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Victoria’s only event dedicated to all things retro. The VintAgeous Vintage Fair is a shopping experience like no other, with 35 stalls selling retro fashion, jewellery, accessories, home decor, records, books and nostalgia from the 1920s to the 1980s. There will be prizes, live music, roaming fashion shows and more!

Free admissions, special offers and discounts for Victoria’s best attractions!

Despite its name, Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown is not just for locals. Whether you’re an out-of-towner experiencing Victoria for the first time or a resident looking to discover (rediscover) your own city, Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown is the perfect opportunity to sample all that Victoria has to offer.

Hosted in the tea capital of Canada, the Victoria Tea Festival is celebrating its 5th anniversary this weekend, with samples, shopping and presentations galore. Perfect for both newbies and tea aficionados, the Festival is the largest public tea exhibition in North America. You’ll have the chance to shop for your favourite teas and tea-related products, place a bid in the silent auction and learn about the benefits of tea in your diet.

Tired of cliched Valentine’s Day celebrations? Then why not say “I Love You” in a candle-lit gallery at the Royal BC Museum?

Beginning at 7 PM on Valentine’s Day, you can cuddle up with your loved one while enjoying complimentary hors d ‘oeuvres and a glass of sparkling wine in the Natural History and Wildlife Photographer of the Year galleries.

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.