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Victoria, British Columbia - July 2001
By Barbara Ballard
A new addition to the Marine Museum in Sidney (about a 30-minute car or bus ride from downtown Victoria) is open. It's called the Exploring the Oceans Gallery. The work of the nearby Institute of Ocean Sciences is showcased. The building is divided into five areas: sea surface, sea floor, sea floor substrate (anyone interested in earthquakes?), intertidal zone, and the water column. Various visual methods are used to convey information on these water areas. There's a computer multi-media tour. The Museum opens daily from 10-4pm, admission by donation. The Institute of Ocean Sciences also welcomes visitors but times must be pre-arranged. Contact them at 250-363-6518. For further ocean news see Really Weird Stuff below.
Although I have mentioned it before, I'd like to remind people of the Victoria Harbour Ferries. These little runabout passenger ferries (carry about a dozen or so people) perform a ballet to the strains of the Blue Danube every Sunday at 9:45 am in the Inner Harbour. It's fun to watch and also to take a cruise around the Esquimalt Harbour (catch this from the Military Museum at the gates of CFB Esquimalt). The Esquimalt Harbour tour will give you a look at the Pacific Naval fleet, a lighthouse, and lots of close up experiences with ships.
Or try the Victoria Harbour tour from the Inner Harbour, Ocean Pointe Resort, Coast Harbourside Hotel, or West Bay Marina. There's another cruise (these last about 45 minutes) I mentioned last year, the Gorge cruise along the waterfront. Take it from the Inner Harbour, Canoe Club, Point Ellice House (stop for tea) and Tillicum Bridge. Ask at the TIC at the Inner Harbour for details and location information or call 250-708-0201. Ferry information at their website: www.harbourferry.com
If you're traveling by plane to Victoria, be aware there is now a $5 (Cdn.) surcharge for the use of the airport. This money is being used to renovate and build new areas at the airport. The changes will take place over the next few years, but many will be in place this summer and by 2002. An enlarged baggage claim area, new arrivals space, observation deck, and more are in the works. SkyWest Airlines (United partner) is now providing airport service from Seattle-Victoria four times daily. For times and fares check their website: www.skywest.com
Really Weird Stuff
Dunes located off Oak Bay, a part of Greater Victoria: Scientists have discovered what they think may be the largest underwater sand dunes in the world, east of Trial Islands. To give you an idea of their size, the largest is 82 feet high and 7.5 miles long. Dallas Road, the waterfront walkway I have mentioned in another article, is subject to severe erosion - at least it was until 1990's stabilization was carried out. It is thought that over thousands of years (probably after the last Ice Age) this area's crumbling coastline provided the material for the dunes, and sea currents formed their structure. And, no, you can't go dune buggying there.
A new website
www.VancouverIslandTreasures.com showcases the work of artisans on the island. Artwork, craft art, glass, metal and stone, wood, jewelry, and pottery are all included at the website. Photographs, details and descriptions of the works, and prices are included in the information which is placed on the web by the artisans themselves. Artisan biographies are included. Ordering can be done over the web or you can familiarize yourself with what's available on the island, then make contact when you visit here.
©2001 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part, including images, and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from the author is prohibited. Photo of Harbour ferries courtesy www.harbourferry.com
Events
Exhibits
July 1
Jazzfest International
Various Venues
Features over 50 performances in jazz, blues and world music with over 200 musicians.
Info 388-4423
Through October 8
Bastion Square Festival of the Arts
Bastion Square
Daily from 10:30am - 5:30pm. Juried BC artists and craftspeople selling unique creations, working on site. Music and entertainment, monthly antique & Collectibles Faire, historic tours.
Info 413-3144
Galleries
Through August 11
TEN NORTH
Starfish Glassworks, 630 Yates Street
Ten North is a loosely affiliated group of Canada's leading artists
including well-known Canadians such as Saidye Bronfmas, award winner Daniel Crichton, Irene Frolic, Laura Donefer and Susan Edgerley. Half of the members of Ten North work primarily with the vessel while the others work sculpturally for the most part. With such diversity of style and technique Ten North is able to exhibit a wide range of what is possible with the medium.
Info 388-7827
Through September 3
Earthly Gestures
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
Earthly Gestures features materials from the living land through the works of four prominent contemporary Canadian artists: Rebecca Baird, Aganetha Dyck, Alastair Heseltine and Marianne Nicolson. Their work reminds us of our relationship with the earth. Earthly Gestures calls us back to this living landscape and reminds us of our place within it.
Info 384-4101
July 26 - September 23
Emily Carr Drawing the Forest
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
Collection of Carr's charcoal drawings from the Vancouver Art Gallery shown in its entirety. The drawings, executed from 1929-1931 reveal Carr as a skilled draughtsman and show the role of drawing in her work as well as a growing influence of modernism.
Info 384-4101
Festivals
Through July 8
27th Annual Folkfest
Ships Point Parking Lot, 900 Block Wharf St.
Dozens of free performances. Focus is on professional and amateur
multicultural entertainment, food and festivities.
Info 388-4728
July 12-August 18
Victoria Shakespeare Festival
St. Ann's Academy Auditorium
835 Humboldt St
Much Ado About Nothing and Julius Caesar to be performed on alternate days.
Tickets $14, $12 students/seniors (55+), and $8.00 for children under 16.
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 360-0234
July 27-29
Rootsfest Music Festival
Royal Roads University
2005 Sooke Road
Hear over 40 world class musicians. At Rootsfest, the main stage ignites daily at 5pm. During Saturday and Sunday, witness the heart of the festival. Workshop stages run simultaneously throughout the day (and it's ok to dance before noon). There is also a fun-filled family area, a Folk Bistro (with wine and beer), a Hand Made Village (arts and crafts) and a Field of Food (foods from around the world). Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Info 386-3655
Music
July 1
Trilok Gurtu Band
Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
Performance starts at 8pm. Tickets are $28 - $33.
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 386-6121
July 1, 8, 15
Hot Jazz with Canus Quintet
James Bay Inn Pub, 270 Government Street
CanuS is a hot band with swinging rhythm section, great front line, and vocals with tunes from the '20's and '30's: the Boswell Sisters, the Mills Brothers...and the big band hits such as Tuxedo Junction, Stompin' At The Savoy!
Info 479-8861
July 3 - 14
Victoria's Symphony 6th Annual Summer Festival of Music
Christ Church Cathedral
912 Vancouver Street
Full orchestral performances and smaller ensemble presentations including the Savitari String Quartet & Friends, the Festival Chamber Ensemble, and the Victoria Symphony Brass Ensemble. Conducted by festival Director, Michael Gormley, this two-week summer series of music features guest artists Anton Kuerti, Benjamin Butterfield and John Friesen.
Tickets are $12 - $18
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 386-6121
July 13
Stompin' Tom Connors
Royal Theatre
805 Broughton Street
Performance starts at 8pm. Tickets are $ 45.25
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 386-6121
July 15
The Everly Brothers
Royal Theatre
805 Broughton Street
Performance at 8pm. Tickets are $57.75 - $52.25
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 386-6121
July 27
The Proclaimers
Royal Theatre
805 Broughton Street
Performance starts at 7:30pm, reserved seating.
Tickets: $30.25 - $35.25
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 386-6121
On Stage
July 6 - August 25
A Little House on the Prairie
Chemainus Theatre
9737 Chemainus Theatre Rd.
Chemainus, Vancouver Island
A dramatic and music filled celebration of the pioneer spirit!
Info 1-800-565-7738
July 7
Fiesta Flamenco
UVic Auditorium
University of Victoria
Performance starts at 8pm.
A company of dancers, singers and musicians with Veronica Maguire, Oscar Nieto and Harry Owen. Featuring special guests, Maria Bermudez.
Tickets $20
Tickets Available at Tourism Victoria
Info 386-6121
Sports and Leisure
Through October
Moss Street Market
St. James Douglas School
Fairfield Rd at Moss St
Saturdays from 10am - 2pm. Enjoy local live music, crafts and organic food in the picturesque neighborhood of Fairfield.
Info 361-1747
May to October
James Bay Community Market
Corner of Menzies and Superior
Every Saturday from 9am - 3pm exciting
Marketplace, featuring fresh locally grown produce, plants and flowers, free range eggs, handmade quality artworks and crafts; homemade foods, preserves and bakery; entertainment, a kid's tent and special events!
Info 381-5323
Through September 30
The Government Street Market
Government Street between Pandora and Fisguard Street Market features an eclectic collection of local arts and crafts, food, antiques and collectibles, imports and entertainment.
Info 598-2593
Through September 4
Summer in the Square
Centennial Square
Free lunchtime entertainment every Monday through Friday at noon. Other highlights include Saturday community performances, and the return of dance instruction followed by Dancing under the Stars will feature some of the regions best swing, salsa and big bands. Sunday nights mark the return of Concerts under the Stars, broadcast live at 7pm on 100.3 the Q.
Info 595-1829
Sundays through Sept. 9
Harbour Ferry Ballet
On the Water in the Inner Harbour
Watch the Harbour Ferries dance to the music of the Blue Danube.
Performances at 9:45am.
Info 708-0201
Tuesdays & Wednesdays through August 30
Starlight Cinema
Ocean Pointe Resort Boardwalk
45 Songhees Rd.
Classic movies for the whole family shown outside all summer. Movies start at dusk. Bring a blanket, deck chair or reserve a seat on our patio.
Info 360-5889
Through August 17
Free Guided Bus Tours of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt
Naval and Military Museum parking lot, end of Esquimalt Road at Admirals Road.
Tours will depart at 10am Monday through Friday with the exception of all holidays. Walking tours for parties of 10 or more are also available.
CFB Esquimalt museum hours are 10am - 3:30pm Monday through Friday.
Info 363-4312
July 3, 11, 17, 23 & 31
"Spirits of the Masks"
Ocean Pointe Resort Hotel & Spa
45 Songhees
Dances and legends of the Kwakawaka'wakw culture. Colorful ceremonial robes and spectacular killer whale and grizzly bear masks are used in the historical dances. The "Le-La-La Dancers" are the West Coast's premier aboriginal dance troupes. Doors open at 6:30pm
Tickets $79, purchased at Ocean Pointe Resort, Tourism Victoria, or by calling (250) 812-7103.
Info 812-7103
July 6-8
Victoria Flower and Garden Show
Royal Roads University
2005 Sooke Road
The theme selected for this year's show is "A Symphony of Gardens". Funds raised from the show will benefit The Land Conservancy of BC and the Abkhazi Garden.
Adults $10, seniors $8, Adult weekend pass $20, Children 12 and under are free. Concert under the stars, "Jazz at the Castle" Friday, July 26 from 8pm - 9:30pm. Adults $10 and students and seniors $8.
Info 381-1139
July 7
Gorge Water Swimfest
Gorge Waterway
The Canadian 10km open water swim.
July 21
Confederation Day Celebration
Government House
1401 Rockland Avenue
Government House celebrates BC's entry into Canadian Confederation at the 6th Annual Open House and Gardens from 11am - 3pm.
Free admission
Entertainment by variety of bands and musicians, artists' displays. The Victoria Hospitality Group will be on-site, presenting "A Bite of Victoria". A festival of food and flavor from many of Victoria's finest places to eat. They will be serving bite-sized specialties on the lawns for $1 each!
Info 386-6368
July 21
Moss Street Paint In
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Moss Street
Paint-In from 1pm - 4pm. Refreshments, entertainment by Kumbia and dancing until 9pm.
July 29
Thetis Lake Swim
Thetis Lake
The Canadian 5km open water swim.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area, check out our North America Insiders page.
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