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Summer is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather

John Ruskin

Avatar Tourism
Avatar Tourism

Explore Vancouver Island

Southern Vancouver Island is host to some of the most gorgeous scenery, hikes, forests and beaches, much of which can be explored in a day.  One of the most spectacular drives is from Victoria to Port Renfrew.  Just 2 hours away, along the picturesque West Coast Road, also known as Highway 14, this lovely drive offers plenty of interesting stops along the way; including the quaint town of Sooke, beautiful provincial parks, beaches, surfing spots and funky cafes.  Here are just a few attractions which make Port Renfrew worth the drive:   Botanical Beach, full of rich tidal pools and spectacular geological features, year round fishing, breathtaking hikes for every level, wildlife watching - whales can often be seen from French Beach, Botanical Beach and China Beach. 

 

The area is also home to one of the most fascinating old growth forests, Avatar Grove, and Canada's "Gnarliest Tree".  Discovered by the Ancient Forest Alliance in 2009, Avatar Grove is home to some of the largest and strangely shaped ancient red cedars on the island.   Watch the fascinating video above from Shaw TV's "The Daily"  and see why Avatar Grove is fastly becoming known as the "Cathedral Grove" of Port Renfrew.

 

Fall For Victoria 

Fall is such a romantic season in Victoria, as the bustling streets of the summer season give way to relaxing strolls lined with red and gold.   Enjoy the magnificent fall foliage and rich culture this city has to offer with our new "Fall for Victoria" Package.   

 

Includes:

  • 1 nights accommodation
  • Tickets for 2 to the Butchart Gardens
  • Tickets for 2 to either the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle
  • A delicious 4 piece box of Purdy's Chocolates

 

Starting at $242 per night

Valid from October 1 - November 1 

Click here to Book

 

** Does not include transportation to The Butchart Gardens 

"Stay A Little Longer"

Three nights are better than one!  

 

This fall and winter season, when you stay three or more nights with us, we'll give you 20% off our regular nightly rate!

 

Starting at just $138, there has never been a better time for a Victoria Vacation and the warm hospitality of Abigails.

 

Valid October 10 - March 31, 2012 

 

Click Here to book or call 1-800-561-6565 

 

Events Around Town 

 

Victoria Fringe Festival  

August 24 - September 5 

Enjoy the 25th anniversay of one of the oldest Fringe Festivals in Canada.  The Intrepid Theatre hosts the festival which takes place at many venues in downtown Victoria, with around 50 productions from around the world.  It's an explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance..

Website: HERE 

 

Chinatown Night Market 

August 31 & September 28

500 block of Fisgard St 

A first for Chinatown, this evening market will celebrate Chinese culture and Chinatown as a cultural hub.  The market will run from 5-9pm and will be filled with vendors, music, food and entertainment of traditional dance and music. 

 

Vancouver Island Feast of Fields 

September 18 

Feast of Fields is a 4 hour gourmet wandering harvest festival.  With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, you can taste the very best of BC from chefs, vintners, brewers, farmers, fishers, ranchers and food artisans from across the province - some think of it as a 40 course meal paired with wine and beer! Feast of Fields highlights the connections between producer and chef, field and table, and farm folks and city folks. Feast of Fields is a gastronomic journey towards a sustainable, local food system.  

Website: HERE 

 

Greater Victoria Art Gallery's "House Tour" 

September 15

11am - 5pm 

This popular event will showcase 6 unique Victoria homes, designed for the owners and each quite different in style.  From the ultra modern to traditional European design, this tour gives you the opportunity to see inside some of Victoria's most unique homes.   A local artist will be on site at each home producing an original work. 

Website: HERE 

 

Recipe of the Month

Berry and Cream Cheese Muffins 


With all the fresh berries in season now, this muffin recipe will be tastier than ever!

 

Makes 1 dozen

 

Dry Ingredients:

1 � cups all purpose flour

� cup whole wheat flour

1 � teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

� teaspoon salt

 

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup low fat vanilla flavoured yogurt

� cup lightly packed brown sugar

� cup vegetable oil

1 egg

Grated zest of one large lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2/3 cup fresh blueberries

2/3 cup fresh raspberries

12 teaspoons light strawberry cream cheese (Philadelphia brand)

 

Preparation: Dry Ingredients

Preheat oven to 375F

Spray 2 muffin top pans lightly with cooking spray and set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.

 

Preparation: Wet Ingredients

Whisk together wet ingredients in a medium bowl.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until dry ingredients are moistened.

Fold in blueberries and raspberries.

Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin top cups.

Hide 1 teaspoon cream cheese in the center of each muffin.

Bake for 12 minutes or until muffin tops are puffed up and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.

Serve warm

 

Enjoy! Chef Matt and Chef Victoria 

In This Issue
Explore Vancouver Island
Fall for Victoria
Stay a Little Longer
Events Around Town
Recipe of the Month
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