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Wednesday, June 25, 2014 PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW -- Friday, June 27, 2014
explore the saanich
peninsula
the possibilities
By land or by sea, enjoy the Peninsula S
urrounded by the Salish Sea, the Peninsula is the gateway to many exciting aquatic activities. From whale-watching amidst the sea spray to enjoying a lazy day on calm, sunny waters, the ocean is a beautiful and exciting place to be. The waters around the Peninsula are abundant with wildlife, from seabirds to whales. Whether you’re exploring the open ocean in a high-powered vessel or enjoying a leisurely paddle through an archipelago of islands, you’ll be sure to spot a myriad of creatures. Experience for yourself why the ocean is irresistible. Once you’re here, there are many choices to choose from to get easy access to all the region has to offer. Island Cruising charters yachts and powerboats and offers week-long learn-to-sail
Seen from the air, the Town of Sidney shows why it’s a great destination for outdoor activities. vacations. For the experienced sailor, or willing student, Island Cruising is the place to acquire the boat and skills necessary for an aquatic adventure. Visit www.
islandcruising.com for more. Pacifica Paddle Sports rents canoes and kayaks and offers tours as well. Tod Inlet is only 20 minutes away from the dock,
while Senanus Island, a great picnic spot, is only 30 minutes away. There are also further away locations for those who wish to make a day trip. The
beautiful waters of Brentwood Bay are a must. Check them out at www.pacificapaddle.com. Paddle in the Park Kayaking offers kayak rentals, lessons, and a variety of tours. Along with an experienced guide, explore the waters surrounding Sidney during the day or take the sunset tour to experience the beauty of the evening ocean. Visit www. apaddleinthepark.com. Sidney Whale Watching offers year-round kayak rentals and whale-watching tours from March to November. These three hour tours take you off the coast of Sidney to discover the wildlife that inhabits the area and sightings are guaranteed. Go to www.sidneywhalewatching.com. Sidney Spit is accessible via the Alpine Sidney Spit Ferry. The schedule can be found online at www.alpinegroup.ca/companies/ alpine-sidney-spit-ferry.
Ballet Victoria’s Carmina Burana Final performance of their 2013/14 season
about a staycatio “how n on Pets are welcome. the peni THE CEDARWOOD nsula” INN & SUITES
1-877-656-5551
9522 Lochside Drive, Sidney BC • http://thecedarwood.ca
Thursday July 10th 8:00 pm 2243 Beacon Ave. Sidney • 250.656.0275 • www.marywinspear.ca
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explore
Friday, June 27, 2014 PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW Wednesday, June 25, -2014 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW
the peninsula
Try the flavours of the Peninsula
A
Sidney’s summer street market is every Thursday evening until August 28.
Sidney’s market season a summer must-do
T
he Sidney Street Market runs every Thursday evening until the end of August. The market is run by organizer Laurie McDermid of Westcoast Impressions Event Planning who was appointed the new organizer of the market last fall. This year, the market started earlier by two weeks and will run until Aug. 28.
The Sidney Street Market is one of the largest of its kind in the province attracting 3,000 to 5,000 visitors each week. In 2013, just over 150 vendors lined Beacon Avenue each Thursday evening offering art work, produce, musical entertainment and more. For more information on vendors and weekly entertainment visit the Market’s Facebook page at facebook. com/SidneyStreetMarket.
Michell Bros Farms We have fresh produce and berries
• • • • • •
Strawberries Raspberries Blackberries Loganberries Blueberries Tayberries
OPEN DAILY Corner of Island View Rd. & Hwy. 17
fter six successful seasons as the North Saanich Flavour Trail, organizers decided that it was time to grow and the newly-expanded Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails has evolved into to a full seasonal calendar of tasty events! The Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails is a series of celebrations and events that provide opportunities to experience and taste the quality and creativity of Peninsula farmers, fishers, food producers, chefs and vintners. The Flavour Trails highlights regional products such as wine and ciders, artisan cheese, baked goods, vegetables, fruits and flowers. North Saanich Flavour Trail The annual North Saanich rural ramble kicks off the Flavour Trails on the weekend of August 22-24. The North Saanich Flavour Trail is a celebration of local food and agriculture in North Saanich,
Tour the Peninsula’s agriculture industry. providing residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience Peninsula food and agriculture — and have fun! Choose from a variety of venues to visit and explore. Learn how to grow your own veggies and citrus fruit and get
ready for winter plantings! Enjoy fine wine and savour local cuisine. Take in local history. Picnic by the Salish Sea. To learn more, visit www.flavourtrails.com. — with files from NSFT
Brentwood Bay’s Music in the Park a summer treat The summer-long Brentwood Bay Music in the Park includes local flavour as well as talent from around Greater Victoria and the world. The season features a handful of entertaining acts. Last year, the Music in the Park series was bigger than ever. Each summer in July and August, the Brentwood Bay Revitalization Committee hosts outdoor concerts on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 in Pioneer Park. Bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner, or buy dinner from one of our food vendors.
Come early — the park fills fast! Pioneer Park is located at the corner of West Saanich Road and Clarke Road. Parking is available at the Central Saanich Library on Clarke Road. Music in the Park is a free, all ages event. “Bring a picnic dinner, lawn chairs and a blanket, or you can buy dinner from one of our vendors,” said Leslie Gentile from Music in the Park, adding this year they encourage locals to ride their bikes or walk. For more, visit www.brentwoodbay. info. — with files from the BBRC
District of North Saanich North Saanich offers many diverse recreational activities for visitors and residents of all ages. From water sports such as boating and swimming, to golf, beachcombing or organized recreation fun through the Panorama Recreation Centre, North Saanich can accommodate whatever your interest may be. Consult our website at www.northsaanich.ca for more information on our parks and trails network system, and download a copy of our “Parks and Trails Guide”.
250-652-6770
Come see us for all of your fresh, locally grown produce!
1620 Mills Rd., North Saanich, BC | Tel: 250-656-0781 | Fax: 250-656-3155 e-mail: admin@northsaanich.ca | ww.northsaanich.ca
Beacon Wharf is part of Sidney’s gorgeous waterfront walkway.
Take a long walk Home to runners, walkers and a variety of pets, Sidney’s Waterfront Walkway is a popular place to enjoy the outdoors on the Saanich Peninsula. Stretching more than two kilometers from the north end of Sidney to the south along Lochside Drive, the Walkway takes you alongside the Salish Sea, with highlights including the Town’s growing Sculpture Walk, the Anacortes Ferry terminal, Tulista Park and access to great shopping in downtown Sidney. Start your Waterfront Walkway adventure at the east end of Beacon Avenue.
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PENINSULA June 27, 2014 PENINSULA NEWS NEWS REVIEW REVIEW -- Friday, Wednesday, June 25, 2014
explore
the possibilities
June to September Gallery by the Sea is up for display and voting by the public. Artworks hang off the fish market at Beacon Pier. June to October Peninsula Country Market opens for the season, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Info: www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca. May to Aug. 28 Sidney Thursday night street market. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on a large portion of Beacon Avenue in Sidney, enjoy vendors, music and art at these regular summer street markets. For details, visit www.sidney.ca/Visitors/Sidney_Street_Market.htm. June 30 and July 1 Sidney Days, with community celebrations, parade and more. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca. June 28 to Aug. 30, Saturdays Fireworks illuminate the night sky at the Butchart Gardens. Info: www.butchartgardens.com. July to August, Sundays Summer Sounds Concert Series 2 to 4 p.m. in Beacon Park. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca. July and August Music in the Park, Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Pioneer Park, Brentwood Bay. Bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner, or buy dinner from a food vendor. Info: www.brentwoodbay.info. July 12 and 13 Lavender Festival at the Victoria Lavender Farm in North Saanich. For details, email info@victorialavender.com. August 1 to 4 Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heavy Truck Show happens at Heritage Acres. More information on exact dates and times available at www.shas.ca or by calling 250652-5522. August 22 to 24 The seventh annual North Saanich Flavour Trail, a tour of North Saanich farms, wineries, nurseries, markets and restaurants. Visit www. flavourtrails.com/index.php/ nsflavourtrail/ to confirm dates and times.
Check out these ideas to fill your days while visiting the Saanich Peninsula. Above, a Sidney Spit sunset. control aircraft to life. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Michell Airfield on Lochside Drive. Visit www.vrcms.org/airshow.html for more. Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 147th annual Saanich Fair, with midway, games, community booths, agricultural displays, food, entertainment and more. Info: www. saanichfair.ca. Sept. 13 and 14 Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Harvest Fair and Threshing Weekend, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Acres. Info: www.shas.ca Oct. 17 to 19 The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula’s tenth annual Sidney Fine Art Show is at Mary Winspear Centre. Info: http://blog.sidneyfineartshow.com.
The heavy horses at the Saanich Fair.
Aug. 9 to 10 Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow brings its fine show of remote
Oct. 17 to 26 It’s the Saanich Peninsula ArtSea Festival. Starting with the Sidney Fine Art Show, the Festival shows off a community of art in a variety of forms. Learn more at www. cacsp.com.
October Saanich Peninsula Fall Studio Tour, hosted by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. Info: http://cacsp.com. November 30 Sidney Sparkles parade and sailpast, a welcome to the holiday season lights up Sidney’s Beacon Avenue and the waterfront. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca. November Saanich Fairgrounds’ Christmas in the Manger Craft show. Info: www.saanichfair.ca. December Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas – carollers, a festive brass band and an outdoor ice rink to help celebrate the festive season. Info: www.butchartgardens.com. December Christmas in the Village with Christmas lights, food, music and Santa at Heritage Acres. For more information, visit www.shas.ca. December Saanichton Community Christmas, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Saanichton. Photos with Santa, Christmas Tree Trail and live music. Visit saanichtonvillage.ca for more information.
• Spot aircraft at YYJ
There is a lot of progress happening at the Airport! Check outStarbucks our plansand at www.victoriaairport.com • Enjoy Tim’s, the White Spot • Shop the Reay Store
Townof ofSidney Sidney Town
Town of Sidney
www.sidney.ca www.sidney.ca
www.sidney.ca
• Ride your bicycle, jog or walk the new Bike Path
www.victoriaairport.com Your gateway to Vancouver Island.
There is a lot of progress happening at the Airport! Check out our plans at www.victoriaairport.com
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EVENTS
explore
Saanich Fair www.saanichfair.ca
The 147th annual Saanich Fair is the best place to discover what keeps the Peninsula’s agricultural scene growing. Learn about local farming from cattle to flowers to pigs and pickles. Be amazed by youngsters in 4-H and watch the majestic draft horses go through their paces. Hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time to bring you the best in entertainment, education and fun for the entire family. As well, all concessions during the fair are non-profit and manned by volunteers. Munch on popcorn, cotton candy or ice cream while meandering through dozens of cultural and agricultural displays. Enjoy strolling among the Corner Market vendors and don’t forget to take a ride on the midway. With its roots firmly planted by the nonprofit North and South Saanich Agricultural Society in 1868, the fair has now grown into Western Canada’s longest running agricultural fair. Today, the 147th Saanich Fair has three times more exhibits than Vancouver’s PNE. From the hottest up and coming entertainers, to wild rides and traditional homemade treats and farm-grown veggies, the Saanich Fair has it all. Join the fun Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. Sidney parades www.peninsulacelebrations.ca Sidney boasts two parades a year, both hosted by Peninsula Celebrations Society. The
first is a summertime tradition that parades down Beacon Avenue on Canada Day as part of the Sidney Days festivities. Starting at 11:30 a.m. the parade works its way down Beacon from Resthaven Drive toward the waterfront on July 1. There is wheelchair viewing reserved at Beacon and Fifth Street. Viewers tend to line the curbs well ahead of time for the popular parade. In November, Sidney Sparkles. The town is lit up and so is the parade that brings Santa to town in time for Christmas. Usually slated for the final weekend of November, or early December, the parade warms hearts despite the chill in the air.
MARKET SEASON
Sidney market www.sidney.ca The annual Sidney Thursday night street market runs each Thursday evening down Beacon Avenue. Market vendors include everyone from local farmers with fresh produce to those selling custom jewelry, woodwork and art to speciality food items. The market also features music from local performers, bands and buskers to entertain shoppers along the way. Local businesses stay open late to enjoy the festive affair and entertainment rounds out the evening. The market runs through to August 28. North Saanich market www.northsaanichfarmmarket.ca Saturdays in North Saanich are filled with the sights, sounds and smells of growers,
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Wednesday, June2014 25, 2014 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW Friday, June 27, - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW
the peninsula
bakers and art makers at St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. Held in the church garden, the market features the best produce North Saanich has to offer, including seasonal fruits and veggies, local lamb and beef. Merry music accompanies each market of the summer and right through the fall once the event moves indoors. An added bonus is the education table where market goers can learn about composting, get garden tips from master gardeners and find out if that ancient apple tree really is a rare heritage breed from the fruit testers.
ATTRACTIONS
Butchart Gardens www.butchartgardens.com The world-renowned Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay bring guests from around the globe all year long. From July through the first week in September, Saturdays are punctuated with the famous fireworks. Music on the main stage and other small segments of the gardens makes perusing the aromatic scene that much more merry. By Christmastime the grounds are lit up in honour of the 12 days of Christmas and an outdoor skating rink provides an added passtime. Don’t forget to check out the carousel all times of year. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre www.oceandiscovery.ca The aquarium in Sidney celebrates all things about the Salish Sea, above and below. Its Gallery of Drifters (jellyfish) greets guests as they exit the submersible into the deep blue. With a wet lab, tanks filled with fish and their friends in the Gallery of the Salish Sea, a day is complete with a visit to the touch pools. There, guests, using the one finger rule, can shake hands with an urchin. Victoria Butterfly Gardens www.butterflygardens.com The warm humid air of Victoria Butterfly Gardens is enough to entice, even without the jungle atmosphere it offers. If you’re still, a winged creature could even give you a kiss. Filled with the obvious butterflies – 3,000 of them flutter about the flora – this Brentwood Bay tourist stop also has moths like you’ve never seen, pink flamingos and other tropical birds, Koi fish, tortoises and dart frogs. Rates are $5 to $15.
Play Play lay P
in the
Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk www.sculpturewalk.ca Works of art dot the Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk, two kilometres of seaside walkway starting at the foot of Beacon Avenue. The sculptures follow the 2.5 km Heart Smart Walk along the waterfront offering a spectacular backdrop for the artists’ pieces. The artwork is on loan to the town for two years before being changed up to keep the outdoor gallery fresh.
OUTDOORS
Wildlife viewing www.crd.bc.ca/parks Surrounded by the Saanich Inlet and the Salish Sea, the Saanich Peninsula offers a plethora of beautiful beaches and parks, each boasting different features in flora and fauna. Try Island View Regional Park, off Island View Road in Central Saanich; Glass Beach at the base of Beacon Avenue in Sidney; Coles Bay Regional Park off Inverness Road in North Saanich and Verdier Park in Brentwood Bay.
Unplug, Unwind & Come Play!
This summer, make play a priority for your family and join us for Play inweekday the evening from 5:30-8:30pm beginning June in the Park! Everyin the 30th, Panorama staff will facilitate fun for the whole family through Unplug, Unwind & Come Come Play! Unplug, Unwind & Play! interactive play, face play painting, groupfor games, of course, inflatable fun This summer, make a priority your and family and join us for Play This summer, make play course! a priority for your family and join us for Play in the Park! Every weekday evening from 5:30-8:30pm beginning June on our giant 50’ obstacle The program will be offered at various 30th, will facilitate fun the whole beginning family through in thePanorama Park! Everystaff weekday evening fromfor 5:30-8:30pm June parks throughout Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich. We can’t interactive play, face painting, group games, and of course, inflatable fun 30th, Panorama staff will facilitate fun for the whole family through on our giant 50’ obstacle course! The program will be offered at various think throughout of a better way for you to spend your summer evenings, so can’t grab parks Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich. We interactive play, face group games,come and ofplay! course, fun the whole family andpainting, unplug, unwind Didinflatable we mention think of a better way for you to spend and your summer evenings, so grab on our giant 50’ obstacle course! The program will be offered at various the whole family and unplug, unwind and come play! Did we mention that Play Play in in the the Park Park is is offered offered to to the community community free of charge?! that free of charge?! parks throughout Sidney, North the Saanich and Central Saanich. We can’t think of a better way for you to June spend your summer evenings, so grab & July August June 30th 30th & July August the whole family and unplug, unwind and come play! Did we mention (No sessionPark Jul 1) (No session Aug 4) Monday Pioneer Centennial Park that Play in the Park is offered community free ofParkcharge?! Monday to the Pioneer Park Centennial Wednesday Tuesday Thursday
Monday Wednesday
Friday
Tuesday Thursday
250.656.7271
7181 West Saanich Road, Brentwood Bay • Phone 250-652-1235
Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Closed Sundays & Holidays
B.C. Aviation Museum www.bcam.net Volunteers at the British Columbia Aviation Museum, adjacent to the Victoria International Airport, set out to preserve and share aircraft history. Their mandate is to collect, restore and display aircraft and artifacts to share the history of aviation in B.C. and Canada. Browse on your own, or have one of the guides show you around. Open daily, call 250-655-3300.
Park Park ark P
Tuesday
I N T H E H E A RT O F B R E N T W O O D BAY
Mary Winspear Centre www.marywinspear.ca Named for a pioneering teacher, long-time visitor to North Saanich and favourite aunt to the large Winspear family, Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre is the hub of entertainment and community events on the Peninsula. The culteral and conference centre has been around since the 1950s, serving business, social and cultural clientele. The 310seat Charlie White theatre is the place to see local, regional and international performers. The Centre offers plenty of community programs for youth and adults and can be found at the west end of Beacon Avenue in Sidney.
Wednesday Friday Thursday
250.656.7271
Friday
(No session Jul 1)
(No session Aug 4)
7130 West Saanich Road
7400 Block of Wallace
Iroquois Park 7130 West Saanich Road 7400 Block of Wallace 2295 Ocean Ave
Rathdown Park Iroquois
Park Wain Park
871 Birch Road June 30th &2295 July Ocean Ave August 2170 Calvin Ave
(No session Jul 1) (No session Aug 4) Rodolph Park 6446 Loganberry Place
Pioneer Park Rathdown Park
Centennial Park Wain Park
Greenglade Community Centre 71302170 WestCalvin Saanich 7400 Block ofRoad Wallace AveRoad 871 Birch 2151 Lannon Way
Iroquois Park Rodolph
2295 Ocean Ave 6446 Loganberry Place
www.panoramarecreation.ca
Rathdown ParkCommunity Wain Park Greenglade Centre
2170 Calvin Ave 2151 Lannon Way871 Birch Road
Rodolph Park
6446 Loganberry Place
www.panoramarecreation.ca
Greenglade Community Centre 2151 Lannon Way