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Glorious Christmas Getaways
Monday, December 21st, 2009 by Cheryl MacKinnon
With only a few days left till Santa Claus arrives, here are a few holiday escapes where the magic and the work will be handled by Santa’s professional hospitality providers.
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!