Victoria Express

Victoria is often called the “city of gardens”, and there are lots of oppurtinities for British Columbia Sports & Recreation. One of the most popular destinations for sea kayaking in Victoria is Discovery Island Marina. Popular with both visitors and residents, the area is accessible from Cattle Point, just north of the Oak Bay Marina.

Kayakers paddling between Oak Bay and Discovery Island will be delighted by the wildlife they witness as they glide along. The route leads you through a sensitive seabird nesting area and ecological reserve. Sightings of seals, sea lions, otters and Bald Eagles are common around the park. Paddlers should be aware that these waters can be dangerous during strong currents and winds. Crossings are best made at slack tide in calm weather.

Whale Watching on the way to Discovery Island

Discovery Island is a popular kayaking and camping destination for school groups and kayak instruction groups, who have experienced guides on hand. The park features a large, open field, southwest of Pandora Hill, where campers can set up a tent. The only facilities provided are a pit toilet, information shelter and picnic tables. Campfires are not permitted on Discovery Island.

A hiking trail system runs from the lighthouse on Sea Bird Point to the western shore of the park, where hikers can hike up Pandora Hill for sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounding area. In the spring, a colourful array of wildflowers blooms in the woodlands and meadows. This is just one example of the many reasons to visit Victoria Canada.

2009 Juan de Fuca Festival

The 16th Annual Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts in Port Angeles is a great way to spend May 22 – 25, 2009. Check out Victoria Express special sailings, deals on lodgings, and Arts Passes for Canadians during this fantastic event. Sunday, the festival will be celebrating Canada Day by featuring Canadian musicians such as Victoria natives Ivonne and Kalissa Hernandez, two fine fiddlers. Ivonne began playing the violin at the age of three, and by five she won her first contest. She has been developing her skill and her own unique sound ever since. When describing her Debut CD “Playing With Fire” on her website, Ivonne says “I’m going to be playing some traditional fiddle tunes, but my background is Chilean on my father’s side and east coast on my mother’s side, so all that will come together with my own modern sound.” Kalissa Hernandez is a tour de force at 20, with her award winning fiddling and step dancing. The two are sure to raise the roof when they play

Wild Cellist

Corbin Keep, from Gabriola Island, BC, is a cello virtuoso with a reputation as a wild cellist. How often do you get the opportunity to witness a wild cellist play? It is not to be missed. Also check out Tigers Folly; one of their most recent projects is “Stirring Up Ghosts”, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of British Columbia and fosters awareness of the Pacific Northwest. The Ecclestons, who were voted best live act on Vancouver Island in 2004, have been playing throughout Canada and the world for decades; they offer full contact folk music.

Ride the Victoria Express and walk to the festival’s seven interior and exterior venues. There are so many opportunities to hear great music, and Canada Day is a unique opportunity for Canadians to see a wide variety of top Canadian musicians close to home. You can choose from traditional bluegrass to big band swing, from international Latin jazz to Flamenco. You will be able to sit back and listen or get up and dance. This is the perfect time for Canadians to cross that water border and take advantage of an amazing array of talent on the Olympic Peninsula.

Victoria Express is offering the following special during the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts: Victoria Express Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Special: Round Trip to Port Angeles from Victoria, Festival Passes and One or Two nights lodging at the Red Lion Inn and passes to the Festival: One night – Double Occupancy $251 / Two nights – Double Occupancy $477 USD – For reservations call 250-361-9444.

The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is a great place to visit once you’ve ridden the Victoria Express from downtown Victoria to downtown Port Angeles. The PAFAC offers a diverse series of exhibits that rotate every two or three months. A recurring exhibit is Strait Art, which promotes artists from the region around the Straits of Juan de Fuca. While it is a goal of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center to promote local art, the center also looks around the globe for artists and exhibitions. One of the most popular exhibitions in recent years was Dreamtime: Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art from Yuendumu, which showcased the burgeoning art movement of Australia’s indigenous peoples.

In mid-May, PAFAC will launch Portfolio 2009, its fourth annual showcase of Clallam high school student artists. Barabara Slavik, ArtPaths education director, acts as a mentor to the 26 students whose work has been selected for the show. During the three months leading up to the show, she helps instill a sense of professionalism in the students, and instructs them on how to create a coherent portfolio that underlines their individual talents. It is worth checking out the work created by these students from Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks and La Push.

When you visit PAFAC, make sure to allow time for strolling through Webster’s Woods, home to an outdoor exhibit since 2000. According to the museum’s website, in this museum without walls “there is a playful and not-always-distinct border between the artists’ creations, the flora and the natural features of this spectacular property. The transitory nature of many of the artworks makes for a visible evolution in the collection, even for the new or infrequent visitor, as marked through the constant changes manifested by the passage of the seasons.”

The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is located approximately two miles from the Victoria Express Ferry Terminal. Indoor exhibits are open for viewing Wednesday – Sunday, 11Am – 5PM. Webster’s Woods are always open. Admission is free.

Sturgeon Fountain, Butchart Gardens

Folks on the Olympic Peninsula are fortunate to have easy access to Vancouver Island and Victoria; one of the most enchanting cities in Canada is less than an hour away when riding the Victoria Express. Summertime is a great time to explore all that Victoria has to offer, and the Victoria Express runs several specials to help visitors organize their trips.

Our Express Special transports visitors to the world famous Butchart Gardens. First created at the turn of the 20th century by Jennie Butchart to conceal exhausted limestone quarries near their house, the gardens have been expanded over the years to over 22 acres. By the 1920s, thousands of people from around the world were arriving at the Butchart Gardens to see Jennie’s masterpiece. Take a trip over during Memorial Day Weekend and see what is blooming in May: kousa dogwoods, peonies and lilacs should all be filling the air with their glorious scents. The Express Special gives you time to visit the glorious historic gardens and still have time to explore downtown Victoria.

If you are feeling extra energetic, check out Express Special with Butterfly Gardens. In addition to Butchart Gardens, you will be transported to Victoria Butterfly Gardens. It houses over 3000 specimens from of butterflies and moths in an indoor, 12,000 square foot simulated rainforest, and the tropical plants that provide the habitat for the butterflies are as interesting as the butterflies themselves. Don’t miss the nursery window while you are there, where you may witness the emergence of butterflies from the chrysalis.

This summer, ride the Victoria Express and visit your neighbors to the north.

Canadians and Americans alike need to remember that the open border we have shared for so long will soon require a passport or enhanced drivers license to cross. Come June 1, 2009, all travelers will need to provide one of these two forms of identification when crossing into Canada from the U.S., or into the U.S. from Canada. Fear not, with the proper documentation, border crossings should be as seamless as ever. Take advantage of the fact that passports and enhanced licenses are not required until June 1, and travel between Canada and the United States now. The Victoria Express is a great, scenic way to travel from Victoria to Port Angeles, and there are many reasons to do so.

Harry Manx

Sunday, May 24th, the 16th Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts will be highlighting Canadian performers with Canada Day. Mysticssippi performer Harry Manx is one of the festival’s most exciting guests this year, and folks will have three opportunities to see him perform on Sunday; he will be at the Elks Stage at 11am, the Main Stage at 5pm, and the Chamber Stage at 8:15pm. Manx has been called an “essential link between the music of East and West,” for he blends “Indian folk melodies with blues, a sprinkle of gospel, and compelling grooves” (see his website).

Manx tours throughout the world, and this opportunity to see him just a short boat ride away from home should not be missed. The Victoria Express is offering special packages for this event; so ride the Victoria Express and check out the 16th Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts in Port Angeles from May 22 – May 25. Details about our special are as follows: Victoria Express Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Special: Round Trip to Port Angeles from Victoria, Festival Passes and One or Two nights lodging at the Red Lion Inn and passes to the Festival: One night – Double Occupancy $251 / Two nights – Double Occupancy $477 USD – For reservations call 250-361-9444.

This is guaranteed to provide foot-stomping fun.

Olympic Peninsula fans of custom motorcycles and cars should know that there is a great event on the horizon in Victoria. All they need to do is ride the passenger ferry from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, BC, and they will be able to participate in the 2nd Annual Vancouver Island Custom Motorcycle and Car Show. This Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, custom motorcycle and car aficionados will have the chance to see some great specimens in Victoria. This show promises to be great fun. There will be over 80 motorcycles and 40 cars on site, including the 2008 Canadian Champion. In fact, some of the finest custom built cars and motorcycles from all over North America will be in Victoria this weekend – a rare opportunity for fans.

There will be vintage bikes and cars in the traditional, or old-school, style, along with racing cars and bikes. But there will also be State of the Art new creations that will display their creators creativity. Take the passenger ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria and vote for your favorite creation to win the “People’s Choice” Award.

In addition to motorcycles and cars, there will also be artists on hand – both tattoo and paint – to discuss how to best accent you or your vehicle. And be sure to check out the specialty vendors that will be on hand for this event only.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Vancouver Island Association for Injured Motorcyclists. So be sure to head across the water on the Victoria Express and check out the 2nd Annual Vancouver Island Custom Motorcycle and Car Show.

Take advantage of the Hood Canal Bridge closure to travel on the Victoria Express, explore Victoria, and get to know your neighbors to the north. Riding the Victoria Express is a great, inexpensive way to travel to one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast.

We are fortunate to be so close to a city that is steeped in British traditions. One of the most charming of these traditions is Afternoon Tea. Historically, Afternoon Tea in Britain is served before 5pm, and includes a small selection of sandwiches and little cakes. It is served at small tables in the parlor or outside, not in the dining room. If Afternoon Tea is skipped, Brits traditionally take High Tea after 5pm. This is served at the dining table, and includes a variety of hot foods

Tea at the Empress

Consider signing up for one of the Victoria Express Afternoon Tea specials. A reminder of British Columbia’s English roots, Afternoon Tea at The Empress Hotel has been one of Victoria’s traditions for almost a century. You haven’t had a scone until you’ve eaten one of award-winning Pastry Chef D’Oyen Christie’s freshly baked raisin scones with heavy cream and strawberry preserves. It is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of the hotel’s secret Tea at The Empress blend in the Library. You will transported to another era.

For a different setting, try Afternoon Tea at the Gardens -Butchart Gardens, that is. This is a melange of Afternoon and High Tea traditions, serving warm sausage rolls (made from Vancouver Island pork) and quiche in the afternoon. Lemon Poppy Seed loaf or chocolate Grand Marnier truffles guarantee that those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed. These are of course accompanied by a large pot of tea of your choice.

Victoria Express Afternoon Tea Special – Includes round trip ferry tickets from Port Angeles to Victoria aboard the Victoria Express, Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel. $93 per person.

Victoria Express Afternoon Tea at the Gardens – Includes round trip ferry tickets from Port Angeles to Victoria aboard the Victoria Express, Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens. $116.50 per person

Don’t forget that United States Citizens will need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license to travel to Canada after May 31, 2009.

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

Welcome To Forks...

What is it about VAMPIRES?

How do they manage to get under our skin, and keep us up at nights thinking about them, reading books about them, watching movies about them? It seems that most everyone goes through a vampire stage at some point between adolescence and the golden years – they are so alluring, mysterious, and strangely attractive. Bram Stoker knew their appeal. So did Anne Rice. And now Stephenie Meyers has tapped into the world of the Undead with her Twilight series. The books are wildly popular, as was the first film. The second film, New Moon, is due out late this fall.

Those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest are proud of Forks, Washington, which is home for the Cullen family. We want to show visitors around. Twilight fans from Victoria will be pleased to learn that they may go from Victoria to the land of Vampires and Werewolves in Just One Day.

The passenger ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles departs at 9:45 AM; upon arrival in Port Angeles, visitors will be swept away to Forks in style by Dazzled by Twilight Tours , where you will have time to explore the town where the Cullens don’t sleep and Chief Swan keeps law and order. At 3pm you will be taken to the house Bella and Charlie call home, the Cullen House, The Hospital where Dr. Cullen works and the Police Station where Chief Swan spends his days when he isn’t out fishing.

Across the treaty line in Werewolf territory, you will learn the history of the Quilieute People while gliding past some of the most incredible scenery in the northwest – the Washington Coastline. You will see where Jacob went to school and where he lives now. And of course, no Twilight Tour is complete without a stop in Port Angeles, where Edward and Bella had their first date. You’ll have time to visit local Twilight landmarks before boarding the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, which departs at 9:30pm.

It is a full day, to be sure, and it is well worth it. If you are visiting the Pacific Northwest, when is the next time you will be able to get such a glimpse into the Forks of Twilight? If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you simply must experience the Forks of Vampires and Werewolves. Call the Victoria Express for details.

Travel between the United States and Canada now requires a passport or enhanced driver’s license.

Victoria's Open Space Chapel offers a less traditional wedding

June is the perfect time for a wedding, and Victoria is a perfect place for one. That’s the running philosophy at the Open Space Chapel. On Saturday, June 6 from 7:30 pm until 1:00 am, the folks at Open Space are offering their chapel to anyone who wants to get married. Admission to a ceremony is $5 and non-binding marriage license will be available with a donation.

More important to these folks than the legality of the union is the fun to be had at a wedding. With that thought predominant, musicians will be on site. Victoria’s dearly beloved ballroom swing band Meatdraw will set the mood. The Revolucionary Cyborg Wedding Band of course has to be there. And Bu?an Bu?an, the newest Eastern European sound in Victoria, is guaranteed to set a fine mood. In addition, there will be performances and karaoke and photo portraits.

So grab your sweetie, or a friend, and hop on board the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria. Once there, get married, or attend a marriage, or just join in the festivities at the Open Space Chapel. Why not? The Victoria Express ferry between Port Angeles WA and Victoria BC offers many special travel packages, many of which include overnight accomodations.

Remember, as of June 1, 2009, an enhanced driver’s license or passport is required for travel between the United States and Canada.