

VICTORIA BUG ZOO

Bug-eyed at the zoo tepping into the Victoria Bug Zoo — home to some of the world’s most rare and exotic creatures — the warm tropical air is a welcome refuge from the crisp autumn air outside. I’m greeted by tour guide Kalene Lillico, who says, “Our goal is to help people get over their fears and preconceived notions of these animals. We encourage kids to come at a young age to get them accustomed, so they don’t have those instilled fears.” The Bug Zoo laid roots in Victoria 20 years ago and has evolved into a wondrous

educational facility for visitors of all ages. All of the animals at the zoo are arthropods — a group that includes all invertebrate animals with jointed appendages and an exoskeleton that is shed periodically. “Many of our animals are from Malaysia and Arizona, but we get plenty of donations as well,” Kalene says as we make our way through the zoo, stopping at a massive ant colony. “We have the largest captive ant colony in North America,” she says. There are two separate colonies that snake up the walls, crisscrossing and framing a flurry of activity as the ants go

Writer Chelsea Forman with Assassin, a dead leaf praying mantis, at the Victoria Bug Zoo.

6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

about their work. The species are Brazilian leafcutter ants and one of the colonies is an impressive 14 years old, while the other is 12 years old. “Both our queens are from Brazil and can live up to 15 years,” Kalene mentions as she guides me away from the colonies and towards a sanctuary that looks like a collection of leaves and sticks. I’m delighted to discover that the sticks are in fact moving leisurely about; they’re a species of Vietnamese stick bug. Kalene opens the glass case and gingerly reaches in for a dried up leaf that is near the bottom of the sanctuary. “This is Assassin,” Kalene says, retracting her hand with the brown leaf in it. Assassin unfolds and reveals herself as an exquisite leggy creature that I have never seen before. Her species is — appropriately — called a dead leaf praying mantis. Kalene places Assassin on my hand. She has metallic-copper eyes that Kalene explains give her 360-degree vision. Assassin seems to be watching me closely as she sways whimsically back and forth on my hand. “She moves like a leaf would in the wind,” Kalene smiles, looking at Assassin fondly. Assassin has only been at the zoo for a few weeks and was named for her role in population control in the Vietnamese stick bug sanctuary. After tucking Assassin safely back into her new home, Kalene and I wander on to meet Audrey, a Chilean rose hair tarantula. Audrey is a new world species of tarantula, which are those native to North, South or Central America. “The Chilean rose hair tarantula’s main CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

"I sit down and Kalene places Audrey softly in my hands. Audrey is very relaxed as I lift her up towards my eyes to look more closely". line of defence is its urticating [stinging] hairs on the abdomen — they use their back feet to kick the hairs out, a little bit like a porcupine does.” Kalene reaches into the glass case to lift Audrey out. “That being said, the tarantulas we allow the public to hold never flick their hairs, bite or show any aggression towards humans at all.” I sit down and Kalene places Audrey softly in my hands. Audrey is very relaxed as I lift her up towards my eyes to look more closely. Her hairs are iridescent,

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Above, Chelsea Forman with Audrey, a Chilean rose hair tarantula; below, a praying mantis; and (following page), a golden stag beetle.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 7

making her appear rose-gold in colour. She is hands down the most feminine, chic and fashion-forward creature I have ever seen, and she seems to know it as she sits somewhat blasé in my hands. I wonder what she ’s thinking, and assume she would have a French accent if she could talk. “She ’s habituated with humans, which happens by handling them a lot when they are juveniles so they don’t associate us with a negative environment. Tarantulas are great at telling people if they don’t want to interact,” Kalene says. Only adults are allowed to hold the tarantulas at the Bug Zoo because they are incredibly delicate due to the nature of their exoskeleton. If a tarantula is dropped it will actually shatter — which means being bitten by one is highly unlikely. We pass by centipedes, scorpions, frog leg beetles, vinegaroons, stag beetles and an Atlas beetle, which can carry up to nine pounds on his back. In each and every enclosure, entire civilizations of creatures unfold in a spectrum of dazzling shapes, colours and sizes. “There are some creatures here who

are a little bit more feisty and a little bit more dangerous. But with any animal, as long as you treat it with lots of respect and consideration, it’s not going to hurt you,” says Kalene. As our tour comes to a close, I take a moment to look around the gift shop and notice a variety of unusual foods, including a line of protein-packed cricket snacks and supplements. “If you had a field of crickets the same size as a field of cattle, you would yield 20 times more protein and use 20 times less water,” Kalene says, as she describes the food’s sustainability. Kalene offers me a few roasted crickets and I pop them in my mouth. Not bad! Heading back outside into the crisp air, I contemplate the complexity and nature of every species I had the opportunity to meet at the Victoria Bug Zoo. Kalene and the other staff are experts in not only each species, but also each individual creature at the zoo. The animals have distinct personalities, likes and dislikes — making them not all that different from us.

See.

Touch. Touch. Explore. Explore. Welcome to the Welcome theof amazingto world insects and arachnids! amazing world of

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victoriabugzoo.ca

victoriabugzoo.ca 8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

VANCOUVER BY DARCY NYBO

DAY-TRIPPING:

FORBIDDEN VANCOUVER

A scene from Forbidden Vancouver’s Lost Souls of Gastown walking tour.

PHOTO BY KIRI MARR

dark, dirty and wild secrets ut on your walking shoes, grab a scarf and head out on a gritty adventure of your choosing with Forbidden Vancouver walking tours. Our choice for the evening is the Lost Souls of Gastown. We wait at the appointed hour, at the appointed location, wondering if the others gathered around us were also on the tour. Then we see him — a tall man, dressed in black, carrying a lantern. He ticks off

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

our names, and wanders a few feet away. His face changes as if he’s carrying a heavy secret. And while I know he’s a professional actor, I wonder, for a moment, if perhaps a ghost from the past has somehow slipped inside and taken over. Then I remember… he is our performance and we are the audience. And the evening begins. Our guide is a lost soul named George. He lifts his lamp and tells us to follow him

into a nearby alley where he relays the tale of life in the 1800s. Weaving an historically accurate story, this ghostly George makes Vancouver’s past come alive. He takes us through the alleys, streets and buildings of Gastown, creating a tale of his time in Dawson Creek during the gold rush. Many a fortune fell during drunken revelry, he recalls. And bartenders used to fight for the right to sift the sawdust off the floors — sifting sawdust for gold was easier than NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 9

finding it in the creeks and hills. We stop at the foot of a set of stairs at the Victorian Hotel. It’s here he stayed, upon his return from Dawson Creek, he says. He takes the hand of a nearby woman and with tears in his eyes, says he is a widower, having lost his beloved wife years before. We follow George into the Victorian Hotel, down a hallway and out back to a fire escape. We descend the stairs and George describes, with utmost detail, the beautiful garden that once stood here. In the dark, one can almost imagine it. George lifts his lantern and motions for us to follow him to Gastown. He points out the 17-storey Sun Tower on West Pender Street, indicating it was once called the World Building. In its day, it was the tallest building in the British Empire. He tells us Vancouver had a bawdy house before it had a schoolhouse. We learn more about the bawdy house and its madam with a heart of gold. As we walk past Salmagundi West on Cordova Street, George points out its unique triangle shape and says several ghosts live there among the antiques in this magical emporium.

The Lost Souls tour is one of three offered by Forbidden Vancouver. You can learn about crime, secret cemeteries and old growth trees with Secrets of Stanley Park, or about mobsters and opium with the Prohibition City tour. We head into another alley and it’s here that George tells the story of “Don’t climb down the well.” It’s a story that comes full circle as the tour continues, but I won’t give that away.

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We learn of the Great Vancouver Fire that destroyed most of the city on June 13, 1886. George describes the fire in eerie detail: how the nails on the sidewalks heated up and popped like machine gun fire; how people ran down to the docks and jumped into the ocean. Then there are tales of smallpox epidemics. The first, in 1782, wiped out entire villages, destroying a centuries- old way of life. The disease came back again in 1862, first to Victoria, then to Hastings Landing and then to Vancouver. Some say these lost souls still walk among us. Bring a hanky or a tissue, as these stories will tug at your heartstrings. Near the end of the 90-minute tour, George tells us we can help solve a murder. Was there really a murder? That’s up for you to decide. The Lost Souls tour is one of three offered by Forbidden Vancouver. You can learn about crime, secret cemeteries and old growth trees with Secrets of Stanley Park, or about mobsters and opium with the Prohibition City tour. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a unique kind of entertainment.

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MEET THE WILSON’S GROUP TEAM

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THIS JOB? The thing I like most about my job is the opportunity for growth and the variety that comes with the growth. While learning more about other employees’ jobs, I’m able to share with them how I do my job. WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born and raised here in Victoria.

WHO IS YOUR FAMILY?

I have a wife and two teenage children and parents nearby, as well as two sisters — one in Ontario and one here in Victoria.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF THE JOB? Some of the things I like to do most are working out with my family and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs on TV. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA? I really enjoy bike rides with my family on the Galloping Goose Trail.

NAME: Trevor Kilgore POSITION: Yard manager for the Wilson’s Group of Companies. TIME WITH WILSON’S: “I’m proud to say that I have been with Wilson’s for over 21 years (the company’s longest serving employee).”

Smart, contemporary theatre made in Victoria.

WHAT IS A “MUST-DO” IN VICTORIA FOR VISITORS? A “must-do” here in Victoria is The Hop-On Hop-Off city tour. It’s a scenic history lesson about one of the world’s most beautiful cities ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? I truly believe that the overall growth of the Wilson’s Group of Companies comes from its roots. The hard work ethic instilled in John Wilson by his parents, Kello and Mary Wilson, have been passed down to a third generation as their grandchildren have very important positions with The Wilson’s Group. The visions that they bring forward for the future can only enhance the success of this company.

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A blaze of lights at The Butchart Gardens. (Photo courtesy The Butchart Gardens)

Butchart shines BY SARA WILSON

Christmas Market

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or The Butchart Gardens, Christmas begins in October when the lighting crew first gets to work. One of Canada’s National Historic Sites, The Butchart Gardens finally flicks the switch on December 1 and kicks 4062 Shelbourne St., Victoria | 250.721.4062 off the holiday season with festivities the whole family can enjoy. And what began 25 years ago at the gardens has grown into a month-long event for people of all ages to savour. “The 12 days of Christmas display started in 1992, with the partridge in a pear tree, and every year after we added a day, finishing in 2004 with 12 drummers drumming,” said Daphne Gardner, public relations manager at The Butchart Gardens. Senior Living, The Berwick Way “The display is so large that our lighting crew is busy for two full months installing.” • • • • The Magic of Christmas season begins December 1 with the • • Light-up Ceremony at 4:30 pm, when the switch is thrown and the gardens come alive with thousands of coloured lights. Visit BerwickRetirement.com The display runs until January 6 at 10 pm. The garden’s ice rink was installed in 2005 and enlarged in 2012 to add an extra holiday experience to the lighting extravaganza, and allow skating under the stars. The Rose Carousel is also a must-see, and with 30 colourful “animals” to ride, there are plenty of options to keep everyone happy. “Butchart Gardens has everything you need for the festive season,” Gardner said. “From the extensive light installation to the ice skating rink, traditional carolers and wonderful dining options, we provide the perfect backdrop for a complete festive experience.” Your Lakeside Resort in the City! Your Lakeside Resort in the City! The peaceful tranquility of the gardens is illuminated by Your Lakeside Resort in the City! TOLL FREE 1.800.565.1144 4700 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) Your Lakeside Resort in the City! TOLL FREE 1.800.565.1144 4700 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) thousands of twinkling bulbs outlining the path and trees. PHONE 250.758.1144 NANAIMO 1W6 Your Lakeside Resort in B.C. theV9TCity! 250.758.1144 TOLL FREE 1.800.565.1144 4700 ISLAND HWYPHONE (19A) 4700 TOLLN.FREE 1.800.565.1144 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) NANAIMO B.C. V9T 1W6 Visitors can view the extensive gardens with the sounds of TOLL FREE250.758.1144 1.800.565.1144 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) PHONE NANAIMO B.C. V9T 1W6 PHONE 250.758.1144 NANAIMO B.C. V9T 1W6 4700 PHONE 250.758.1144 NANAIMO B.C. V9T 1W6 Christmas carols in the background. WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM “We have families that the return year after year to enjoy the FOLLOW US ON WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM experience,” Gardner said. WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM FOLLOW US ON For more information visit butchartgardens.com WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM

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Must-see and must-do events in November and December

FIVE DRIVE AFTER THE

VICTORIA>VANCOUVER>

VICTORIA

Les Belles-Soeurs Where: Langham Court When: November 15-December 2

Written just over 50 years ago, playwright Michel Tremblay’s award-winning Les Belles-Soeurs still has the power to shock. It features 15 women from an impoverished East Montreal neighbourhood who have gathered for a “stamp-licking” party, where they end up trash-talking each other, their husbands and also the church. Cruelly circumscribed by a society that suffocates them, these are angry, terribly frustrated women who have become loud and raunchy. “The play is brutally honest but it’s also very funny,” says theatre veteran Judy Treloar, who will be directing what she estimates is her 24th play for Langham Court. “And it was so raw that it wasn’t allowed to be mounted until three years after Tremblay wrote it.” This will be a real treat for theatre lovers.

langhamtheatre.ca

Out of Hand Artisan Fair Where: Victoria Conference Centre When: November 24-26

Victoria’s prestigious Out of Hand Artisan Fair, the largest event of its kind on Vancouver Island, moves to the Victoria Conference Centre for three days of unique arts and crafts, local foods and great entertainment. For 28 years, Out of Hand organizers have aimed to source and curate fine crafts, artisan foods and one-of-akind fashions designed by some of BC’s most creative professional artisans. This year promises no less, as the 29th annual event presents works by both well-established, familiar artisans as well as emerging designers and craftspeople. Also included is a pop-up Esty boutique, artisan food market and live music

Victoria Festival of Trees Where: The Bay Centre When: November 15 to January 2

What better way to kick off the holiday season than to celebrate the 26th annual Victoria Festival of Trees, enjoying elaborate decorations and helping to raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital? This event has a reputation for being the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in the city, and is a genuinely heart-warming and treasured tradition. Scope out and vote for your favourite tree, share the magic with loved ones and support local children, who deserve all the help and love this city has to offer.

bcchf.ca

outofhand.ca

14 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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The Nutcracker Where: Royal Theatre When: December 1-3

Get ready to be enchanted and mesmerized by the cherished holiday classic The Nutcracker Classical Ballet at the Royal Theatre this December. Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, composed by Pyotyr Tchaikovsky and presented by Alberta Ballet and the Victoria Symphony, this dream-team is guaranteed to put on a captivating show that will bring out the children in all of us. Let’s not forget Emmy-award-winning costume designer, Zack Brown, who transforms the dancers into characters that look like they live in the pages of extravagantly illustrated children’s books. Along with the adorned sets and the entrancing story line, this ballet will take you back to 19th century Russia. In addition to the actual ballet, a professional storyteller will recount the tale 45 minutes prior to curtain call. The four shows in total include two matinées.

rmts.bc.ca

Butchart Gardens: The Magic of Christmas Where: The Butchart Gardens When: December 1 to January 6

December 1 marks the first day of The Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas season, which runs all the way through to January 6 and is jam-packed with festive fun and wonderful displays. Enjoy a sky-full of tiny, twinkling lights that mimic a galaxy, holiday wreaths, hot drinks from the local coffee shop, carolers and brass band music, ice skating and festive dining — and of course, the gardens in winter bloom. Saunter through the gardens with your loved ones, making sure to keep your eyes peeled for displays of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are scattered throughout the garden wonderland. For little ones of 12 years and younger, don’t forget to bring a homemade paper snowflake to exchange for a cup of hot chocolate in the coffee shop. You may see it again later adorning one of the windows!

VANCOUVER

The Tenors: Christmas together Tour Where: The Queen Elizabeth Theatre When: November 24

The Tenors are coming to the Queen Elizabeth theatre this November, bringing the spirit of Christmas along with their charming melodies amid a 16-city North American tour. Promoting their album Christmas Together, freshly released on October 13, the tour encompasses a mix of holiday classics, trendy favourites and original songs. A new single titled “Santa’s Wish” is reminiscent of the classic jingle “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing,” and their number one Christmas hit “When We Are Together,” attests to their songwriting skills. Other highlights include soulful renditions of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “‘O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Little Drummer Boy.” JUNO Award winner Johnny Reid is featured in a formidable a cappella version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

tenorsmusic.com

butchartgardens.com

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 15

FIVE ON THE DRIVE

Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Where: Departs from Canada Place When: December 1-29

2017 Vancouver Christmas Market Where: Jack Poole Plaza When: November 22 to December 24

Check out one of Vancouver’s signature yuletide celebrations, offering its greatest and grandest festivities ever. A memorable holiday tradition for locals and out-oftowners alike, The Vancouver Christmas Market features winding alleys of more than 75 huts piled with authentic, German sweets, Old World treats and festive treasures. Enjoy live, toe-tapping entertainment, arts and crafts at the Kinderhuts, visits by Santa, trivia games and prizes, signature German beer and belly-warming Glüwein (hotspiced milled wine), as well as downtown Vancouver’s oneand-only Christmas Carousel. Take a walk around and even in the walk-in Christmas tree, which stands at 30 feet tall and twinkles with 36,000 twinkling lights!

Join Vancouver’s only fleet of San Francisco-style trolleys for a unforgettable tour of the city’s sightseeing wonders at your own pace. The Vancouver Trolley Company Hop-On, HopOff service operates year-round, providing informative, live commentary and offering tours to over 23 locations, including Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. Special seasonal tours are also available, such as the Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour and the Karaoke Christmas Lights tour, which is an interactive ride where guests get to show off their festive singing voices between stops. Fully-equipped with TVs and karaoke machines, this trolley ride stops at Bright Nights at Stanley Park, allowing guests to walk in awe through the light display, before continuing on to other holiday magic sites, including the English Bay Christmas Tree, Hycroft Manor and Canuck Place. In addition to the tour, each purchased ticket includes express entry to the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden, which is the second stop, and a donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighter’s Burn Fund.

vancouvertrolley.com

vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Cirque Du Soleil presents Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities Where: Under the Grand Chapeau - Concord Pacific Place When: October 19 to December 31

Cirque du Soleil is swinging back into Vancouver this fall, bringing with it a world of curiosities and mystical creations. Prepare for a fascinating adventure, where deep-sea creatures embodying electric eels appear to ricochet off empty space; where costumes allow characters to bend like an accordion; and where telekinetic powers of dinner guests give way to a discovery of a whole new dimension! Step into a realm where time is defied, space is distorted and the world as you know it flips on its axis as you watch an ambitious inventor reinvent everything around him. Don’t miss the show that was declared a Critic’s Choice by the Los Angeles Times!

cirquedusoleil.com/kurios

16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

VanDusen Festival of Lights Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St. When: December 1 to January 7

This festive event not only showcases the jaw-dropping, 55acre outdoor oasis of the VanDusen Botanical Garden, but also displays countless strings of twinkling lights and bedazzling holiday props as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. Grab your friends and family and drift through interactive, themed sets; satisfy your food craving with sweet and savoury treats; light candles and feel the holiday spirit at the Make-AWish candle grotto; and enjoy entertainment, including the famed dancing light show on Livingstone Lake. The Festival of Lights also includes Santa with his Christmas Elves and Candy Cane Express model train, guaranteed to light up the night for youngsters.

vandusengarden.org

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Coming to Victoria? Traveling by land, sea or air, The Wilson’s Group has you covered

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1-888-788-8840

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 17

VICTORIA + VANCOUVER BY DARCY NYBO

FIVE FOR THE

FOODIE

BEST BURGERS EVER!

Big Wheel Burger’s Cook Street location.

Sometimes, all you want to eat is a big, juicy burger. We found incredible burgers at some unique restaurants in Vancouver and Victoria. These aren’t your regular fast food burgers. They are created by chefs who aim to offer a truly gourmet taste experience for burger lovers.

Bin 4 Burger Lounge Victoria and Vancouver

Get ready to taste some fantastic takes on the classic burger. Bin 4 has three locations in Victoria and one in Vancouver. They each have monthly features, which may make choosing what you want even harder. Each meal starts with house-made, perfectly crunchy chips. My pick for the meal was the Dirty Bourbon burger, made with premium BC beef, pork and chorizo, red onion and red pepper sauté, with a chipotle bourbon barbecue sauce, chipotle aioli, butter lettuce and tomato. It was topped with a huge, crunchy red onion ring filled with a spicy sweet chilli. It’s hard to wrap your mouth around this monster, but do your best to get a little of everything in each bite. You can also order burgers with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. All the fries are house made and served with a homemade ketchup that’s so fresh you can taste the tomatoes. Plus, there are over a dozen dipping sauces from which to choose.

BBQ Burger at Vera’s Burger Shack.

Vera's Burger Shack Various Locations, Vancouver

There about a dozen Vera’s locations, including two downtown and three near the bus terminal. We visited the one at 2922 Main Street. There are specials every day, and we had the BBQ Burger. Make sure you have your napkins ready before biting into this bad boy. It’s juicy, and layered with Havarti cheese, bacon, fried onions and a special barbecue sauce. There’s a little salt, a little sweet and a little hot in every bite. You can also get fries, cheese dogs, salad, cheesesteak, vegetarian poutine and vegetarian burgers here. The poutine is super yummy and could be a meal on its own. Make sure you try one of the Boylan soft drinks to wash it all down.

Must Try:

Bin 4 also has some great desserts, so it’s best to come hungry. The desserts change monthly, depending on available fresh ingredients. A house staple is the flourless chocolate torte. Created with almond praline, caramel and fresh whipped cream, this is the perfect way to end a Bin 4 meal.

bin4burgerlounge.com

Delicious fare at Bin 4 Burger Lounge.

Must Try:

The Jalapeño Poppers are hot, but not so hot that you can’t taste the flavours as you dunk them in dipping sauce. The Vera Sauce is deliciously heavy on garlic and helps cut down on the heat of the jalapeño. To add just a little more heat, try them with the chipotle mayo dipping sauce. verasburgershack.com 18 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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The TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

1070 W Georgia Street, Vancouver

I know what you’re thinking… it’s a tea shop. And yes, it is a tea shop complete with high tea goodies. It also has one of the most decadent burgers you’ll ever sink your teeth into. The Wagyu Burger was created with tea in mind. This burger is served on an artisanal bun with Comté cheese, lettuce and tomato. It’s all topped with a smoky Earl Grey infused barbecue sauce and a mesclun salad. Offering

an interesting twist is the Matcha matchstick potatoes. These thin, perfectly fried morsels are sprinkled with Matcha tea powder and salt. It gives a new meaning to french fries! Pull the whole meal together with your favourite tea.

Must Try:

It may be cold outside; however, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t try one of the teainspired milkshakes. These can be made with tea ice cream or tea sorbet. I highly recommend the Matcha milkshake to go with your exotic burger and fries!

vansingdg.com

Wagyu Burger with Matcha matchstick potatoes.

South St. Burger

Tsawwassen Mills, Vancouver

The only problem with South St. Burger is that there is only one in BC. The good news is, it’s only a shuttle bus away from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. South St. Burger is one of the few restaurants in the Vancouver area where all the beef is halal. It has a separate grill for the beef, so it never comes near any pork products. The menu serves gluten-free burgers and poutine as well as vegan and vegetarian options. The Barbecue Bacon Burger with Forty Creek Whiskey BBQ sauce is incredibly juicy and has just the right mixture of spicy and sweet. Loaded with bacon, guacamole, aged cheddar cheese and jalapeños, it’s a real hunger killer. Try it with the mushroom gravy poutine, nice and hot, for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Must Try:

There are two must tries here. First is the milkshake. I had the strawberry, and it was thick and delicious. This is no mix; these are real strawberries and you can taste the difference. And for those who need more than a burger, the house salad is delicious. It’s a simple combination of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions with a choice of dressing. You can taste the freshness in every bite.

Barbecue Bacon Burger at South St. Burger.

southburger.com

BIG WHEEL BURGER

Three Victoria Locations

Big Wheel Burger’s mandate is to make sure its fast food isn’t junk food. The beef, buns and dairy products are all sourced locally. These carbon neutral burger restaurants are also trash free, as all packaging is composted, recycled or reused. Even their oil is turned into biofuel. All of that is great, but how does the food taste? Fantastic! Our pick was the Bacon Cheeseburger with garlic fries. The burger was perfectly cooked, juicy and fresh tasting. My friend had a gluten-free fried chicken burger and she couldn’t stop raving about it. We also had to try the mushroom gravy poutine and one of

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Big Wheel’s famous milkshakes. Big Wheel has a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian burgers too, as well as gluten-free options. Take your pick from locations at the Cook St. Village, Westside Village or Gateway Village.

Must Try:

Garlic lovers, your fries are ready! Each serving of garlic fries has about two tablespoons of garlic on it. Make sure everyone in your party has some! Crispy, a little salty and oh-so-garlicky, they go great with a super thick chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milkshake.

bigwheelburger.com

Big Wheel double cheeseburger. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 19

HIT THE

KIM JAY PHOTO

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY SIERRA LUNDY

ROAD

FASHION-SAVVY TRAVELLERS RUPERT WALKER

CLAIM TO FAME: Filmmaker focussed on making unique, action sports content as well as commercial content.

Where were you born, where did you grow up?

I was born in Vancouver, grew up in Coquitlam and moved between the Kootenays and the Okanagan with my family. Eventually I moved to Victoria where I’ve lived for the past eight years. What do you love about your work?

What I love about my work is that I’m in full control. I choose the jobs/projects that I want to pursue and can be flexible with my time in the process. What does good travelling style mean to you?

Good travelling style means being efficient and comfortable. I’ve been spending a lot of time in airports this year and if you can hit a status level with your preferred airline, wait times, line-ups and baggage fees start to become a thing of the past. What do you like to do on your days off?

On my days off I love hanging out with my girlfriend, Berkley, and our two cats Sumo and Digit. I also ride my bike often and enjoy great beer and coffee. What do like to do while you're riding the bus?

Talk to the bus driver.

BERKLEY VOPNFJÖRÐ

CLAIM TO FAME: Photographer, specializing in creative portraiture, “lifestyle and fashion (with a few weddings here and there).

ON RUPERT: Barbour navy jacket ($400) from Citizen; black Stray Rats hat ($90) from Four Horsemen, NEUW Iggy jeans ($189) from Still Life; Adidas ($90) from The Bay. ON BERKLEY: Vintage suede jacket ($30) from Flavour Upstairs; black Cheap Monday pants ($80) from Reunion; leather backpack purse ($200) by Sitka; Jeffrey Campbell Boots ($250) from Meraki; Silver Rings ($120) by Wolf Circus. 20 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Where were you born, where did you grow up?

I was born in Victoria, BC. I lived here for three years, until we moved to a tiny “ghost” town along the Stikine River called Telegraph Creek for two years. We moved CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

again and I grew up in the Cowichan Valley until going back to Victoria for photography school in 2011. What do you love about your work?

I love how easy it is to meet people with my camera — I’ve met and collaborated with so many amazing people. I also enjoy telling stories through photography, whether it be documenting an event or creating a fashion story. What does good travelling style mean to you?

My life pretty much revolves around being cosy. I could honestly live in my sweat suit, a fun vintage jacket and my Converse shoes. It’s always important to feel good while you’re travelling (and living). What do you like to do on your days off?

When you work for yourself, it can be hard to balance work and personal life. I like to do something for myself before/ after a day of work. To name a few, I grab my favourite take-out, hang out with my little family (my two cats and boyfriend, Rupert), go on hikes or scenic drives

around Victoria and just enjoy being home, since I travel often for work. What do like to do while you're riding the bus?

I like to get some work done as there’s less distractions than at home. I answer emails and edit. I also read or just look out the window and take a mini mental vacation.

At Berwick Retirement Communities, you will enjoy an unparalleled standard of living at a superior value. We offer vibrant communities created by caring people, where the individual needs of the residents always comes first. Find out about The Berwick Way™. Visit BerwickRetirement.com Berwick Royal Oak: 4 6 8 0 E L K L A K E D R ., V I C TO R I A | 2 5 0 . 3 8 6 . 4 6 8 0 Berwick House: 4 0 6 2 S H E L B O U R N E ST., V I C TO R I A | 2 5 0 . 7 2 1 . 4 0 6 2 CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 21

ASK THE WITH YUKI FOURNIER CONCIERGE FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER uki Fournier has been concierge at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for 13 years — the fourth hotel she’s worked at in the city. She’s been a concierge since 1992, taking only a couple of years off to be at home with her two boys. We think she’s the perfect person to ask the following questions about Vancouver.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GET A MORNING COFFEE? Caffè Artigiano next to my hotel on Hornby Street. WHERE WOULD YOU BUY LOCAL INGREDIENTS TO TAKE ON A PICNIC? Santa Barbara Market on Commercial Drive. I love the “Drive” for the local scenes. Santa Barbara has one of the best delis in the city as well as lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO HIKE? Sea to Sky Summit Trail in Squamish. It’s a beautiful hike with mixture of tough steps, meadows and breathtaking cliff-top views of Howe Sound — ending at the top of Sea to Sky Gondola to enjoy a pint of local beer!

Yuki Fournier is the Fairmont Gold Supervisor/ Concierge at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Regional Director for Les Clefs d’Or BC Region.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN? Stanley Park. Whether it be cycling around the seawall, playing at the water park and multiple playgrounds, walking through the trails, or making sandcastles on the beaches, we are so lucky to have this beautiful natural playground right in the heart of the city.

All-Inclusive

Senior LivingSenior All-Inclusive Living All-Inclusive Senior Living WHAT’S A UNIQUE-TO-VANCOUVER ACTIVITY? We can go boating, golfing, cycling, running during the day and be Oak Bay (Victoria) | 250-595-6257 skiingBay at night(Victoria) at our local mountains. Oak | 250-595-6257 WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GET A COCKTAIL AND WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITES? Reflections in the summer months. (My favorite cocktail is Hotel Georgia, with gin, orgeat, lemon, orange blossom water, egg white, nutmeg dust.) And Notch8 lounge in the fall/winter months. (My favorite cocktail is Lavender Corpse Reviver, with Hendricks gin, fresh lemon, cointreau, lillet blanc and lavender mist.)

www.shannonoaks.com Oak Bay (Victoria) www.shannonoaks.com aptist Housing | Enhanced Seniors Living | Since 1964 250-595-6257

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL WINE? Blue Mountain Brut. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN VANCOVUER? Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio, Savio Volpe and L’Abbatoir.

Baptist Housing | Enhanced Seniors Living | Since 1964

www.shannonoaks.com Baptist Housing Enhancing Seniors Living Since 1964 22 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST QUESTION YOU’VE EVER BEEN ASKED AS CONCIERGE? “How can I make a day-trip to Niagara Falls?” I am still not sure if the guest believed me when I told her that it would be impossible to do, even with commercial airlines, given the time difference and the distances. Perhaps it would be possible with a private jet? CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

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SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI 9AM - 4:30PM & SAT 10AM-4:00PM • 2189 Keating X Road • 250-544-6769 warmupyourlife.com CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 23

330 QUEBEC STREET, VICTORIA, BC

BC Resident Rate Special STAY AWHILE PACKAGE Travel in yourat own backyard and Stay 3 nights $160* each night discover beautiful Victoria the and receive the third nightwith FREE! Huntingdon Manor Hotel, centrally PACKAGE locatedINCLUDES: near the Inner Harbour. Guestroom in Huntingdon Manor. Complimentary breakfast. The ratehot starts at $129 Free parking. per room and night. Valid from March 1 – March 31, 2017 (Taxes and gratuities not included) *$170 April 1 – April 30, 2017

Package Includes:

Overnight accommodation and parking. OR 1-800-663-7557 ACALL valid250-381-3456 BC ID must be provided at check-in. TO RESERVE THE STAY AWHILE PACKAGE Offer valid until April 30th, 2018. HUNTINGDONMANOR.COM

Call 1-800-663-7557 to Book

Huntingdonmanor.com

INN & TEA HOUSE

309 BELLEVILLE STREET, VICTORIA, BC

INN & TEA HOUSE Proudly serving a wide selection of TWG Specialty Teas.

Choose from our Traditional Afternoon Tea, or our West Coast Afternoon Tea.

Tea at the Pendray

Overnight accommodation in one of our unique Victorian suites. Includes premium breakfast for two, overnight parking. Boutique Victorian heritage rooms Winter Afternoon starting at $169 including hot breakfast.

Tea for two in the historic

Pendray Inn and Tea House located FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 250-381-3456 near Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Starting from $290 For reservations call 1-800-663-7557

Pendrayinnandteahouse.com