Victoria Real Estate Blog - December, 2013

Discover Your Hometown Like a Tourist

A unique event will be coming to the Victoria, BC area at the end of February and the beginning of March. This will be the 41st time this event has been held and will provide locals with the ability to see the city as a tourist.

The "Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown," event will begin on February 28th and will last until March 3rd. Tickets are currently on sale at the Visitor Centre. The goal of this event is to give locals the opportunity to experience their own city.

Often, when we travel somewhere new we have an extensive list of attractions we want to visit. However, it's easy to forget about the attractions found in our own hometown. This event gives those living in Victoria, BC the opportunity to explore the city like never before.

The event…

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Are There Any Breweries in Victoria, BC?

Victoria, British Columbia is home to a few breweries. This area of Canada is very popular and has a number of great restaurants and bars throughout the city. Here are a couple of the best breweries in the cities.

Phillips Brewery

Opened in 2001, this brewery is well known not only in Victoria, but also in many other areas of Canada. Phillips Brewery provides a number of good beers including:

• Blue Bock
• Hop Circle IPA
• Bottle Rocket ISA
• Analogue 78 Kolsch
• Slipstream Ale
• Dr. Funk
• Phoenix Gold Lager
• Elsinore
• Skookum Cascadian Brown
• Amnesiac
• Longboat Chocolate Porter
• Hoperation Tripel Cross
• Ginger Beer
• Twisted Oak Scotch Ale
• And Many Others!

Phillips introduces many other beers throughout the year including seasonal…

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A Few Little Known Facts About Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is known for many things, but there are some things you may not know about if you don't live in this part of British Columbia. Some of the facts about the city are simply oddities, while others are quite interesting. Here are some of the little known facts about the city.

Victoria isn't north of the 49th parallel latitude like the rest of Canada. The United States is south of this line and Canada is north, but Victoria is neither.

Another interesting fact, Victoria isn't on Victoria Island, but instead, it's on Vancouver Island. This is something people get confused all the time and some even think they can drive to the island. Instead, you will need to take one of the many ferry services or fly into the Victoria International Airport. Of…

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Where Can You Relax in Victoria?

British Columbia is known by many as a place for outdoor activities, healthy living and plenty of relaxation. Whether you're trying to let go of some of the stress of the time of year or you just need a good massage, finding the right spa will make a huge difference. Here are the top choices for your relaxing day away in Victoria, BC.

Sante Spa Victoria - 1999 Country Club Way

Found just a few minutes from downtown Victoria, this is one of the best spas in the entire country. It's an award-winning choice with plenty of treatments aimed to nurture, empower and inspire your wellbeing. With a full line up of spa treatments, you can customize the perfect package to fit all your needs at Sante Spa Victoria.

The Spa at Delta Victoria - 45 Songhees Road

…

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Where are the Best Specialty Delis at in Victoria, BC?

Sometimes a deli sandwich or the right lunch meat can only come from the best deli in town. Whether you want an Italian sandwich or some other types, you can find it at one of the best specialty delis in Victoria, BC. Here are three great choices.

Italian Food Imports - 1114 Blanshard Street

The value found at this deli is amazing. This is one of the best places for a great sandwich, salad or one of the many other items they offer. The meatball sandwich is one of the local favourites. You can also get plenty of sliced meats, cheeses and other specialty items here.

Many of the products are imported from Italy and the sandwiches are always made fresh. For under $10, you can get a foot long sandwich, which is perfect for two people.

Octavio Italian…

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A Camper's Paradise Found in Victoria

With a massive amount of provincial parks, camping facilities and protected areas throughout British Columbia, those living in Victoria gain access to some incredible camping facilities. Seven national parks are found in the province and over 900 over ports throughout. Whether you're searching for a private campground or an RV park, you're sure to find the right type of campground for your needs.

Top campgrounds close to Victoria include:

Goldstream Provincial Park

Providing 173 sites, you can enjoy camping among beautiful Douglas fir trees, waterfalls and spend time on the hiking trails. This park is only a half hour from the city and provides an incredible view.

Banberton Provincial Park

With 53 sites, this park provides incredible camping…

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A Centennial Square Masterpiece

The McPherson Theatre was opened in 1914 for the first time as the McPherson Playhouse. This venue seats 772 guests and provides a community arts center in the heart of Victoria.

Originally, the theatre was a part of the Pantages Theatre chain and now it's a historic theatre providing a home for local companies, such as:

• Blue Bridge Reparatory Summer Theatre
• Victoria Operatic Society
• Kaleidoscope Theatre
• And Others!

The lobby is full of beautiful art and provides a home for The Gallery at the MAC. Whether you come for the history, the show or the art, it's quite an experience.

Both the Royal and the McPherson provide bars and concessions during the shows, along with a theatre lobby, which opens one hour before the show.

Upcoming Shows…

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Enjoying the Distilleries, Cideries and Wineries of the Saanich Peninsula During the Holidays

There's no better time to take a trip to one of the distilleries, wineries or cideries than the holiday season. Whether it's you and your significant other or a group of friends, you can enjoy a tour and some great samples. The Saanich Peninsula is home to many choices and here are some of the best ones.

Victoria Spirits

This family-owned distillery is one of the best choices in the country. They use wood-fired stills and provide plenty of excellent spirits including Victoria Gin, Oaken Gin and Left Coast Hemp Vodka. Many rumors are circulating about a Whiskey they plan to introduce, as well. You can enjoy a tour of the facility and maybe even try a few of the spirits.

de Vine Vineyards

This winery provides a great choice for a tour and some…

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Things to do in Victoria for Kids

Finding the right activities for you to enjoy with your kids is very important. Victoria offers a number of great things to do with kids. Here are some of the best choices throughout the city.

Beacon Hill Park

One of the top parks in the area, Beacon Hill Park is found about five minutes from downtown. This park provides plenty of beautiful ponds, gardens, trails and so much more. There's a ton here for kids to enjoy.

Whether you come to the park for a picnic or you come to enjoy the huge playground, you will find all types of good attractions here. During the summer, you can enjoy the two water parks and the petting zoo. Admission is by donation for the petting zoo.

Victoria Bug Zoo

It may sound a little strange, but the Victoria Bug Zoo is a…

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Why Move to Victoria, BC?

Victoria, British Columbia is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. This naturally beautiful provides a number of outdoor activities ranging from hiking to water activities and so much more. MoneySense provided a list of the Best Places to Live in Canada and Victoria ranked high in the Walk/Bike to Work, Culture and Weather categories.

This part of Canada has all types of parks, plenty of museums, a number of great restaurants and so much more. With the water close by, plenty of fishing, cruising and water activities are found throughout the area. Victoria is also home to floating houses, which are very unique.

Since the city is close to Vancouver, residents enjoy even more recreational opportunities, along with professional sports…

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