Victoria Express

Captain James Cook was the first Anglo man to set foot in what is now referred to as Victoria British Columbia. Victoria is Western Canada’s oldest city. The city began to grow and develop in 1843, when the city was chosen as a Hudson Bay Trading post.

Today with a growing regional population, a moderate climate and scenic setting, Victoria has retained a very comfortable quality of life. Victoria is proud of its rich heritage, its First Nations totem poles, its fine homes and neighborhoods, its historic and attractive downtown, the flowers and parks and, of course, its Inner Harbor with scenic vistas toward the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Visit Victoria and find out for yourself!

The city is bustling with art and culture. Experience live theater, art exhibits, music concerts, summer festivals and films.

The Belfry Theater

Housed in an old church, The Belfry Theater is a lovingly refinished heritage state. The Belfry has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding productions of new comedies, dramas and musicals. The Belfry produces nine shows each year in its intimate setting and hosts a variety of concerts.

McPherson Theater

Opened in 1914, the 825-seat theater is at the heart of Victoria’s community arts scene and also hosts many professional theater and concert performances. The McPherson lobby is home to The Gallery at the MAC, a showcase for local and regional visual art.

The Chemainus Theater

The Chemainus Theater offers professional live theater that is always entertaining and engaging. Producing year-round, this regional theater company stages a wide range of world classics, musicals and new plays featuring professional guest artists from across North America. For the complete Victoria Art evening, before the theater enjoy dinner in the Playbill Dining Room and browse in The Gallery, a showcase of over 100 British Columbia artisans.

Langham Court Theater

The original buildings of the Langham Court Theater, dating back to 1880 were the carriage house and barn of the Robert Ward family estate. In 1938 when the buildings began their transformation into a fully-functional theater known as The Victoria Little Theater and Dramatic School. The name was changed in 1950 to the Langham Court Theater and the buildings were joined in 1951. The last half-century has seen many improvements, renovations and expansions, making this Victoria landmark a quaint and intimate neighborhood theater.

Royal Theater

Known as Victoria’s “home of the stars”, the 1,445-seat Royal Theater opened in 1913 and is a not-to-miss piece of architectural beauty. The Royal is host to the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, as well as being a showcase for a diverse selection of cultural events.

The Port Theater

Located on the breathtaking waterfront along Front Street next to the Coast Bastion Inn, The Port Theater has multipurpose function that brings in a variety of local and top touring performing arts groups. Expect to see music acts, drama, comedy, symphony, musical theater, children’s theater as well as conferences and symposia.

I hope we have given you a few ideas about where to visit during your visit to Victoria in Canada. Look for more information on Victoria soon!

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.

With the Pacific Ocean to the west, and an intricate river and lake system throughout the province, British Columbia has long been one of North America’s best fishing destinations; and using our Victoria Ferry is one of the best ways to access it.

Do you dream of monster steelhead, mammoth sturgeon, and gigantic Pacific and freshwater salmon? These tasty delicacies and challenging catches lure fisherman from all over, hoping to reel in The Big One. Smaller but equally rewarding species include rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Yellowhead perch. These fish can be found in the abundant BC waters. Use our ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria B.C. for your ultimate BC fishing experience.

This Could Be You!

British Columbia is regarded as one of the finest salmon-fishing destinations one can hope to encounter. The Campbell River is considered a the Salmon Fishing Capital of the World, and it is true that here is where some actually bring home the “big one”.

Almost the entire coast provides good chances to catch salmon, halibut or ground fish. The Hakai Pass, Queen Charlotte Islands, and northern waters near Kitimat and Prince Rupert boast excellent salt water fishing opportunities. Enjoy one of our Victoria B.C. travel packages that includes a nights stay. See you on board soon!

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.

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.

Groove to the Blues in Victoria

Attention Blues Brothers & Sisters – This Labor Day ride the passenger ferry from Port Angeles WA to Victoria BC for the 15th Annual Vancouver Island Blues Bash. Saturday, Sunday and Monday September 5 – 7, live Blues, R&B, Swing Blues….all shades of the Blues will be playing at the Ship Point Pier in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Good food will accompany good music while the Big Rock Brewery graciously provides the “Big Rock Beer Garden” during festival hours.

Free performances between noon and 5:15pm each day. Some of the best Vancouver Island blues and R&B musicians will bring their talents to the stage: Gerry Barnum Band • Cruel Shoes • The PushBand • Soul Shakers • Deb Rhymer Band • Bloozecan • Summer & the Sinners • Jason Buie Band • The Kingmixers • Paul Black & TAXI • Bill Johnson Band • The Midnights.

Evening performances require a ticket. Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 The Insomniacs take the stage ($15). Sunday September 6 Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears play at 7:30 ($20). The Insomniacs, from Portland, Oregon, use vintage instruments to create joyous, 1950s swinging blues. According to Blues Review Magazine, “The Insomniacs could be legendary!” Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears hail from Austin Texas. They bring “wicked groove” to the stage, and hints of James Brown.

This is the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway. The ferry between Victoria and Port Angeles is a relaxing scenic way to cross the Salish Sea. We offer a number of overnight specials to help make your weekend affordable. Remember, travel between the United States and Canada now requires a passport or an enhanced driver’s license.

Festival tickets are available at the McPherson Box Office and its outlets (250-386-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca), Lyle’s Place and the Victoria Jazz Society office (250-388-4423).

Come enjoy a cold brew in Victoria

For some folks, good beer gives meaning to life. If you are one of these people, or even if you simply enjoy a good beer from time to time, consider a trip to The Great Canadian Beer Festival 2009, on Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th. This is certainly a “must attend” event for beer aficionados. Indeed, people travel to Victoria from all over the world (even from great beer producing countries like Germany, Belgium and Great Britain) to drink beer together. They arrive by train, plane and boat, so book your ticket on the passenger ferry to Victoria today.

Every year, the GCBF is held on the first weekend after Labour Day. This year, over 50 craft breweries from across Canada, Belgium and the American Pacific Northwest will bring their beer to the island; more than 7000 thirsty people will arrive to greet them. You could be one of them. Of course, there will be delicious food to accompany the brews, prepared and offered by six Vancouver Island restaurants and caterers. A fantastic selection of live music will be playing during the festival, to create a fine mood for appreciating beer.

The ferry between Port Angeles and Victoria has many specials and overnight packages. Consider spending a night or two in Victoria, so you will have time to appreciate some other aspects of this lovely city.

Tickets are now on sale. The festival is open Friday from 3pm until 8pm (tickets $20), and Saturday from noon until 6pm (tickets $25). Please be advised that tickets are sold in advance only. THERE WILL BE NO TICKETS ON SALE AT THE DOOR!

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

Take the Victoria Express ferry to Victoria and spend your weekend time traveling back to a musical era that changed the world….

Playing at McPherson Playhouse…”Showtime invites you “across the universe” on a “magical mystery tour” exploring the Beatle’s “revolution” in popular music and culture. Employing authentic “Beatle” instruments, amplifiers, and costumes, coupled with faithful renditions of your favorite Beatle classics “The Beatles Experience” recreates the spirit of the “Fab Four” in ways that have audiences raving about them” Eight days a week.

Musically, no detail is overlooked to re-create the true sound and excitement of The Beatles, with every song performed totally live and in its original key. Visually, the presentation is as close to the real thing as you can imagine… Close your eyes, could it really be them? Quality stage outfits range from the early Cavern days through to Beatle mania.”

BEATLEMANIA
McPherson Playhouse – September 19, at 8pm
Tickets: $59.00 for adults; $29.00 for children; $54.00 for groups of 6 or more

Share this musical adventure with family and friends….Victoria Express can make all of your travel reservations.

While you are in Victoria be sure to take advantage of the last weekend on the free downtown shuttle bus where you can hop on and hop off to many exciting destinations within the downtown, including LoJo, Chinatown, the Design District and Bastion Square.

The shuttle stops on Government Street, both at Humboldt (near Sam’s Deli and Spirit of Victoria) and at Pandora (opposite Mountain Equipment Co-op); Store Street at Chatham (by Capital Iron and Ocian River); and at Wharf Street, south of Yates (in front of Regent Hotel).

The ferry between the US and Canada is an eco-friendly way to travel. Leave your car in the United States and cross the Salish Sea in style.

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

Choose eco-friendly travel this weekend and take the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria for an experience you won’t soon forget. Canada’s most authentic Pink Floyd Tribute Band will be performing at the Alix Golden Hall 900 Johnson Street in Victoria Saturday, September 19th. The band has been amazing audiences since 2008 with their authentic re-creation of one of the world’s favorite rock groups.

The performance looks, sounds and feels like the real Pink Floyd in their hey-day: the 70’s. You can expect long, psychedelic jams with songs as ‘Shine on You Crazy Diamond’ and ‘Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun’ as well as ‘Comfortably Numb’ and ‘Us and Them’.

Travel back to the 70’s with the band’s amazing showcase of lights and visuals.

Share this musical adventure with friends and family….Victoria Express ferry to Victoria BC can make all of your travel reservations – Call today to book your hotel accommodations.

While in Victoria, take advantage of the free shuttle bus in the downtown Victoria area. Running every fifteen minutes between 10:30 and 5pm, this shuttle service provides a great service to travelers and locals alike. Hop on and off the shuttle as you visit different areas of town, from LoJo to Chinatown.

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

Ride the ferry to the Belfry Theatre

Belfry Theatre in downtown presents Bordertown Cafe. This play is a co-production with Prairie Theatre Exchange from Winnipeg, and is another great play from the Canadian canon. Take advantage of the scenic ferry to Victoria and cross the Salish Sea to take in an afternoon or evening at the theatre. You won’t want to miss a show that the Hamilton Spectator calls “…humorous, human, touching and recognizable…”

This play is a gentle and funny slice of Canadiana, filled with quirky and endearing characters. 17 year-old Jimmy, who grew up in a greasy spoon on the US-Canadian border, has a big decision to make. His soon-to-be-remarried father wants him to come and live with him in the States. His mother, Marlene, trapped in a life of missed opportunities, can’t seem to say the words “don’t go”. Marlene’s gregarious American mother won’t shut up. And her quiet farmer dad refuses to tell Jimmy what he should do. You’ll be touched and amused as you watch one gawky teenager become a young man.

Season Tickets are available. They are a great excuse to plan a weekend getaway in Victoria on a regular basis. Savings on single tickets are up to 28%, and you will be seated in “your” seat throughout the season. You may exchange your tickets should you not be able to make your scheduled performance. Another fantastic perk is the free, professional childcare we offer for one of our Sunday Matinees. Please check out the Belfry Theatre for more great perks of season tickets.

Victoria Express ferry between Port Angeles WA and Victoria BC can arrange overnight lodging for our clients. Check us out today! This Saturday, you may also take advantage of a free shuttle bus running throughout downtown Victoria, making travel that much free of care.

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