July 27, 2023

Best of the City

29TH EDITION | 2023

Publisher: RandiPage

Editor/Bureau Chief: KatherineEngqvist

Greater Victoria

Group Publisher: MichelleCabana

Journalists: SamanthaDuerksen

TimothyCollins

Photography: ArnoldLim

DonDenton

SamanthaDuerksen

TammyRobinson

TimothyCollins

From fabulous food to amazing attractions, the original Best of the City has it all

BestoftheCityisnotonlyafavourite forreadersbutalsoforourVictoria Newsstaff.Alongwiththeresultsfrom allyourvotes,thispublicationisalso filledwithinterestinganduniquestoriesthat highlightVictoriaandshowcase whatmakesitsospecial.

Thankyoutothethousandsof readerswhotookthetimetovote foryourfavouriteestablishmentsinGreater Victoria,showingourlocalbusinessesthe loveandsupporttheyneedtokeepgoing.

Toeveryonewhocontributedtothis publication,thankyou!

Wehopeyouallenjoythe29theditionofBest oftheCityanddiscoveranewtreasureorlocal favouritethatGreaterVictoriahastooffer.

Ifyoudidn’tgetachancetovote,ornominate oneormoreofyourfavourites,there’salways nextyear.Besuretowatchforvotingtoopen forthe30thannualBestoftheCityawardsin April2024.

Randi Page Publisher, Victoria News

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Publisher: Randi Page

Bureau Chief: Katherine Engqvist

Greater Victoria Group Publisher: Michelle Cabana

READER PHOTO SUBMISSIONS PAGES 6-7

1. A frog that found the perfect hiding spot amidst the tulips - Cathy Sakiyama

2. Fall leaves in Beacon Hill Park - Don Baltazar

3. Turtles on a log at Beacon Hill Park - Don Denton

4. A mute swan at Esquimalt Lagoon - Marek Trojan

5. Great horned owls and their two owlets in Beacon Hill Park - Mary Phillips

6. The reflections on the Gorge Waterway - Richard Steward

7. Mount Tolmie - Shaan Nagra

8. Butchart Gardens - Tanya Murchie

9. A heron along Arbutus Cove at sunrise - Jennifer Hale

We had readers from around the region submit photos from their own backyards, and neighbourhoods. Our readers submitted everything from beaches, parks, pets, gardens, protests and more. Watch inside the Victoria News every Thursday for our reader photo of the week.

Discover THE UNIQUE

Four local shop owners share what makes them stand out

Having lived in Victoria for three years now, I am still finding that there are new gems in this city I’m constantly uncovering. And with food becoming such a foundation for personal well-being and also social connection, I’ve become more and more interested in what this city has to offer for local food shopping experiences. What’s unique? Where can you find something really adventurous, delicious or new? And what are the stories behind these locally owned businesses?

Food is where people connect. It’s tied to culture, relationships, health and community building. There is so much diversity in this city and also some incredible stories behind some of our locally owned international markets, bringing unique flavours from around the world.

Fig Mediterranean Deli

1551 Cedar Hill Cross Road

Owner Youssef not only stocks Mediterranean delicacies but also anything his customers need from around the globe

When I meet Yasser Youssef, owner of Fig, he immediately makes me feel at home. “Have you eaten yet? What do you want for lunch?” he asks. I tell him I’ve eaten already but he makes me something I can take home: a flatbread with Za’atar, a savoury Middle Eastern spice blend of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, sesame seeds and more.

Out on the deli’s sheltered patio, he is equally welcoming to the customers enjoying an afternoon bite, asking them how their day is going. He seems to know most of them and they all seem delighted to be there.

“You’ve got the best patio in the city!” one man exclaims.

Fig Mediterranean Deli has been in the neighbourhood since 2002, started by Youssef, who immigrated to Victoria in 1985 (when he was 17) from Lebanon. He left his country to escape poverty and the Lebanese civil war. Today, he is the father of four and enjoys running the deli,

which has become a much-loved staple in Victoria.

The store offers authentic Middle Eastern flavours. Youssef explains that the whole Middle Eastern region shared the same culture for 500 years under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which is why there are so many shared foods, like olive oils, grape leaves and cheeses, among many different countries. World Atlas states that there are 18 countries considered to be Middle Eastern, with the majority being part of the Arab world.

Fig is both a deli with food made hot on site in the large kitchen – which includes a fire stove, and a menu with items like donair, falafel, souvlaki, and traditional flatbreads – and a grocery, that offers a huge stock of Mediterranean goods like olive oils, dates, spices, meats and cheeses. Some customer favourites are the walnut dip, Bulgarian sheep milk feta, the fatoush salad, spanakopita, tapenade and fresh olives.

Youssef, however, doesn’t limit himself to what he stocks and he is always finding new things based on what his customers want. “When my customers ask

me for whatever, if I have the room and I find it, I bring it,” he said. Most recently, he is bringing in items that Ukrainian refugees and Slavic immigrants would appreciate.

His desire to connect people with what they need is in part how he came to start the deli. He had worked in restaurants before in Victoria, and ended up opening a small shop. Customers were asking for olives, olive oil and good quality cheeses, plus many chefs that he knew were looking for specific ingredients like preserved lemons, Harissa paste, sumac and other more unique spices.

“I started collecting them and over the years I just had a great collection of customers and product until I realized that that whole shop was too small for us,” he said.

Fig has been at its new location for 10 years.

Youssef is known to work with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. He has donated lunches to the ICA’s programs and also prepared baskets of food to welcome Syrian refugees when

they came in 2016.

“Whenever they have a function, we’re part of that community … It’s a lovely feeling of community. And ICA, you can almost say it’s a place where you can exercise this community.”

What is perhaps one of the greater challenges for Youssef is keeping the store fully staffed at this time. With such a large location, he said he needs a staff of at least 15 to run smoothly for the day, and the current economy means high staff turnover. He said, however, he still looks forward to coming to work every day.

Ask him about olive oil or any other of his products and he can go into an animated dialogue. (He is a wealth of knowledge, explaining that each olive presses a different flavour of olive oil, that polyphenols are the good stuff in it for your heart, and that a burn at the back of your throat is the sign of a good, flavourful olive oil.)

And at the end of the day, his favourite part?

“The people.”

Story and photos by Samantha Duerksen / Black Press Media

Yasser Youssef Owner of Fig Deli.

Italian Food Imports

1114 Blanshard Street

It’s

all about family

Italian Food Imports is a family-run store in Victoria’s downtown that specializes in authentic Italian ingredients, deli meats, cheeses, and their signature paninis. The store is owned by Maurizio Segato and his brother, Massimo, but even the non-relative employees are considered family.

In an industry with high-turnover rates, it’s rare to hear of a company with an employee track record like Italian Food Imports.

“Our shortest-term staff right now, she’s been here over a year-and-a-half, and the other employees have been here six-anda-half years, five-and-a-half years, five years…” Maurizio Segato said.

“They’re not just a number, we count on them just like they count on us. We offer steady hours throughout the year and we’ve created a family atmosphere. They’re not family, but in a way, they are family cause they’ve been around for so long. We’ve gone through – unfortunately lost both of our parents the last years here, and they’ve lived through all that with us.”

Segato’s parents, Caterina and Ivano, originally acquired the store in 1985, and the brothers have since taken it over.

A&T Grocery

561 Fisgard Street

When life gives you COVID, make friends with 1,000 masks

In the first few weeks after taking over A&T Grocery, a Vietnamese and Thai grocer, co-owner Brooke Nguyen remembers many nights of putting her two-and-ahalf-year-old daughter down to bed, then staying up til 2 a.m. to make more than 1,000 face masks.

Nguyen and her husband, Andy Nguyen, signed the lease to take over the business just two weeks before COVID-19 hit.

“We took the key over on March 15 – I never forgot,” Nguyen said.

“When we started at that time, it was very very difficult and of course, at that time I feel a breakdown … it was still very, very difficult to go back and forth from Victoria to Vancouver for stock … My husband is a new driver – he just got his driver’s licence – and he had to drive there, so that was a big challenge.

“People were coming into the store asking for masks, and we didn’t have the medical masks to give to them.”

Nguyen looked into medical masks and when she realized they were disposable, she thought there could be a better way.

“I’m thinking, I know how to sew, so I started with [making masks out of] pillowcases.” Instead of selling the masks, Nguyen decided to give them away. “I

could’ve made quite a bit of money at that time but we decided to give them out for free to help the community.”

Customers would also come to Nguyen for Vietnamese recipes during the lockdowns, as cooking became a staple for at-home entertainment.

She still has thank you cards saved on her iPhone from many grateful people.

The Nguyens made it through those trying days: A&T Grocery has since built up its customer base and Nguyen had personal success, becoming Miss Universe Vietnam in 2020 and representing Vietnam again in 2021 and 2022. Today, the store is bustling with tourists and locals in the heart of Chinatown.

A&T Grocery is known in the community for its extensive stock of hard-to-get items. On the sidewalk outside, boxes are lined up filled with exotic fruits and herbs imported from Vietnam and Thailand, including juicy sugar apples, lychees, jackfruits (comparable to the size of watermelons), mangos, basil, and lotus root.

On the shelves inside, you’ll find things like Tom Ka (Thai coconut soup mix), ginseng tea, curry pastes, bubble tea, pho, noodles and sauces.

The couple also installed a sugar cane press in their shop in late spring, so customers can enjoy fresh sugar cane juice to go.

Having those steady employees contributes to the personable neighbourhood deli feel, providing an atmosphere where the staff is passionate about what they’re serving and can build relationships with the store’s customers. Segato said it’s part of the magic that’s kept people coming back for more.

Lunch hours at Italian Food Imports are typically a steady and fast-paced stream of orders. Most people are ordering from the

panini selection, which includes items like the signature meatball panino with “Momma’s Meatballs”, provolone cheese and house-made tomato sauce, and other Italian classics like the Muffalatta, la Bomba, and the Calabria. Fresh ingredients are incorporated like juicy bruschetta, marinated pepper spread, balsamic onions, house-made aioli (flavoured with things like artichoke), and meats.

“It’s always fresh … My niece actually worked for a supermarket and she said it literally took them about two-and-ahalf months to go through one prosciutto that we go through in a day or two,” Segato said.

The grilled paninis are offered at a reasonable price of $10 plus GST.

“We try to keep our prices reasonable and offer a good product and provide good service,” Segato said.

The store also sells items like imported pasta, olive oils, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, pickled vegetables and other Italian favourites. Some rare-to-find items include parmesan of different grades from Italy, and the hard-to-find guanciale, an Italian cured meat from pork jowl which is also the shining star in carbonara.

“That’s really hard to find,” said Segato. “People come in for that cause they know we have it.”

In his own humble way, Segato can’t speak to the success of the business without thanking his customers.

“When we started, there were customers that had kids and now their kids are having kids. Again, it’s that relationship with that customer. You get to know customers’ names. Without customers you’re nothing and we’re really lucky to have a great clientele.”

continued on page 12

Brooke Nguyen Owner of A&T Grocery in Chinatown, holds up some face masks she made for the community when the pandemic first started.

Brooke Nguyen

Won Mrs. Universe Vietnam in 2020 and represented Vietnam again in 2021 and 2022.

(Photo Courtesy Brooke Nguyen)

Brothers Maurizio and Massimo Segato Owners of Italian Food Imports.

The Wooden Shoe

2576 Quadra Street

The cow means they’re open

The Wooden Shoe is a specialty Dutch store that has Dutch groceries, a delicatessen, gifts and kitchenware. They are most known for having 75 kinds of licorice, over 20 kinds of Dutch cheese and an impressive Indonesian section.

“Licorice is a big and important part of the Netherlands, and Dutch people eat it as a treat. That’s why there are so many different varieties,” owner Eric van Zoolingen said.

The cheeses are imported from northern Europe, including countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Some of the best-sellers are goudas and vintage cheeses, which have been ripened anywhere from 12 to 36 months to get their rich flavour. Van Zoolingen recommends customers try the medium gouda: “It’s very nice to try and very flavourful.” Another customer favourite is the Rembrandt Aged Cheese, an extra-aged gouda that is ripened for over a year and was voted best cheese in the World Championship Cheese Contest in the U.S.A. in 2004.

The Wooden Shoe also sells the wellknown Dutch brand Beemster cheese,

produced in Northern Holland where the countryside is ripe with fertile grazing land. In fact, a Beemster cow statue has become one of the personal quirky trademarks that the van Zoolingens have brought to the store.

“A lot of customers recognize the cow [outside] as, ‘OK, they’re open,’” van Zoolingen said.

The store’s Indonesian section offers a popular selection of Sambal paste, made from chili peppers with secondary ingredients such as shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallot, scallion, palm sugar, and lime juice. Van Zoolingen said it is a popular item as Thrifty’s no longer sells it.

Because Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony (the Netherlands government ruled the colony from 1816-1941), Indonesian food is typical in Dutch culture.

Eric van Zoolingen and his wife, Nicolette, took over the store together in 2019. The store was originally started in 1956 by the Olivier family on Cedar Hill and they eventually opened up this second location on Quadra Street.

Eric and Nicolette van Zoolingen Owners of The Wooden shoe.

The van Zoolingen couple moved to Victoria from the Netherlands in 2005, and Nicolette began working in The Wooden Shoe as a part-time employee after the birth of their daughter. When the business came up for sale in 2019, Eric thought it was a “nice opportunity” to start their own business, eager to leave his office career in IT behind him.

The store was also a little piece of home. Not only are the walls lined with products that remind the van Zoolingens of their life and culture in the Netherlands, but the community of customers they have met has allowed the couple to form some heart-warming connections.

“We just had a customer who is 91 who grew up in our hometown, which is pretty unbelievable but it’s true,” van Zoolingen said.

For anyone who’d like to step into The Wooden Shoe, just look for the Beemster cow and there will be friendly faces offering warm hospitality inside.

And next time you take a step into any locally owned international market, take a chance to chat with the people behind the counter. They might have some great stories to share and some delicious recommendations.

WhenDimitriAdamopouloslooksaroundIthakaGreekRestauranthis passionfortheplaceispalpable.

It’sVictoria’sbest rated Greekdiningestablishmentandisnowlocated at716BurdettAve.

“Wedothisbecauseweloveit.Andwhenyougivepeoplehighqualityfood andcombineitwithreallygoodservice,youcreateagreatexperiencefor yourguests,”Adamopoulossaid.“It’sallabouthowyoutreatyourguests andyourteam.We’reafamilyrestaurant.”

AndIthakaistrulyaboutfamily.Adamopoulos’parentstookovertheirfirst restaurantinKenorain1969,buyingitfromanunclethere.

“Mymom’sfatherwasarestauranteurinNorthwestOntarioandmymother wasinthebusinessallherlife.Mydad’smothersharedherrecipeswith thefamily.Mysistersbothmanagerestaurants,andIgrewupinthefamily business.GreekfoodandhospitalityisinourDNA,”Adamopoulossaid. Ofcourse,amajorpartofIthaka’sattractionisthequalityofthefood.

Adamopoulos’mother,Maria,fairlyglowswithprideasshedescribesthe offeringsatIthaka.

“Wehaveroastlambshankthatfallsoffthebone.Wehavekalamariand souvlaki…Wehavethisbeautifulcheesecalledsaganakithat’sflamedat yourtable.It’sallgood,flavourful,rusticGreekfood,”Mariasaid.

AndallthatfoodispairedwithWesternCanada’slargest collectionofGreekwine.

Theexperienceiscompletedbythemeticulouscarethat’sbeentakenwith decorthatgivesdinersasensualtasteofGreece.

Adamopoulos,hiswifeEdithJean,andstaffspent5monthsattendingto renovationsthathavecreatedalittlebitofGreeceintheheartofVictoria. Thewhite-washedwalls,theMediterraneanblueaccents,themurals, andthedecorationsallcombinetotakedinersonajourneytoGreece.

“AllGreekshavethatyearningtoreturnhome. AnyonewhohasbeentoGreeceorhasdreamed ofgoingthere… weallhavethatyearning,”Mariasaid.“Whenourguestscomehere,just forawhile,they’rethere.”

Weappreciateallofourguestslove&support

Beaches in Greater Victoria to Experience

From nature reserves to playgrounds with an interesting history, each beach in Greater Victoria offers something a little different. And no matter how long one has lived in this region, there is always something new to be discovered.

Here are some of the region’s best beaches and some lesser-known facts about them.

1 Cadboro-Gyro Park

Cadboro-Gyro Park is a family-friendly beach with a pebble-filled shoreline and some sandy sections. There are picnic tables, a boat launch, and a fun nautical playground that includes sea creatures, a ship, a shipwreck and a zipline.

FUN FACT: The green, snake-like play structure with yellow flippers is actually based on a mythical sea creature: the “Cadborosaurus.” Nicknamed “Caddy,” the Cadborosaurus is a sea serpent in Pacific Coast folklore who gained public attention in Victoria in the 1930s due to a slew of alleged sightings. And where were the most? You guessed it –Cadboro Bay.

GETTING THERE: Cadboro-Gyro Park has a large parking lot with bike racks. Bus routes #5, 30, 31, 70 and 72 all stop near the park.

2 Gonzales Beach

Located off Crescent Road, Gonzales Bay is easy to miss. It’s nestled in the quiet, prestigious neighbourhood of Gonzales and only accessible down flights of stairs or the ramp. It’s this hidden solitude that makes it so pristine in the off-season. Come on a summer weekend and you’re likely to find groups of people paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and playing beach volleyball. Dog lovers love this one considering from Sept. 1 to May 31, dogs are allowed off-leash.

FUN FACT: Elephant seals sometimes choose Gonzales Beach as their spot to moult between March and July.

GETTING THERE: take BC Transit Route 3 or 7, enjoy free parking, or use bike racks at the top, near Richmond Avenue and Crescent Road.

3 Willows Beach

With shallow, protected waters, Willows Beach is one of Victoria’s most popular for swimming. On a clear day, it offers gorgeous views of Mount Baker and Discovery Island, all the more breathtaking with the pink skies of sunset.

Attached is a large grassy park often filled with people playing Frisbee and catch or having barbecues and picnics. You’ll also find The Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room, which offers dine-in and takeout including breakfast, tea and light snacks like chicken fingers.

FUN FACT: The beach gets its name from the Willows Fairground, Greater Victoria’s main horse racing grounds, built in 1891.

GETTING THERE: Willows is a 15-minute drive east from downtown Victoria. A parking lot on Dalhousie Street offers free parking. There are uncovered bike storage racks in the parking lot and in front of the park. Bus routes #2 and 5 will take you there.

4 Esquimalt Lagoon

Esquimalt Lagoon (which is actually in Colwood) has a long road that runs adjacent to its miles of beach, with a beautiful view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Fisgard Lighthouse and the Olympic Mountains. It’s is a great location for walks, beachcombing, a picnic, or a swim (if you’re the daring kind). Enjoy Colwood Beach Food Days on the weekends in the summer months with food trucks and occasional live music. Dancing is that much better with your toes in the sand.

FUN FACT: The lagoon is a designated migratory bird sanctuary home to many waterfowl like ducks, swans, herons, eagles and other species that call Victoria home for a season or two of the year during migration.

GETTING THERE: Take BC Transit Route 52. There is free parking all along Lagoon Road facing the ocean. An accessible washroom is located near the Ocean Boulevard intersection with Lagoon Road, along with one accessible parking space and an accessible picnic table.

continued on page 16

Some of the region’s best beaches and some lesser-known facts about them

Story by Samantha Duerksen

Photo by Samantha Duerksen

Photo by Samantha Duerksen

Photo by Samantha Duerksen

5 Island View Beach

Located in Island View Beach Regional Park, this beach offers 51 hectares of conservation area on the eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula with views of the Haro Strait and Mount Baker. It’s prime for campers as there is a self-contained RV and tent campground with beachfront views, operating on a reservation system in the summer season.

A trail follows the shoreline, up from the beach area and a loop with a roundtrip of around two kilometres.

FUN FACT: The park is a nature conservation area with vital bird habitats and more than 100 species of birds. Ecosystems in the area include coastal bluffs, wetlands, sand beach, dunes, inter tidal and sub tidal marine zones. The CRD says fragile and endangered species in the area include the Contorted-pod Evening-primrose, Grey Beach Peavine, Sand-verbena Moth, and Georgia Basin Bog Spider.

GETTING THERE: Island View Beach is 20 km from downtown Victoria. It is also accessible by bike from the Lochside Regional Trail.

6 Spiral Beach (Clover Point)

This beach’s location off Dallas Road with fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains make it a favourite local spot to sunset watch. Curling around Victoria’s south coast at the foot of ocean-side cliffs, there is lots to see due to the ranges of topography and the views that come with it. Looking up, you’re likely to see kites, hang gliders, kite surfers and windsurfers. From the vantage point of the cliffs, you’ll find grasses and wildflowers in pinks and yellows while ships pass by in the distance.

FUN FACT: Spiral Beach is named after its painted spiral staircase which can be found just past the intersection of Dallas Road and Cook Street at the foot of Beacon Hill Park.

GETTING THERE: Parking and bike racks are offered along Dallas Road and Cook Street. Bus route #3 offers the closest route. This is not a wheelchair accessible beach.

Photo by Zoe Ducklow

Photo by Amy Attas

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COLLISION

Corner mechanics still exist

and are worth searching out Dealing with folks who know your name has its own value

Sixty years ago, or so, you’d roll your car into a service station and a friendly attendant would run out to fill the tank. While they were at it, they checked your oil, washed your windshield and, when they were done, they waved you on your way.

Those corner service stations also did car repairs. The mechanics’ names were usually Joe, or Sam –maybe Earl – and those names were stitched into the chest pocket of their shirt.

Those mechanics knew your name and they knew your car. These days, car repairs are generally done in large shops at the dealership, or through corporate facilities who don’t know your name until they run your bank card.

But the traditional car repair shops of the past, while rare, are not completely gone and if the owners we talked to have their way, they’ll be around for a long time yet.

Take Belmont Collision on Goldstream Avenue, for example.

David Baird opened the shop in 1975 and ran it until he passed it on to his son, also named David Baird. The second David Baird ran the shop until five years ago when he passed it on to his son, named (you guessed it) David Baird.

“I was about nine years old when I started working here, sweeping up the shop, cleaning cars and generally just learning about cars,” said the most recent Baird.

“It’s in my blood, and I love what I do.”

Baird recognizes that the corner mechanics of yesteryear are a dying breed but is confident that his shop and those like it can and will survive.

“Cars have changed, and there’s a

need to constantly update our training and equipment. We do that regularly,” said Baird.

“But the real difference in shops like ours is that we can, and do, just about everything: from body work, to mechanical. We repair electric cars and are always preparing for what’s coming next.”

What sets his shop apart from some of the competition is the fact that Baird still knows his customers.

“Seventy per cent of our customers are repeat clients,” he said. “We fix what’s wrong and never try to upsell a customer.”

Over on Burnside Road, Judith and Ray Marigold of Marigold Service are similarly proud of the work they do.

“These people are our neighbours, and we help them as much as we can,

MarigoldService

giving them a personal touch. It’s little things like changing the battery in their key fobs when they need it, or fixing a door that sticks,” said Judith.

Judith’s husband Ray has always loved car repair.

“Ray’s always been the guy who could fix anything,” Judith said. Some people are just born to it.”

Though Judith and Ray and their staff keep up with the latest technology, they have a special love for older vehicles and specialize in cars of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

“We love those old cars, but we’re also not stuck in the past. Our techs are trained to work on just about anything that comes onto the lot,” Judith said.

The truth of the matter, Judith admits, is that the cars of today

are probably better built than their predecessors.

“A lot of the attraction when we deal with older cars is the nostalgia. People look back sort of idyllically and about 50 per cent of driving an old classic is about remembering the era,” she said. “But I get it, both Ray and I love those old cars. We’re just realistic about why we love them.”

Both the Marigolds and Baird agree that smaller, more locally-focused shops like their own have a future and won’t be disappearing any time soon.

“People want a personal touch. They want to know who they’re dealing with,” Judith said. “Plus, they discover that, in smaller garages, there’s more attention to detail. We care about your car as much as you do.”

Story and photos by Timothy Collins

David Baird (L) and technician Ken Benedict examine a car at Belmont Collision.

Judith and Ray Marigold at Marigold Auto.

Unique cocktails of Greater Victoria

Part of the joy of experiencing a fantastic cocktail can be discovering something new while sharing a moment with someone.

A cocktail should be a conversation piece; it can even get down to a work of art if put together in the right way.

Some local bartenders have gone above and beyond to create something worth talking about. Here are some cocktails in Greater Victoria that will have you looking twice at the menu.

THE G.O.A.T WIND CRIES MARY

Herradura Reposado Tequila, Sons of Vancouver Quadruple Sec Lime, raspberry, goat cheese.

Have you ever seen a drink with goat cheese in it? Bartender Coleman Grosvenor describes this as a goat cheese-washed margarita inspired by a visit to Salt Spring Island Cheese.

“I just knew I wanted to make a cocktail that used Salt Spring Island goat cheese because it’s a fun experience. It’s one of the first things that I did when I moved to Victoria eight years ago,” he said.

Creating what’s called a milk punch, Grosvenor filters the margarita through a homogenized mix of goat cheese and half-and-half cream. Sweet with a little savoury, this drink’s goat it all.

MAD HATTER

FAIRMONT EMPRESS’ SUNSET SIPS

Dill-infused Casamigos, Cointreau, raspberry lemonade tea syrup, lime, pineapple.

Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter is known to throw a good tea party, and a good tea party you’ll find at Fairmont Empress’ Sunset Sips. Thursdays through Sundays after 8 p.m., the tea room Lobby Lounge showcases a menu of playful tea-based cocktails served in tea pots and inspired by the afternoon tea service. The Mad Hatter is smooth and delicious with the unique ingredient of dill-infused Casamigos, which rounds out the sweetness in an unconventional way.

THE FREAKIN VOLCANO

TORA TIKI

Rum-based, plus fire.

“Do you and your friends dare to try our signature volcano bowl? Don’t say we didn’t warn you…”

This cocktail is a spectacle, arriving in a large tiki bowl with a flaming sugar cube on top. It’s 5 p.m. on a weekday but inside at Tora Tiki, it’s dark and tropical like a nightclub. The staff are tight-lipped about the ingredients other than that it’s rum-based, but it tastes like a concoction of tropical jungle juice.

THE FORTUNE TELLER CLIVE’S CLASSIC LOUNGE

Barsol Pisco, Lillet Rose, lemon juice, Giffard Coconut and White Chocolate Syrup topped off with a Horchata foam.

“It’s a cross between a Pisco Sour and Corpse Reviver #2,” said Shawn Soole, lounge manager at Clive’s. A Pisco Sour is a silky cocktail that incorporates Pisco, citrus, sugar and a fluffy head usually made from egg whites. In this case, the sweetness comes from Giffard coconut and white chocolate syrup and the topper is horchata foam, a frothy and lightly sweet mix of rice water, almond milk and cinnamon.

ROASTY TOASTY LITTLE JUMBO

Kazuki Gin, aperol, Lemon, orgeat - with a lemon thyme meringue piped on top, then torched.

The first contact is with creamy lemon-thyme meringue and candied lemon-thyme dust. Then you get sweet, sour and bitter profiles from the lemon, grapefruit and almond flavours, underlined by cherry blossoms from the gin. “Gin and aperol sours are an at-home favourite of mine, so I thought to take it apart and put it back together again,” said bar manager Max Freund. “We had a Mai Tai drink that had roasted toasted coconut as a garnish, and as a result the expression ‘can you pass me the roasty toasty’ was created.”

NON-ALCOHOLIC

ROYAL VICTORIA LAWN BOWLING CLUB PAGLIACCI’S

Mango, lime, Phillips’ Cucumber Mint Tonic, celery shrub.

It’s not every day that you see shrub (a fermented drink concentrate) in a non-alcoholic drink, and it gives this fruity, refreshing cocktail a savoury twist.

CO-LYRE COLADA OR THE PINA NERDE CITRUS AND CANE

Either Lyre’s White Rum or Lyre’s Absinthe, pineapple, C&C Coconut Cream, lime.

From the chic decor to the fancy cocktails, Citrus and Cane specialize in tropical and their non-alcoholic takes on the pina colada do not disappoint. “Our Pina Colada was two years in the making, from creating our own coconut cream to finding the exact right balance of ingredients,” said co-owner Jessa Gildersleeve. The drink is sweet and creamy, and the Lyre’s blends

smoothly into the mix.

Story by Samantha Duerksen

Citrus and Cane’s non-alcoholic Pina Colada.

Photo by Johann Vincent

Horchata foam, goat cheese, fire and more to excite your palate in ways you never thought possible

Photo courtesy Wind Cries Mary THEFORTUNE TELLER

Photo courtesy Clive’sClassic Lounge

Photo courtesy Little Jumbo

Photo courtesy Fairmont Empress

Coleman Grosvenor at Wind Cries Mary created the GOAT cocktail based on a savoury and memorable Vancouver Island experience. Photo courtesy Wind Cries Mary.

VICTORIA’S CEMETERIES hold hidden messages

Local historian John Adams, who runs Discover the Past Walking Tours, knows a thing or two about interesting places worth a second look in Victoria and there is a reason why he’s passionate about cemeteries.

“When people think about heritage these days, they often think about heritage buildings or artifacts in a museum. Those are, of course, very important but cemeteries are a very important part of our heritage landscape,” said Adams, who also volunteers for the Old Cemeteries Society (OCS).

Many of Victoria’s cemeteries are beautiful, located in prime sea-side spots where they double serve the public as parks. While some people may have a rather bleak outlook on cemeteries, their mind might be changed when they explore the beauty and hidden meaning within them – through a historical lens of their creation in a time that truly embraced and celebrated their cultural significance.

“People these days are sometimes a little bit leery about going to a cemetery … But cemeteries were actually intended in the Victorian era (1837-1901) to inspire people and to serve as places to visit,” said Adams. “They would often be located in beautiful settings, they would be landscaped to take advantage of the views, the tombstones were intended to be almost teaching lessons

so they would have sculptures, epitaphs, messages that were intended to tell something about the people who were dead, but also to inspire people.”

Cemeteries are also used by historians as a form of microhistory, a methodology that looks for the answers to bigger questions in small places and in the average details of everyday life.

As you are soon to discover, Victorian cemeteries hold many fascinating discoveries.

CHINESE CEMETERY

Nestled in a grassy, flower-filled field at Oak Bay’s Harling Point, stand the twin towers of the large, white ceremonial altar at the Chinese Cemetery. Ching Ming descendants of buried relatives burn incense and leave offerings here.

As one walks through, taking in the blue waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains on the horizon, they’ll find a scattering of tombstones with Chinese engravings.

At one time, these Chinese graves were located in Ross Bay Cemetery, segregated in an area so close to the ocean that they sometimes washed away, bones scattering on the shore. Some graves were marked as impersonal as “Chinaman No. X.”

Local historian says cemeteries were designed as places to visit

Photos by Samantha Duerksen and Randi Page

Story by Samantha Duerksen

Local historian John Adams.

Chinese Cemetery.

To save the graves, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association bought the land at Harling Point in 1903 – a site selected with ancient concepts of feng shui in mind – and the graves were relocated.

The cemetery stands today as a National Historic Site and honours many of Canada’s first Chinese immigrants who came to build the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1800s. The tombstones remain with significant meaning to visitors.

ROSS BAY CEMETERY

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in March of this year, the Ross Bay Cemetery has a well-earned spot on Tripadvisor as #22 of 156 things to do in Victoria. The 27.5 acres overlooking the ocean are kept in pristine condition, abundant with some of the area’s oldest, most magnificent trees.

The fact that most of the trees are around 100 years old demonstrates the importance of cemeteries as horticultural repositories, said Adams.

The parks department actually formerly used Ross Bay Cemetery as a warehouse of tree species and took clippings when they needed to plant new trees in other areas of the city.

As one walks the winding pathways through pines, ornamental cherries, plums, lilac and more, it’s easy to become enchanted.

continued on page 27

Ross Bay Cemetery.

“The trees were planted in a special way to be picturesque and filled with symbolism,” said Adams. “That’s one of the reasons why evergreen trees are so popular in cemeteries: because they represent the idea of everlasting life.”

Besides the trees, there are other interesting gems that make this cemetery so captivating. These include the graves of famous Canadians like Sir James Douglas and Emily Carr. There’s also the Bossi Angel statue; the grave of John Dean, “the disgruntled politician whose tombstone was erected many years before he died” according to the OCS; the rocket ship that is a pun on the Rockett family name; and the Cross of Sacrifice. Visitors can also check out the newly restored cemetery gates done in the original style.

JEWISH CEMETERY

Built just after the gold rush, which saw a huge influx of European settlers, the Jewish Cemetery is the oldest operating, non-Indigenous cemetery in B.C. that dates back to 1859. “It’s a beautiful place with some very interesting headstones,” said Adams.

Among the buried are Samuel Davies Schultz, an ace baseball player who

pitched the first no-hitter in B.C. and was also Canada’s first Jewish judge; and H.E. Levy, who started the first gourmet restaurant in the Pacific Northwest, Levy’s Arcade Oyster Saloon.

Visitors can also pay respect to those who died in the Holocaust at the Holocaust Memorial, which rests inside the gates.

MORE TO UNCOVER

Adams also recommends visiting country church yards, like St. Mary the Virgin in Metchosin. “The ideal time to visit is right around the end of March and early April when it’s an absolute carpet of wild Easter lilies. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Out on the Saanich Peninsula, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is a highlight.

“The trees are actually dripping with moss. People who go there should have a camera because there are wonderful, very romantic scenes from every angle.”

The Old Cemeteries Society was started informally in 1983 by a passionate bunch who wanted to preserve Victoria’s historic cemeteries. Find out more about OCS, local cemeteries, and year-round tours at oldcem.bc.ca.

Jewish Cemetery.

Photo by Randi Page

Photo by Randi Page

o d V i

Makara Adkins owner of Good Vibe Space.

Little ShopofStrange

Niche businesses of DOWNTOWN

W

Luckily, when shopping downtown in Victoria, there are plenty of vibrant, niche shops to uncover.

Take, for instance, Oscar & Libby’s, which calls itself home to the zaniest and most eclectic gift ideas in Victoria. Inside, you’ll find a bright array of puzzles, pop culture, games, Jellycat toys, over 65 hot sauces and funny finds like breakfast-themed sponges and socks with noodles on them that say “send noods.”

With 33 years as a toy retailer downtown, owner Teri Hustins (who also owns Kaboodles Toy Store) knows what it takes to keep customers excited about her products.

hen tourists or Victorians are shopping local, they’re often seeking something they won’t find anywhere else.scar&Libby’s“You have to be careful you don’t step on your neighbour’s toes because there are so many good stores in Victoria that curate their wares with lots of local, so you have to find things that are different which requires a little more searching,” said Hustins. “We go through thousands and thousands of online catalogues.”

Just a door down from Oscar & Libby’s Market Square location is Little Shop of Strange. It’s equally full of the unexpected, but instead of funny, bright and cute, it leans towards the odd, artistic and gothic. Owner and artist Michelle Potentier stocks the store with creations from over 100 local artists, including artistic taxidermy, art, clothing patches and festival costumes.

The range of products found between the two stores highlight the beauty of local shopping. As Potentier said, you

Where to find unique and rare local goods

Story and photos by Samantha Duerksen

are not going to get this experience at a mall or a chain store.

“You never know what you’re going to see here. It’s reliant on what people happen to pop in and give me, so I think they just like it ‘cause it’s unique and they’re hard-to-find things,” she said.

Across the block on Johnson, Makara Adkins and Linda Mitchell opened Good Vibe Space during the pandemic when they saw a need to showcase struggling local artists, while simultaneously creating a joyful space for customers.

“Our focus on colorful and playful designs aimed to bring joy and happiness to our customers, even amidst the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic,” said Adkins.

The boutique has hand-made, locally-sourced home decor, jewelry, art and

clothing, carefully curated with colour therapy in mind.

That’s the beauty of niche shops. They are able to cater to their customers in a way that makes them irreplaceable.

A business that illustrates this to the “tea” is Special Teas Inc. on Yates, a family-run business owned by Irene Drmla. “We are the only local tea store that blends all their own teas,” said Drmla who is also a Chartered Herbalist.

What makes the shop special is that, due to blending her own teas, Drmla is able to make things at the request of her customers.

continued on page 31

Victoria

Oscar and Libby’s.

Photo courtesy of Oscar and Libby’s.

A wall of artistic taxidermy and specimens at Little Shop of Strange.

SpecialTe a s I n c .

Reputationsmeanalotintherestaurantbusiness,andhere, atJ&JWontonNoodleHouseonFortStreettakeoursveryseriously.Our friendlyandpromptmealservicesareabigpartofthatequation, butthegreatselectionoftastyandflavourfulauthenticChinesefoodis whatkeepspeoplecomingback.

Withdozensofitemsontheirfourseparatemenus,includingnumerous seafoodoptions-nottomentionspecialcombosforoneavailablefor solodinersorbusyworkersonatimecrunch-there’salwayssomething foreveryone’stastes.

RestaurantmanagerJasmineSunpointsoutthatJ&J’shasnotonly maintaineditsqualityfoodandpersonableserviceoverits27years downtown,ithasadjustedtheirofferingswiththechangingdemandof customers.

“We’vehadagluten-freemenuforover8yearsnow,”shesaysnoting thattheywereoneofthefirstChineserestaurantsinVictoriatoadd thesespeciallypreparedandcookedfoodchoices.

Cherry BombToys

mine for 26 years and she brought me a tea [that she can’t get anymore]. So I made it. There’s quite a few teas I have like that that customers asked me to make and then they become popular.”

Speaking of irreplaceable local gems, it would be amiss to leave out vintage toy store Cherry Bomb Toys. Home to the National Toy Museum of Canada, on staff, they have both a toy repairer and a resident lego expert, attracting customers with their hard-to-find items.

Cherry Bomb Toys shows the extent of the hardships local businesses have gone through in the last few years. They experienced a fire in the hotel at their old location in May 2019, followed by a December break-in, their property put up for sale in February of 2020, and then the pandemic hit.

Owners Candice and Biagio Woodward managed to push through and now are in a new location on 719 Yates St. between Interactivity Board Game Cafe and Haunted Mini Golf.

Owning a niche business can be challenging, but the rewards for owners

who get to put their own values, quirks and passions into their business can be great.

Niche businesses also help drive the local economy and cater to tourism. According to the City of Victoria, Greater Victoria gets nearly four million tourists annually, many of who want local finds.

“When you go in a town or city, you want to go where the locals go,” Hustins of Oscar & Libby’s said. “I think downtown, we have so many good independent food establishments, retailers. It’s really incredible.”

And what does it take to stand out as a local business? Adkins of Good Vibe Space has some input.

“To stand out as a local business, it takes a combination of factors including a unique product selection, a personal touch, and a commitment to fostering a sense of community.”

So what are you waiting for? Grab your shopping bag and go discover the niche that Victoria has to offer.

“Iwouldsaytodaythatprobably40to50percentofourmenuis gluten-freeitems,”Jasminesays.“Peopletellmetheyhaven’tbeenable toeatchinesefoodfor20yearsandtheyaresohappytheyfoundus.” Whilethatchangehadbroughtbacksomedinersandintroduceda numberofnewcustomerstoJ&J’s,otherfavouriteitemsbringpeople down.

Thebarbequedduckisoneofthoseitems.Availableinvariousforms: innoodlesoup,inhalvedformasaside(lunch)ormain(dinner)orderor combinedwithrice,itoftensellsoutearlyduetoitspopularity,Jasmine says.

ThesmilingfaceofownerMichaelXue,therestaurant’soriginalhead chefwhoboughtthebusiness,iseverpresentinthekitchenwithhis hardworkingstaff.

Heinvitesanyonetocometrythefoodandsayhi.Youcanalsoorder onlineatwww.jjnoodlehouse.caorthroughDoorDash.There’salways somethingspecialbeingcookedup.

Candice and Biagio Woodward of Cherry Bomb Toys.

Irene Drmla of Special Teas Inc.

RESPONSIBLE

tourism

Destination Greater Victoria is working on relationship building to grow a sustainable tourism economy

Greater Victoria received the Responsible Tourism Institute’s (RTI) biosphere certification, making it one of the first urban destinations in Canada to do so.

But how did Greater Victoria get there, what local organizations are also pulling rank, and are they continuing to do what it takes to stay certified?

To start, Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) applied for certification for the region and had to provide evidence of economic, socio-cultural and environmental balance, while keeping in mind the needs of both tourists and the community.

“DGV aims to be a global leader in sustainable tourism, helping to foster a tourism economy that is in line with local values, and ensuring that Greater Victoria remains one of the top destinations in the world,” said Paul Nursey, DGV CEO.

Some of DGV’s greatest successes were being one of the first carbon-neutral destination management organizations (DMO) in North America and being a founding partner of IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism, Nursey said. IMPACT is a summit that explores how the travel industry can rebuild with the intention to create a lega-

cy for regenerative tourism in Canada.

The work is not over. To renew a biosphere certification, an applicant must show that they have continued working on their sustainability plan, which Nursey said they are doing.

“Current sustainability projects include supporting our member businesses and organizations to become biosphere certified and working through the initial phases of a circular economy strategy for the local tourism sector.”

To date, five hotels in Greater Victoria have received biosphere certification. The hotel with the highest RTI rating is Parkside Hotel and Spa.

The Parkside Hotel and Spa moved from carbon-neutral to climate positive in 2022, meaning their activity goes beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions and actually removes additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Not only do they offer discounted rates to visitors who opt out of daily housekeeping services, they also have a rooftop garden, make use of natural light, offer hotel guests complimentary bikes to explore the city and serve sustainably-sourced food at their Bistro.

Fairmont Empress is also on the list. Alex Thorne, Fairmont Empress director of operations, said one major initiative was to remove all single-use plastic items.

“All of our key cards are now made out of wood. We’ve looked at everything that’s plastic: stir sticks, straws, lids that go on your coffee cups – no plastic,” Thorne said.

Fairmont Empress also has the Bee Sustainable initiative, housing bee colonies

in their garden to aid in habitat protection and pollination.

More certified companies can be found on the Biosphere Sustainable website.

“The biggest success has been the relationships and collaborative approach to sustainability that has been fostered across the local tourism sector, and with government and non-profit partners,” Nursey said, which will progress towards building a sustainable tourism economy.

Story and photos by Samantha Duerksen

Alex Thorne Fairmont Empress director of operations holds up a wooden keycard.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST ART GALLERY

1. ART GALLERY OF GREATER VICTORIA

2. The Avenue Gallery

3. Madrona Gallery

BEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

1. IMAX

2. Royal BC Museum

3. Interactivity Board Game Cafe

BEST FESTIVAL

1. RIFFLANDIA MUSIC FESTIVAL

2. Phillips Backyard

3. Esquimalt Ribfest

BEST LOCAL BAND / MUSICIAN

1. JESSE ROPER

2. The Happy Failure

3. Daniel Lapp

BEST MORNING RADIO SHOW

1. ED BAIN AND THE Q! MORNING SHOW

2. Virgin Mornings with Bailey & Johnny

3. Dylan & Jason in The Morning Zone

BEST MUSEUM

1. ROYAL BC MUSEUM

2. Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

3. BC Aviation Museum

EATING & DRINKING

BEST BAKERY (INDEPENDENT)

1. CRUST BAKERY

2. Dutch Bakery & Diner

3. Sidney Bakery

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

1. FLOYD’S DINER

2. The Village Restaurant

3. John’s Place Restaurant

BEST BURGER

1. BIN 4 BURGER LOUNGE

2. Big Wheel Burger

3. Deadbeetz Burgers

BEST CHICKEN WINGS

1. CHICKEN 649

2. Hecklers Bar & Grill

3. The Tartan Toque

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

1. J & J WONTON NOODLE HOUSE

2. Don Mee

3. Jack’s Chinese Restaurant

BEST COCKTAILS

1. CLIVE’S CLASSIC LOUNGE

2. Citrus & Cane

3. Wind Cries Mary

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

1. FERNWOOD COFFEE COMPANY

2. Moka House Coffee

3. Discovery Coffee

BEST DELI

1. RED BARN MARKET

2. Fig Mediterranean Deli

3. Italian Food Imports

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

1. MY CHOSEN CAFÉ

2. Frankie’s Modern Diner

3. The Old Spaghetti Factory

BEST FISH & CHIPS

1. BARB’S FISH & CHIPS

2. Red Fish Blue Fish

3. Finest at Sea

BEST FOOD TRUCK

1. GREEK N’ GO

2. Songhees Food Truck

3. Taco Justice

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

1. ITHAKA GREEK RESTAURANT

2. Maria’s Souvlaki Greek Restaurant

3. The Village Taverna

BEST ICE CREAM

1. BEACON DRIVE IN RESTAURANT

2. Parachute Ice Cream

3. Cold Comfort Ice Cream

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

1. SIZZLING TANDOOR

2. Royal Spice Fine Indian Cuisine

3. Dosa Paragon

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

1. IL TERRAZZO

2. Il Covo Trattoria

3. Pagliacci’s

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

1. JAPANESE VILLAGE

2. Sen Zushi

3. NUBO Japanese Tapas

BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT

1. CHICKEN 649

2. Thunderbird Korean Fried Chicken

3. Chimac Korean Fried Chicken

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

1. HOYNE BREWING COMPANY

2. Phillips Brewing & Malting Company

3. Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

BEST MEAL UNDER $10

1. TACOFINO

2. Red Barn Market

3. Beacon Drive In Restaurant

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1. CAFE MEXICO

2. Benjo’s Tacos

3. Tacofino

BEST OUTDOOR PATIO

1. GLO RESTAURANT + LOUNGE

2. Boomtown

3. Fireside Grill

BEST PIZZA

1. PIZZERIA PRIMA STRADA

2. Romeo’s

3. Delicious Pizza & Pasta

BEST PUB

1. SPINNAKERS GASTRO BREWPUB

2. Beagle Pub

3. Bard & Banker

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

1. FINEST AT SEA

2. Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House

3. Finn’s Seafood Restaurant

BEST STEAKHOUSE

1. THE KEG STEAKHOUSE + BAR QUADRA ST

2. Fireside Grill

3. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Fort St. BEST SUB / SANDWICH

1. RED BARN MARKET

2. Italian Food Imports

3. Jones Bar-B-Que

BEST SUSHI

1. FUJIYA FOODS

2. NUBO Japanese Tapas

3. Ebizo

3. Sen Zushi

BEST TAPAS

1. TAPA BAR

2. Bodega

3. NUBO Japanese Tapas

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

1. BAAN THAI WOK & BAR

2. Sabhai Thai Restaurant

3. Little Thai Place

BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT / VEGAN RESTAURANT

1. SIZZLING TANDOOR

2. Rebar

3. MeeT On Blanshard

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

1. ORIGINAL PHO EATERY

2. Pho Vy Restaurant

3. Green Leaf Bistro

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BEST DAY SPA

1. SAPPHIRE DAY SPA

2. Emerald Day Spa

3. The Spa Magnolia

BEST DENTAL OFFICE

1. CADBORO BAY DENTAL

2. Aspen Dental Group

3. Oak Bay Dental Centre

BEST HEALTH TREATMENT CENTRE

1. TALL TREE INTEGRATED HEALTH

2. Physica Health

3. Fix Healthcare

3. RebalanceMD

BEST PHARMACY

1. JC PHARMACY

2. Heart Pharmacy - Cadboro Bay

3. Pharmasave - Broadmead

BEST PLACE FOR COSMETIC TREATMENT

1. MD ESTHETICS

2. Emerald Day Spa

3. Cosmedica

BEST PLACE FOR EYE CARE/ EYE WEAR

1. PURELY OPTOMETRY

2. Maycock Eyecare

3. Mayfair Optometric Clinic

LEISURE

BEST BED & BREAKFAST

1. ABIGAIL’S HOTEL

2. Marketa’s Bed and Breakfast

3. Abbeymoore Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn

BEST HOTEL / ISLAND RESORT

1. TIGH-NA-MARA SEASIDE SPA RESORT

2. Oak Bay Beach Hotel

3. Kingfisher Spa Resort

BEST LOCAL LANDMARK

1. THE BUTCHART GARDENS

2. Beacon Hill Park

3. Inner Harbour

BEST PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG

1. DALLAS ROAD WATERFRONT TRAIL

2. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

3. Thetis Lake

BEST WHALE WATCHING

1. PRINCE OF WHALES

2. Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours

3. Orca Spirit Adventures

REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT

BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

1. LIDA HOMES INC.

2. White Wolf Homes

3. Villamar Construction

BEST DEVELOPER

1. JAWL PROPERTIES LTD.

2. LIDA Homes Inc.

3. Aryze Developments

BEST MUNICIPALITY IN GREATER VICTORIA TO LIVE IN

1. SAANICH

2. Victoria

3. Oak Bay

BEST REAL ESTATE FIRM

1. RE/MAX CAMOSUN

2. Pemberton Holmes

3. Newport Realty

BEST REALTOR TOP 10

DEZ DALJIT MAHAL

Alex Burns

Ellie Matheson

Jerry Bola

Kate Bell

Lisa Williams

Randi Masters

Rick Couvelier

Rob Hosie

Tony Joe

SERVICES

BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM

1. CANWEST ACCOUNTING

2. Parkes & Company

2. Baker Tilly

BEST AUTO SERVICE/REPAIR

1. JOHN’S AUTO BODY & PAINT

2. EDP Automotive Services

3. Rand Automotive

BEST BARBERSHOP

1. BROTHERS BARBERSHOP

2. Status Barber Shop

3. KoLab Barbershop Collective

3. Victory Barber & Brand BEST CARPET/ UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

1. LUV-A-RUG SERVICES INC.

2. Sunny Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning

3. Citrus-O Carpet Care

BEST DRY CLEANER

1. INDIVIDUAL DRY CLEANERS LTD.

2. WetCleaner

3. Imperial Hallmark Cleaners

BEST ELECTRICIAN

1. MAZZEI ELECTRIC

2. Houle Electric

3. Darnel Electrical Contracting

BEST HAIR SALON

1. THE NATURAL HAIR SALON

2. La Boutique

3. Kharma Salons

BEST HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES

1. MOLLY MAID

2. Merry Maids of Victoria

3. Maid 4 You Cleaning Services

BEST INSURANCE PROVIDER

1. BCAA

2. Megson Fitzpatrick

3. HUB Insurance

BEST JEWELLER

1. BARCLAY’S FINE JEWELLERS

2. Idar

3. F L U X and S T O N E

BEST LAW FIRM

1. LEAGUE AND WILLIAMS LAWYERS

2. Crease Harman LLP

3. Sitka Law Group

BEST MOVING COMPANY

1. 2 BURLEY MEN MOVING LTD.

2. You Move Me

3. Swain Moving & Storage

BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE

1. LONG & MCQUADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

2. Tom Lee Music

3. Tapestry Music Ltd.

BEST NAIL SALON

1. SUNDAY NAILS AND BEAUTY

2. Emerald Day Spa

3. Polished Perfect - Mayfair

1.

BEST RENOVATION COMPANY

1. MAC RENOVATIONS

2. BOLA Construction

3. LIDA Homes Inc.

BEST RESTORATION / REMEDIATION COMPANY

1. REMOVALL REMEDIATION SERVICES

2. BOLA Construction

3. Local Remediation

BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

1. MOUNT DOUGLAS SENIORS HOUSING SOCIETY

2. Ross Place Seniors Community

3. Shannon Oaks - Oak Bay

BEST STORAGE COMPANY

1. ADAMS STORAGE

2. WestShore U-Lock Mini Storage

3. Target Storage

BEST TATTOO STUDIO

BEST TIRE SHOP

1. BIG O TIRES

2. Westcoast Tire & Wheel

3. Kal Tire - Douglas St.

3. Tires Unlimited

BEST VETERINARIAN

1. VIC WEST PET HOSPITAL

2. Oaklands Veterinary Hospital

3. Hillside Veterinary Hospital

SHOPPING

BEST ART & CRAFT SUPPLIES STORE

1. MICHAELS

2. Beehive Wool Shop

3. Opus Art Supplies

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

1. RUSS HAY’S THE BICYCLE SHOP

BEST BOAT/ MARINE STORE

1. TROTAC MARINE

2. Ina Marine

3. Vector Yacht Services Ltd.

BEST BOOKSTORE - NEW

1. BOLEN BOOKS

2. Munro’s Books

3. Russell Books

BEST BOOKSTORE - USED

1. RUSSELL BOOKS

2. The Haunted Bookshop

3. Sorensen Books

BEST BUTCHER

1. GLENWOOD MEATS

2. Village Butcher

3. Farm & Field Butchers

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE

1. ON DEMAND PLUMBING & HEATING

2. Wade Roberts Plumbing

3.

1. KREATIVE INK

2. Painted Lotus

3. Urge Studios

2. Oak Bay Bicycles

3. North Park Bike Shop

1. GOOD THINGS CONSIGNMENT

2. Sailor Jack Consignment

3. House of Savoy

BEST ELECTRONICS STORE

1. LONDON DRUGS

2. Atlas Audio Video Unlimited

3. Best Buy

BEST FARMERS MARKET

1. MOSS STREET MARKET

2. Sidney Street Market

3. Esquimalt Farmers Market

BEST FLOORING / CARPET STORE

1. END OF THE ROLL FOORING CENTRE

2. Hourigan’s Flooring

3. Island Floor Centre

BEST FLORIST

1. BROWN’S THE FLORIST

2. Harry’s Flowers

3. Poppies Floral Art

BEST FOR BBQ’S & ACCESSORIES

1. LUMBERWORLD

2. Canadian Tire

3. Wicker Land Patio & BBQ Land

BEST FOR PRODUCE STORE

1. THE ROOT CELLAR

2. Old Farm Market

3. Red Barn Market

BEST FOR VITAMIN’S/ SUPPLEMENTS

1. THE VITAMIN SHOP

2. Health Essentials

3. Lifestyles Markets

BEST FURNITURE STORE INDEPENDENT

1. DODD’S FURNITURE & MATTRESS

2. Cook Street Vintage

3. Gabriel Ross

3. ScanDesigns Furniture

BEST GARDEN STORE / NURSERY

1. GARDENWORKS

2. Hilltop Greenhouses

3. Elk Lake Garden Centre Ltd.

VICTORIA

BEST

GROCERY STORE (CHAIN)

1. THRIFTY FOODS

2. Save-On-Foods

3. Costco

BEST GROCERY STORE (LOCALLY OWNED)

1. THE ROOT CELLAR

2. Country Grocer

3. The Old Farm Market

BEST HOME APPLIANCE STORE

1. WESTCOAST APPLIANCE GALLERY

2. Trail Appliances

3. Coast Appliances

BEST HOME DECOR STORE

1. HOMESENSE

2. Chintz & Company

3. Paboom Home Imports

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

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ITHAKA GREEK RESTAURANT blends the old with the new

One of the only remaining family-run Greek restaurants, Ithaka keeps alive decades of culture

Eight-year-in-a-row Best of the City winner Ithaka Greek Restaurant is a culmination of the Greek community in Victoria.

Dimitri Adamopoulos, who co-runs the restaurant with wife Edith Jean and help from family, said that thanks to family connections, “a lot of the decor is actually [gifted] from other restaurants that are no longer around.”

The Adamopoulos family have long ties to the Victoria Greek community, and Ithaka is now one of the only family-run Greek restaurants left in the city.

“There was a lot of really serious Greek restaurants, like Millos, Periklis later on, San Remo,” said Adamopoulos. “My mom would work for a lot of them, and I would sit back and watch them do their thing … Now what’s happened when we opened at the old location, and finally had our own Greek restaurant here, is that just a lot of the Greek restaurants weren’t around.”

Ithaka’s current location at 716 Burdett Ave. was home to Greek cuisine for decades, including as the restaurant Millos. Current landlord and family friend, George Mavrikos (co-owner of Romeo’s), started the restaurant and prioritized keeping the building Greek with new leasers. He also commissioned the murals in the late ’70s – which remain today – of folk dancers, and of his birth island in Greece.

Adamopoulos remembers the grandeur of being in the building as a child.

“When I first walked into this restaurant as an eight- or nine-year-old, I was like, ‘wow.’ Later in 1990, I was a busboy here, so everything came full circle.”

Initially when Adamopoulos moved back to Victoria in 2013 from Kenora, Ont., he and his parents Tommy, Maria and brother Andreas opened Ithaka at Cook and

Yates. It was named after the Greek island, which is also home to hero Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. Essentially, to the Greeks, it gives the meaning “life is about the journey, not the destination.”

Moving to the new, larger location on Burdett after being renovicted three and a half years ago was “the largest gamble I guess I would have ever done in my life,” said Adamopoulos. They went from 65 seats to 160 and their kitchen expanded almost tenfold. Adamopoulos said success at the old location made the expansion necessary.

“I think in life if you don’t go through some challenges or difficult moments and try to push through to get to the other side, then the good things don’t happen,” said Adamopoulos.

“There are some Greek restaurants left in Victoria, but not all are Greek family owned and operated so I just looked at it as a tremendous opportunity.”

Prior to taking over, the building was unused for two years and had red walls. The Adamopoulos’ made their own mark on the building with a five-month renovation.

Today, it once again has white-washed walls, bright blue accents, trinkets from their trips to Greece, photos of Greek Venetian castles in Maria’s hometown, a new mural of the sea and a commissioned street sign of Adamopoulos’ father’s childhood street.

“I think my wife did a fantastic job of taking some old and some new and blending it all together,” said Adamopoulos, adding he had the advantage of remembering the way it looked when he was a child.

Even after decades, the building on Burdett continues to celebrate Greek culture and heritage.

“I was proud and continue to be proud to be a Greek Canadian,” Adamopoulos said.

that to their staff who he said are like family.

Story and photos by Samantha Duerksen

Ithaka ranks five stars on Tripadvisor for service and Dimitri Adamopoulos attributes

Some of the murals at Ithaka Greek Restaurant have been part of the building for decades.

Dimitri Adamopoulos and his mother Maria Adamopoulos. Dimitri Adamopoulos co-owner of Ithaka Greek Restaurant.

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ST. ANN’S ACADEMY a jewel in downtown Victoria

By Timothy Collins

As one drives past St. Ann’s Academy it might be that one pays it little notice, other than to note that it looks like a very lovely building. It is, of course, but that doesn’t do it justice. This is a building with a rich history.

St. Ann’s Academy was built in 1858 as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Victoria’s first Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was physically moved to its current location on Humboldt in 1886.

The academy functioned as a girl’s Catholic boarding school, and served as the Provincial House, convent and novitiate.

The St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1884, was moved off the site and is now an active display as part of the Royal BC Museum display in Heritage Court.

The Academy stopped being a school almost 100 years after St. Ann’s Schoolhouse was built, and the chapel was deconsecrated in 1974.

“For a time, no one knew what to do with it,” said Shannon Gregg, the program coordinator at St. Ann’s. “Then one day a wrecking ball arrived, and it appeared that it was going to be demolished.”

Fortunately, a group of concerned

citizens stepped in and with the help of the government of the day, part of the building was saved.

Much of the building had fallen into such disrepair that there was no hope of saving it as it was. So, during much of the 1990s, part of the building was gutted and rebuilt as government offices.

The exterior facade of this beautiful building was retained and repaired. The chapel, parlours and infirmary were kept as an interpretive centre and restored to their 1920s decor. The building was re-opened in 1997.

The main chapel continues to operate as a National Historic Site and an interfaith facility, popular for weddings. After all, how many brides can walk down the aisle to the sound of a 1913 Casavant pipe organ?

The surrounding acres of fruit trees and gardens continue to be a haven for contemplative visitors as well.

Oh, and did we mention that St. Ann’s is rumoured to be haunted?

“It’s said that there’s a benign, nurturing, presence. Some of the sisters who lived here gave their whole life to this school. Perhaps they’re still protecting it in spirit,” said Gregg.

A slice of history is open to the public

Photo courtesy St. Ann’s Academy

Explore the

neighbourhoods original

Victoria has 12 neighbourhoods, but the oldest of these boast rich heritage value and distinct character, and are places worthy of a visit.

Victoria first started in the Inner Harbour with the arrival of the fur trade and expanded from there, making James Bay, downtown, and Fernwood some of Victoria’s original neighbourhoods.

James Bay

James Bay is a charming neighbourhood peninsula bordered east by Beacon Hill Park and downtown’s Inner Harbour on the west. It’s the oldest residential neighbourhood on the west coast of North America, north of San Francisco.

The name comes from the shallow tidal inlet extending from the Inner Harbour, named after Sir James Douglas, the first governor of the Colony of B.C. Today, the Royal BC Museum occupies the place where Douglas’ home once stood.

Pendray Inn and Tea House was built in the late 19th-century as the family home of William and Amelia Pendray.

Historic homes and beautiful gardens of Victoria’s founding families remain: find beloved Canadian artist Emily Carr’s childhood home built in 1863, the grand Pendray residence on Belleville Street which is now the elegant Pendray Inn and Tea House, or the pink Pinehurst built in 1889 on Battery Street.

From the luxurious Fairmont Empress Hotel – a National Historic Site – stroll down Belleville Street for the Parliament plus restaurants with a beautiful Inner Harbour view. Below is the James Way Causeway, built in 1903, with the colourful murals of The Unity Wall.

Further south, Fisherman’s Wharf, a colourful community of over 30 float homes, food kiosks, shops, and eco-tour adventures shows the evolution of the neighbourhood.

At Ogden Point Breakwater, the history of coastal Salish nations, who occupied the land until they transferred it to Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in 1840, is depicted in colourful murals.

Continue on to Beacon Hill Park, one of Victoria’s best-loved green spaces since the 1950s. The Lekwungen deemed the hill a sacred place that translated roughly to “warmed by the sun.”

continued on page

From Canada’s oldest Chinatown to gothic revival-style homes, Victoria’s oldest neighbourhoods offer a wealth of beauty

Story and photos by Samantha Duerksen

Ogden Point Breakwater.

Fairfield and Gonzales

Some of Victoria’s most prestigious neighbourhoods all started when Sir James Douglas landed at Clover Point in 1842 in search of an HBC trading-post site.

James founded an Inner Harbour fort in the 1850s and soon after bought a 418acre property between Fort Street and Clover Point which he called Fairfield Farm. Large tracts were leased to tenants and things began to flourish.

In 1861, civil engineer Joseph Trutch built a house at 601 Trutch St. and went on to become the first lieutenant-governor of B.C. in 1871.

Fairfield, which was quite a swamp, remained largely undeveloped until the arrival of the electric street car line during Victoria’s largest building boom from 1907-1913.

If you’re looking for whispers of history, look no further than the Ross Bay Villa museum, a Gothic-Revival style home built in 1865, or the 150-year-old Ross Bay Cemetery with some of the areas oldest trees.

Clover Point is now a park where you’ll find views of Washington State’s Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker and soaring paragliders.

And though Emily Carr in her Book of Small recalls Cook and Pakington being used as a garbage dump until 1907, today Cook Street Village is a trendy collection of shops and cafes.

The Ross Bay Villa museum is open to visitors in Fairfield.

Cook Street Village.

This view of Gonzales from Gonzales Observatory shows Clover Point in the very background, where Sir James Douglas landed in 1842.

Rocklands

A neighbourhood of mansions, Rocklands is where you’ll find the Government House – residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia – and the Craigdarroch Castle, a 25,000-square-foot manor, built by a Scottish coal baron in the Victorian-era.

Downtown

Part of Victoria’s Downtown and James Bay make up one of the largest historic areas in B.C.: Old Town.

Designated as a conservation area by the City of Victoria and preserved through design guidelines, there are three areas of distinct character in Old Town: the old commercial district, a collection of commercial heritage buildings constructed in the late 1800s; Chinatown; and the waterfront area with old warehouse buildings and hotels.

Explore Canada’s oldest Chinatown which is marked by the grand Gate of Harmonious Interest. Down Fisgard Street, you’ll find ornate buildings including restaurants, a Buddhist temple, the Chinese Public School, and other vibrant shops.

We’ve only just touched on some of the amazing local neighbourhood history in Victoria. For more, visit victoriaheritagefoundation.ca.

Craigdarroch Castle.

Downtown.

showcases what Victoria has to offer

From buskers and flower baskets to festivals and local markets, summer in downtown Victoria is bright and bustling.

To keep that vibrancy year-round, a new City of Victoria program is committed to investing in and refreshing the downtown core.

The Our DWTN revitalization program is investing in beautification, cleanliness, safety and programming focused on food, arts and culture. Several programs have already been launched and more are scheduled over the coming months.

“Our DWTN is designed to convey our shared ownership in the heart of our city and to instill a sense of community pride in our downtown and remind us all why we fell in love with Victoria in the first place,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.

The city hosted the first annual Scrub Up event on June 26, bringing local businesses together to give their block a good clean – supplementing cleaning activities of city crews who clear debris and grime from downtown streets every night while most residents sleep.

As part of safety improvements, the city launched the Feet on the Street program to increase bylaw officer foot patrols downtown until the end of December. Operating alongside the Victoria Police Department, Feet on the Street provides proactive bylaw enforcement, a visible downtown presence and more business and public engagement.

Along with the known and loved downtown features such as the orca horticultural display and iconic hanging flower baskets, Our DWTN is rejuvenating downtown blocks with street furniture, summer banners, public art, fresh lighting and more flowers.

Naturally, arts, culture and events are key to the activation of a bright and lively downtown. Visitors and residents can expect new retail experiences, food and drink pop-ups, recreational opportunities, cultural programming and placemaking initiatives across the city’s core.

One such initiative is Summer at Ship Point. Already a popular location for music and events, this new series brings food trucks, live music and outdoor games to the seaside causeway every week from Tuesday to Thursday, from noon to 8 p.m., until Sept. 21.

On Thursdays, the Victoria Beer Society brings a weekly pop-up outdoor backyard gathering to Ship Point. Hosted by DJ Benji & Friends, the Thursday event includes local food trucks, craft beer and classic outdoor games.

Centennial Square is another hub of summer fun, with the 10th annual Even-

tide Music Series bringing independent music, food vendors and a beverage garden to the square every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. until the end of August.

Additionally, the Victoria Ballroom Dance Society hosts beginner lessons and social dancing every Tuesday evening in Centennial Square until Aug.15, offering first-timers the opportunity to try the waltz, rumba, cha-cha and more.

Our DWTN is designed to refresh the area in the shoulder seasons too with the new Winter Arts Festival slated to bring pop-up retail, creative entrepreneurs, public art installations, culinary events and maker spaces to downtown in the winter months.

Whether it’s music from a long-time local busker, a new art display, a salsa lesson or cold beer next to the ocean, Our DWTN has something to offer every resident and visitor.

Those suffering from chronic pain or other health complications know the rigmarole of searching for anything to get some relief.

Victoria’s Regen Clinic, which opened last August, offers another option –low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It’s a trending technology highlighted by celebrities and influencers alike – some of whom are using the same $300,000 machine that is at Regen.

LLLT, also known as cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation, is an FDA-approved form of treatment first developed in the 1960s that uses both red and near-infrared light on the surface of the body. It is touted to improve circulation, accelerate tissue repair, decrease oxidative stress on cells, and help relieve short-term pain in acute or chronic conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, diabetes and more.

Sasha Zhang, founder and managing director of Regen Clinic, discovered the

is modern stuff’:

Victoria Regen Clinic uses low-level laser therapy to treat pain

technology while working as an entrepreneur providing therapeutic homecare medical devices.

“I’ve always valued health as the most important thing in life. Natural or energy healing is part of my family as well as cultural heritage,” Zhang said.

Though she found her “forever home” in Victoria in 2008, Zhang was born in China and was greatly influenced by her grandfather, who was a kung fu master, energy healer and business mogul.

Her passion for health also has roots in her own story. Zhang almost died as a baby, until her mother nursed her to health with traditional Chinese medicine.

Regen incorporates traditional Chinese medicine with acupuncturists on staff who use laser therapy in their practice, in addition to just the regular laser therapy sessions.

“It’s the marriage of ancient Chinese

healing arts and modern science. This is modern stuff.”

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found photobiomodulation (LLLT) increased the speed of tissue repair and reduce inflammation by encouraging cells to produce adenosine triphosphate – the source of energy at the cellular level.

The therapy is used by some doctors, dentists, skin specialists and pain clinics.

It should be noted there are skeptics. McGill University science communicator Jonathan Jarry mentioned in a January article that most studies surrounding photobiomodulation have been performed in mice, rats or ex vivo models, which “rarely lead to applications in humans.”

Small studies show improvements in those with dementia, skin damage, hair loss, osteoarthritis-related pain, and dental pain, but Jarry noted out more research is needed.

“I remain skeptical,” although Jarry did not review the literature on each application of photobiomodulation.

Zhang, however, is confident in its application, with success stories on hand of successfully alleviating symptoms for people with Parkinson’s, depression, arthritis, injury and more.

“I always encourage people to do their research,” said Zhang. “Our website is very rich in content with testimonials, expert opinions and research papers. They should read our reviews from clients.”

She finds the work rewarding and meaningful and sees it both as a tool of rejuvenation as well as an option for relief for people who are not getting enough help through traditional health care.

“I believe in well-being so much, and unfortunately a lot of people don’t have access to adequate health care.”

Owner Sasha Zhang built business based off interest in modern medicine mixed with her cultural roots

‘This

Story by Samantha Duerksen Photos by Arnold Lim

Sasha Zhang, of RegenClinic with her Photobiomodulation or red light therapy machine.

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By Timothy Collins

Victoria is a great place to visit and it’s even more wonderful if you’re lucky enough to live here. We caught up with some people in downtown Victoria early on a Sunday morning in July

Streeters Best of the City

and asked them for their thoughts about this great city.

Here’s what they had to say.

MarkMARK HACKWELL VICTORIA, B.C.

What do you like most about Victoria?

The waterfront and the people. It’s just a beautiful place to live.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Il Terrazzo Ristorante on Johnson Street

What surprises folks about Victoria?

I think how good the weather is. They expect it to be cold and dreary but it’s beautiful here.

PeterPETER MACKINNON GUELPH. ONTARIO

What do you like most about Victoria?

So far, it’s the weather and the scenery. It’s just great.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Bartholomew’s Public House on Douglas Street.

What surprises folks about Victoria?

The lack of mosquitoes. When I first came here, I couldn’t believe that not all Canadians live here. What are we doing in Ontario?

continued on page 59

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JEN GOODFELLOW SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

What do you like most about Victoria?

It’s my first visit here and I love the City and all the flowers and just how vibrant it is.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

The flying Otter at the Inner Harbour. What surprises folks about Victoria?

How walkable it is. We didn’t need a rental car or anything We can just get out and walk around.

ROB BUCHAN VICTORIA, B.C.

What do you like most about Victoria?

The harbour, of course. But Victoria’s got lots of beautiful things to see. It’s accessible and it’s great just to walk around.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Deep Cove Chalet or, in Victoria downtown, Il Terrazzo Ristorante on Johnson Street.

What surprises folks about Victoria?

They love the lovely natural marine environment we live in. They love how nice it is. People have actually heard how great it is here and maybe they’re surprised that it doesn’t disappoint.

ERIN POLATYNSKI (AND HER PUP GRIFFON) VICTORIA, B.C.

What do you like most about Victoria?

The temperature. I’m from Ontario and for me this is so temperate and beautiful.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

I don’t eat out a lot, but I will order from Tacofino (on Pandora Ave.)

What surprises folks about Victoria?

Being able to just walk around the waterways and how pretty it is.

ANSEL MIRANDA SARNIA, ONTARIO

What do you like most about Victoria?

Nature and the waterfront here. The Empress hotel looks great, too.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

We’ve heard that the Empress is really good, so we’re heading over there.

What surprises folks about Victoria?

It’s not as busy as I thought it would be. Coming from Toronto I love that it’s nice and quiet here.

continued on page 61

atricia Sandy Jean

PATRICIA NUGRAHANI VANCOUVER, B.C.

What do you like most about Victoria?

First time in Victoria. Seeing all the flowers here. They fascinate me and the harbour here is so wonderful.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Fisherman’s Wharf for fish and chips.

What surprises folks about Victoria?

It’s pretty alive here on the weekends. I had heard that it isn’t that lively here, but it really is.

JEAN NUGENT CALGARY, ALBERTA

What do you like most about Victoria?

I like it when it doesn’t rain. I love the waterfront here. It’s beautiful.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Pagliacci’s (on Broad Street)

What surprises folks about Victoria?

The walkability of the harbour and the old structures of the buildings. There’s a European sort of quality to Victoria. The quaint, historical nature of the City is so special.

SANDY BOBDAY POLSON, MONTANA

What do you like most about Victoria?

I like that the buildings are not too tall. Any City by the ocean is great. It’s wonderful to be able to walk and see water.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Don Mee restaurant in Chinatown.

What surprises folks about Victoria?

How calm and pleasant it is. We came through Vancouver, and it was all hustle and bustle. This is so much more relaxed.

AMANDA HAWBOLDT VICTORIA, B.C.

What do you like most about Victoria?

Grew up here but only moved back two years ago. I love the weather here. You can go out golfing on Christmas Day.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Glo, down on the Gorge.

What surprises folks about Victoria?

All the different colours… with all the flowers and the greenery. Not like Alberta where everything is just brown.

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FRESH & LOCAL

Farmers markets are back in Greater Victoria for 2023/2024 with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and more on offer.

Many markets aim to be waste-free. Customers can help by bringing shopping bags, reusable containers, water bottles, plates and cutlery for personal use.

HERE’S A LIST OF GREATER VICTORIA MARKETS

AVAILABLE SEASONALLY AND YEAR-ROUND.

MOSS STREET MARKET (VICTORIA)

While it operates year-round, the ‘regular market’ at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road kicked into effect in May.

The market runs Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October, when it moves indoors. 1330 Fairfield Road. mossstreetmarket.com

OAKLANDS SUNSET MARKET (VICTORIA)

The Oaklands Community Association hosts this market June 30 to Sept. 1. It runs Wednesday evenings 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oaklands Community Centre. 2827 Belmont Avenue. 250-370-9101

oaklands.life/sunset-market

JAMES BAY OUTDOOR COMMUNITY MARKET (VICTORIA)

Handmade, homemade and homegrown with over 50 vendors.

It runs May through Oct. 2, on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. 494 Superior Street. jamesbaymarket.com

ESQUIMALT FARMERS MARKET (ESQUIMALT)

All vendors must abide by make, bake or grow BC Association of Farmers’ Markets policies. With markets year-round in various locations. Thursdays in Memorial Park April – September. Monday in Esquimalt Gorge Park June – September and Thursdays at Esquimalt Recreation September – December. esquimaltmarket.com

WESTCOAST OUTDOOR MARKETS (SIDNEY)

Back for another fresh, local season. The market operates on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings, June to August. westcoastoutdoormarkets.com

NORTH SAANICH FARM MARKET (NORTH SAANICH)

Featuring local growers, producers, bakers and crafters the market runs every Saturday from June – October. 10990 West Saanich Road. northsaanichfarmmarket.ca

PENINSULA COUNTRY MARKET (CENTRAL SAANICH)

With the educational activity-based kid zone and local artisan goods, fresh produce, many food options and live entertainment this market has it all and is running from June – October, every Saturday.

1528 Stelly’s Cross Rd. peninsulacountrymarket.ca

GOLDSTREAM FARMERS MARKET (LANGFORD)

A farmers’ market located in the heart of Langford where everything is homemade, handmade or homegrown. Running on Saturdays from May – October.

Veterans Memorial Park (corner of Veterans Memorial and Aldwynd Road.) facebook.com/goldstreamfarmersmarket

METCHOSIN FARMERS’ MARKET (METCHOSIN)

Come by Metchosin’s farmers’ market to buy fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables from organic and traditional farmers, as well as free range eggs, breads, jams, salsa or baked goods. There are also a variety of locally crafted products including pottery, knitted and quilted wear, leather products, photo cards and jewelry. Enjoy live music as you browse. Running every Sunday mid-May – October.

4450 Happy Valley Rd. crdcommunitygreenmap.ca/location/metchosin-farmers-market

SOOKE COUNTRY MARKET (SOOKE) Products include farm fresh veggies, crafts, baking, art, and more! Running every Saturday from April – October.

Grassy area above the Sooke Fire Hall at Otter Point Road and Rhodonite Drive. sookecountrymarket.com

RAISING

A TEA

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They say Art is in the eye of the beholder and that is never more true than when looking at public art.

Best Of The City showcases all aspects of Victoria and this year we’ve taken a look at a few of the public art pieces on display around the city. Public art, from memorial statues to abstract sculptures, decorate our plazas, our walls and nooks and crannies of the city.

Victoria is home to many examples of public art, from the staid to the adventurous. Some pieces were installed with barely a notice from the public while others have been greeted with howls of outraged dismay. Over time however, even the wildest artwork becomes part of our daily scenery.

Some of these pieces will be familiar to you, some will be an introduction and

Some are large, some quite small, most are sculptures or at least sculptural like as the construction of this type of artwork stands up the best to the ravages of weather, time and often, human touch.

Some, like the Gates Of Harmonius Interest in Chinatown or the Cenotaph statue in front of the Legislature you might not have even considered as public art but it is all around you and always there for your viewing in your urban outdoor art gallery.

TYING A ROPE TO A MOORING RING

Location: On bedrock near David Foster Way, below Wharf Street.

TRUST & HARMONY

Location: Corner of Caledonia Avenue and Quadra Street.

CARRYING BOOKS

Location: On west wall of Victoria City Hall at the Pandora entrance. HOLIDNG

BINOCULARS

Photo by Tammy Robinson

Photo by Tammy Robinson

Photo by Don Denton

Photo by Don Denton

Public Art of Greater Victoria

Photo by Tammy

Photo

Photo by Don Denton

Photo by Don Denton

Photo by Don Denton

Photo by Don Denton

Greater Victoria Attractions

ART GALLERIES

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has been building an art collection for almost 70 years. It showcases contemporary art, significant works produced in this region, and art that represents our histories.

1040 Moss Street. 250-384-4171 aggv.ca

The Avenue Gallery

Part of the charming Oak Bay Village, just outside downtown Victoria, The Avenue Gallery is known to both art collectors and the public alike as an exceptional venue to discover some of Canada’s most distinguished contemporary artists.

2184 Oak Bay Avenue. 250-598-2184 theavenuegallery.com

Legacy Gallery

University of Victoria Legacy Art Galleries is the university’s art museum. Legacy Art Galleries has a rich and varied art collection of approximately 18,000 objects. Collection strengths include art of the Pacific Northwest, with a significant focus on contemporary Indigenous prints; Arts and Crafts decorative arts; and European, Asian, and Pre-Columbian works.

630 Yates Street. 250-721-6562 legacy.uvic.ca

Madrona Gallery

A contemporary and historic fine art gallery located in the heart of Victoria. The gallery exhibits work from Canadian Masters such as Emily Carr, Members of the Group of Seven, J.W. Morrice, E. J Hughes and their contemporaries; art from established and emerging Canadian artists; additionally, the gallery also exhibits a world-class collection of Inuit carvings, drawings and prints.

606 View Street. 250-380-4660 madronagallery.com

Mark Loria Gallery

One of the world’s leading Indigenous fine art galleries representing the top Canadian Indigenous artists for more than 40 years.  621 Fort Street. 250-383-8224 markloriagallery.com

Open Space

Open Space is a non-profit artist-run centre. Since its founding in 1972, Open Space has worked to present contemporary visual arts, music, writing, media arts and more. 510 Fort Street. 250-383-8833 openspace.ca

West End Gallery

Proudly showcasing professional Canadian artists across styles and mediums since 1975. 1203 Broad Street. 250-388-0009 westendgalleryltd.com

FAMILY FUN

City Centre Park

Mini-golf, splash park, playzone, bowling & more.

1089 Langford Parkway. 250-391-1738 citycentrepark.ca

Miniature World

More than 85 attractions in miniature. Excellent for children. Open daily.

649 Humboldt Street. 250-385-9731 miniatureworld.com

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Aquarium and Learning Centre of the Salish Sea.

9811 Seaport Place. 250-665-7511 salishseacentre.org

Victoria Bug Zoo

Discover more than 50 fascinating species of live giant tropical insects and arachnids.

631 Courtney Street. 250-384-BUGS (2847) victoriabugzoo.ca

Wildplay Element Parks

Aerial adventure park and axe throwing. Behind West Shore Parks & Rec. 1767 Island Highway. 1-855-595-2251 wildplayparks.com

GARDENS

Abkhazi Garden and Teahouse

Heritage home and garden near downtown Victoria.

Open April 1 to Sept. 30th

1964 Fairfield Road. 778-265-6466 blog.conservancy.bc.ca

Butchart Gardens

119-year old internationally renowned 55-acres of beautiful display gardens.

800 Benvenuto Avenue. 250-652-4422 butchartgardens.com

Butterfly Gardens

Exotic butterflies and many more creatures flying and roaming free in an indoor tropical paradise.

1461 Benvenuto Avenue. 877-722-0272 butterflygardens.com

Government House Gardens

Year-round public gardens.

1401 Rockland Avenue ltgov.bc.ca

Horticulture Centre of the Pacific Stunning demonstration gardens.

505 Quayle Road. 250-479-6162 hcp.ca

MUSEUMS & CULTURE

BC Aviation Museum

Where history takes flight.

1910 Norseman Road. 250-655-3300 bcam.net

CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum

The museum’s goal is to collect, preserve, interpret and display the history and heritage of the naval presence on Canada’s West Coast, and of the military on southern Vancouver Island.

At CFB Naden in Esquimalt, off Admirals Road. 250-363-4312 navalandmilitarymuseum.org

Craigdarroch Castle

Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.

1050 Joan Cresent. 250-592-5323 thecastle.ca

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse

National Historic Sites

A 19th-century West Coast artillery fortress on active duty from 1895 to 1956, then step inside Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on Canada’s West Coast. Located off Ocean Boulevard in Colwood. 250-478-5849 parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill

Hatley Park Castle and Museum

Walk amongst the old growth forest, Japanese gardens and a magnificent castle at Royal Roads University. 2005 Sooke Road. 250-391-2666 hatleypark.ca

Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens

Immerse yourself in one of Canada’s most extensive collections of Victorian-era artifacts and wander through the historic 1867 home and gardens.

2616 Pleasant Street. 250-800-1831 pointellicehouse.com

National Geographic IMAX Theatre

The largest IMAX screen in BC. Showing IMAX documentaries and feature films. 675 Belleville Street. (inside the Royal BC Museum), 250-952-4206 imaxvictoria.com

Royal BC Museum

An outstanding museum of human and natural history.

675 Belleville Street. 250-356-7226 royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Saanich Historical Artifacts

Society Heritage Acres

Sitting on a 29-acre heritage site, explore the heritage buildings and artifacts from Vancouver Island’s rural past. 7321 Lochside Drive. 250-652-5522 heritageacresbc.com

St. Ann’s Academy

St. Ann’s remains one of Victoria’s premier landmarks surrounded by heritage gardens and greenspace to provide an oasis in the centre of the capital city.

835 Humboldt Street. 250-953-8829 stannsacademy.com

Sidney Museum

Take a walk through time and discover the natural history of the area, followed by regularly updated permanent displays on local First Nations, industry, transportation, agriculture and social history.

2423 Beacon Avenue. 250-655-6355 sidneymuseum.ca

Sooke Region Museum

History of First Nations and early settlers, gold rush, logging, farming and fishing. 2070 Phillips Road. 250-642-6351 sookeregionmuseum.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & RECREATION

AdrenaLine

Guided forest zipline tours. 2034C Gillespie Road. 866-947-9145 adrenalinezip.com

CRD Parks

Nature outings and special events in local parks. Various locations. 250-478-3344 crd.bc.ca/parks

DeMamiel Creek Golf Course

9-hole, Par 3 course in Sooke. 6518 Throup Road. 250-642-8000 seaparc.ca

Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours

Whale and wildlife tours. 1 Dallas Road. 250-384-8008 eaglewingtours.com

Esquimalt Recreation Centre

Public pool, ice rink, and more. 527 Fraser Street. 250-414-7100 esquimalt.ca/parks-recreation

Prince of Whales

Whale and wildlife tours. 812 Wharf Street. 250-383-4884 princeofwhales.com

Saanich Commonwealth Place

Public pool, gym and more. 4636 Elk Lake Drive. 250-475-7620 saanich.ca/commonwealth

SEAPARC Recreation Centre

Public pool, ice rink, skate park, bike park and more. 2168 Phillips Road. 250-642-8000 crd.bc.ca/seaparc

SpringTide Whale Tours

Whale and wildlife tours. 1119 Wharf Street. 250-384-4444 victoriawhalewatching.com

TOURS

A Taste of Victoria Food Tours

Award-winning tour where you will discover Victoria culture, learn about local history and enjoy Victoria’s best cuisine. 1701 Douglas Street. 250-893-9815 atasteofvictoriafoodtours.com

Discover the Past Walking Tours

Award-winning ghostly walks, Chinatown walks and historical walking tours. 250-384-6698 discoverthepast.com

Tally-Ho Carriage Tours

Carriage tours year-round, tour downtown, Beacon Hill Park and more. 465 Belleville Street. 250-514-9257 tallyhotours.com

The Pedaler Cycyling Tours & Rentals

Bike rentals with guided and self-guided tours. 321 Belleville Street. 778-265-7433 thepedaler.ca

Victoria Carriage Tours

Carriage tours year-round, tour downtown, Beacon Hill Park and more. Under the green umbrella at Menzies and Belleville Street. 250-383-2207 victoriacarriage.com

2 0 2 3 Y E A R 29th City Best of the Voted 1 VICNEWS COM

IDEASFOREVERYWINDOW

250.384.1230

Ruffell-Brown.com

MainShowroom: 2745BridgeSt,Victoria,BC

SatelliteShowroom:101-9818ThirdSt,Sidney,BC

AWNINGS,PATIOCOVERS, LOUVEREDPERGOLAS, RETRACTABLESCREENSANDMORE