First Class Holiday Shopping in Victoria BC – Friday, November 20th, 2009 – Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Not just another craft fair, the Out of Hand Fair is Victoria’s premier showcase for contemporary crafts and artisan food from across Canada. This show has a well deserved national reputation for presenting high quality, original work. It’s an excellent opportunity to view contemporary Canadian crafts and meet the Artists. 2009 marks the twenty first anniversary for Victoria’s favorite show, and the fair is moving across the street to the newly renovated Crystal Gardens a magnificent glass roofed heritage building.

Door Prizes: Participating Crafts people generously donate work from their collection to be given as prizes. The entry forms are free with your admission. Hourly draws!

Friday, Nov. 20th– 12 noon – 9 pm Saturday, Nov. 21st 10 am – 6 pm Sunday, Nov. 22nd 10 am – 5 pm

Crystal Garden -  713 Douglas Street, Victoria

Ramona Froehle-Schacht – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – (250) 737-1788 – www.outofhand.ca/

Victoria Express will make all of your travel arrangements for one of life’s most unforgettable experiences. Please call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you are going to travel to Victoria BC, you must make time for Tea at the Empress. Leave your double tall latte and partake in that most sophisticated of British traditions – Afternoon Tea. Victoria Express is running a special package that includes Tea and lodging at the Hotel Fairmont Empress through November 30, 2009.

The Empress has been serving tea in their lobby for nearly one hundred years. Pots of their secret blend tea adorn the tables, next to plates of freshly baked scones, heavy cream and berries. Pick a seat and gaze out at the Inner Harbour as you sip your tea and nibble on your pastry, or take part in that time-honored tradition of people watching. There is no better place to linger over a good cup of tea.

Ladies: gather together your friends and head to Victoria for a night at the Empress and an afternoon of tea. Victoria Express will arrange your travel and your accommodations at the Empress. You’ll have plenty of time to complete all of your holiday shopping in the many boutique shops of downtown Victoria. Dine at any of the excellent restaurants, and perhaps finish the evening with a game of darts at a pub. You’ll feel like you’ve left the continent, when in fact all you’ll have done is ride a ferry across the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest.

Call or email Victoria Express at 360-452-8088 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange your next cultural adventure in Victoria.

Shakespeare’s timeless tale of two young “star-crossed lovers” is coming to Victoria BC’s Phoenix Theatre in November, 2009. The play runs from Saturday, November 14th, 2009 through Saturday, November 21st, 2009. All Evening Performances are at 8:00pm, while Saturday Matinees are at 2:00pm. For more information about tickets or the The Phoenix Theatre’s Season Subscription, visit the Phoenix Theatre.

The theater is a perfect excuse to plan a trip to Victoria BC. Spend a couple of days sampling the shops, museums and restaurants of Victoria. Treat yourself to a night or two at one of Victoria’s hotels.

For one of life’s unforgettable experiences let Victoria Express will make all of your travel arrangements. Please call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The holidays are approaching – Thanksgiving is around the corner and in the blink of an eye it’s Christmas and New Year’s. Where does the time go?

Get in the holiday mood with your very own shopping expedition to Victoria from the Olympic Peninsula. Gather together a group of friends and charter a private cruise to Vancouver Island. Why not spend the weekend while you are there? Victoria Express will happily make all of your travel arrangements, including a stay in one of several Victoria hotels. The inner harbor of Victoria hosts a wonderful variety of shopping opportunities and offers plenty of charm to put you into a holiday mood. Treat yourself to a special time while you find something special for someone you love.

Let Victoria Express take care of all your travel needs – you focus on having a good time.

We will take care of all details for your special private charter - Call 360-452-8088 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Learn the Basics of Soil Management

With more and more backyards sprouting gardens, why not go all the way and create your very own organic garden. Here is your opportunity to learn about the fundamental basics of organic gardening – your soil. 

Your garden soil is an entire ecosystem, and needs to be properly managed to provide you with optimum results. The greatest biodiversity on earth should occur in the top few inches of your garden soil. Soil ecosystem health is as critical as proper watering and sufficient sunshine for plant health.

Soil processes are universal, applying equally to ornamental landscapes, agricultural crops and backyard gardens. Your job is primarily one of fine-tuning.

In this three-day intensive, professional workshop, Nov 13 – 15,  you will learn how to
- assess the health of your soil, and
- support the natural processes within the soil that result in plant health.

You will gain a deeper understanding of organic horticulture and how you can integrate organic practices into your own garden, landscape, or farm.

Topics include:
- Interdependence within ecosystems
- Soil ecology, biology and chemistry
- Soil/water relationship and water management
- Soil fertility management
- Soil testing
- Connecting plant health with soil health
- Pesticides and their effect on ecosystems
- Landscape health management vs. pest management
- Transitioning landscapes to organic practices

This workshop is ideal for gardeners, landscapers, turf managers and farmers who wish to eliminate their use of toxic chemicals.

If you have been practicing conventional horticulture, you will find your past gardening practices challenged and questions answered you didn’t even know you had. You will gain a deeper, more organic understanding of how nature works.

Friday, November 13th, 2009 – Sunday, November 15th, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Upon completion of the program you will receive a Certificate. This weekend workshop is held at:

Royal Roads University  – 2005 Sooke Rd., Victoria

For more information please contact:

Heide Hermary – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – 250-709-2229

Take a break this winter with a weekend in Victoria BC. We will take care of all of the travel arrangements, from getting you across the Salish Sea to your accommodations in Victoria.

Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists at the Royal BC Museum

Several of our Victoria travel packages include admission into the Royal British Museum, one of the best museums in the Pacific Northwest. Located on the Inner Harbour, in the heart of downtown Victoria, the Royal BC Museum is the perfect place to be during a northwest fall or winter day. Open every day, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day, it is a great addition to a holiday trip.

Currently at the RBCM is an exhibit on the Coast Salish First Nations. Making its Canadian debut, this exhibit features historic sculpture, weavings, basketry and contemporary art from British Columbia and Washington State Salish First Nations. The Seattle Art Museum assembled this collection – the first of its kind – with pieces from almost twenty institutions around the world. It will be at the RBCM through March 8, 2010.

Take advantage of our Fall Special that includes museum passes and great overnight lodging at the Harbour Towers Hotel. Each of our special package pricing includes ferry travel from Seattle or Port Angeles, hotel accommodations and applicable tours & taxes. All you need do is arrive at the dock with your suitcase in hand and prepare for a fabulous weekend in Victoria with friends or family.

Call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and start planning your next great adventure.

Jack Harmon with Marsha & Robert Steffen

Marsha Steffen Wins Ford Focus In The “All Aboard To Win A Ford” Contest

Terri and Jack Harmon, owners of Victoria Express, presented Marsha and Robert Steffen with the keys to their new 2009 Ford Focus at Price Ford Lincoln Mercury in Port Angeles. Accompanying the Harmons at the ceremony were staff and family members. David Price, owner, and Mark Ostroot, sales manager, of Price Ford were present and provided the winning car complete with a large silver ribbon surrounded by red and white balloons.

“Gifting It Forward” is alive and well in Port Angeles.

A surprise announcement was made by the winners of the Victoria Express 2009 “All Aboard To Win A Ford” campaign during the award presentation held at Price Ford Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10th. After receiving the keys to their new 2009 Ford Focus, the winners stated their belief in the “Gifting It Forward” and presented a donation to the Port Angeles Education Foundation. 

Marsha & Robert Steffen of Madison, Wisconsin

$500 donation to the Port Angeles Education Foundation

 

 

 

Robert Steffen’s $500 donation to the Port Angeles Education Foundation will equally benefit the Future Business leaders of America and the DECA program at the Port Angeles High School. DECA is an organization that develops future leaders in Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship. 

All Aboard To Win A Ford Focus Prize Car

Mr. Steffen stated his firm belief in the “Gifting It Forward” philosophy and wanted to give back to the same community that presented him with the car. In the spirit of “Gifting It Forward”, Jack Harmon offered to match Mr. Steffen’s surprise gift based upon his own personal philosophy of community support. 

In addition to the cash donation, the Steffens provided gifts representing the dairy industry including genuine Wisconsin cheeses. The Steffens drove their new car back to their home in Wisconsin after the award ceremony at Price Ford in Port Angeles.

Victoria Express is the seasonal passenger ferry service connecting Port Angeles with Victoria BC and Friday Harbor in San Juan Island. For that private party cruise or a special weekend for two in Victoria – call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There is always a reason to cross the Salish Sea and visit Victoria. Here is a compelling reason for fans of Joan Didion and the theatre to visit Victoria: The Belfry Theatre’s presentation of “The Year of Magical Thinking”, a one-woman play based on Didion’s memoir of the same name.

Seanna McKenna in The Year of Magical Thinking at the Belfry Theatre

Seanna McKenna, one of Canada’s leading actresses, is well suited to this one-woman play based on Didion’s memoir. She embodies the intelligent woman whose life is suddenly confronted by grief. Compassionate, funny, and heart-wrenching are all words that come to mind – along with unforgettable. This is a deeply thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting theatrical work of art for the holidays.

The Belfry Theatre is in the heart of downtown Victoria, an easy walk from the ferry terminals at Inner Harbour. Leave your car in the United States and enjoy a getaway to Victoria

The Year of Magical Thinking runs through December 13. Please see The Belfry Theatre for more details.

Victoria Express can make all of your holiday travel arrangements. Check out our overnight packages and treat yourself to a holiday special. Don’t forget – Travel between Canada and the United States requires a passport or and enhanced driver’s license.

The Vinyl Cafe – ROYAL THEATER

Monday, November 30th, 2009 – Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 – 7:30 PM  

Stuart McLean - Vinyl Cafe

STUART McLEAN is one of Canada’s most beloved storytellers and a best-selling author. His hit CBC radio show “THE VINYL CAFE” premiered in 1994, and each week over 1 million listeners tune in each week on CBC Radio in Canada and on public radio in the United States

THE VINYL CAFE stories are about Dave, owner of the second hand record store, where the motto is “We May Not Be Big, But We’re Small”. The stories also feature Dave’s wife, Morley, their two children, Sam and Stephanie, and assorted friends and neighbours.

THE VINYL CAFE Christmas tour will be launched shortly after the release of Stuart McLean’s brand new collection of Vinyl Cafe stories: Extreme Vinyl Cafe AND a new Vinyl Cafe CD: Planet Boy.

For several years, Stuart has taken THE VINYL CAFE to sold-out theatres across Canada. The shows feature the popular Dave and Morley stories, and showcase the talents of Canadian musicians.

THE VINYL CAFE concerts have become a tradition for many Canadians. And ever since the year “Dave Cooked the Turkey”, Christmas has been a special season at the Vinyl Cafe. This year’s tour will feature two brand new stories about Dave and his family as well as music by The Vinyl Cafe Orchestra, featuring East Coast Music Award winners: Jill Barber (2009 Female Sole Recording of the Year) and Matt Andersen. (2009 Male Solo Recording of the Year).

In addition to being the host of THE VINYL CAFE radio show, Stuart is also an accomplished author. His eight books have all been national best sellers. They are: The Morningside World of Stuart McLean (1989), Welcome Home: Travels in Small Town Canada (1992), Stories from the Vinyl Cafe (1995), Home from the Vinyl Cafe (1998) The Vinyl Cafe Unplugged (2000), Vinyl Cafe Diaries (2003) and Secrets From the Vinyl Cafe (2006). Home from the Vinyl Cafe, Vinyl Cafe Unplugged and Secrets From the Vinyl Cafe have all received the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour, and The Vinyl Cafe Diaries (2003) was chosen as the best short story collection of the year by the Canadian Author’s Association.

Stuart has also released ten Vinyl Cafe recordings on compact disc including Vinyl Cafe: Stories, The Vinyl Cafe On Tour, Odd Jobs, Coast To Coast Story Service, Vinyl Cafe: A Christmas Collection, Stuart McLean’s History of Canada, Story Gram, An Important Message, Vinyl Cafe Storyland & Planet Boy. The album Coast to Coast Story Service has gone Gold in Canada.

The Vinyl Cafe will be playing at Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton St., Victoria

Box Office: Royal Theatre – 1.888.717.6121

For one of life’s unforgettable experiences Victoria Express can make all of your travel arrangements - Please call 360-452-8088 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For nearly twenty years, the Fairmont Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria is transformed into a magical forest of Christmas trees over the holidays. Bring your children to this winter wonderland – a fundraiser for the BC Children’s Hospital. Walk among 75 glorious trees, cast a vote for the one you like best, and know that while you do so, you are helping children. The trees can be viewed from mid-November through the first week in January. Perhaps while you’re there you’ll enjoy Afternoon Tea. Or head to the shops for one of the most exciting holiday shopping adventures you have ever experienced.

The city of Victoria is a magical place over the holidays. Always charming, when it is dressed in winter lights it is spectacular. For more great views of the city, head north from the Empress Hotel to the Johnson Street Bridge, where you’ll find the Westsong Walkway. This five-mile long path skirts the Inner Harbour and offers jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and the harbor. Good food and restorative drinks await at both ends of the trail.

December is a great time to cross the Salish Sea and visit Victoria. Prepare for a holiday in Victoria or consider treating yourself to your own private shopping expedition – We can make your travel arrangements. And remember, travel between the United States and Canada now requires an enhanced driver’s license or a passport.