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If your inner geek has been dying to break free, then you haven’t got long to wait. On March 20 Capital City Comic Con is set to hit Victoria and it’s sure to be an absolute blast for all in attendance. The event runs all weekend long, ending on March 22. The action will be divided between two event locations—Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden.
If you’ve never heard of Comic Con then you may be the only one. Started in 1964, Comic Con now happens in numerous locations around the world. The event is a celebration of all things comic book related and it always brings out an entertaining array of superheroes, zombies and wizards.
Come dressed as your favourite character and get ready for some fun. There are a variety of impressive creators, entertainers and cosplayers scheduled to be in attendance during the event. Creators slated to be at Capital City Comic Con include: Randy Emberlin, Marcus To, Steve Englehart, and Walden Wong. Some of the entertainers expected at the event are: Gates McFadden, Felissa Rose, Sean Whalen, Sean Gunn, ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan, and Garret Wang.
Comic Con is fun for all ages. Feel free to bring out the whole family to share in the adventure. In fact, you can even purchase family passes for the event. Tickets are being sold for single day access or you can get 3 day passes that get you into the entire event. Passes give you access to both event venues. Single day adult passes start at $25 and kids age 5 and under get in for free. There is also youth pricing. Tickets sold on site are subject to a $5 increase in price.
If you’re going to be on the island for this or any other event and are looking for amazing accomodations on Vancouver Island, the Best Western Vancouver Island locations are a wonderful choice. With several locations on the island, you’re sure to find a comfortable and affordable place to stay.
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Image by MikesPhotos
In this hyper-connected age of computers, smart phones and social media, it would be nice to reminisce about the simpler times of past decades. This December, you don’t have to imagine what life was like in years gone by, you can live it! Three retro inspired events on Vancouver Island are giving nostalgic locals and visitors the chance to experience the style, music and atmosphere of past decades.
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas
Are you in the mood for some jukebox classics? You’re in luck! This special tribute show celebrates the legendary music of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Brenda Lee. Zachary Stevenson, who played the rock legend in “The Buddy Holly Story”, will host this musical showcase. This is a show that will have you bopping along to Christmas classics from the songbooks of rock icons. Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas will be coming to Victoria on December 22nd and Nanaimo on December 23rd.
Speakeasy
During the prohibition era in the United States, a speakeasy was a place to go to secretly partake in alcoholic beverages. These hidden establishments required a password for entry, but once inside, patrons were entertained by the era’s finest jazz acts and they also had the chance to rub elbows with other fashionable patrons. Every Tuesday night, the Victoria Event Centre transports guests back to the 1920s with this speakeasy-inspired event featuring a live jazz band, swing dancing and cocktails inspired by this time in history. Time to don your pearls and bow tie and get ready for a Great Gatsby-style good time.
Christmas in Old Town
Throughout December, the streets of Old Town at the Royal BC Museum will be transformed into a Christmas village reminiscent of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Walk down the cobblestone streets, take in the Christmas lights and have a visit with Santa in a world class museum featuring a collection of over seven million artifacts, specimens and documentation of human and natural history. Visit on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to see the man in the red suit!
Get the best of both past and present with a getaway at one of Best Western’s Vancouver Island locations. We combine old school charm with modern day amenities to offer our guests a relaxing and memorable stay. Check out our locations and start planning your next island adventure!
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This January will mark not only the start of a new year but the start of a new decade. It’s a time to reflect on the year that was and look forward to the exciting possibilities that lay before us. Get the year off to a great start with three inspiring events taking place in Victoria. Be inspired to see, do and experience new things in January!
National Geographic Live – On the trail of big cats
Wildlife photographer Steve Winter is not one to shy away from danger. Winter’s incredible portfolio features some stunningly vivid images of large cats taken from around the world. He’s photographed endangered wild tigers across India, Indonesia and Thailand, captured the rare sight of a cougar wandering in the Hollywood Hills and taken pictures of snow leopards in the Himalayas. His sole objective through his photographs is to draw attention to animals around the world that are on the verge of extinction. Listen as Winter speaks about this and his many harrowing adventures in a National Geographic Live presentation at the Royal Theatre on January 29.
Beautiful The Carole King Musical
Carole King is one of the most beloved singer-songwriters in American history. Her decades-spanning career has given the world enduring and iconic songs as “(You Make me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Will you Love Me Tomorrow?” and “You’ve Got a Friend”. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical celebrates the extraordinary life and career of this music legend. This Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway sensation will debut on January 31st and run until February 2nd at Victoria's Royal Theatre. Tickets are on sale now.
The Victoria Health Show
For many of us, the beginning of a new year often brings a renewed interest in living a healthier lifestyle. The Victoria Health Show can help you achieve your health-oriented goals in 2020 with demonstrations, expert advice and educational seminars. Learn about health and fitness trends, nutriceuticals, new therapies and services promoting optimal health and wellness outcomes. Enjoy the convenience of shopping under one roof for nutritional supplements, natural foods, organic products, teas, skincare products, haircare products, bedding, jewelry, botanicals and much more. The Health Show will take place over the weekend of January 25th to 26 at the G.R. Pearkes Recreational Centre.
When visiting the Island, you can't help but be dazzled by the beauty of the coastline and in turn be inspired to do new and exciting things such as learning about wildlife, watching a Broadway musical, or discovering new ways to live a healthier and happier life. While finding what truly inspires you, book your stay at one of Best Western Vancouver Island’s Victoria locations. Our hotels, Best Western Plus Inner Harbour and Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza offer premium quality accommodations, top-notch amenities to make you feel at home, and prime locations from which to visit many of the city's attractions in style. Check for current availability on our website.
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2019 has gone by in a flash and the holiday season is just around the corner! It’s time to gather with friends and family to enjoy this sparkly time of year. With concerts, soirees and craft fairs, Vancouver Island has lots in store in November to help get you in the holiday spirit. The November weather outside may be frightful, but these cozy indoor events will bring the warmth of holiday cheer.
Serena Ryder Christmas Kisses Tour
One of the most beloved Canadian entertainers, Serena Ryder will be bringing her beautiful vocal and song writing talents across Canada this winter! This tour will feature songs from Ryder’s 2018 holiday album Christmas Kisses, which Rolling Stone called one of the best new Christmas albums of last year! Catch her at The Royal Theatre in Victoria on November 24th or at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on November 29th.
Jingle Mingle
A holiday fundraiser with a sophisticated twist, the Jingle Mingle is a cocktail reception and silent auction that will raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. Get dressed up in your nicest holiday threads and get ready to take in a vibrant holiday atmosphere at the Fairmont Express in Victoria. More information and tickets can be found on the BC Cancer Foundation website.
Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair
Cherry Bomb Toys is a Victoria store that specializes in all things collectable, fun and nerdy! Their annual craft fair features gifts made by local artisans. If you’re wanting to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, this is the perfect chance to find unique gifts for the loved ones in your life! The Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair will be held on November 30 and December 1.
With all these fun activities happening around the city, November is a great time to visit Vancouver Island. Best Western is here to offer you a cozy retreat while you explore beautiful Southern and Central Vancouver Island and the Pacific Rim. Cap off your day with a dip in the hot tub and a nice glass of wine by the fire at one of our many stunning locations. Check out our locations and book your stay today.
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Image by Victor Freitas
Summer is winding down, but Vancouver Island still has lots of fun events in store over the upcoming months. We’ve hand-picked three diverse events for visitors to enjoy on the Island in September and October.
Nanaimo International Jazz Festival
The third annual Nanaimo International Jazz Festival will be held over three days from Friday, September 20th to Sunday, September 22nd. The event features free outdoor concerts and a parade inspired by the rousing musical traditions of New Orleans. Aspiring musicians can also get involved in the jam sessions and workshops. More information on location and concert times can be found on the Nanaimo Jazz Fest website.
Moon Festival Lantern Celebration
Celebrate the Harvest Moon in Victoria with this delightful, family-friendly event. The Harvest Moon is an occasion customarily celebrated in Asian cultures and marks the coming of the fall season. The Moon Festival Lantern Celebration features lantern-making workshops, musical performances and a mooncake and tea sampling. After sundown, watch as lanterns are illuminated in a magical community parade. Admission is free, and events will be held at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre and Lambrick Park.
Queen of the Peak Surf Competition
Tofino is Canada’s top destination for surfing and one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest to view the sport. The tenth annual Queen of the Peak female surf competition will see over 100 competitive surfers compete on Tofino’s waves from October 4th to the 6th. The event also features yoga classes, movie screenings and a dance party! Check out the Queen of the Peak website for more details.
Looking for a place to stay in Nanaimo, Victoria or Tofino? Best Western has locations across Vancouver Island from which you can explore some of the best cities on the West Coast. Our hotels offer a range of accommodations to suit every budget and lifestyle. Book with us today.
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Peanut butter and jelly, Bert and Ernie, summer and concerts – some pairings are just meant to be. There’s nothing quite like listening to tunes while soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D when the summer months hit. Check out these exciting music events coming to Victoria in July and August.
Phillips Backyard Weekender
A favourite watering hole among Victoria locals, Phillips Brewery will be hosting a two-day long music festival from July 26-28. Featured acts include Brooklyn indie-rockers the Dirty Projectors, rapper Danny Brown and Steel Pulse. Take in this eclectic variety of music while enjoying one of Phillip’s signature taps. Tickets are on sale now.
Victoria Bicycle Music Festival
Who says that music festivals are stationary? Some brilliant minds in Victoria are flipping the script on the standard music festival and combining it with one of the city’s most beloved pastimes – biking. The third annual Bicycle Music Festival will see attendees biking to each music venue to catch different concerts across the city. Pedal your way to performances by Rae Spoon, Elder Sister Plum and Resistance Rising Choir. The event will kick off on July 21st at 1pm at Pioneer Square.
Symphony Splash
Fireworks, the seafront and Tchaikovsky – these three elements come together in one of the most anticipated summer events in Victoria. The Victoria Symphony Splash is a celebration of classical music that features performance by the Victoria Symphony on a floating stage in the Inner Harbour. Enjoy meal at the Culinary Corner before settling in to take in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture accompanied by a stunning fireworks display.
Best Western Vancouver Island offers convenient accommodations for travelling concert goers looking for a place to rest their dancing feet. Our centrally located hotels in Victoria offer a great jumping off point from which to explore the city this summer. Explore out Vancouver Island locations and book your stay today.
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Located on the western shores of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim is a coastal paradise of beaches, forests and trails. The area comes alive in the summertime when the warmer weather makes is easy to enjoy the outdoor activities Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet have to offer. It’s also a great time of year to take part in some local festivals which celebrate local music, art and food. We’ve picked three festivals that summertime visitors to the Pacific Rim won’t want to miss.
Pacific Rim Summer Festival
Presented by the Pacific Rim Arts Society, the Pacific Rim Summer Festival is a week-long celebration of arts and culture in Tofino and Uclulet. From June 30th to July 7th you can enjoy free outdoor concerts, check out artisanal crafts and paintings at the art market and participate in workshops. Burgeoning artists will love the Kids Arts Zone. The festivities will take place at various venues around the Pacific Rim.
Tofino Jazz Festival 2019
What’s better than listening to some cool jazz melodies while enjoying a summer night in one of the most beautiful places in the world? The 2019 Tofino Jazz Festival will feature international jazz artists in outdoor concerts which will take place from June 20th to the 23rd.
Tofino Market
Held every Saturday from May to October, the Tofino Summer Market brings you the best food, crafts and live entertainment that Tofino has to offer. Try delectable goods from local favourites Chocolate Tofino and Tofino Acai and take in live performances from awesome local musicians taking the stage at the Tofino Village Green. This is an event where you can experience Tofino’s authentic local spirit.
Looking for a place to stay while you’re exploring Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim? With locations in Port Alberni and Tofino, Best Western offers outstanding accommodation options for adventurous travellers. Experience ocean front views at our Tin Wis resort in Tofino, and relax to the sound of crashing waves. Check out or booking page for more information.
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Photo Credit: Ibrahim Rifath
Festivals these days are filled with young folks, children, and a whole lot of other things that lay distant from the olden day ideas of festivals. In the past, these festivals were often filled with live performances (of the non-electronic sort), and a lot of unique crafts. On top of that, there is often a thematic celebration of something deeply embedded within the local culture. The only place that really happens is within small towns like Victoria. Coincidentally enough, here are three classic-style festivals that will give you a taste of that olden-day definition.
Cheese and Meat Festival
Clearly enough: it is a celebration of cheese and meats. The Victoria Cheese and Meat Festival is designed to bring in international flavours of cheeses and meats right to the doorstep of Victoria. On Saturday, May 11, 2019, this festival takes place at the E&N Roundhouse. With tickets ranging from $35 to $145, you get to temper how much of this event you get to taste (truly, taste)!
156th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Tradition runs strong in Victoria. The 156th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival is a demonstration of how tradition has helped to shape culture. This three-day festival starts on Saturday May 18 at 8 AM and concludes through to the end of Monday May 20 at 5 PM. Here you can enjoy the amassing of large bands, professional celtic bands, championship games, the Simon Fraser University Grade 1 Pipeband, and many more culturally festive activities.
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So, putting the DJ set-up aside, all the loudspeakers, and all the light shows, there is still opportunity to celebrate the simplest things in life. Come to Victoria and stay at the Best Western Plus Inner Harbour to enjoy the culture and simplicity these two festivals can offer. And in your spare time, slip into town to visit Ring Road and the University of Victoria, or head on over to the city centre to see what the local shops have to offer.
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Photo Credit: Dan Gold
There are certain rites of passage that every growing new families should go through. Some folks might thing these are necessary and are integral to building a new family, and to others these are just guidelines as each family is more than allowed to have its own traditions. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you fall, you can take these as suggestions for your own growing family.
The Revolution of Kitchen Gardening
It is, in no way, new, at all. This has been around since we as humans have known to plant and grow our own vegetables. While the event itself is centred around the idea of controlling your own food supply and overall just doing better for the environment, there are other reasons for why a growing family should want to do kitchen gardening. For one, if you’ve got toddlers who are at their peak of curiosity, you can keep them engaged and teach them about the mysterious power of water, soil, and sun. Of course, you as a parent, will want to cover basics for yourself before you go. This Kitchen Gardening event on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 215 Henry Street is a sure-fire way to stay at least one step ahead of your kids.
Free Concert!
Celebrating the talents around the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival is great. What’s even better is getting your kids interested in the power of music. These young performers will receive notes and feedback about their style, and your own children can see a more relatable stance on music-- close-in-age role models, so to speak. From April through to May, these events will run. This on in particular is featured on Thursday May 2, 2019 at the Philip T Young Recital Hall at the University of Victoria. How much is it, you say? It’s free! For everyone!
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With seeds and soil in hand, and your ears ringing from the piercing talent of young professional, you would most definitely be read for a nice comfortable bed. Better yet, how about a dip in our indoor hot tub. If you’re truly tuckered out, just head on into your room and take a snooze into the next day.
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