2018 ESSENTIAL VICTORIA

ESSENTIAL VICTORIA WHERE VICTORIA ANNUAL 2018/19

ADVENTURES IN THE CITY DISCOVER OUR WEST COAST GEM ART, FASHION & FOOD CREATE A VIBRANT ISLAND DESTINATION Must-See Victoria Chef’s Table Victoria Fashion Gallery Walk

BEYOND BRILLIANT. ABOVE ORDINARY. GIA Certified Fancy Yellow & Colourless Diamonds

WHERE VICTORIA GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke 250-891-5627, mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca ASSOCIATE GROUP PUBLISHER Oliver Sommer EDITOR Susan Lundy ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Vicki Clark CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan CREATIVE SERVICES Michelle Gjerde DISTRIBUTION Marilou Pasion 604-542-7411, marilou@blackpress.ca

WHERE CANADA GROUP PUBLISHER: Jonathan Harris EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Maryam Sanati NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER: Catherine Lenihan

ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP CHAIRMAN: Tony Gagliano PRESIDENT: Douglas Kelly LIA CROWE PHOTO

GENERAL MANAGER & VP FINANCE: Karl Percy

WELCOME

VP, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT: Duncan Clark VP, RESEARCH: Clarence Poirier VP, PRODUCTION & CONSUMER MARKETING: Darlene Storey DIRECTOR, DIGITAL: Sheldon Sawchuk

ESSENTIAL VICTORIA IS PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED BY BLACK PRESS

to beautiful Victoria, British Columbia

818 Broughton Street Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1E4 250-381-3484

Welcome to the latest edition of ESSENTIAL magazine, where, in the following pages, Victoria reveals her glory. In addition to its unsurpassed beauty as British Columbia’s “Garden City,” Victoria blossoms with incredible restaurants, supremely talented artists, trend-setting fashion and top-of-the-line luxury retailers. ESSENTIAL magazine will be your guide to experiencing the unparalleled Victoria lifestyle.

ESSENTIAL is a registered trademark of St. Joseph Media Inc, used under license.

Since I first stepped foot in Victoria 16 years ago, I was fascinated by this city and stunned by its glorious surroundings. I knew this was where I wanted to be.

I hope you enjoy the stories and visuals presented in ESSENTIAL magazine as our team offers up the hottest spots to visit and some of our favourite hidden gems. The lifestyle, fashion and creative energy our city offers will make this a most enjoyable visit. Consider this magazine your guide to living the authentic Victoria lifestyle, full of dynamic activities.

It offers an exploration of everything that nature has to offer alongside a unique and cosmopolitan urban experience.

See you around town!

Mario Gedicke Essential Magazine

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ESSENTIAL makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

ISSN 1717-2586 WHERE Canada

WHERE Victoria is a proud sponsor of the Victoria Hospitality Awards.

ESSENTIAL VICTORIA WHERE VICTORIA ANNUAL 2018/19

AdVEnTuREs In THE CITy Discover our West coast gem ART, fAsHIOn & fOOd CREATE A VIbRAnT IsLAnd dEsTInATIOn Must-See Victoria Chef’s Table Victoria Fashion Gallery Walk

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Community News Media or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. WHERE is a registered trademark of St. Joseph Communications Media Group, used under license. Printed in Canada.

ESSENTIAL

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

V I C TO R I A

Nighttime view of the Parliament Buildings from Doubletree Hilton Hotel.

CONTENTS

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Adventures in the City Outdoor living is key to those living here on the West Coast. Come discover Victoria’s outdoor playground.

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Making Music Meet world-renowned pianist Michael Kaeshammer.

Victoria’s Real Estate Experts With integrity, expertise and hard work, the Neal Estate Team delivers world class personal services, helping our clients get great value for their homes and real estate investments.

Photo Credit: Dan Takahashi

The Neal Estate Team is honoured to have received numerous awards throughout the years for their dedication to client success and record-breaking sales.

T H E

NEALESTATE TEAM

Victoria’s Real Estate Experts

Go With Those Who Know!

250.386.8181 RonNeal.com

“Go with those who know! Join more than 15,000 unique monthly visitors at RonNeal.com!”

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Their Victoria

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Hidden Gems

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A Victoria couple shares insights about the city they love, including their passion for all things local.

Five hidden gems will stimulate the senses in Victoria and nearby.

Enchanted Uncover gorgeous local fashion in delicate silk and velvet, exquisite embroidery and luscious faux fur, all set against the backdrop of a windswept seascape.

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Must-See Victoria

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Chef’s Table: Taste of the City

If your time is short in the Garden City, what are the must-see stops? We offer our picks for the best in Victoria attractions and destinations.

Cultural diversity and abundant culinary resources create a restaurant scene that is distinctly Victoria.

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Gallery Walk: Island Aesthetic Explore Victoria from an entirely different perspective at the city’s finest galleries, and bring a cultured eye to local heritage and landscapes.

CONTRIBUTORS

Susan Lundy, Essential editor

Chelsea Forman, writer: Their Victoria

Cathie Ferguson, photographer: EnchantedÂ

Susan Lundy has worked as a journalist, editor and award-winning writer. She is currently the editor of Boulevard Magazine.

Chelsea is a freelancer writer of all topics lifestyle.Â

Cathie is a freelance commercial, fashion and lifestyle photographer based in Victoria.

Lia Crowe, Essential photographer/stylist

Don Denton, Essential photographer

Tess van Straaten, writer: Salish Sea Dreaming

Lia is a freelance stylist, creative director, photographer and writer with a long history of working in the fashion industry.

Don has photographed numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships and a Royal wedding.

Tess is a journalist and television personality who has had the privilege of interviewing people for close to two decades.

Hans Tammemagi, writer: Grand Dames of Architecture

Angela Cowan, writer: The Art of Elka Nowicka

Lukas Akroyd, writer: Charms of Cowichan

Hans enjoys writing about travel, environment and native culture. He has penned 10 books and writes for magazines across Canada.

Angela is a freelance writer and editor who writes novels in her spare time.

Lucas Aykroyd is an award-winning travel and sports writer who contributes to the New York Times and the Globe and Mail.

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Wind surfer and a view of the mountains.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

ADVENTURES IN THE CITY It’s hard to beat the west coast lifestyle when it comes to year-round, outdoor activities. Mild weather, stunning scenery and the ability to get outside virtually every day of the year sets the backdrop to a playground of activities for people of all ages and interests.

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DON DENTON PHOTO

Sunrise at Willows Beach in Oak Bay.

BEACH DAY Victoria is awash in beautiful and easily accessed ocean-side and lakefront beaches.

Just a 15-minute drive from Victoria’s downtown, find Willows Beach, located off Beach Drive in Oak Bay. Its shallow, protected water is perfect for family fun in the sand and sun, and it offers expansive views of Mount Baker and Discovery Island.

Other sandy, ocean-side beaches include Cadboro Bay Beach (home of the legendary Cadborosaurus sea monster) and neighbouring Gyro Park; Cordova Bay Beach in Saanich; and Esquimalt Lagoon and Gonzales Beach on the border of Oak Bay and Victoria. Lakefront, visit the conjoined Elk and Beaver lakes, which offer four fabulous beaches, plus picnic areas and 15 kilometres of walking trails. In the community of Langford, find Upper and Lower Thetis lakes. Both feature fantastic beaches for sunbathing and clear, fresh water for swimming. There’s no doubt, life’s a beach in summertime Victoria.

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TEE-UP With its mild climate and spectacular terrain, Victoria is a golfers’ haven. The city is home to several championship golf courses, many of which offer sweeping ocean, mountain and forest vistas from world-class greens. Ranked as one of the best in BC, the course at Westin Bear Mountain Resort offers Canada’s only 36 holes of Nicklaus Design Golf. Choose the challenging Mountain Course or, for a more relaxing round, try the Valley Course. Another “get to the greens” option includes Olympic View Golf Club with its 18 holes of championship golf, complemented by water features. Other popular golf destinations include: Highland Pacific Golf, Oak Bay’s historic Victoria Golf Course and Uplands Golf Course, and the Cordova Bay Golf Course, which is a Golf Digest 4-star rated course with views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker.

PHOTO COURTESY WESTIN BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

Golf at Westin Bear Mountain Resort.

The Summer Series

One of our more spectacular collections, the ‘Summer Series’ allows Idar free range to showcase our flora and fauna. Flowers including calla lilies, roses, and periwinkle, along with the beautiful summer creatures, such as hummingbirds and ladybugs, inspire these handmade pieces of art.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING JEWELLERY DESIGNERS • SINCE 1972 946 Fort St, Victoria, BC • 250-383-3414 • www.idar.com 16

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Jewellery Designs © 2018 IDAR.

Authentic Idar

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

Boats at Oak Bay Marina.

CLEAR SAILING Victoria is home to a huge boating community, and you can’t travel far without catching sight of a sail on the horizon or a marina filled with boats of every size and shape. From the beautiful Inner Harbour to the protected and scenic bays and inlets of the Gulf Islands and National Park Reserve, time on the water is an intrinsic part of island life. For those who have set sail on their own seafaring adventure, numerous mooring opportunities and amenities exist all around Victoria and Sidney. For those arriving without wind in their sails, a variety of charter and rental options make it easy to become part of this stunning seascape.

Victoria’s Premier Women’s Clothing

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Group of kayakers forming a star in the water.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

Ballet Victoria – Season 2018-2019 Frankenstein

McPherson Playhouse Oct 26, 27 | 7:30 pm Oct 28 | 2:00 pm

The Gift

The Royal Theatre With the Victoria Choral Society and live music March 5, 6 | 7:30 pm

Alice in Wonderland The Royal Theatre May 17 | 7:30 pm May 18 | 2:00 pm

Paddling — in a canoe or kayak — offers the chance to see the city from an entirely new perspective. Rentals and tours are easy to arrange in many locations around the Capital Region, from downtown’s Inner Harbour to the far reaches of Sidney and Sooke. The iconic Inner Harbour creates a breathtaking backdrop for a morning paddle, or venture to the Upper Harbour and the park-lined Gorge Waterway. Other popular paddling locations include the inlets and bays of Oak Bay and Saanich, as well as Tod Inlet — a picturesque stretch of water between the Saanich Peninsula and the Malahat. The Peninsula community of Brentwood Bay is a common jumping-off point for Tod Inlet adventures. Fresh-water paddles include Elk and Beaver lakes in Saanich and Thetis Lake in the West Shore community of View Royal.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

The Royal Theatre With the Victoria Symphony Dec 28 | 7:30 pm Dec 29, 30 | 2:00 pm

Carmina Burana

PADDLE POWER

P au l D e s t r o o P e r - a rt i s t i c D i r e c t o r - B a l l e t V i c t o r i a . c a 18

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Victoria’s myriad bays and inlets are perfect for paddling.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

Family hiking in Oak Bay.

Cyclists on a sunny day.

BLAZE A TRAIL

TWO-WHEELING IT

Greater Victoria is home to more than 60 provincial, regional and municipal parks, which makes hiking easy and accessible, and provides a range of terrain and difficulty to suit every level of trail blazer. Minutes from the bustle of Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is a true year-round outdoor destination popular with everyone from young families to experienced hikers. Just north of Victoria on Highway 1, find towering, 600-year-old Douglas firs, a salmon spawning river, waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic sites. Adventurous hikers can climb to the top of Mt. Finlayson, one of the highest points in Greater Victoria. Other hiking trails can be found at parks such as East Sooke, Mount Douglas, Gowlland Tod and the Galloping Goose Trail.

Victoria is bike-friendly — Canada’s cycling capital, as a matter of fact — meaning two-wheel touring is second-to-none. A regional treasure, the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trail will take you from the urban core to the south island’s pastoral countryside and wild West Coast. It includes 85 kilometres of accessible, picturesque trails along a former railway line — ideal for a scenic tour or a family excursion.

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a 55-kilometre trail between Victoria and Sooke, is the first section of the Trans-Canada Trail. The Goose intersects with the Lochside Trail in Saanich and ventures out through the rolling farmlands of the Saanich Peninsula. E

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autonomousfurniture.com E S S E N T I A L V I C TO R I A 2 0 1 8 / 1 9

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MAKING MUSIC The renowned and multi-talented pianist Michael Kaeshammer

BY HANS TAMMEMAGI | PHOTO BY DON DENTON

I

confess to being a bit startled when Michael Kaeshammer says, “I’m passionate about cooking. I love cooking as much as I love music because it’s just as creative.”

After all, Michael started out as a musical child prodigy and today is internationally renowned as a charismatic piano virtuoso whose passion and energy make him one of the most entertaining performers in Canada.

As it turns out, Michael is the only musician I know who posts recipes on his website: scallops with fennel puree and pesto spread, for example. He grows his own herbs, tomatoes, kale and chard on his property in Deep Cove, near Sidney.

Michael grew up in Offenburg, Germany, where he studied classical piano for seven years. At age 13, he became interested in boogie-woogie and jazz piano. His father, Rolf, was a huge influence, instilling in him a love of music, especially jazz. As a teenager, Michael began playing in clubs and concerts around Germany and Europe.

When Michael was 18, the Kaeshammer family moved to the Saanich Peninsula, where Michael has lived ever since, apart from six years in Toronto and two years in the United States.

(His parents moved back to Germany.)

Soon after arriving here, Michael began performing at festivals across Canada. In 1996, his first album, Blue Keys, was released.

A second album, Tell You How I Feel, came out in 1998, followed two year later by No Strings Attached. He has now produced 11 albums and the 12th, Something New, was released on April 20.

Meeting him in his home, I follow a curving driveway from a gate to a large, gray, two-storey house surrounded by expansive lawns, gardens and tall Douglas firs. Michael leads me inside to a spacious open area — combining the living room, dining room and kitchen

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— with tall ceilings and large windows.

Clean lines and the sparsely elegant northern-Europe look dominate the room and a Kawai grand piano is a central focus. Two keyboard pads rest on it. Nearby is a drum kit, a reminder that Michael also plays drums. In the corner next to a comfortable couch sits a turn-table and several hundred vinyl LPs, part of Michael’s vast record collection.

Michael, 41, is fit and casually dressed. Because his performances are so energetic, he says he needs to stay healthy by eating well, enjoying nature, running, hiking and biking.

In the kitchen, a freshly baked loaf of artisan bread sits on the counter and Michael explains with a smile, “I spend as much time cooking in here as I do practicing music.”

It quickly becomes clear that Michael is multi-talented. He’s a brilliant chef and pianist and also sings and plays the drums. He writes songs, produces albums, writes poetry and has started a novel. Not only is Michael an artist at the top of his game, but he’s also in love with the creative process.

“My best time to write is in the middle of night, from 2 to 5 am,” he said. “I love the silence, the feeling I am alone while everyone else is sleeping. I can really focus.”

The rest of his life at home is also unstructured.

“Unless I’m working on an album, I just do whatever I feel like, whether it’s music, cooking, writing, gardening or running.”

Michael travels prodigiously. He used to perform at 200 concerts annually, but has cut down recently and now spends about 50 per cent of his time on the road. He tours regularly in China, and has seen much of the world.

His goal now is to decrease touring significantly so he can spend more time at home — time, one assumes that will involve lots of cooking and creativity. E

“Not only is he a world-class musician but also a charismatic showman whose passion and energy make him one of the most entertaining performers in Canada.�

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THEIR VICTORIA Jessica Olafson + Tim Quocksister

BY CHELSEA FORMAN | PHOTO BY DON DENTON

“H

ello!” The oversized front door to the oceanside estate opens just enough for a bright-eyed, blond-haired toddler to greet me. His mom quickly pulls the door all the way open.

Jessica Olafson is a striking blonde with a warm smile. She welcomes me into the home she shares with her husband, Tim Quocksister, and their two sons — two-year-old Thomas (who is happily chattering away as he heads upstairs to play) and six-year-old Jackson.

Jessica invites me to sit down as she tucks her legs comfortably under herself in a plush leather armchair. She is framed by sprawling ocean views out the expansive windows behind her. Tim joins us in the living room and the husband and wife share a comfortable banter. Jessica laughs freely. Both display impressive quick wit.

Jessica and Tim first met at Jessica’s 10th birthday party in her home-

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town of Vancouver. It wasn’t until 23 years later that the two reconnected. After a three-month whirlwind romance, Jessica moved to Victoria and the two have lived happily on the island for eight years.

“I modelled for 15 years and travelled the world. I have lived in Asia, Australia, New York and Europe. There is nowhere like Victoria; it is so Zen here,” Jessica explains.

With two young boys, Jessica and Tim are proud to raise them in a city with community at the forefront.

“This is a really good community of people. You know your neighbours.

There’s lots of support,” says Tim, who was born and raised in Victoria.

While the family travels frequently — both internationally and between their homes in Shawnigan Lake and Scottsdale — Victoria is home base and holds a special place in their hearts.

From the Float, Painter’s Lodge, Robert Genn, 12 x 16, Acrylic on Canvas

“The spirit in Victoria is very positive. The city has a great pulse to it. People are really connected to one another here. We are so grateful and so blessed to wake up here every day.”

“The spirit in Victoria is very positive. The city has a great pulse to it. People are really connected to one another here. We are so grateful and so blessed to wake up here every day,” Jessica says.

Tim built his business, Silver Arrow Cars, locally and while he has an international client base, he understands the value of doing business in Victoria.

“We aren’t inundated with large businesses overtaking the city. We’re still very supportive of local operators, ensuring the city grows organically for local Victorians. Our larger developers are catering to the community and making sure it grows by supporting local business,” Tim explains.

“Based on the results from the last several years, Victoria’s core has grown immensely. Those small businesses are now flourishing and some of those business owners are spending their money with us. It is the circle of our community.”

Contemporary and Historic Canadian Art 606 View St. Victoria • www.madronagallery.com • 250.380.4660

WEST END GALLERY

Tim and Jessica’s dedication to the community is evident throughout our conversation — from Tim’s role as an active board member of the Power to Be children’s charity, to simply building relationships throughout the community.

Tim also has a development company, which is how Jessica first discovered her knack for design.

While Tim’s company does larger projects, including office buildings and lot development, the couple has also built, renovated and sold several high-end homes, with Jessica at the helm of design.

“He’s great at letting me go with it; he gives me free reign. We have the same vision and tastes,” Jessica says about working with her husband.

Looking into the future, Tim’s development company with a partner will be building a new home for Silver Arrow Cars with five stories of apartments above it in central Victoria. And Jessica and Tim look forward to keeping their family actively engaged in the community, while contributing to Victoria’s continued growth through business and local relationships. E

photo credit: Jennifer loewe

“Victoria has great little owner-operated restaurants, where you walk in and see 10 people you know in a 50-seat restaurant. We know them well, they’re locals, and they take care of us like locals,” says Tim.

Representing the finest in Canadian Art for over 24 years.

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MY VICTORIA

BY SUSAN LUNDY | PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

‘‘

I was fortunate enough to be born in Victoria and I’ve also had the good fortune to travel the globe extensively. This has given me an ever-increasing appreciation and understanding that we have something very special here! I love that Victoria is safe, peaceful, secure, relaxed and friendly. Our mild climate supports year-round outdoor living. Victoria is family friendly and bike and runner friendly; it has great parks, beaches, hiking and golf. I take advantage of the outdoors all year round — I can even cycle and golf at Christmas!

Ron Neal Broker/Owner, Team Leader The NealEstate Team RE/MAX Alliance — Victoria

‘‘

Once I found my way to this beautiful city, I have never looked back. I’ve lived in four provinces and I truly believe Victoria is our nation’s secret. There is everything here that you love about a big city, but on a smaller scale. It starts with the culture of being one of the oldest ports in the country; and then there’s the world-renowned restaurants, hotels and museums.

However, the best part is the community. The people in all of this city’s unique neighbourhoods are fully connected to their city, and take such pride in it. I am a huge believer in lifestyle — taking the life you’ve always dreamed of and working towards making it a reality.

Where I live, we can walk or bike anywhere, go boating in the summer and skiing in the winter. We put our crab traps out and have fresh seafood on a weekly basis. The island is full of endless adventures and living here gives me the opportunity to explore them all and help others do the same.

Katherine Gray Real Estate Representative, B.A. Sotheby’s International Realty

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SUMMER SENSATIONS FIVE HIDDEN GEMS TO STIMULATE THE SENSES IN VICTORIA AND NEARBY

BY JANE ZATYLNY | PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Vancouver Island, summer is the perfect time to try out some new adventures. These five experiences will fill your senses with the sights, sounds, tastes and scents of this beautiful place.

1

Take a culinary tour of Victoria’s Fort Street.

The Knife and Fort Culinary Tour traverses an evolving culinary ‘hood that’s also known as Victoria’s Antique Row. The two-hour walking tour includes more than 10 samples of food from five stops: a tea tasting at Terroir Tea Salon, charcuterie nibbling at Choux Choux Charcuterie, traditional Mexican tacos at La Taquisa, Middle Eastern street food from Yalla and dessert from Crust Bakery. Offered year-round; check website for dates and times; $49.99 per person (plus tax and booking fee).

Info: offtheeatentracktours.ca (800-418-1906).

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Hop on a Harbour Ferry for a floating pub crawl.

Venice has vaporettos. Vancouver has Aquabuses. And Victoria has sweet “pickle boats.” Named for their cuke-like colour and shape, these itty-bitty ferries flit around Victoria’s Inner Harbour like toy boats in a bathtub, delivering passengers to various stops or taking them on scheduled tours. Victoria Harbour Ferry’s Pickle Pub Crawl tour includes stops at four of Victoria’s finest pubs. Allow for about 90 minutes per stop, and then check out the other pubs on the crawl on foot. Wristbands are $25 per passenger; travel with three friends and receive a free appetizer with your pints of local suds. Advance purchase recommended.

Offered from mid-April 15 to mid-September..

Info: victoriaharbourferry.com (250-708-0201).

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2018–2019 Season July 24 – August 12, 2018

October 30 – November 25, 2018

March 2019

Mom’s the Word 3: Nest ½ Empty

Mustard

SPARK Festival

By the Mom’s the Word Collective

September 16 – October 14, 2018

A Doll’s House, Part 2

By Lucas Hnath

By Kat Sandler

April 9 – May 5, 2019 December 4 – 23, 2018

Griffin & Sabine

By Nick Bantock

January 29 – February 24, 2019

Bears

By Matthew MacKenzie

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4000 Miles

By Amy Herzog

Season tickets start at $70 Single tickets start at $20

250-385-6815 belfry.bc.ca

3

Visit a flower farm on Salt Spring Island.

After the Saturday Market and before the ferry ride back to Vancouver Island, check out what’s growing in the fields and greenhouses at Earth Candy Farm. Every Saturday, depending on the season, you’ll find flowers in every colour of the rainbow: bunches of dahlias, exotic tulips, sweet peas, poppies, peonies, anemones, ranunculus, delphiniums, sunflowers and more. Claire Jutras and her partner Ellis Hroch own and operate the farm, and also supply wholesale flowers off-island to florists.

They sell their flowers and produce locally on Saturdays only, from 9 am to 5 pm, in their 1,000-square-foot cob house farm stand.

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Info: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EarthCandyFarms/ and Instagram as Earth Candy Farm.

5

Zip through the forest.

Zipline tours are increasing in popularity and Victoria is just a short distance away from Vancouver Island’s only canopy zipline, located at Adrena LINE near Sooke. The company offers concierge-style guest services, designing packages, providing detailed directions or arranging transportation from Victoria.

While ziplining is fun and action-packed, it’s considered a “soft activity” in that entire families can take part, from children to grandparents. (Tandem ziplining is also an option for parents and children.) It’s user friendly and no skills are required. The forest tour at Adrena LINE features several ziplines and suspension bridges, plus two hours of entertaining commentary that ties in the history of the area and other “cool, fun facts.” The company can also organize packages that combine ziplining with whale watching, kayaking or a hike through the rainforest.

Info: adrenalinezip.com (1-866-947-9145)

Channel your inner Andretti.

Like Uber for race enthusiasts, this experience at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit offers five laps around the track as a passenger in a high-performance “taxi.” You’ll also receive one-on-one time with a trained instructor, access to the Clubhouse, Paddock Lounge and Restaurant, change rooms, observation deck, pit lane and pit garages. Best of all, you’ll go home with bragging rights — a USB filled with videos and photos of your circuit experience. Packages range from $159 to $299; other packages are also available, including a full-day experience that puts you in the driver’s seat. E Info: islandmotorsportcircuit.com (1-844-856-0122).

SWEET

DREAMS BOUTIQUE

Sweet Dreams Boutique® beautiful bedding & linens

VICTORIA: 636 Broughton Street | 250.383.6133 SIDNEY: 2492 Beacon Avenue | 250.656.0510 sweetdreamsboutique.com E S S E N T I A L V I C TO R I A 2 0 1 8 / 1 9

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 IWC: PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH EDITION “150 YEARS” With a design that appears as uncluttered as it is elegant, the Portugieser Chronograph ranks among the most popular watches manufactured in Schaffhausen. In the anniversary year, this style icon is equipped with an IWCmanufactured movement from the 69000 calibre family for the first time. This model is limited to 2000 watches, and features a stainless steel case, a white dial with a lacquered finish, and blued hands. The IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre is a robust chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design, made up of 194 individual parts. The bidirectional pawl-winding system reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours. The see-through sapphire-glass back provides a view of the decorated movement.

Lugaro Jewellers Ltd. 1102 Government Street, Victoria, 250-382-2040 lugaro.com

Luxe Victoria Long removed from its days as a far-flung outpost of the British Empire, Victoria has matured into a cosmopolitan city known for its chic style, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and designers inspired by the scenic beauty around them.

Ours is a modern sophistication tempered by traditions from our European past, and a freeing West Coast aesthetic.

ROUND RIVER COFFEE TABLE  Spectacular West Coast furniture is made to order in the heart of the Cowichan Valley by Live Edge Design. Pieces are crafted from fallen trees and designed to mirror the rivers and coastal areas of our wild island. Each piece is designed with and for the client, creating an experience that often starts with a tour through the design studio and workshop. This experience is shared in dinner conversations around the table creations for many years to come.

Live Edge Design 5195 Mearns Road, Duncan, 250-748-0763 liveedgedesign.com

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33 TABLE  Torched oak using the ancient Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban blackens the tabletop and provides a tactile feel to the natural wood. Contrasting the dark top is a clear oneinch thick acrylic tapered base to accommodate seating placement around the dramatic table.

Autonomous 2101 Government Street, Victoria, 778-433-5252 autonomousfurniture.com



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Nothing beats a great shave. Quality products such as Merkur Razors, Gold Dachs shaving brushes and Truefitt & Hill shaving soaps will help keep you looking your best. Find a wide selection of quality soaps, colognes, bath shaving preparations, skin care and aromatherapy oils.

Old Morris 1116 Government Street, Victoria, 250-382-4811 oldmorris.com

 PEN OF THE YEAR 2018 Graf von Faber-Castell’s Pen of the Year 2018 tells the story of the Roman Empire and its influence on the world.

Each pen is produced by hand, using “statuario” marble sourced from Carrara, Italy. Polished platinum-plated rings decorated with laurel wreaths symbolizing fame and success are placed between the marble segments of the barrel. The cap, which features an engraving of the Colosseum, is crowned by a miniature Roman coin modelled on a rare silver coin from 44 BC that depicts Caesar’s head.

Simply The Best 1008 Broad Street, Victoria, 250-386-6661 stbpens.ca

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Enchanted

BY LIA CROWE | PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON

Welcome to the windswept beach at Port Renfrew, a two-hour drive from Victoria, where enchanted forests, mystic shorelines and jagged slate rock formations evoke drama and awaken our inner wild. Against the backdrop of a rugged coastline and the deep roots of the forest, we uncover gorgeous local fashion in delicate silk and velvet, exquisite embroidery, luscious faux fur and raw stone jewels.

Green silk wrap maxi dress ($575) by Leisure from Bernstein & Gold; Alaskan coral pendant ($1,780) with a 32� role chain ($690) from Impeccable Jewellery; black Vocab high-heeled boots ($250) by Gerry Weber from Cardino Shoes.

Two-toned novelty knit jacket ($1,285), velvet olive pants ($589) and matching velvet blouse ($395), all

by Luisa Cerano and from Bagheera Boutique; teardrop Astrophilite pendant ($550) with a 32� role chain ($690), both from Impeccable Jewellery; black Gabrie ankle boot ($295) by Wittner from Cardino Shoes.

Violet blue lace gown with open back ($1,305) by Nicole Miller; Stone Pierre faux fur coat ($415) by Sosken, pearl Cosmic earrings ($265) and gold Arena necklace ($500), both by Lizzie Fortunato and all from Bernstein & Gold.

Silky camisole with lace detail ($400) by Vince, Lola jacket ($550) by Tiger of Sweden, dark green long and structured mermaid skirt ($590)

by Sarah Pacini, long amethyst necklace ($90) by Nino Designs, layered Halskette necklace ($315) by Laurèl, all from Hughes Clothing; black Erika grommet boots ($420) by Miista from Cardino Shoes.

Makeup and hair: Jen Clark Model: Aisling Goodman, represented by Coultish Management Styling and production assistant: Sierra Lundy Photographed on location at Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages in Port Renfrew. A huge thank you to the entire staff there for a truly incredible time experiencing the wild West Coast from cosy cabins.

Simply The Best

Fine clothing, Writing instruments & Accessories

Form Follows Function

This approach makes lamy products unmistakable style icons and the name Lamy a quintessential brand.

canada’s largest lamy selection with over 1000 to choose from

P en of the year

Experience the subtle, intoxicating fragrance of our San Remo Range.

Victoria’s Largest Geo Trumper’s Selection Visconti Movement VI-AC304-03 Automatic Chronograph Swiss Made, 57 Rubies, Top Assortment, Glucydur Balance Wheel, 28.800

1008 BroAd street

BetWeen Fort & Broughton

250-386-6661 • stbpens@aol.com www.stbpens.ca

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MUST-SEE VICTORIA TOP SPOTS IN THE CITY From bursting gardens to high tea and historical delights, Victoria offers an array of dazzling places to visit.

THE BUTCHART  GARDENS When Robert and Jennie Butchart came to live at Tod Inlet on Vancouver Island they named their home “Benvenuto” — Italian for “Welcome.” Starting with sweet pea seeds and a rose bush, Jennie began a lifelong project to create a garden. With great vision, she transformed a barren limestone quarry into what is now the Sunken Garden at the world famous The Butchart Gardens, located a short drive from Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. Today, more than 100 years later, the breathtaking gardens stretch across 22 hectares of the 53-hectare estate and are visited by close to a million people each year. Open year-round, The Butchart Gardens are pure magic no matter what the season. Extend your visit in the awardwinning Dining Room Restaurant, partake in Afternoon Tea, enjoy the summer’s Saturday Fireworks and Night Illuminations, and return during the holiday season for the month-long seasonal light-up.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

 TEA AT THE

EMPRESS Over the generations, the grande dame of Victoria’s hotels, the Fairmont Empress has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles to Hollywood “royalty.” Even visitors who aren’t guest of the hotel can take in her treasures, from shopping or touring the gardens to enjoying the hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea. Throughout the years, royals, celebrities and dignitaries have enjoyed a cuppa here, including Queen Elizabeth II, Rudyard Kipling, Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, John Travolta, Barbra Streisand, Sarah McLachlan, and the Emperor and Empress of Japan. In fact, nearly 100,000 guests are served tea annually, enjoying an estimated 500,000 cups of tea.

Fairmont Empress Lobby Lounge 1.

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The Butchart Gardens.

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PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

BEACON HILL PARK  The crown jewel of Victoria’s city parks, Beacon Hill could take a full day to explore. With its formal history reaching back to 1882 — when the Province of British Columbia granted 75 hectares to the City of Victoria to be held in trust — the park encompasses a vast array of landscapes, including native plant habitats, manicured gardens and playing fields, historic buildings, structures and monuments.

Designated a municipal heritage site in 2009, Beacon Hill Park offers something for all ages, including playgrounds, a water park, children’s zoo and duck ponds for the little ones, as well as a putting green, bandshell (featuring summer concerts), accessible walking paths through formal gardens and many scenic spots to spread out a picnic blanket and savour some of Victoria’s delicious culinary treats.

PHOTO COURTESY: ROYAL BC MUSEUM

Couple sitting in field of purple flowers in Beacon Hill Park with the Olympic Mountains in the background.

 THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM British Columbia’s provincial museum protects and preserves the natural and human history of this diverse corner of the globe, and it does so with style and flair. Fascinating permanent exhibits explore everything from First Nations history and European exploration to the natural flora and fauna unique to British Columbia. Complementing these permanent displays are exceptional events and special exhibitions designed to let visitors of all ages truly experience this unique piece of BC.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

CHINATOWN  Located in Victoria’s Old Town, Canada’s oldest Chinatown proudly exhibits its history and culture in its buildings, shops, restaurants and special events. The Gate of Harmonious Interest offers a towering welcome and a tribute to the multicultural community all Canadians enjoy. The Bright Pearl statue is another oftenphotographed spot. It’s also the starting point for the award-winning Discover the Past Chinatown tours, which set off year-round to explore this fascinating neighbourhood.

Entrance to Chinatown guarded by dragon.

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THE ART OF ELKA NOWICKA: A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY, OF JOYFUL ABANDON INTO A GLORY OF COLOUR + SHAPE

BY ANGELA COWAN | PHOTO BY DON DENTON

E

xperiencing Elka Nowicka’s paintings in her studio after seeing them online is like laying a hand on a lover’s cheek after gazing at a photograph.

The colours have an extra vibrancy, the shadows play across the canvases, but above everything else is the magnificent texture. Sculpted lilies and antique roses stretch their petals, looking as though you could pluck them from the canvas. Her landscapes roll and swell over hills and under clouds.

The pieces are unanimously gorgeous, utter beauty in the flowing lines and rich tones, and just so real.

They seem a celebration of creativity, of joyful abandon into a glory of colour and shape, which comes as a surprise to some, according to Elka.

“What surprises people is my paintings are happy paintings,” she says. “I’m happy, but I’m a serious Eastern European Polish person. My partner is the optimist. He always says the glass is half full, and I say ‘what glass?’”

Though immediately fascinating and wonderfully warm, she admittedly does not come across as ebullient as her paintings. Having grown up in

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Poland under a powerful Soviet shadow amid deep political and civil unrest, Elka has something about her not often seen in Canadians. A wariness, or a cautiousness, perhaps?

It was an environment that necessitated practicality in many avenues, so although the Polish government subsidized and supported art and art education (as long as nothing oppositional was expressed against said government), Elka never saw art as a viable career choice.

“I never considered myself talented as a kid,” she says. “I came from a poor family and I was good in physics and math, so I had to pick something practical.”

She became a civil engineer, but continued to dabble with drawing and painting on furniture or linens. Eventually, the turbulent nature of the country became too threatening, and Elka and her family escaped, making it to Canada, first to Winnipeg, and finally to Victoria in 1992. And it was here she started experimenting with her current process, pulling from her construction experiences.

Two Antique Roses, Mixed Media on Canvas, 12x12 inches

“I put on layers and layers of colours and glazes. I work until I see the light flows the right way, the colours are right— until it reflects my intended emotions.”

Elka shows me a selection of smaller, nearly raw pieces, their jagged white streaks set on black backgrounds, drying in front of the fireplace in her studio. The raised mixture reminds me of my drywalling days when I worked in renovations, and for good reason. It’s a mixed bag of plaster, drywall mud, pumice, marble dust and modelling paste. It’s strong enough to adhere indefinitely to the canvas, but flexible enough not to crack with the subtle movements of the piece. Glazes and acrylic liquids and gels are then painted over top, sometimes with bits scraped off between layers to reveal the plaster mixture again.

“I put on layers and layers of colours and glazes. I work until I see the light flows the right way, the colours are right — until it reflects my intended emotions,” she says, adding, “To live in a place which is happy, safe, peaceful, that comes through in my painting. Being in Canada, no week goes by I don’t think how lucky I am.”

Recently her work has shifted focus to a calmer, more monochromatic palette, evoking a classic feel in her pieces. And she’s also excited for several new avenues: painting on clear plexiglass to experiment with shadow and light, and going back to Europe to source antique and faded linen tablecloths to use as canvases.

Back at home, her studio takes up the bottom floor of her and her husband’s downtown, oceanfront condo. It’s the biggest work space she’s ever had, full of art books, stacked canvases, sealed containers of mud, rows of pigments. A handful of in-progress pieces are scattered around, leaning on the walls. Having just moved in last June, she’s only recently gotten the space to a workable level.

Simple pleasures on two wheels…

Enjoy a guided tour to discover Victoria’s neighbourhoods, its food & drink scene & its beautiful coastline.

Or venture out on your own with a stylish pedal bike, an electric-assist or an all road bike.

“I feel calmer and I can sleep again,” she says with a bit of a grin. “I get stressed if I don’t paint for a long time.”

“Even on days I’m not painting,” she adds, “I spend an hour or an hour and a half drawing hands or faces or bodies, so that when I go to do that, I don’t have to think about it. The practice is very important. At the end of the day, you have to go to your studio and work your butt off.”

To see some of Elka’s work and for information on upcoming shows, visit westendgalleryltd.com. E

Located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour

321 Belleville Street | 778.265.7433 Book online: thepedaler.ca Open Everyday | March - October.

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PHOTO COURTESY PRINCE OF WHALES

PHOTO COURTESY PRINCE OF WHALES

On board the Prince of Whales’ new state-of-the-art catamaran, the Salish Sea Dream.

SALISH SEA DREAMING New whale-watching vessels built to protect the environment

BY TESS VAN STRAATEN

W

hale watching is big business in British Columbia — it’s one of the “must do” activities for visitors to the West Coast and a favourite pastime for locals. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing playful orcas splashing around in their ocean playground or watching a massive humpback whale breech not far from your boat.

“We had an incredible season last year — really the best season we’ve ever had in terms of sightings, especially for humpbacks and transient killer whales,” says Prince of Whales Whale Watching owner Alan McGillivray. “There are about 300 transients between Mexico and Alaska, and we believe we saw more than 100 unique transients last season, which is quite phenomenal.”

It was also the inaugural season for Prince of Whales’ new state-of-the-art catamaran, the Salish Sea Dream. The $3.5-million vessel was custom-built to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce noise levels in the water, which can negatively impact whales.

“The number one cause of machine noise in the water is propeller cavitation — air bubbles forming as the propellers push through the ocean,” Alan explains. “But the catamaran has interior water propulsion jets so there are no propellers, and the re-designed Ultrajet impellers on the new ship have a very low cavitation level, thus keeping the sound profile to a minimum and also improving efficiency.”

The design of the 78-foot Salish Sea Dream, which has no machinery hanging below the hull, also reduces the risk of marine mammal strikes. It was a key consideration for Prince of Whales, BC’s biggest whale watching company and an industry leader in sustainability in the Pacific Northwest.

“She has no external propellers or drives that could harm any type of wildlife and her narrow twin hulls and shallow draught allow us to safety transit shallow reefs in the Salish Sea and bring our guests closer to all of what nature has to show us,” says Prince of Whales Fleet Captain Ian Kyle.

“It’s an ideal vessel for watching marine mammals of all kinds because she’s highly maneuverable, allowing us to safely view whales, and she can even be maneuvered so that she walks sideways while viewing — a feat few other vessels can manage.”

The Salish Sea Dream, which runs between Vancouver and Victoria on day trips and Victoria and the Butchart Gardens, made such a big splash its first season, the company has already ordered another one. The $3.5 million sister ship is being built in North Vancouver by ABD Enterprises and will launch in the spring of 2019, with an option for a third vessel in 2020.

“We’ve had rave reviews from our guests and it’s proved to be an amazing platform for tours with whale sightings every single day,” says Alan, who grew up on the water in Saanich’s Ten Mile Point neighbourhood and loves nothing more than to be out on the ocean. E

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Commerce Canoe Sculpture against Bastion Square heritage building.

VICTORIA’S GRANDE DAMES OF ARCHITECTURE STUNNING HISTORICAL BUILDINGS ENRICH THE CITY

BY HANS TAMMEMAGI | PHOTOS COURTESY TOURISM VICTORIA

E

legant Victorian and Edwardian-era mansions, stately hotels and impressive heritage sites abound in Victoria, reminders that this is the oldest city in Western Canada (founded 1843) with a rich colonial past.

With the wail of a busker’s bagpipes in the background, you can visit two architectural masterpieces on the popular Inner Harbour: the Legislative buildings (1898) and the Fairmont Empress Hotel (1908), both designed

by Francis Rattenbury.

The Legislature is located on Belleville Street facing the Inner Harbour. It’s fitting that a statue of Queen Victoria stands regally on the front lawn, since Victoria is Canada’s most British city. With a grand, 150-metre-long facade, central dome and two end pavilions and symmetry, the building is an impressive Romanesque-style monument. Atop the central dome a gold-gilded Captain George Vancouver gazes onto the harbour. The Legislature is particularly attractive at night when it is outlined by thousands of lights.

The Fairmont Empress, at the head of the Inner Harbour, is an imposing National Historic Site that has attracted kings, queens and celebrities since it opened in 1908. The Edwardian, château-style hotel was designed

by Rattenbury for the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Empress is built on an asymmetrical plan, including stone and brick cladding, steeply pitched copper roofs, ornate gables and dormers and turrets. The hotel is known for elaborate décor, comfortable elegance and its classic Victorian Afternoon Tea service.

The notorious Rattenbury (1867-1935) was born in England and moved to BC in 1892. As a new immigrant, he entered the competition to build a legislative building, signing his drawings with the pseudonym “A B.C. Architect.” Surprisingly, he won. Rattenbury’s success led to commissions for the Empress, the CPR Steamship Terminal (located across the street from the Legislature) and many other buildings in western Canada. Then he fell out of favour. Divorced amid scandal, he moved back to England and was murdered, purportedly by his second wife’s lover. The sensational story of

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sex, drugs and betrayal has inspired several books and plays.

Many other notable historic buildings lie within walking distance of the Inner Harbour.

The soaring Christ Church Cathedral at 911 Quadra Street took almost a century to complete. The first version, built in 1856, burned down in 1869.

The second church was too small for the growing congregation almost immediately. In 1893, architect J.C.M. Keith won the competition for the third and present cathedral with a design in the 13th century European Gothic style of concrete and stone with transepts and a great central lantern tower. Due to financial constraints, building was delayed and a partial new cathedral, faced with rusticated stone, did not open until 1929.

The Depression and Second World War delayed matters further. The western towers were completed in the 1950s. Ten peal bells were dedicated in 1983 in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The roof is copper cladding, two 135-foot stone towers bracket the west front, and a huge central arch frames a dramatic rose window. Enormous buttresses stretch almost the full height of the towers, and the nave is one of the largest in Canada.

Nearby, on the corner of Fort and Langley streets, sits the Temple Building (1893), an elegant two-storey, Victorian-era commercial building. This landmark is distinctive for its brick walls, rusticated sandstone base and rounded entry arch with relief ornament in terra cotta. A prominent plaque beneath the cornice reads, “Temple Building.”

This significant building was designed by Samuel Maclure, who, with Rattenbury, was a dominant architect at this time, with over 450 commissions in BC. In Victoria, notable achievements include Hatley Castle, Government House (destroyed by fire and later rebuilt) and Rosemeade Manor (1906), now the English Inn. In the late 1800s, Chinatown, one of Victoria’s most popular attractions, held the largest Chinese community in Canada. The Gate of Harmonious Interest leads into this National Heritage Site, which includes Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street (which once burgeoned with opium dens and gamblers). More historical Chinese buildings reside here than

The chimneys and steeples soaring skyward are reminders that old buildings do more than make history come alive, they are uplifting and inspirational.

Statues on Legislature building.

in any North American city. A beautiful example is the Chinese Public School (1909) at 636 Fisgard Street with its pagoda-like roof, temple, tiled eaves and Chinese characters.

Short car rides from downtown lead to several more historic architectural gems.

Hatley Castle, also a National Historic Site, located in Victoria’s West Shore community, was completed in 1908 for the wealthy BC Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir and his family. Dunsmuir told architect Samuel Maclure, “Money doesn’t matter, just build what I want.”

PHOTO BY DOUG CLEMENT

A 40-room mansion in a Tudor Revival style, its impressive exterior is matched only by the lavishness of the interior, with its oak and rosewood panelled rooms, baronial fireplace and teak floors. The large building has a crenellated turret and the 650-acre estate includes hundreds of heritage trees and formal Italian, rose and Japanese gardens. The property

has been featured in many films and shows. The federal government purchased Hatley Castle in 1940 (the Dunsmuirs had passed away) as a home for King George VI and family during the Second World War. The Royal Family, however, never came.

Craigdarroch Castle, also a National Historic Site, is in the Rockland neighbourhood of Victoria. Constructed in the late 1800s as a family mansion for another Dunsmuir, the wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, it has 39 rooms. The four-storey, Romanesque-revival-style mansion has been meticulously restored, and the lavish furnishings with stained glass and intricate woodwork give insight into privileged life in the 1890s. The tower provides grand views of Victoria.

The chimneys and steeples soaring skyward are reminders that old buildings do more than make history come alive, they are uplifting and inspirational. E

IF YOU GO Tours are offered of all the properties described above.

Check their websites.

Other fascinating historical properties to visit: • Point Ellice House, pointellicehouse.com • Emily Carr House, emilycarr.com • St. Ann’s Academy, stannsacademy.com

Craigdarroch Castle at night.

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How A TRip To CowicHan OftEn PlaYs Out

A drive through idyllic countryside, tastings at local wineries: this is just one act in the larger performance that you can experience in the largely undiscovered paradise of Cowichan. Located midway between Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Cowichan can easily be accessed by catching a float plane or by hopping on a ferry.

Plan your trip today at tourismcowichan.com

TASTE OF THE CITY TOP CHEFS FULFILL EXPECTATIONS FOR QUALITY + VARIETY

BY SEAN MCINTYRE | PHOTOS BY DON DENTON + LIA CROWE

Nothing beats local Whether you choose to take in some tunes at The Commons, revel in brunch at The Bistro or dine at The Kitchen, 10 Acres offers diners a truly local culinary experience.

Executive Chef Marcelo Najarro oversees the menus at all three of Victoria’s 10 Acres eateries and, although each offers a distinct setting and ambiance, all embody the chef’s ardent farm-to-plate philosophy.

The most integral component of 10 Acres’ loyalty to all things local is the restaurant’s farm, located 25 kilometres north of the city centre in North Saanich. Chef Najarro keeps a close eye on life at the farm for everything from root vegetables and honey to free range ducks and turkeys. Every year, the farm produces upwards of 800 pounds of asparagus, 1,200 pounds of tomatoes, as well as 1,500 pounds of apples and pears. Seasonal produce, meats and other farm products are delivered frequently and incorporated into Chef Najarro’s innovative restaurant menus.

“We try as much as we can to be local,” he says. “What we cannot grow, we work to get from local farmers.”

Those counting their food miles can count on even better things to come from 10 Acres. Chef Najarro says the restaurant plans to expand its farm, opening it up to the public to enjoy freshly baked treats, deli items, farm tours and the occasional long-table dinner.

Life on the farm has never tasted this good. E

Chef Marcelo Najarro, 10 Acres.

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A fresh take on classic tea With over 20 years of experience in kitchens ranging from distinguished steak houses to Italian pastarias, Chef Tim Pak has seen it all and has never feared the challenge of something new.

“I just like challenges, and I decided to take this challenge and strive to be successful.”

It’s that curiosity and drive that brought him to the classic elegance of Pendray Inn and Tea House, located a stone’s throw from Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Tradition abounds within the wooden hallways and tastefully decorated rooms of this architectural gem that dates back 120 years.

Mornings at Pendray are known for the restaurant’s tiered breakfast, featuring French toast, quiche of the day, salmon toast, local turkey sausages and freshbaked Earl Grey scones.

Afternoon makes way for the Pendray Inn and Tea House’s deservedly well-regarded Afternoon Tea. Chef Pak has traded his tenderizing tools and meat cleavers for the more subtle world of pastries and sandwiches, much to the delight of the steady stream of visitors who can choose between a seafood-themed West Coast Tea and Traditional Afternoon Tea, which is styled as in the Victorian era.

“We try to offer a more traditional British tea experience as many people who travel to Victoria want to discover the classic Afternoon Tea,” Chef Pak says, adding that locals are also often inclined to enjoy a cuppa, be it just for the afternoon or as part of a larger-scale event such as an anniversary, wedding or work function.

There’s even something for parents: the fun and family-friendly Mommy and Me tea gives moms (and dads too) a chance for a sip and sandwiches accompanied by children aged between six and 10. E Chef Tim Pak, Pendray Inn and Tea House.

INN & TEA HOUSE

Experience a true Victorian tradition!

Proudly serving a wide selection of TWG Specialty Teas.

Reservations recommended.

309 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC For Reservations call 250-388-3892 | pendrayinnandteahouse.com 46

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All tastes, all occasions A creative spirit and boldness to try an ever-diverse selection of menu items is the reason so many diners of all ages find themselves returning to Glo’s casual-yet-elegant lounge and well-loved waterside patio.

Featuring the latest food trends while pushing forward to explore new directions ensures diners are always in store for a pleasant surprise when they sit down at this chic eatery overlooking Victoria’s Gorge Waterway, just north of the city centre.

Be it through their Oceanwise certified seafood, aged-to-perfection steaks or the vast selection of gluten-free menu items, staff at Glo pride themselves on having something for everyone.

“You have to be able to create menus for everybody,” says Andrew Fawcett, Glo’s director of kitchen operations. “We’re not just highlighting any one person.”

The recipe bodes well for the Glo team, with plans afoot to open an additional restaurant in 2019 called BOOM + BATTEN near Victoria’s new international mega-yacht marina. The team also has plans to develop an apprenticeship program to enable tomorrow’s chefs a chance to refine their skills in a professional setting.

Given their appetite for exploration, it’s no surprise staff at Glo have plenty of new changes in store for their 2018 spring and summer menus.

Executive Chef Ryan Hayter says lunches and dinners featuring a healthy mix of superfoods and proteins cater to health conscious diners who don’t want to skimp on flavour. Small plates will be front and centre throughout the summer, allowing groups to graze while they while away a sunny afternoon on the patio.

And let’s not forget the local favourite: a three-course “chef’s table” meal served everyday for $30. Now that’s something everyone can get excited about. E Chef Ryan Hayter + Director of Kitchen Operations Andrew Fawcett from Glo.

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Island inspiration at OLO Since Chef-Owner Bradley Holmes brought his vision to blend locally sourced, organic ingredients with international culinary traditions to Fisgard Street in 2010, OLO has made waves among local foodies. Olo means “hungry” in the Pacific Coast’s historic Chinook Wawa pidgin language, and diners from far and wide appear to have an insatiable appetite for the restaurant’s unique approach to dinner.

Chef Carmen Ingham, who joined the OLO team in late 2017, has admired the restaurant’s vision for years. “I saw it as the best restaurant in the city,” he says. Now that he’s on the inside, he’s developed an even greater respect for Holmes’ passion and dedication.

“The philosophy is about using the abundance of fantastic products from Vancouver Island and applying a melting pot of cooking techniques gleaned from people of different world cultures, many of whom have made this place their home.”

That means you’ll see Alder Smoked Salmon with cultured cream, beets, wild onion and juniper, sharing the menu with Wild Sablefish Cheeks paired with daikon radish, potato, pickled seaweed and smoked butter, plus house-made fresh pastas. For those in the mood to share, the restaurant offers a two-course family meal which features larger cuts like whole roast chicken, or a variety of West Coast seafoods. Those looking for a unique experience can leave themselves in the chefs’ hands with the five-course tasting menus and optional wine pairings. Whatever the occasion or the appetite, diners at OLO can expect to find an abundance of fresh ideas and even fresher ingredients.

Chef Carmen Ingham, Olo Restaurant.

An unwavering commitment to seasonal produce has encouraged the restaurant to develop close relationships with no fewer than 40 individual suppliers to ensure the restaurant has access to a steady and diverse flow of fresh ingredients.

“It’s exciting to work with a young, talented chef like Carmen who shares the same passion,” says Chef Holmes. “I’m looking forward to working together to further develop Canadian cuisine.” E

WE LOVE COOKING WITH THE BEST SEASONAL FOODS. TASTE THE STORIES OF OUR REGION AND SHARE A MEAL WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE. 509 FISGARD STREET, VICTORIA, BC | (250) 590-8795 WWW.O LO REST UARAN T.CO M

/olorestaurant 48

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@olorestaurant

@olo_restaurant

Neighbourhood luxury Chef Kreg Graham is just as used to catering to an international clientele of guests as he is to satisfying visitors from up the street and around the block at the luxurious waterfront Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Whether it’s in the hotel’s intimate 34-seat dinning room or over traditional fare in the Snug Pub, Chef Graham says visitors travel here for the setting and locals come for the friendly down-to-earth vibe.

“People feel like it’s part of their neighbourhood,” he says.

Chef Graham need only look out the window at the expanse of sea and sun to draw inspiration for his spring and summer menus, which feature such seafood stalwarts as cedar plank salmon, tuna tataki and spot-prawn cocktail.

The chef will also be drawing on his experience working in Southeast Asia to offer diners a chilled Thai noodle dish.

Beginning in May, Chef Graham will host another year of long-table dinners, a multi-course meal prepared with local ingredients and paired with local wines, all served overlooking the bright blue waters of the Salish Sea. “I’ve never been super concerned about following food trends,” he says. “The tastes of our clients range dramatically and, at the end of the day, we have a pub and a restaurant where we strive to serve really good food.” E Chef Kreg Graham, Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

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Where inspiration reigns Some dishes are so pretty, so immaculately presented, they call for a moment of visual appreciation, sometimes only an additional few seconds, before they reveal their intricate mingling of flavours.

At Saveur, inspiration takes centre stage and Chef Robert Cassels’ team goes all out to present ingredients in a manner to please all of the senses.

Especially popular are the seasonally inspired tasting menus, which can be paired with specially selected wines. The five-course meals offer diners a sense of the kitchen’s ability to have one incredible dish segue seamlessly into yet another, which is altogether different. In that vein, one can expect to see halibut cheek share the night happily with duck and mushroom ravioli and Angus reserve striploin.

In what can be deemed a remarkable coup for a French-inspired restaurant, Saveur’s selection of vegetarian specialties has drawn inspiring reviews from guests and critics alike. Vegetarian-minded diners can embark on a contemporary culinary exploration just as deep as their carnivore companions through Saveur’s five-course vegetarian menu, which has a distinctive allure all its own.

There is a variety of a la carte options, and tapas are available from the bar, where visitors can enjoy a “classic-meets-contemporary” selection of cocktails, local beers and carefully selected wines.

New this year, Saveur opens its doors for brunch between 10 am and 2 pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays. The result: so many more opportunities for heading out and becoming inspired. E Chef Robert Cassels, Saveur.

Saveur offers fine dining food in a casual urban setting.

Award-winning chef, Robert Cassels, delivers French-inspired contemporary cuisine through playful and elegant tasting menus, using local ingredients wherever possible.

Beet Terrine

Sable Fish

Saveur Restaurant

658 Herald Street | 250.590.9251 | info@saveurrestaurant.ca www.saveurrestaurant.ca

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Chocolate Pistachio Bar

Waterfront Sushi What better way to sample flavours of the West Coast than by overlooking the scenic Oak Bay shoreline? With menus catering for lunch, afternoon “light bites and libations,” dinner and Sunday brunch, it always seems to be a good time to drop by for some award-winning cuisine and the unforgettable view at the Marina Restaurant.

One of the restaurant’s greatest surprises is the sushi bar, which features a menu selection that holds its own among any of the city’s specialized Japanese restaurants.

Chef Toshiaki Obigane took on the role as the restaurant’s master sushi chef nearly three years ago. The post is the latest stop in a career that’s seen him run restaurants in some of the finest hotels around the world.

Chef Obigane has slowly introduced dishes that evoke a taste of Japanese homestyle cooking that’s not as commonly known among Western diners. Some of his personal favourites are the Aburi Torched Salmon Battera, which combines fresh seafood with the quintessentially Japanese flavour of yuzu citrus pepper and sweet soy sauce, and the popular sukiyaki.

Classic starters like tempura and fried calamari make way for a dozen traditional and North American-inspired rolls. There’s also the Marina’s signature Crispy Crazy Ninja and Marina Eruption rolls and a superb selection of sashimi and nigiri sushi. The Chirashi Bowl offers a mix of tuna, salmon, scallop, prawns, clams, egg, seaweed and avocado, all served over a large bowl of rice.

Chef Obigane is excited about what’s offered, and where things are headed.

Of course, all of the Marina’s seafood has received the Vancouver Aquarium’s coveted Oceanwise certification to ensure all products are harvested in a sustainable manner. E Chef Toshiaki Obigane, Marina Restaurant.

WATERFRONT SUSHI. Lunch and Dinner.

Welcome to Victoria’s only Ocean Wise sushi bar with specially selected, local and sustainable seafood.

Deliciously innovative and fresh, every bite tells you that we’re serious about sushi.

250.598.8555 | marinarestaurant.com | 1327 Beach Drive at the Oak Bay Marina

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Victoria’s Inner Harbour

BAYVIEW ONE SOLD OUT ENCORE SOLD OUT

PROMONTORY SOLD OUT

BAYVIEW ONE SOLD OUT

PROMONTORY SOLD OUT

ENCORE SOLD OUT

BAYVIEW PLACE IS A 20-ACRE MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY OVERLOOKING THE CITY’S INNER HARBOUR. IT IS VICTORIA’S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBOURHOOD.

PRESENTATION CENTRE

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PRESENTATION CENTRE 80 Saghalie Rd, Victoria, B.C. OPEN DAILY

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This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with a disclosure statement. E.&O.E. RENDERING IS AN ARTIST’S CONCEPT ONLY. SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ISLAND AESTHETIC

EXPLORE VICTORIA FROM A VISUAL ARTS PERSPECTIVE AT THE CITY’S MANY STUDIOS AND GALLERIES.

WEST END GALLERY  West End Gallery presents the finest in contemporary Canadian painters and glass artists. With a variety of styles from a wide range of artists, collectors both new and established will find works of lasting value.

Painters represented include: Steven Armstrong, Naomi Cairns, Claudette Castonguay, Rod Charlesworth, Ken Faulks, Greta Guzek, Dana Irving, Raynald Leclerc, Grant Leier, Joel Mara, Annabelle Marquis, Elka Nowicka, Glenn Payan, Guy Roy, Robert Savignac, Peter Shostak, Deborah Tilby, Peter Wyse and many more.

Sculpture and glass artists represented include: Dulce Alba Lindeza, Robert Held, Tammy Hudgeon, Paull Rodrigue and David Thai. Open Daily.

1203 Broad Street westendgalleryltd.com Steven Armstrong: Tangled in Blue, 48 x 72 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

MADRONA GALLERY  Celebrating its eighth anniversary, this historical and contemporary fine art gallery in the heart of downtown Victoria showcases both established and emerging Canadian artists working in a variety of media, including painters, sculptors and Inuit carvers. Works are also available by Members of the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, E.J Hughes and other Canadian masters. The gallery prides itself on providing a welcoming environment for new and established art collectors.

606 View Street | madronagallery.com 54

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Clayton Anderson: Coastal Range, 24 x 48 inches, Acrylic on Board

THE AVENUE GALLERY  Discover Victoria’s premier art destination located in the prestigious Oak Bay Village. This impressive and accessible gallery prides itself on being a showcase for distinguished contemporary British Columbia and Canadian artists. Ever-changing exhibits provide visitors and residents with an unsurpassed selection of remarkable fine art by painters, sculptors of stone, metal and wood, and ceramic, glass and jewellery artists.

2184 Oak Bay Avenue theavenuegallery.com

THE

Blu Smith: And It Rained All Night, Mixed Media, 55 x 56 inches

AVENUE

GALLERY

THE

Victoria’s Premiere Boutique Gallery

AVENUE

GALLERY

2184 Oak Bay Avenue | 250.598.2184 | theavenuegallery.com

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DISCOVERING THE CHARMS OF COWICHAN THIS REGION ABOUNDS WITH SURPRISING WAYS TO EXPLORE + RELAX STORY AND PHOTOS BY LUCAS AYKROYD

I

n the not-so-distant past, Cowichan was known mostly for farming, golf and traditional Indigenous sweaters. Today, this picturesque region on southern Vancouver Island, about an hour away from Victoria, is staying true to its rural roots, but also expanding its array of stimulating outdoor activities and urban amenities.

Are you ready for a taste of what makes Cowichan a great day trip or overnight getaway?

Drive along the Trans-Canada Highway to the Kinsol Trestle near Shawnigan Lake. Originally completed as part of the Canadian National Railway in 1920, this free-standing, 187-metre-long timber structure stands 44 metres tall over the Koksilah River. It sat derelict since 1979, but a $7.4-million restoration project saw it reopen to hikers, joggers and dog-walkers in 2011.

More than 100,000 visitors cross the Kinsol Trestle annually. It’s part of The Great Trail, which connects 15,000 Canadian communities along its 24,000km route. On a sunny, silent morning, surrounded by cedar and spruce trees, you truly feel in touch with Canada’s heritage.

Feeling peckish after all that fresh air? A British fish and chips lunch at the nearby Village Chippery is just the ticket. Add authentic mushy peas, plus sea salt caramel ice cream for dessert. This friendly institution enhances its cosy ambience with Union Jacks, Beatles posters and other fun British kitsch.

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In Cobble Hill, the 1999-founded Merridale Cidery and Distillery serves beautifully presented smoked salmon, salad and chicken pot pie on its glassed-in patio. It overlooks the orchard, which burgeons with English and French cider apples. Order a six-glass cider sampler, including the big, bold Scrumpy and the Merri Berri, augmented with black currant, cherry and raspberry juice.

Producing more than 130,000 litres of cider a year, Merridale uses no additives in its beverages.

“It’s more work, but I feel good about what we’re serving to people,” says co-owner Rick Pipes. Take a self-guided walking tour of the 20-acre farm, and buy a bottle of Stair’s Pear Brandy, aged for more than six years in French oak barrels.

Down the road, sparkling wine fans can’t miss Unsworth Vineyards, whose signature Charme de L’Ile offers delightful notes of green apple, pear and honey. Ovation is a spirited, port-style dessert wine, best enjoyed with blue cheese or dark chocolate. The on-site restaurant’s seasonal menu includes smoked ling cod on toast and braised rabbit tortellini.

Bridgeman’s Bistro offers another scintillating dinner alternative on the Mill Bay Marina pier. Surrounded by glassy water, this contemporary space with floor-to-ceiling windows has excellent service, and the Bistro Bigger Burger

lavishly lives up to its name. For dessert, try the Chocolate Kahlua Cake with pisco-macerated strawberries.

Ready to turn in after all those calories? The Villa Eyrie Resort takes luxurious accommodations to new heights. This recently renovated mountaintop property provides a spectacular, lyrical view of the Saanich Inlet and the mist-shrouded Olympic Mountains in Washington State.

Whether you’re enjoying a romantic getaway or chilling out solo, the spacious rooms with walk-in showers, gas fireplaces and soaker tubs deliver tranquil perfection.

On Day Two, visit Duncan’s Pacific Northwest Raptors. Dedicated to conservation since 2002, it’s an ideal venue for the entire family to learn about birds of prey. Did you know that peregrine falcons dive at close to 300 km/hour when attacking?

Don a falconry glove and have a trained staff member place an American kestrel or spectacle owl on your hand, or watch Harris hawks and bald eagles soaring across the rural property. It’s a fascinating exploration of avian culture.

When you’re ready to mellow out, a short drive brings you to Westholme Tea, Canada’s first tea farm. Working their magic in a gorgeously renovated 1950s-built dairy barn, co-founders Victor Vesely and Margit Nellemann import, blend and grow Chinese Camellia sinensis teas.

“We have a passion for tea culture — slowing down, enjoying it, taking it all in,” says Nellemann.

Sip one of their 100-plus varieties in a handmade ceramic cup while enjoying matcha cheesecake or raw chocolate brownies.

To round out your day before leaving Cowichan, dine at The Old Fork, a hidden gem just off the Trans-Canada Highway in Duncan. Blending hipster chic with down-home cooking, the restaurant makes its own

This is just the start. From biking and kayaking to whale-watching and totem pole-viewing, this charming region offers much more to explore.

Hollandaise sauce and hot sauce on-site, and offers great craft beers, such as the local Midnight Umber Ale by Red Arrow. The coffee and ancho chile braised beef short rib is one highlight of this hearty menu.

This is just the start. From biking and kayaking to whale-watching and totem pole-viewing, this charming region offers much more to explore. With Cowichan’s mild climate, magical scenery and mouthwatering cuisine, you may find yourself returning over and over again. E

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RICH PAST, VIBRANT FUTURE Bayview Place + Roundhouse

BY CHELSEA FORMAN | PHOTO BY DON DENTON

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ictoria is one of Canada’s most historically abundant destinations, and with its buildings preserved from as early as the 19th century, the city is a treasure trove for architectural enthusiasts.

Among Victoria’s notable architectural heirlooms is an industrial structure from the steam railway era in Canada — the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Roundhouse. A National Historic Site of Canada, the Roundhouse’s legacy is being revitalized as the site transforms into a premier destination where old world charm meets new age innovation.

Under the expertise of Focus Equities, the structure will be incorporated into the larger Bayview Place and Roundhouse development, which sprawls over 20 acres, including 1.5 million square feet of pristine oceanfront land, in Victoria West. With over 50 years of architectural design and development experience, Focus Equities is dedicated to presenting a master-planned community amid a goal of “uniting a rich past with a vibrant future.”

At the helm of the company is owner Ken Mariash Sr., the masterplanner behind Bayview Place. Ken is an architect, investor, developer and contractor with a global reputation for transforming spaces into community anchors. With an impressive lineup of baccalaureate degrees and an MBA, in combination with his business acumen and adherence to community, Ken has delivered unprecedented developments throughout his career.

“We are building a community of 10 different, uniquely connected buildings. This is a safe, world-class community that is completely different from anything Victoria has ever seen before,” says Ken. The Bayview Place and Roundhouse community offers a unique opportunity for residents to live in outstanding, contemporary homes in the heart of a revived national historic railyard district.

Focus Equities has presented three of the 10 planned residential buildings with tremendous success and is currently previewing the highly anticipated fourth building.

“The idea was to change the nature of the peninsula, to buy all the land available and then build higher upwards, as opposed to horizontally, to preserve the land,” says Ken. The Roundhouse structure will be the heart of a 55,000 square foot shopping, dining, market and entertainment destination located in the next phase of the growing community. The intention is to celebrate the National Historic Site’s rich history through preservation and interpretive storytelling, while reintegrating the structure into the community as a functional facility. A series of seven spacious boxcars will showcase local pop-up shops and live music, while the ancient Turntable Plaza will be a public space featuring historical stories that honour the Roundhouse’s history.

“We have a street going down to the ocean called The Muse, which is this avenue of heritage. The old rail runs down the middle of the

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Ken Mariash Sr., owner of Focus Equities and the master-planner behind Bayview.

street with museum pieces — box cars, steam trains and different artifacts — running from the Roundhouse all the way to the ocean,” Ken explains. “It’s a unique place where rail meets ocean so you have the whole nostalgia of the years of commerce that happened on this site. There is a language of architecture associated with transportation, so it’s a big opportunity and a challenge at the same time.”

The Bayview Place and Roundhouse community is effectively changing the landscape and enhancing its natural splendour.

“When people arrive by boat, they’ll see the community, the different silhouettes, the street, the project with structural signage .... and they’ll know they are in Victoria. We’ll present our skyline and show our quality, motivating people to be intrigued by the harbour and the shoreline, so they are excited to explore the downtown region,” Ken explains.

Connected to existing walking, cycling and commuter routes, the Bayview Place and Roundhouse promises to be a distinct hub in Victoria. The community offers residents and visitors an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate Victoria’s rich history, all the while enjoying local vendors and performers in one of the island’s most pristine oceanfront atmospheres. E

T O B A C C O N I S T

1116 GOVERNMENT STREET VICTORIA BC • 250.382.4811 • 1.888.845.6111 OLDMORRIS.COM