Blog

Friday, Feb 3rd, 2012 – Sunday, Feb 12th, 2012

The Victoria Film Festival is a 10-day celebration of documentary, animated, narrative and experimental films from around the world. This year’s lineup features over 150 new films from nearly 40 countries, plus a very special guest: Linda Blair, of Exorcist fame.

Who says spring starts in March? Beginning January 15th, the Blue Poppy Restaurant at The Butchart Gardens will be transformed into a stunning indoor garden. Shake off your winter blues by strolling past flowering cherries, hyacinth, witch hazel and beds of daffodils and tulips. When you’re done, you can head over to Benvenuto, the Butchart’s historical family residence to view memorabilia, correspondence and photographs chronicling the evolution of The Gardens from a cement making plant to a world-famous attraction.

It’s nature as you’ve never seen it before! Experience the richness of our natural world through the lenses of prize-winning photographers.

The 2011 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit showcases over 100 photographs in 17 categories, including Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Underwater World, Wild Places and Photojournalist of the Year. Each photo is accompanied by the inspirational, astonishing and often humorous story of its creation. The only Canadian winner, Martin Cooper, is from Burnaby, BC. His incredible photo of a coyote pausing on a stretch of railway tracks was chosen from over 41,000 entries from 95 countries.

Cafe Brio
944 Fort St. (250) 383-0009

Cafe Brio is located in the heart of Antique Row, just minutes away from Fairholme Manor. This cozy, Italian-inspired eatery was recently voted one of Victoria’s Best Loved restaurants. Cafe Brio offers a variety of small and large plates with a focus on local products. Their menu changes daily to reflect the freshest ingredients possible, and their New Year’s Eve menu is no exception. This year, Cafe Brio is serving two seatings, either a 3 or 5-course dinner with amuse bouche and a glass of bubbly. Reservations are required.

During the month of December, Craigdarroch Castle is decked out in grand Victorian style. Experience Christmas at the turn of the century, complete with original period toys peeking out from under the Christmas tree.

Check out Craigdarroch Castle’s Entertainment Calendar for additional seasonal activities, including musical events, children’s activities and visits with Father Christmas. All of the daytime entertainment is free with admission. The Castle is open daily from 10am - 4pm.

Skate with friends and family in downtown Victoria’s open-air ice rink! Located in Centennial Square adjacent to the McPherson Theatre, the rink is made of real ice and is bigger than it looks—it can actually fit up to 60 people at a time. In its first five days of operation alone, over 1000 people came out for a skate! It’s been so popular, in fact, that starting today it will be open 3 additional hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission is $2 and limited skate rentals are available for $5 a pair. Children 5 and under skate for free with a paid admission.

Outdoor cinema in December? Only in Victoria! Visit the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort every Tuesday and Wednesday evening for Christmas Starlight Cinema—movies under the stars on Victoria’s beautiful Inner harbour. Heaters will be supplied but you will need to bring your own chair and blanket.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens. On Dec. 1st, the Gardens will be decked out with tens of thousands of lights plus evergreen swags, holiday wreaths and the popular Twelve Days of Christmas display. The official light-up ceremony begins at 5pm and includes free rides on the Rose Carousel (with admission).

Come celebrate the holiday season at the Royal British Columbia Museum! Between November 18th and January 12th, the cobblestone streets of Old Town will be transformed into a turn-of-the-century Christmas, complete with festive garlands and a 4.7 metre (15-foot) Christmas tree. Check out the RBCM Facebook page for some beautiful photos of festive Old Town, then visit their website for more info on this and other great holiday events.

Christmas is here! It’s only November, but the holiday season will soon be landing at The Fairmont Empress. For the past 20 years, the historic hotel has been transformed into a festive forest full of decorated trees, with all proceeds going to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The trees are sponsored and decorated by local individuals, organizations and businesses and voted on by the public. Last year, the event received over 10,000 votes and raised over $110,000.