The luxurious Great Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino, BC

Head over to Vancouver Island and Tofino where the sublimely cozy Long Beach Lodge Resort is decked out in its Christmas best.  Soak in the west coast ambiance of the Great Room – not to mention the amazing views out over the Pacific, as you celebrate the ‘12 days of Christmas’ with specialty drinks and Christmas dinner prepared for you – instead of by you – complete with free-range turkey and all the seasonal trimmings.  Take time to stroll the beach, making a wish or two for a new year filled with joy and love!  If you’ve got the vacation time, stay on for New Year’s!  Visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com.

And while you’re thinking of an Island getaway, you don’t have to look further than Victoria.  This sparkling city by the sea is positively glowing with festive colours and lights, with special Christmas tours available at all the favourite attractions. Whether skating amongst the incredibly gorgeous natural décor of Butchart Gardens or stopping by to ride the

The adorable Rose Carousel at Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC

exquisite new Rose Carousel, to Craigdarroch Castle and Helmcken House in downtown; take a step back in time to when the holiday season was not quite so hectic, or at least it doesn’t seem so by today’s standards.  The early days of Victoria’s founding families’ celebrations are on display daily over the next two weeks at both the Castle and the House.

Still in need of presents for your loved ones?  Shopping in and around Victoria is so much fun – from Chinatown to the waterfront, and out to Oak Bay, the specialty boutiques are intriguing and offer so much more than the big box retailers.  Home decor accented with hand carved First Nations designs, to

Giftware adorned with First Nations Artwork, Victoria, BC

jewelry and snuggly pjs can be found by exploring on foot.  And in every neighbourhood, there’s a cafe or bistro just perfect for a rest between shopping.  The angst of sourcing out that special something is quickly put to rest here – the charm of the city is captivating.

Walk the seawall along the waterfront from the Fairmont Empress Hotel where you can stop for afternoon tea and admire the spectacular display of Christmas trees.  Then head over to the Inn at Laurel Point where the peace and beauty of the season tickles your senses with the sweet aroma of gingerbread houses.  Tourism Victoria’s website lists many more activities to partake as well as a great list of accommodations offering special pricing and packages especially for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  Visit www.tourismvictoria.com for all the details including reserving your place aboard BC Ferries.  Or go direct to www.bcferries.com.

Santa cruises BC Ferries all year long!

Victoria, British Columbia sits upon the traditional land belonging to the Lekwungen people, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.  Next time you visit Victoria’s inner harbour, pick up the brochure entitled “Signs of Lekwungen”. Look for the seven markers which hi-light places of cultural significance related to the Lekwungen.  Created by Songhees artist, Butch Dick, the special carvings depict spindle whorls used traditionally in wool spinning.

Modern Victoria’s downtown core is alive with an eclectic mix of shopping, dining and entertainment outlets justly set amidst a rich backdrop of heritage buildings.  Visitors and locals alike are warmly invited to tour the area, learning details of the early days spent building British Columbia’s capital city. Ranked as one of North America’s top twenty downtown destinations by Conde Nast Traveller, here’s the reason why.  The growing revitalization of Victoria’s downtown neighbourhoods is evident around most every corner.  “Every so often, pause and look up” shares Ken Kelly, General Manager for the Downtown Victoria Business Association during a stroll along Government Street. “The buildings are unique unto themselves, reflecting their individual brands in design, finishings and colour.” Oh my, they are indeed!  An appreciative gaze at the rich detailing on one, which is snuggly tucked in by another proudly boasting a freshly painted façade and we’re positively captivated by the historical charm and character.

If you haven’t been for a visit in some time, you will be decidedly gratified with your decision to steal away for a few days to this lovely city!

Heritage Romance

Stately italian elegance minutes from downtown Victoria.

5 star Organic cuisine

The exquisite, adult-oriented Villa Marco Polo Inn located in the stylish neighbourhood of Rockland in Victoria, is all elegance, history and relaxation.  Originally built in 1923 as a wedding gift to a young bride, the Canada Select Five Star appointed Villa Marco Polo is once again a pleasing and particularly popular locale for all things romantic. The gorgeous Italianate gardens play host almost year-round (due in part to our temperate climate here on the west coast), to weddings and anniversary parties which speak of intimacy and love. The flow and furnishings of the home’s public rooms invite whispered conversation and relaxation; the enormous guest suites offer peaceful, private retreats within the luxuriously appointed king-sized beds and large, comfortable furniture. Middle Eastern influences abound, right down to the charming basket of slippers for use by guests; thoughtfully placed near the front door. Persian carpets adorn the gleaming hardwood floors, classically elegant floral arrangements are dramatically placed throughout the main living areas. And while the Inn is located only minutes from downtown Victoria, the sounds of the city…or any jarring noise for that matter, are banished.

Reflection of History

Rejuvenate body and soul in this penthouse spa

Tread up the beautifully carpeted stairwell to the 3^rd floor of the Villa Marco Polo and enter a haven of peaceful tranquility.  Penthouse Spa Hamaam is a warm, private setting where you can indulge in a massage treatment for two, a relaxing facial and manicure/pedicure, a few easy yoga stretches, or simply sip your tea while gazing out over the sparkling waters of the Straight of Juan de Fuca.  If it seems most everything has been considered in ensuring each guest is well taken care of, it has.  From the environmentally sensitive spa products locally sourced and produced, including seaweed harvested off Whiffen Spit on the southern coast of Vancouver Island; to the combination bamboo and green cotton towels and incredibly soft bamboo blankets used in the treatment rooms, this is a like staying at a well appointed boutique hotel…instead, you are fortunate to be in the sumptuous surroundings of the Villa Marco Polo.

Explore Local Garden Heritage

The Garden Lady, as I’ve fondly dubbed Joan Looy, is just that. Whether it’s a look behind a spectacular private residence’s front gate in Rockland, to a leisurely ‘walk about’ through some of Victoria’s best loved public gardens, Joan’s knowledge and deep appreciation for the greener things in life is evident.  Touring in small groups from one to six persons, Joan imparts the history of Victoria as seen through the eyes of gardeners and their gardens during her Victorian Garden Tours.

Hatley Park is biologically diverse, with a wide range of growing conditions from dry land gravel to wetlands.

Royal Roads University, Hatley Park National Historic Site deserves at least three hours to fully appreciate the exquisite Rose, Japanese and Italian gardens surrounding this lush 535 acre Edwardian estate.  Winding pathways take visitors on a breath-taking tour through what might be best described as ‘garden rooms’ lovingly created by human touch, blessed by Mother Nature.  Allow time to tour the Castle built in 1908 by former British Columbia Premier, James Dunsmuir. The romantic views of the gardens from within will inspire even a modest green thumb.

Get Going

www.victoriaheritage.ca

www.tourismvictoria.com

www.downtownvictoria.ca

www.victoriangardentours.com

www.villamarcopolo.com

www.bcferries.com

Oak Bay Village, Brighton Avenue, Foul Bay Road, Windsor Park, Oak Bay waterfront. The centrepiece of this walk is “the Village”, where you’ll begin and end.

From the bustling Village core you will be led along lanes and trails to Oak Bay’s western boundary at Foul Bay Road, and down quiet streets to the eastern shores of Oak Bay. Stately heritage homes, tree-lined streets, ripening vegetable gardens, open parks and pleasant sea views offer a wonderful way to spend an early afternoon walking across Oak Bay.

Where to start:

Anywhere in the Oak Bay Village.

Distance of walk:

2.7 miles (4.5 kilometres)

Difficulty:

Easy to moderate walking (with some slopes and ungroomed trails, including one set of stairs, but much level ground).

Time to walk:

Brisk, 45 minutes; moderate, 1 hour; touring pace,

1 hour 45 minutes, or longer if you pause to talk to a

gardener.

Remember:

Narrow lanes and trails often follow property lines and buildings closely – please respect the property and privacy of residents. Take this article with you and follow the map, you may wish to explore other lanes and streets you discover. There are also several places to go for tea in the Village once you have finished the walk.

1. After disembarking in the Village and wandering past the shops, proceed to the traffic light at Monterey Avenue. Turn right at the Blethering Place and follow Monterey to Hampshire Terrace. Then go right, passing along this lane to Hampshire Road. (Take note of 2224 Hampshire Terrace: built in 1897, it is the former farmhouse of William Noble, a dairyman. Can you see the original stone and brick creamery on the grounds?)

2. Go left on Hampshire Road to Brighton Avenue, and turn right along the path and up the stairs. Then follow the path across to the end of Roslyn Road, then through the outcropping of rock topped with oak trees return to Brighton. Continue straight ahead, crossing Victoria Avenue and passing Mitchell Street to the short path ending at Foul Bay Road. (Enjoy the character of the many large homes in this area, most of which were built between 1911 and 1912.)

3. Walk left on Foul Bay Road through the four-way stop at McNeill Avenue. (There are a number of heritage homes along Foul Bay that offer estate names such as: Foreen, 921; Edgecliffe, 925; Kildonan, 931; and Tor Lodge, 935. Of note on Runnymede Avenue is Blair Gowie, 2031, a Samuel Maclure designed home). Continue on Foul Bay to Runnymede. (At this point you have left Oak Bay and are actually in Victoria). Go left on Runnymede Avenue and take the left fork onto Runnymede Place (you are now back in Oak Bay) to McNeill Avenue.

4. Go right on McNeill Avenue, then left on Falkland Road. (Don’t ignore the large homes at the end of Falkland Place, especially Kildonan Carriage House at 2088). Circle back and turn left onto Sutherland Road to Victoria Avenue. Turn left on Victoria to Windsor Road.

5. Turn right on Windsor. Continue across Newport Avenue to Beach Drive. (You may catch a cricket or rugby match in progress at Windsor Park).

6. Walk left on Beach Drive along the waterfront to Beresford Street (you will likely be lured to linger for a few moments by the pleasant distractions on or in the bay). Turn left up Beresford to Newport Avenue. Go left on Newport to Transit Road.

7. Turn right on Transit to a point just before St. Denis Street and you will find a path on your right. Follow the path up the hill through oak trees to rejoin Brighton. Follow Brighton to the second street, St. Patrick.

8. Turn right on St. Patrick to Oak Bay Avenue, then left on Oak Bay to return to the Village centre.;

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Oak Bay, a community with a strong sense of its own identity, character and traditions. In its own way, Oak Bay is unique in Greater Victoria.

Slowly developed during the last 100 years, although not incorporated until 1906, Oak Bay has a wealth of housing styles – old and new – from the grand to the modest, well-preserved, and often designed by distinguished architects, creating a rich legacy of heritage buildings.

The streetscape is frequently dominated by canopies of mature trees (including the Garry oak, from which Oak Bay derives its name) and delightful gardens of every description.

Oak Bay’s physical location, in the southeast corner of Vancouver Island, provides a superb setting for the municipality. Walking, jogging and bicycling are popular pastimes for residents, and I would encourage all visitors to explore our community. The shoreline, marina, beaches and shopping are all wonderful (and if you have time for a game of golf, the facilities are superb) – all this minutes from downtown Victoria.

Today, Oak Bay’s population numbers approximately 18,000, with a mix of ages. There is a sizeable number of seniors and, increasingly, a large number of younger families. Oak Bay is a community of enduring character and charm. Enjoy your visit!

Christopher M. Causton, Mayor, District of Oak Bay;

Travel is a difficult pursuit and the famished traveller needs to know where to cool their heels, refuel and regenerate.

Whether it’s casual fare, a quick snack or upscale dining, Oak Bay has an abundant variety of restaurants to choose from.

If it’s fine cuisine you seek, step into the Oak Bay Marina Restaurant or the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and experience the art of food garnished with stunning ocean views.

The Oak Bay Village offers its own unique restaurant row.

At the east end (off Monterey Avenue) is The Blethering Place. Draped in faux Tudor, it’s famous for regal British high teas as well as full breakfasts, lunches or dinners. Built in 1912, it was originally a grocery store. Today, the tea room takes over the whole of the main floor and features live entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, running the gamut from classic Celtic harp and jazz to British pub-style musical comedy.

Walking east along Oak Bay Avenue, it’s hard to miss the sweet aroma of fresh baking wafting out from Ottavio’s Italian Bakery and Delicatessen – the place for sandwiches, scrumptious snacks and people-watching from the outdoor tables.

Across the Avenue, the Village Patisserie specializes in European-inspired pastries and all that is savory and sweet.

Nestled next to the Ottavio’s is the new Penny Farthling Pub, boasting traditional pub fare and the city’s largest selection of lagers and ales on tap.

Don’t pass up a visit to Rogers’ Tudor Sweet Shoppe, next to the pub. Rogers’ is home to a Victorian specialty: the world-renowned Rogers’ Chocolates. You will come to understand the local wisdom that says a lone Victorian Cream is like a meal.

If you visit the Estevan Village (a 15-minute walk north from Oak Bay Village to Estevan Avenue) taste a slice of the Willow Tree Cafe and Bakery or sample the city’s finest fish and chips at the Willows Gallery.

Both serve up generous ice cream cones.;

There are a number of BC Transit city bus routes that will connect you with various parts of the municipality. All are regularly scheduled routes that can move you from downtown (or elsewhere) to Oak Bay in minutes.

For travelers leaving downtown, catch any ones of the No. 1, 2, 3 or 11 buses.

The No. 1 (Richardson/Willows) can be picked up on Douglas Street (on either side of the street) or on Yates or Humbolt Streets (on the south side of the street). This route will take you to South Oak Bay and McNeill Bay or Esteven and Willows Beach.

The No. 2 (Oak Bay/Gonzales) bus can be caught along Douglas Street (again, on either side of the street) or at Yates and Fairfield Streets (on the south side). You will arrive at the Oak Bay Village, the Marina or the Chinese Cemetery.

The No. 4 (Mt. Tolmie) bus should be picked up on the east side of Douglas Street and has the University of Victoria as a destination, via Camosun College and Henderson Road in North Oak Bay.

The No. 11 (Uplands) bus can be picked up on Fort Street (on the south side of the street). No. 11 travels along Cadboro Bay Road (two blocks from Estevan, four blocks from Willows Beach and on to the University of Victoria).

If your starting point is one of the shopping malls (Tillicum, Mayfair or Hillside), take the new No. 8 (Finlayson) route, which runs down Oak Bay Avenue into the heart of the Village business district and eventually delivers you to the Marina.

Use the No. 7 (Foul Bay) bus for north/south travel within Oak Bay. This route connects the University of Victoria in the north with Gonzales Beach and the Chinese Cemetery to the south, via Foul Bay Road – the western boundary of Oak Bay.

Bus fares for adults are $1.75, $1.10 for seniors (65+ with ID). Young children ride for free. For more transit information, call the BUSLINE at 382-6161.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel express

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort offers its own pick-up service to Oak Bay. Its 33-passenger luxury coach provides free transportation (during high season) to and from Oak Bay Village and from downtown Victoria. Hotel guests are offered complimentary pick-up and departure service year round. Call the hotel at 598-4556.

By car, by bike or on foot

If cycling, driving or walking from the downtown area, the most popular route is Dallas Road to Beach Drive, which gives the opportunity to enjoy superb views of the sea, as well as the magnificent homes and gardens found along the coastline.

If you are traveling by car, consider driving the scenic Beach Drive with the stunning sea views and majestic Mt. Baker in the background. This route will lead you along the dazzling waterfront and direct you to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort, the Oak Bay Marina, Willows Beach and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Turning onto Newport Road will direct you to the quaint Oak Bay Guesthouse. Estevan Village located on Estevan Avenue is also easily accessible from Beach Drive.

To find the Oak Bay Village, considered one of the main hearts of the area, take Fort Street to Oak Bay Avenue. This route allows you to access all the amenities that the Oak Bay Village has to offer. The Blethering Place Tea Room and Penny Farthing Pub are both nestled on what residents affectionately refer to as the

The history of high tea comes in many renditions, but the lore which has proven to be most enduring hails from the 1800s and features Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. It is commonly believed she started the famous fad which has become the staple of tannin traditions. Historically, the evening meal was served at eight and the duchess would experience a sinking feeling around 4 p.m., between lunch and dinner.

In need of some refreshment and sustenance, she arranged for a tray of tea, bread and cake to be brought to her room. Quickly the duchess’ personal high tea become a daily routine and she was soon inviting quests to join her in sampling what was perhaps the start of Britain’s first high teas.

High tea soon become a fashionable Victorian social event, usually served between 4 and 5 p.m. with a variety of dainty sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Today, high tea is taken around the world, with several delectable versions offered in Oak Bay.

Sample the traditional fare at The Blethering Place, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort or the Windsor Park Tea Room and Restaurant.

Old high tea traditions mingle with contemporary coffee customs on Oak Bay Avenue in the Village. For the right caffeine fix, consider a sunny sidewalk cafe or elegant indoor table.

Stroll to Starbuck’s for a foamy cappuccino or visit Athlone Court Gourmet Coffee to choose from a wide variety of hot bon vivant beverages. Also offering coffee and tea in perfect sidewalk splendor are Ottavio’s Italian Bakery and Delicatessen, the Side Street Cafe or the Bagel Street Cafe (where you can munch on a poppyseed bagel with your java).

The Marina Cafe Deli (at the Oak Bay Marina) is another favorite spot to spend your afternoon sipping coffee and writing postcards. The Demitasse (off McNeill Avenue at Roslyn Road) is a South Oak Bay favorite offering frothy lattes and home-baked treats.;

During your visit, don’t forget to take a look at these hidden gems of Oak Bay:

1. Gonzales Beach

If the mobs at Willows Beach are too much, try chilling out at Gonzales Beach. At the south tip of Foul Bay Road, Gonzales is a spectacular (and secluded) crescent-shaped sandy beach.

2. Par 3 golf

Try Henderson Pitch-and-Putt. Just off Cedar Hill Cross Road. The nine-hole Par 3 is open to the whole family and features night golfing. Rental clubs available, 370-7200.

3. Feed the seals

Enjoy local marine life at the Oak Bay Marina. Home to three (or more) chubby resident seals whose main pursuit of happiness involves gobbling the salty sea sustenance fed to them. Seal snacks are available at the Marina.

4. Willows Beach Tea Room

The Kiwanis-run Willows Beach Tea Room offers snacks, meals and beverages – right on the beach.

5. The Native Plant Garden

This botanical jewel, located at the corner of Margate and Beach Drive (across from the Oak Bay Beach Hotel), features many local plants and trees that are indigenous to Vancouver Island and the Oak Bay area. Pack a lunch and enjoy the leguminous plant selection.

6. Walbran Park

Enjoy the best view in the city. Climb Denison Road to the old, white-domed observatory and then head east to the two lookouts – 360 degrees of magnificence.

7. Uplands Park

Features seventy-five acres of pristine, undisturbed nature. Great walking paths through the woods, makes for an easy to medium walk or hike. (See “Explore the Uplands Area” on Page 15).

8. The Rose Garden

Bountiful blooms and a fragrant feast at the lush Rose Garden located in Windsor Park at Newport Avenue. A great place for a picnic amidst a surrounding of various roses.;

Oak Bay boasts wide Garry Oak-lined streets, a stunning waterfront route, gorgeous gardens, quaint back lanes and stately architecture – all within a relatively flat area with only one token hill to challenge the serious cyclist. Add in a slower-paced lifestyle and little vehicle traffic for the perfect recipe for two-wheeled success.

Karl Ullrich, owner of Oak Bay Bicycles couldn’t imagine a more inviting area to cycle in.

“Traffic moves slowly so you don’t feel intimidated by the vehicles and it isn’t congested.”

The area offers easy cycle access. There are designated bike routes marked by green signs. Cyclists should take a self-guided ride along the seaside touring route of scenic Beach Drive. Hugging the Pacific Ocean with stunning vista viewpoints, the lush Royal Victoria Golf Course and bountiful beaches to explore along the way, the horizon is set against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Baker.

“The waterfront ride is awesome, the ocean and the homes – it is fantastic,” enthusess Ullrich.

The more leisurely pedaller can opt for idyllic days spent cruising the shops, restaurants and pubs. Oak Bay offers a minimum of steep grades, which, coupled with light traffic, makes the area safe for the entire cycling family.

The ability to slow down and take the time to enjoy your vacation is another benefit of bicycling.

“Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking, but at a much slower and healthier pace than being behind the wheel of a vehicle,” explains avid cyclist Brian Hobson, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort manager. “And on a bicycle, parking is never a problem.”

“To grab a picnic and cycle down to the beach – it is second to none,” adds Hobson.

Bicycle rentals and tours:

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort offers complimentary bicycles to guests and runs cycling package trips. Choose from half-day jaunts along the Galloping Goose Trail to full-day excursions to the San Juan Islands (598-4556). The Oak Bay Guest House has a bicycle built for two for the complimentary use of their guests (598-3812). ;

Oak Bay residents fly united in their love of all things winged and feathered. With thousands and thousands of pounds of birdseed sold each year and stunning gardens designed to attract as many feathered friends as possible, the Oak Bay area is a heavenly haven for birds.

Add in the multitude of diverse eco-systems housed in the municipality and you have a rare recipe for bird-brained success. Natural habitats abound for everything from sea shore birds to resident bald eagles to beautiful backyard visitors.

Bird experts site the abundance of geographical diversity within the municipality as being responsible for making Oak Bay a birder’s paradise.

“We have a lot of gardens, a lot of trees, a fair amount of shelter, and a lot of water,” explains Victorian Bird House owner Jennifer Hill.

A combination of Garry oak stands, extensive shoreline and the University of Victoria’s sprawling woods have bird-watchers flocking in from around the world for the opportunity to view some of Victoria’s 388 different species.

Bird watching is the second-fastest growing hobby in North America after gardening, with a whopping $2.73 billion dollars spent annually on bird seed.

Oak Bay’s Wild Birds Unlimited owner Earl McKenzie sites the accessibility and low cost as partially responsible for the boom in bird watchers. Bird watchers only need a pair of binoculars, a good pair of shoes and a bird identification book is optional.

“There is a magical element that I keep hearing about from people. There is really something mesmerizing about the whole process,” says McKenzie.

“We have bald eagles, we have herons, we have both big and small birds,” explains Hill. “It is because we have a garden paradise here.”

The abundance of shorebirds, including the magnificent blue heron is just one option for the serious birder. Hot flock spots for viewing our flighty friends include Anderson Hill Park, where dusk draws a ballet of birds.

“Sit down on the bench there and watch the green swallows swooping around – it is just beautiful,” enthuses Hill.

Anderson Hill is also home to a bald eagle family, quails and pheasants.

Cattle Point is still considered one of the most reliable sites to locate the rare rock sandpiper, marbled murrelet or pigeon guillemot.

Hill sums up the bounty of birds found in the Oak Bay area.

“Just turn your ears to the street and you can hear them. You don’t have to go very far to find birds here.”

Bird watchers can get some free advice and pick up binoculars or bird-watching books at either of the two birding stores in Oak Bay. Choose from The Victorian Bird House on St. Patrick (370-2474) or Wild Birds Unlimited in Estevan Village (595-3595).

Eagle-eye cam

Cyber surfers can check out a family of Oak Bay eagles on a new Web cam.

Tucked on top of a five-story structure, 300 meters away from the nest, a camera with a one-second refresh rate is trained on the resident eagles 24 hours a day. The footage is unedited and allows the rare opportunity to view the eagles going about their daily bird business.

See it online at: http://www.oakbaycam.com;