PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Wednesday, June 25, 2014 PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW- Friday, June 26, 2015
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explore the saanich
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Welcome to the Peninsula – come explore! F
ew places on earth enjoy the rich mix of scenery, activities and amenities of the Saanich Peninsula. Boasting breathtaking natural beauty, world-class attractions, boutique shopping and dining and outdoor adventure second to none, where else would you want to be? Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the Peninsula is the gateway to many aquatic activities. From a thrilling whale-watching adventure to a quiet paddle that brings you close to nature, local waters offer innumerable opportunities. No matter which kind of experience you prefer, come see why the ocean has proven irresistible to Islanders for generations. A variety of charters, tours and rentals are available through local businesses. For those who want to explore a little farther afield,
The Sidney Waterfront Walkway offers a relaxing way to explore the local waterfront. Sidney Spit, opposite the Sidney waterfront, is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and is accessed by a seasonal passenger ferry leaving from the foot of Beacon Avenue. Make a
day of it and explore the long sandy beaches, popular bird watching sites and forested trails through the spit. Find the ferry schedule online at www.alpinegroup.ca
Off the water, the Saanich Peninsula’s parks and beaches offer even more opportunities to get out and explore. Find excellent hiking opportunities in areas like Dean Park, Horth Hill
and Tod Inlet (Visit www.CRD. bc.ca for information and more ideas!), or enjoy a stroll along Sidney’s waterfront walkway or the new loop trail around the Victoria International Airport. For family-friendly attractions, don’t miss what’s new at Sidney’s Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, the Sidney Museum and the Mary Winspear Centre, not to mention the BC Aviation Museum near the airport and in Central Saanich, Heritage Acres, beautiful Butterfly Gardens and the worldfamous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site. With all there is to see and do around the Saanich Peninsula, do take time as well to relax and enjoy the boutique shops, galleries and innumerable dining opportunities awaiting in each of the Peninsula’s villages. With so much to see and do, here’s to a long summer to take it all in — come explore.
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Wednesday, June26, 25,2015 2014 -- PENINSULA PENINSULA Friday, June
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the peninsula Scenic Peninsula Savour the flavours of the Peninsula inspires artists
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fresh strawberry delights oing local is a breeze then dance the night away at on the Saanich Penthe annual Summer Solstice insula, where fertile Celebration Community lands help growers, Dance and Strawberry Fete in producers and vintBrentwood Bay! ners thrive. Add to that a host of The weekend of Aug. 21 to local markets showcasing every23 brings the annual North thing from canning and baking to Saanich Flavour Trail, a farm-raised plants and produce celebration of local food and and summer is definitely a seaagriculture in North Saanson to savour. ich, providing residents and The Sidney Street Market is visitors the opportunity to billed as the Island’s largest explore and experience Penstreet market. Attracting thouinsula food and agriculture. sands of visitors each week, This year’s event is billed the market fills Sidney’s Beacon as the North Saanich Jubilee Avenue Thursday evenings from Flavour Trail & Wine Fest Savour the bounty of the Peninsula at local markets. May through the end of August in honour of the 50th anniwith vendors, entertainers, food versary of the official incorand refreshments. See www.sidneystreetporation of the District of North Saanich. all that’s fresh and flavourful on the Penmarket.com for details. Organizers will be adding some special insula. The Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails Each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the events, including an opening day pancake is a series of celebrations and events Peninsula Country Market is chock-full breakfast at Jubilee Park, along with a providing opportunities to experience and of locally grown and produced goodies. focus on local wines! To learn more, visit taste the quality and creativity of PenFeaturing assorted vendors, entertainers www.flavourtrails.com. insula farmers, fishers, food producers, and food purveyors, find the goodness of As people’s passions for local foods chefs and vintners. Highlighting regional the Peninsula at the Saanich Fairgrounds continue to grow, more events are added products such as wine and ciders, artisan through Oct. 10. For details, see www.peneach year celebrating local flavours. cheese, baked goods, vegetables, fruits insulacountrymarket.ca. The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and flowers, it’s a delicious way to get to Now in its seventh year, the North Saahosts its Farm Ride July 25 and Sept. 19 know the Peninsula. nich Farm Market brings growers, bakers brings the Saanich Peninsula Harvest June 20 and 21 gets the summer rolling and crafters together on Saturdays from Feast. Of course, the old-timer on the with the Strawberries and Wine Festival. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Saint John’s event calendar – the 148th Saanich Fair Pick up your fresh berries from local United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. Sept. 5 to 7 – is one of the original celefarms or farm markets – or maybe you’ll See who’ll be on hand this week at www. brations of local agriculture. No wonder want to pick your own – then enjoy a northsaanichfarmmarket.ca relaxing ramble by car or bike to Peninsula it’s still a must-do event for many local Markets aren’t the only way to discover families! wineries. Sample local wines paired with
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One glance at the undulating shoreline, the offshore islands and forested mountains and it’s easy to see why Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula boast such a large number of artists and artisans. Local galleries can be an excellent way to capture the essence of a community, the galleries in Sidney and surrounding neighbourhoods won’t disappoint. A variety of special arts events are also scheduled throughout the year, including the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula’s Fall Studio Tour, Oct. 24 and 25. The self-guided tour will take you to some of the area’s finest working studios, and introduce you to artists working in many disciplines, including ceramics, paintings, sculpture, wood and jewellery. One of Greater Victoria’s largest art exhibits of the year is the Sidney Fine Art Show, hosted by the Community Arts Council at Mary Winspear Centre. Mark this year’s show on your calendar for Oct. 16 to 18. Of course, for those in SIdney, one of the finest ways to take in both the work of local artists and the local scenery is with a stroll along the Sidney Sculpture Walk, featuring a series of distinctive sculptures along Sidney’s waterfront walkway at the The Sidney Fine Art Show foot of Beareturns Oct. 16 to 18. con Avenue.
Brentwood’s Music in the Park back July 8 Mark your calendars for July 8, the opening night of the summerlong Brentwood Bay Music in the Park series. Filling Pioneer Park each Wednesday night with the sights, sounds
and tastes of summer, the music runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and features talent from the Peninsula and around the region. A free, all ages event hosted by the Brentwood Bay Revitalization
Committee, residents and visitors are encouraged to bring a chair, a blanket and a picnic dinner...or buy dinner from one of the food vendors on site. Come early, though – the park fills fast! To ease
District of North Saanich 1620 Mills Rd., North Saanich, BC Tel: 250-656-0781 admin@northsaanich.ca www.northsaanich.ca
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August 19, 2015 is our 50th Anniversary and we are celebrating with a number of events throughout the year. Visit our website at www.northsaanich.ca Jubilee link for a list of Jubilee events and come help us celebrate this momentous occasion. 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. Our website has more information on our parks and trails network system and you can download a copy of our “Parks and Trails Guide”.
congestion, the committee encourages locals to walk or cycle to the popular community event. Find Pioneer Park at the corner of West Saanich Road and Clarke Road, with parking available at the Central Saanich Library on Clarke Road. For information, visit www.brentwoodbay.info.
Celebrate Canada Day in Sidney The Peninsula Celebrations Society and Town of Sidney co-host Canada Day events — known locally as Sidney Days — on June 30 and July 1 this year. There will be fireworks and celebrations the night before Canada Day — which starts with a parade in downtown Sidney at 11:30 a.m. For all the details, visit peninsulacelebrations.ca.
PENINSULA NEWS NEWS REVIEW REVIEW--Friday, Wednesday, June 25, 2014 PENINSULA June 26, 2015
explore
May to Aug. 27 Sidney’s 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.sidneystreetmarket.com
August 21 to 23 The eighth annual North Saanich Flavour Trail, a tour of North Saanich farms, wineries, nurseries, markets and restaurants. Info: www.flavourtrails.com/index.php/ nsflavourtrail/
June 20 Summer Solstice Celebration. Community Dance with Shaky Ground, Brentwood Community Hall, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets $15. Info: www.brentwoodbay.info
Sept. 1 to 30 Sidney Museum presents the exhibit Timeless Toys – toys we used to have. Info: www.sidneymuseum.ca
June 20 & 21 Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Summer Fair at Heritage Acres. Info: www.shas.ca or 250-652-5522.
Sept. 5 to 7 148th annual Saanich Fair, with midway, games, community booths, agricultural displays, food, entertainment and more. Info: www.saanichfair.ca
The Sidney Night Market is fun for all ages.
June 27 Muse Winery hosts the Eine Kleine Summer Music series for a 2:30 p.m. concert of classical music amid the vineyard setting. Tickets: 250-4133134. June 28 & July 5 Muse Winery hosts Ballet Etoile for 2 p.m. performances. Ballet tickets: $20. Info: www.musewinery.ca June 30 and July 1 Sidney Days, with community celebrations, parade and family events and activities. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca July 4 to Sept. 5, 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
the possibilities
Aug. 8 to 9 Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow brings its fine show of remote control aircraft to life. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Michell Airfield on Lochside Drive. Entry by donation to C-FAX Santa’s Anonymous and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation. Info: www.vrcms.org/ airshow.html
June to Oct. 10 Peninsula Country Market is open for the season, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Info: www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca
June 20 & 21 Strawberry and Wine Festival. Savour two of the Peninsula’s tastiest products in this new festival. Info: www.flavourtrails.com
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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 and August Sidney Museum presents the exhibit Best Loved Dolls of the Past 100 Years. Info: www. sidneymuseum.ca
Sept. 19 and 20 Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Harvest Fair and Threshing Weekend, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Acres. Info: www.shas.ca October Sidney Museum presents the Deep Cove Weavers & Spinners. Info: www.sidneymuseum.ca
Oct. 16 to 18 The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula’s 11th annual Sidney Fine Art Show is at Mary Winspear Centre. Info: http://blog.sidneyfineartshow.com Oct. 16 to 25 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 Oct. 24 & 25 Saanich Peninsula Fall Studio Tour, hosted by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. Info: http://cacsp.com November 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 Nov. 1 to 15 Sidney Museum presents its Tribute to the Military exhibit. Info: www.sidneymuseum.ca Dec. 1 to 31 Sidney Museum presents its annual Teddy Bear exhibit. Info: www.sidneymuseum.ca Dec. 1 to Jan. 6 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
July 19 Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Ford V8 Picnic at Heritage Acres. Info: www.shas.ca or 250-652-5522. July 25 BC Aviation Museum Open House & Celebration of District of North Saanich Jubilee. Info: http://bcam. net
December Saanichton Community Christmas, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Saanichton. Photos with Santa, Christmas Tree Trail and live music. Info: saanichtonvillage.ca
Sidney Days’ Build-a-Boat race is fun for participants and spectators.
Dec. 28 & 29 Kid Fest at BC Aviation Museum. Info: http://bcam.net
MAYNE ISLAND Closer than you think.
Townof ofSidney Sidney Town
Town of Sidney
www.sidney.ca www.sidney.ca
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mayneislandchamber.ca
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EVENTS
Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - PENINSULA Friday, June 26, 2015 - PENINSULA
explore 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 area 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.
Saanich Fair www.saanichfair.ca The 148th annual Saanich Fair is the best place to discover what keeps the Peninsula’s agricultural scene growing. Learn about local farming from cattle and 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 148th 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 Sept. 5 to 7.
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 jewellery, 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 Aug. 27.
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
North Saanich market www.northsaanichfarmmarket.ca Saturdays in North Saanich are filled with the sights, sounds and smells of growers, bakers and art makers at St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. Held in the
MARKET SEASON
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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. Mary Winspear Centre www.marywinspear.ca
Play
in the
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 cultural 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. 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. 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.
Park
Unplug, Unwind & Come Play!
Your Health and Wellness Destination. Talk to your Live Well Pharmacist Today!
Every weekday evening from 5:30-8:30pm beginning July 2nd, Panorama staff will facilitate fun for the whole family through interactive play, face painting, group games, and of course, inflatable fun on our giant 50’ obstacle course! We can’t think of a better way for you to spend your summer evenings. So grab the whole family and unplug, unwind and come play! Did we mention that Play in the Park is offered free of charge?! Play in t Launch he Park July August Party! (No session Aug 3) Join us o n Thu Monday
Pioneer Park
7130 West Saanich Road
Tuesday
Rathdown Park 2170 Calvin Ave
Wednesday
Wain Park
Greenglade Community Centre
871 Birch Road
2151 Lannon Way
Thursday
I N T H E H E A RT O F B R E N T W O O D BAY
Friday
Iroquois Park 2295 Ocean Ave
Rodolph Park
6446 Loganberry Place
rsday, Ju at Iroqu ly 2nd ois Park from 5:3 8:30pm 0as we kic k off the in the Pa P lay rk progra m for the su m mer! Enjoy a Je nner’s G rillverad BBQ by o donatio n to ben efit:
Centennial Park
7400 Block of Wallace
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
250.656.7271
www.panoramarecreation.ca