Victoria News, February 26, 2020

Connector ONBOARD MAGAZINE FOR THE WILSON’S GROUP

The Fun Is In The Getting There!

MAR/APR 2020

Surf City TOFINO’S SURF CULTURE GO GREEN!

VANCOUVER GARDENS THAT INSPIRE & ENTHRAL

VICTORIA’S ALE TRAIL

BREWING UP SOME FUN

FIVE ON THE DRIVE

MUST-DO EVENTS IN FIVE WILSON’S DESTINATIONS

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Contents MARCH/APRIL

04 President’s Message 06 Vancouver Gardens 08 Victoria Ale Trail 10 Ask the Concierge 12 Tofino’s Surf Culture 14 Souper Bowls 16 Five on the Drive 20 On the Road 22 Meet the Crew

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ON OUR COVER

Tofino Surfer Photo by Jeremy Koreski, courtesy Tourism Tofino.

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto 250.480.3204 psakamoto@blackpress.ca PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke 250.891.5627 mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca EDITOR Susan Lundy lundys@shaw.ca

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan PRODUCTION Janice Marshall Michelle Gjerde PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton Sierra Lundy WRITERS Lauren Kramer, Sierra Lundy, Darcy Nybo

ADVERTISING Ruby Della Siega 250.480.3222 Deborah Davy 778.746.4013 Patty Doering 250.480.3242 Vicki Clark 250.588.2424 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.

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MARCH/APRIL 2020 3

SPRING INTO THE SEASON WITH WILSON’S PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE fter a wet and stormy winter, some warmer weather is right around the corner!

Springtime reminds us of new life as we see the return of many of our favourite blossoms around the city — like Victoria and Vancouver’s famous cherry blossom trees that paint many city streets in a soft shade of pink.

At Wilson’s, we have been doing some painting of our own, giving our Capital City Café a “new life” with a new look.

Both inside and outside the café have been given a face lift, with some fresh paint, new artwork on the walls and some new planters that will be filled with flowers for all to enjoy on the patio.

Along with the new look comes some new menu items that are sure to please. We are happy to announce that our Capital City Café has added some refreshing alcoholic beverages to its menu, alongside its vast array of non-alcoholic options.

What better way to enjoy a sunny afternoon than relaxing on a patio sipping a cold beverage, such as a Victoria Lager from Vancouver Island Brewery or a HarbourCats Ball Park Blonde from Red Arrow? These two great options, and many more, are now available just in time for spring.

Fresh flowers are not the only thing that you will see

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popping up this time of year. Downtown Victoria may see some superheroes walking the streets during the weekend of March 20-22 as we welcome back Capital City Comic Con, which is being held at the Victoria Conference Centre, located right across the street from our Capital City Station. Here, you will find some of your beloved superheroes and other comic book favourites. If you are a comic enthusiast, you will not want to miss this.

For those who love the late winter weather and the activities that come along with it, check out page 18 for more information on the World Ski and Snowboard Festival happening this April in Whistler. Looking for a ride up to the mountain? Visit our BC Connector website for details on our daily departures to and from Whistler Village.

And don’t forgot, April 10-12 is the Easter long weekend. If you are travelling to see family and friends this holiday, or just heading to your favourite relaxation spot for a little R & R, be sure to check back with us for any hopping good deals on any of our services. Most of all, we wish you a very Happy Easter, and hope you have a wonderful spring season wherever it may take you.

John Wilson, President

4 MARCH/APRIL 2020

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VANCOUVER

DAYTRIPPING GREAT GARDENS

Go Green

Vancouver gardens that inspire and enthral

RANGING FROM RUGGED PACIFIC NORTHWESTSTYLE TO METICULOUSLY MANICURED AND LANDSCAPED GREEN SPACES, THERE ARE GARDENS TO INSPIRE ANYONE WITH AN APPRECIATION FOR PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 6 MARCH/APRIL 2020

BY LAUREN KRAMER

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hanks to its heavy rainfall and temperate climate, Vancouver is home to some magnificent gardens. Ranging from rugged Pacific Northwest-style to meticulously manicured and landscaped green spaces, there are gardens to inspire anyone with an appreciation for plants and flowers. Some are easily experienced in an hour’s visit while others can take a full day or longer to reveal their beautiful secrets. Here’s our top picks for gardens that will inspire and enthral.

Queen Elizabeth Park

One of the best views of the city of Vancouver is from the highest point at Queen Elizabeth Park, a 130-acre sanctuary that’s home to a quarry garden and the Bloedel Conservatory, an indoor arboretum. While there’s a fee for the arboretum, the outdoor park is free to the public and its 538 steps traverse a waterfall, picturesque bridges and a rose garden. The plant life at QE Park is exquisitely maintained and with its many gorgeous vistas, the site is a favourite venue for wedding and family portraits, picnics and quiet walks. Info: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/ queen-elizabeth-park.aspx.

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UBC Botanical Garden

The University of British Columbia is an exquisite place for a stroll, with a diversity of plant life, stunning views and a peacefulness that belies its proximity to downtown Vancouver.

There are a variety of green spaces dotted around campus but a favourite is the Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with a koi pond, waterfalls and a foliage selection that makes it a tranquil, reflective place to relax in every season. To learn about Vancouver’s coastal temperate rainforest, spend an hour at the Greenheart TreeWalk on campus, a series of suspended walkways and tree platforms that elevate visitors above the forest floor. The 310-metre-long walkway extends 20 metres above the ground, a great vantage point to appreciate the huge Douglas firs, cedars and grand firs that populate the forest. Info: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

Stanley Park

The largest urban park in Vancouver is 400 hectares of coastal routes and beaches, west coast rainforest and manicured gardens. If you really want to take in its length and breadth, navigate through Stanley Park by car or by bike. And take time to experience the park’s themed gardens, including the Rhododendron Garden, with 50 unique rhodos, the Rose Garden with 3,500 rose bushes and an arbour filled with climbing roses and clematis, and the Shakespeare Garden, a diverse arboretum that pays homage to the Bard and the trees mentioned in his plays and poems. Info: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/ gardens-in-stanley-park.aspx

Arthur Erickson's Garden

Canada’s most famous architect, Arthur Erickson, resided in a modest bungalow home in Vancouver until his passing in 2009, VanDusen Botanical Garden and his garden was his respite and inspiration as he managed Undoubtedly Vancouver’s crown jewel when it comes to an office of 120 staff and designed many of his magnificent garden spaces, VanDusen’s 55 acres feature more than 7,500 plant architectural plans. Tours of his garden are conducted by Simon species, which means there’s always something in bloom. Though Scott, a friend and colleague of Erickson’s, who has immense most visitors’ itineraries include a stop at VanDusen, the sheer size knowledge and understanding of the man and his portfolio of of the gardens means it never feels crowded or congested. Walks work. The garden contains many interesting features, including can be self-guided or guided, depending on how much you want two reflective ponds, a hillock and a baffle fence that delivered to learn and how much time you have available. Check the online the privacy and seclusion Erickson sought. “Everything about “bloom calendar” before you go so you know which trees and this garden speaks of horizontal lines and the calmness of flowers are showing their brightest colours. Rain or shine, a stroll perspective that was Erickson’s hallmark,” says Scott. To book a around VanDusen’s peaceful pathways is nothing short of tour visit aefoundation.ca/tours, email info@aefoundation.ca or Cook St Village Westside Village Vic West Gateway Village recuperative. Info: vandusengarden.org call 778-349-7449.

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VICTORIA

BEER TRAIL BREWING SOME FUN

Victoria Ale Trail The Cradle of the Craft Beer Revolution

BY JOE WIEBE

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he Victoria Ale Trail has something for everyone, from the most devoted craft beer lover to those who are just learning about beer.

The city boasts four brewpubs and seven production breweries, along with another five in the surrounding suburbs.

Add in Sooke’s three breweries and there are 19 different craft beer producers with an hour’s drive. And that’s not even considering the various taphouses and pubs that serve locally produced products.

Many of Victoria’s breweries have tasting rooms where you can try a variety of beers. Most offer sample flights of small glasses so you don’t have to worry about finishing off a pint of every beer you want to try. The brewpubs all offer full restaurant experiences to go along with the beer, and some of the breweries — like Category 12 Brewing in Saanichton — also have kitchens in their tasting rooms.

8 MARCH/APRIL 2020

Not sure where to start? How about a nine-day festival celebrating craft beer in all its glory? The seventh annual Victoria Beer Week returns March 6 to 14, showcasing beer in a wide variety of events in venues throughout Greater Victoria.

Beyond Beer Week, you can join the Victoria Beer Society, which produces other events and beer school classes throughout the year, along with Canada’s largest craft beer showcase, the Great Canadian Beer Festival, which returns to Victoria September 11 and 12 this year.

Why not visit the place where the craft beer revolution started? Spinnakers became Canada’s first brewpub when it opened in 1984 and is still going strong today. The gorgeous waterfront spot still brews some of the original recipes it made when it first opened. Be sure to try a pint of caskconditioned Mitchell’s ESB, named for John Mitchell, one of the “grandfathers of craft beer” who helped build Spinnakers and several other pioneer microbreweries back in the 1980s and ‘90s.

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The food at Spinnakers is also excellent; the menu features local ingredients prominently.

Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel, located downtown right by the Johnson Street Bridge, is another one of BC’s early breweries (dating back to 1989). Recently renovated, the pub has a great kitchen and the beer list is extensive.

Across the street in Market Square you can visit Victoria’s newest brewery, Whistle Buoy Brewing, which opened last summer. And before you know it there will be another new brewery nearby: Herald Street Brew Works is expected to open later this summer.

No beer tour of Victoria is complete without a stop at Phillips Brewing. When Matt Phillips decided to open his own brewery back in 2001, he was turned down by all the banks he approached for loans. Undeterred, he signed up for every credit card he could and maxed them all out buying the necessary equipment and ingredients. It was a one-man operation for the first couple of years, but eventually he was able to expand and grow. Today, Phillips employs more than 60 people and is B.C.’s largest craft brewery, but it still showcases the originality and creativity that Matt put into every brew back when he was doing it all himself.

Another don’t-miss brewery is Ile Sauvage Brewing, which was named Rookie Brewery of the Year at the 2019 BC Beer Awards, beating out more than 25 other breweries that opened in BC last year. It has a beautiful tasting room where you can sample its specialties: sour beers and other trendsetting styles like hazy IPAs, saisons and coffee-infused stouts.

Many of the breweries are within walking distance of each other downtown. Once the weather warms up, another great way to explore the craft beer community is by bicycle: you can even ride the Galloping Goose Trail all the way out to Sooke, with several excellent “rest stops” (i.e., breweries) conveniently located along the way.

Victoria Beer Week: March 6-14

VBW kicks off on Friday, March 6 with Lift Off! at the Victoria Public Market, where a dozen breweries will each reveal a brand-new beer. It’s the perfect opportunity to taste what’s fresh and exciting.

As the week progresses, you can sample barrel-aged beers at All About the Wood, pair tacos with beer at Taco Tuesday, or explore the underrated world of lagers at Lager Than Life.

Each of these events is held at the Victoria Public Market, where the food vendors will be serving up special bites to go along with the delicious beers.

Curious about craft beer? Then VBW’s Beer School is ideal for you. Classes focus on homebrewing, the distinct characteristics of wild yeast, ancient beer styles, beer and coffee, and strategies for pairing food and beer. The Greg Evans Memorial Beer Walk celebrates the legacy of a local beer historian with a historical walking tour in his honour.

And the Street Eats Brewery Tour is a bus tour that will take you to three breweries with a food truck parked at each.

Explore the world of sour beers at Pucker Up, test your knowledge at the Ultimate Craft Beer Quiz, or taste a range of unique beer cocktails at In the Spirit of Beer. Enjoy a delicious CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

beer-paired Sunday dinner called Publican’s Picks at Spinnakers or the Brewmasters Brunch at Swans. And finish off the week at Saturday Night Casks, a celebration of the creativity that drives the craft beer movement.

Visit victoriabeerweek.com for more information or to get tickets. Cheers!

Breweries GREATER VICTORIA: Axe & Barrel Brewing Canoe Brewpub Category 12 Brewing Driftwood Brewery Four Mile Brewpub Howl Brewing Hoyne Brewing Île Sauvage Brewing Lighthouse Brewing Moon Under Water Brewery, Pub & Distillery Phillips Brewing & Malting Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel

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ASK THE CONCIERGE

with DUANE LACHANCE FAIRMONT EMPRESS

Duane Lachance has been the Fairmont Gold manager and concierge at the Fairmont Empress for almost 14 years.

How did you become a concierge?

I have always enjoyed relationship building and hospitality was a natural fit.

I worked in a front desk role, managed a small boutique inn and finally landed here at the Empress. The role of Fairmont Gold manager and concierge worked for my personality and quality of service that I find very fulfilling.

What are your most common questions from guests at the Fairmont Empress?

We get a lot of the standard questions — about Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum and whale watching — but then we also get questions about our climate, housing market and life on the island. It is such a beautiful city that guests become enamoured and begin picturing themselves living here.

I know for me that is the ultimate indication that I have connected with the place I am visiting!

Where’s your favourite breakfast spot in Victoria?

Here at Fairmont Gold all of our guests have a full breakfast included in their stay.

Personally, and if you must step out beyond the hotel, one of my favourites is John’s Place. It has been a staple of Victoria for decades and, while it has a unique sports diner theme, the food options (especially the range of bennies) are wonderful and the staff are genuinely friendly.

Where would you schedule a business meeting?

Here at the Fairmont Empress we have the amazing James Room, which offers a full-service boardroom with space to fit 20 or so comfortably. If you wanted more of a business lunch, the Bard & Banker offers a wide menu variety and enough large booths that are tucked away to offer some privacy with the surroundings of an upscale pub.

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What restaurant(s) really shows off Victoria?

I might be called biased, but the Q Restaurant has done an amazing job of curating a truly local menu. With our chef working with local vendors they have been able to showcase Victoria’s broad array of cuisine beautifully. Local farmers’ produce is used in season and fresh fish from our waters can’t be beat.

Where’s a great place to take young children?

From March to October, the petting zoo at Beacon Hill. Time it right to enjoy the spectacular “running of the goats” when the herd of goats is released from the barn to their daily pasture. The frolicking baby goats put on a once-in-a-lifetime show that is fantastic for children and adults alike!

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What’s a unique-to-Victoria activity?

Stroll along Dallas Road and the breakwater. The views are spectacular and the Breakwater District has been increasingly popular with unique food and drink offerings. The breakwater itself has a unique vantage point of the local waters, seals and ocean birds, and a variety of activities such as scuba and fishing are all enjoyed from the edges. Bring a windbreaker or light jacket with you as the wind at the end can be a bit cool, depending on the temperature.

Where would you find a unique shopping experience?

Government Street and lower Johnson Street (500 block) offer a number of boutiques that are unique to Victoria. We don’t have a lot of the recognizable fashion brands, but there are a few gems and options for a wide range of interests.

Where do you take friends for a drink?

Il Terrazzo has a fantastic cocktail list and an even more impressive wine list. I am more of a wine person and find they have a nice selection of wine by the glass,

or when with friends the bottle selection is phenomenal. The atmosphere is lively and servers are friendly and approachable if you have questions or need suggestions.

It’s a wildly popular spot, so if you have the flexibility to go early or late it can be easier to get a table. If you prefer sitting at the bar, that offers a different level of personalization with the bartender right there to assist.

What’s the perfect romantic date spot in Victoria?

Café Brio has been one of my long-time favourites. It is versatile and not just for romance, but the ambience is comfortable, the tempo of the room allows for intimate conversations and the option of half- or full-order size gives the opportunity to order a variety of things to share or simply not overindulge. You can’t miss the warm Sticky Date Toffee Pudding with homemade vanilla bean ice cream!

What’s a great spring activity in Victoria?

Hiking in the region. When so much of Canada is still under snow or experiencing cold weather, we get great spring hiking

in Victoria. One of my favourites is East Sooke Park with a huge variety of trails, simple oceanside walking or more rigorous half- to full-day hikes. If you prefer a guided walk, Hike Victoria offers something for everyone, with the unique added value of photographs of your hike to take home.

What’s the craziest question you’ve ever been asked as concierge?

Crazy is relative. There have been so many zany and different requests over the years that choosing just one is difficult. Some of my favourites are where guests provide information that allows me to anticipate a special touch, such as a special picture in the room that highlights something they mentioned during our call prior to arrival, or sending a particular food item to the room on their next visit after a story they shared previously. I once went with a guest to the breakwater with a stick and roll of duct tape to try to retrieve a cell phone that had fallen out of reach between the rocks. We weren’t successful, but it was memorable for both of us!

At Berwick, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our residents to live their best life with us. Join one of our vibrant communities today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.

BerwickRetirement.com https://www.berwickretirement.com/ 4062 SHELBOURNE S TREET GORDON HEAD , VICT ORIA | 250 .721.4062

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MARCH/APRIL 2020 11

f r u S City

Tofino's surf culture

BY KATE ROBERTSON

T

here’s just something cool about a surf town. Keeners riding big waves usually make for a big-time fun vibe. This is definitely the case for the tiny village of Tofino, located in Clayoquot Sound, as far west on Vancouver Island as the road will take you.

Settled by Europeans as a trading post in the last half of the 1800s, it was only in 1959 when the first logging road was built that Tofino really started to attract tourists and surfers. The first surf contest, the International Surfing Association World Championships, came to town in the summer of 1988, but it wasn’t until 2009 when the O’Neill Cold Water Classic pro surf competition took place that Tofino was put on the map as Canada’s surfing capital.

Today, learning to surf is one of the top things to do in Tofino, especially in the summer months. At least half of Tofino’s population of 2,000 surf, and enthusiasts move here to work because they want to learn or get better at surfing.

12 MARCH/APRIL 2020

It’s in the wintertime, though, between November and March, that the winds build up over the distance between Tofino and Japan, rolling in dramatic waves up to six metres in height, creating the perfect challenge for pros. But with more than 35 kilometres of sandy shorelines and a range of beaches, even with high winter swells there’s usually a sheltered spot for the less advanced rider. A soft, sandy ocean floor and smaller waves close to shore make Tofino particularly good for newbie surfers.

Catherine Bruhwiler, who grew up surfing in Tofino in the ‘80s, has witnessed big changes in the surfing scene over the years.

“There used to be no one surfing, ever, when we were kids — a few older local guys and a small crew of us kids who lived on the beach back then. Now it’s all about surfing and enjoying the ocean.”

She adds: “And now access to not just wetsuits but also surfboards and surf instruction has made it accessible to everyone to try surfing,” says Catherine, who now operates a surf school called Tofino Paddle CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

Surf. Each of Tofino’s 11 surf schools teaches about 5,000 people a year.

Lessons are a good idea for beginners to learn basic techniques, where to surf, water safety and surf etiquette.

But even if you don’t want to get your feet wet, surfing is quickly becoming a spectator sport. In Tofino, it’s hard to avoid seeing surfers. Just grabbing a cocktail at any of the beachfront restaurants like The Pointe at the Wickaninnish Inn on North Chesterman Beach, you’ll likely see daring souls trying to catch the perfect wave.

World surf competitions are also exciting to watch and Tofino regularly hosts several. Annual competitions include the Bruhwiler Kids Surf Classic and Queen of the Peak, an all-women surf competition spearheaded in 2010 by Tofino’s Surf Sister, the biggest all-femaleinstructor surf school in the world. (At least one-third

of Tofino’s surfers are women.)

Last year at the 2019 Rip Curl Pro, Mathea Olin, a 17-yearold third-generation surfer local, placed, making her a hopeful for the 2020 Olympics. The Surf Canada Pro Nationals will take place in Tofino in April 2020.

There’s a happening apressurf scene in Tofino as well, and the town has several cosmopolitan offerings like a distillery, a brewery, multiple top-tier restaurants and gift shops. Businesses often display paintings and photographs of surfers catching the waves.

Jeremy Koreski, the first photographer to get in the water with surfers, has his own gallery, and at The Factory, a working artists’ studio space, photographer Kyler Vos is also known for his surf prints.

Locals are welcoming and see the Tofino surf culture as a positive.

“The more people that appreciate it and enjoy their time in the ocean and in nature,” says Catherine, “hopefully the more people there will be to care for and protect the pristine places we all enjoy so much.”

“THERE USED TO BE NO ONE SURFING, EVER, WHEN WE WERE KIDS — A FEW OLDER LOCAL GUYS AND A SMALL CREW OF US KIDS WHO LIVED ON THE BEACH BACK THEN. NOW IT’S ALL ABOUT SURFING AND ENJOYING THE OCEAN.”

Live Life

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Soup's on for a great cause

BY SEAN MCINTYRE

W

hen former city councillor and philanthropist Helen Hughes cooked up the idea for a special event to help Victoria’s at-risk youth, she chose to follow a simple recipe: eat soup, have fun and keep the bowl.

Almost a quarter century after the first servings were dished out, the approach appears to have worked, and the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society’s annual Souper Bowls of Hope fundraiser continues to keep participants returning for more.

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It’s a lunchtime event where participants dine on delicious soup created by locally celebrated chefs while being serenaded by talented teenage musicians. In appreciation of their support, diners get to take home a lovely handcrafted soup bowl.

“Every year our chefs prepare a variety of soups to suit all tastes, including a gluten-free and vegetarian option,” says Michele Davis, a VYES board member who has run the event for four years. “Our chefs this year are from Union Club of BC, 10 Acres Bistro and Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry, with bread donated by Portofino.”

Michele adds: “It was the brain child of Helen Hughes and the community loves it. She recognized the need for the teenage street population to have healthy activities available for them instead of hanging out in the downtown core.”

The Youth Empowerment Society has evolved to offer teens and parents many free resources, such as addiction counselling, peer support, skills development and independent living supports. Programs aim to assist youths between the ages of 13 and 19 who struggle with addiction and/or live on the streets, as well as those who may be at risk of homelessness.

“Ten years ago I was struggling with my teenager and received support from the family counselling component of the Youth Empowerment Society,” Michele says. “I then learned about all the other programs and realized what a valuable and important organization this was.”

Fundraising opportunities to assist the organization include corporate sponsorship, raffles and a silent auction.

“This year we will be educating our attendees on the benefits for both the organization and for the attendees of committing to a monthly donation,” Michele says.

This year’s Souper Bowls of Hope is on April 15, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort.

Tickets can be purchased online for $50 by visiting souperbowls.com.

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MARCH/APRIL 2020 15

Must-see and must-do events this spring

FIVE DRIVE ON THE

VANCOUVER>VICTORIA>WHISTLER>TOFINO>VANCOUVER ISLAND

ONE. Vancouver Shen Yun: A Heavenly Gift Queen Elizabeth Theatre Mar 13-22, 2020

Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life.

Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, using a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away!

Shen Yun is now the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company. A shuttle service is available is available for all six matinee shows from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals.

FMI: shenyun.com/

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival All over Metro Vancouver April 2-26

The Cherry Blossom Festival blooms this year to celebrate, sustain and renew Vancouver's cherry tree heritage. There are 16 MARCH/APRIL 2020

numerous ways to spring all your senses into action: enjoy the sound of the Cherry Jam concert at the Burrard SkyTrain station; sing with abandon at The Big Sing choral event; tantalize your tastebuds at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Japanese tea ceremony, food sale and sake tasting; try workshops of traditional Japanese arts and crafts during the Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen; and feast your eyes upon the Spring Lights Illumination, featuring lights, media arts installations and vibrant projections; and, of course, for your general pleasure, there are cherry blossoms everywhere.

For a detailed map of where and when the blossoms bloom, visit: vcbf.ca.

Vancouver International Auto Show West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre March 25-29

Circle March 25-29 on your calendar and prepare for five days of thrilling sights and experiences at the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show, taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

VIAS organizers are thrilled that the 100th anniversary show will kick off with a procession through the city and feature vehicles from each decade of the VIAS. Grand Marshal and Honorary Chair of the 2020 Vancouver International Auto CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

Show is Jimmy Pattison, one of the most impactful contributors to the auto sector in Canada. To purchase tickets and for information on opening hours, how to get there and other tips and facts, visit: vancouverinternationalautoshow.com.

TWO. Victoria Wildlife Photographer of the Year Royal British Columbia Museum February 14 to March 29

Experience the wonders of nature through the lenses of award-winning photographers from around the world. Now in its 55th year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition showcases a global selection of outstanding nature photography.

Each photo is presented in a huge backlit display with a caption exploring the image’s compelling story. Travelling from London’s Natural History Museum, this exhibition takes viewers on a visual journey around the world, bringing the talent and vision of each photographer closer to all who visit. The images evoke a wide range of emotions but are always visually stunning and thought-provoking. A family favourite.

FMI: royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Ballet Victoria's The Little Prince Royal Theatre MARCH 21-22

Ballet Victoria’s artistic director Paul Destrooper, inspired by Saint Exupéry’s brilliant book about the story of a grown-up meeting his inner child, has created this exciting new one-act ballet. Following this will be a new creation from international choreographer Peter Quanz, set to Rachmaninov’s Vocalise, and from Ballet Victoria’s Destrooper, a vignette based on the life of Elinor Dunsmuir, a fascinating character from Victoria’s past with incredible artistic talent and passion.

Capital City Comic Con Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden March 20-22

Dress in your best cosplay and immerse yourself in Victoria’s rich and thriving fan culture scene as Capital City Comic Con returns to the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

this March. And as an added bonus? Check out coffee, kombucha and locally made goodies at Capital City Café, located right next door at the bus station. Capital City Café has recently been granted its liquor license and has a newly created outside patio area. Comic Con, an absolute hit from its first year on, is dedicated to comics, toys, games, family fun, science fiction, special guests, signings and pop culture of all kinds. Victoria has become quite the hub for fandom, with legendary shops such as Cherry Bomb Toys and the Toy Museum, plus the Interactivity Board Game Cafe, virtual reality and escape rooms, and stores that specialize in vintage comics, collectables and awardwinning graphic novels. The Capital City Comic Con is the perfect opportunity to see it all for yourself, make new friends and have a bite to eat next door!

FMI: capitalcitycomiccon.ca

THREE. TOFINO Pacific Rim Whale Festival Pacific Rim National Park Reserve March 20-28

Throughout the coastal towns of Tofino and Ucluelet and around the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival is an all-out celebration of life on the coast. It's about grey whales and marine life education, inspirational talks and interpretive walks, children's fun for the small and culinary events for the tall, First Nations cultural workshops and more.

Come and experience a coastal tradition.

FMI: pacificrimwhalefestival.com

FOUR. Vancouver ISLAND The 39 Steps

Chemainus Theatre April 9 to May 3

A man with a boring life meets a mysterious woman with a thick accent who claims to be a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered, and a shadowy organization is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic MARCH/APRIL 2020 17

of theatre! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award winner is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good oldfashioned romance!

FMI: chemainustheatrefestival.ca

FIVE. WHISTLER World Ski & Snowboard Festival In and Around Whistler Village April 10-29

Welcome to the amazing world of insects and arachnids!

In our incredible mini zoo you will discover over 50 different species of live arthropods, including; giant walking sticks, fuzzy tarantulas, alien-eyed praying mantises, glowing scorpions and even a wall spanning ant colony! Our ever present tour guides are always happy to show off our incredible animals and even give those brave enough an unforgettable bug handling experience!

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After many years of working with Whistler Blackcomb in a support role, Gibbons Whistler is proud and excited to lead the World Ski & Snowboard Festival into the future.

The Gibbons team will be collaborating with artists, athletes, entrepreneurs and the community at large on the future direction and format of the festival. Known to locals as WSSF, there is music, art, photography, filmmaking, ski and snowboard competitions and non-stop nightlife, plus some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season!

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FROM CITYSCAPES TO MOUNTAIN TOPS

bcconnector.ca Convenient motor coach travel

ON THE

ROAD

PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE

SAM WATSON

eight inches tall! He truly knows this industry inside and out and cares about his people. In life I will always look up to my dad; he works harder than anyone I know.

And then of course there are Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan!

You’re a familiar face at Victoria’s Bard & Banker. What is your role as manager?

Where do I start!? As managers we do it all. It is our job to make sure everything is done and done to the standards we hold here.

Where are you from and how did you get to Victoria?

Previously, you worked as a bartender at Victoria’s Breakwater … how did you make the leap to management?

I am born and raised in Victoria and very proud of it!

It was a leap indeed… I was at the point in my life where I wanted to take on more responsibility, and I was offered an opportunity with a company that I love. Timing is everything and it was perfect in this case.

What makes you happy?

Bella (girlfriend), Marley (dog), golf, bourbon, the noise of a full pub from people’s conversations, a smooth dinner service, family and friends.

And speaking of bartending, what’s the drink specialty at Bard & Banker, and what are your personal favourites to make and to consume?

Well, for me personally, I’m a bourbon guy through and through.

We have the best bourbon lineup in town as well as the best single malt scotch list in the city. We barrel-age an Old Fashioned using Woodford Reserve that is so good you need to try one for yourself. So good, in fact, we are going to be doing a barrel-aged Manhattan as well, using the new Woodford Reserve Rye. Stay tuned. Our draught lineup is fantastic with a great mix of imports and local craft, and we are two-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winners for our wine list.

What qualities make a good manager and “face” of a popular drink and food destination in Victoria?

That’s tough… you have to have a little bit of a lot of qualities, not the other way around. You have to be a people person first and foremost because that’s the name of the game. You aren’t hiding 20 MARCH/APRIL 2020

STORY AND PORTRAIT

BY SIERRA LUNDY

What do you like to do on a day off?

A perfect day off for me would be a morning round of golf at my beloved club (Victoria Golf Club), lunch with Bella and taking Marley for a walk, dinner with friends. Tough life I live, I know.

Fave movie, book or Netflix series?

behind a screen; you’re right there face to face with your guests.

What do you love most about your work?

It has to be the people. You meet all different types and I love the relationships I have made. I know it sounds cheesy but it’s true. I’ve made lifelong friends in this business and I will never take that for granted!

What are the biggest challenges?

Working in the service industry each day can present new challenges — no two days are alike.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Professionally? Working for my current GM, Trevor, has been a blast. He’s hard not to look up to at six feet,

I am a big Guy Ritchie fan.

I haven’t seen The Gentlemen yet, but I am very much looking forward to it. Peaky Blinders was fantastic as far as series go.

What do like to do while you’re riding the bus?

I don’t ride the bus much but I guess I’d play I Spy with the person sitting next to me.

Anything else we should know?

If you’re visiting Victoria do yourself a favour and come down to the Bard & Banker. Live music seven nights a week and the most beautiful room you’ll ever see!

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MARCH/APRIL 2020 21

MEET THE WILSON’S GROUP TEAM

Time with Wilson’s: I have been part of the Wilson’s team working in Vancouver since May 2019. Prior to joining the Wilson’s Group of Companies, I worked for Pacific Coach Lines for 15 years and Greyhound Canada for four years. I have been in the bus transportation industry for almost 20 years now, but my original plan and education was to teach high school.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Saigon, Vietnam, where I lived until I was eight years old. I also lived in Korea for three years before moving to Vancouver at age 11 and this has been my home since.

What path did you take to get to this job?

Name: Jeremy Vu | Position: Assistant Operations Manager

The bus transportation industry in Vancouver is not a particularly large one and I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know many very good people. I worked with Thomas Choe, the Vancouver division’s operations manager, when he was with Pacific Coach Lines and he gave me the opportunity to join his team in Vancouver.

What do you like best about this job?

There is a comfort level and familiarity working with the Vancouver team because I already knew many of my current colleagues prior to joining the company. It’s a job that offers something new and different every day; never boring, for sure.

What are your hobbies outside of the job?

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I have a young family with two boys aged seven and three, so they keep me very busy most of the time; I guess they are my hobbies right now. But when I do have a little bit of time to myself, I enjoy cooking, working on my cars, watching hockey, and travelling, when possible.

What is your favourite thing to do in Vancouver?

I love to eat, and a vibrant and diverse city like Vancouver is perfect for that as it permits one to experience cuisine and culture from every corner of the world.

What is a “must-do” in Vancouver for visitors?

There are so many things to do in Vancouver, from enjoying outdoor activities to local cultural festivities like night markets.

22 MARCH/APRIL 2020

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