You can help preserve them by purchasing a stuffed one - at the Market on Yates St. Look for the giant stuffed marmot in front of the store. Proceeds from the sale of the toys are used by the Marmot Recovery Foundation.

Marmots are members of the squirrel family and build large underground burrows. Their high pitched whistle (hear it at the Foundation's website) has earned them the nickname, "whistle pig." You can find out more interesting facts and see lots of endearing photos at www.marmots.org.

Downtown Victoria boasts a fascinating gallery, Starfish Glassworks, that features the work of 40 glassblowing artists. What makes this gallery different is that you can watch the exquisite creations in the making. It is mesmerizing to see glass turned into beautiful works of art. The three artists who own the gallery, Gary Bolt, Morna Tudor and Lisa Samphire, are all award winners. Explanations of the glass blowing process are posted along the gallery shop walls to help you understand what you see. A visit to this spot is a real treat.

The gallery is located in downtown Victoria at 630 Yates St. Details of the gallery and the artists along with information on glassblowing and photographs of some of their work can be found at the website: www.starfishglass.bc.ca. Be sure to check for glassblowing times by giving them a call at 388-7827 before you go.

Another unusual and interesting shop, not far away, is the Button and Needlework Boutique at #102, 561 Johnson St. If you ever wanted to find any type of button to use for any reason, you will probably find it here among the selection of more than 1500 kinds, including the famous Czech glass buttons. Even if you don't want any buttons for clothing (earrings or necklace, perhaps?), this is an interesting place to browse. The imagination of button makers is astounding. Visit the store's website at www.buttonedup.com or email them at buttons@buttonedup.com.

Out of Hand Gallery, across the street from the Button Botique, at 566 Johnson St., carries the work of BC crafts and arts people. A great place to shop for that unique item to grace your home. Prices aren't inexpensive, but these aren't the tacky souvenirs you'll find in many of the shops catering to tourists along the main thoroughfare.

Nearby, at 616 Yates, Design House is a locally owned store that stocks "cool stuff for modern livin'". Their home products feature the work of local artisans and leading designers from Canada, the US and Europe-everything from handmade folk art to Italian design.

If you like beautiful jewelry, you might want to check out Artina's at 1002 Government St. What makes them different is that all their high quality jewelry is handcrafted by Canadian artists. You can pick up something really special here. For a look at one artist's creations go to www.reynard-designs.com/artinas.

Along Fort St. by the Eaton's Centre are two more interesting stores. Even if you're not into buying, they are fun for browsing, especially on a cold January day. One is Scallywags, (624 Fort) a BC cottage industry company that makes clothing for children. Their colourful 100% cotton products are a creative delight, sure to brighten a January day.

Almost across the street from Scallywags, at 665 Fort, is Alcheringa. This store displays tribal art - prints, carvings and jewelry - for sale. The works come from Papua New Guinea and the Canadian Northwest Coast - a real art lesson visiting here, quite different to European galleries.

The Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery, located at the University of Victoria, can be counted on for unusual and fascinating exhibits, usually based around a theme. If you are going by bus, ask the driver where to get off on the circle road. By car, follow directions on this map. The gallery is in the University Centre building - section 3C of the map.

Happy Hunting!! And a big wish for a great new year to all Victoria Travel Guide readers.

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