Victoria Express

Get ready for the Victoria Film Festival, which runs January 29 through February 7, 2010! Clean your glasses, practice sitting, and eat lots of popcorn in preparation for this festival of films.

Have you ever been to a film festival? They really are festive. All films are somehow better when seen during festivals, because the audience is excited to be there and share the experience of watching them. Even films you would not normally plan to see become enjoyable - thanks to the feeling of camaraderie in the theater.

It's as much fun to stand in line before the film, because you are sure to meet someone interesting. Avid film-watchers swap lists of "must see films". Tips on best seats are shared in whispers.

The Victoria Film Festival is being held at several venues in the heart of downtown Victoria. It is easy to travel from one venue to another by foot; and it's a pleasure to stretch your legs between films.

The VFF Program Guide is available on-line, making it easy for folks who don't live in Victoria to select the films they want to see.

This may be the best opportunity to view a wide array of Canadian films on the West Coast. Yet in addition to films from BC, Quebec and Newfoundland, the festival will screen films from France, Israel, China, Turkey, the Bahamas.... the list goes on and on. Each of the 160 films will have more than one screening, making it more likely that attendees will be able to watch the films they want to see.

If you are a true film fan, make a holiday of it. Travel to Victoria, and spend the whole ten days there. Take advantage of Victoria's great restaurants and museums to make your visit to Victoria a memorable event.

Victoria Express will make all your Victoria travel arrangements, from transportation to lodging. Call 360-452-8088, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for more information.

If you're having so much fun during your weekends in Victoria and just don't want to leave come Sunday afternoon, stick around for some of the best music out there. On alternate Sunday nights at Pagliacci's Restaurant, at 1011 Broad Street, a group of the most creative and talented musicians in Victoria gather together for Klezmer music fun.

The Yiddish Columbia State Orchestra was born when lead singer and accordion player Marion Siegal decided that Sunday nights were the perfect time to try something new. She put the word out to talented musicians, and founded a fantastic eight piece orchestra. Concentrating on Jewish Swing and Yiddish Music Hall Vaudeville music, they move seamlessly through a large repertoire that includes sounds from French cafes, Eastern European caravans, and New Orleans.

Their sound is big, bold and brassy. You'll want to smile, clap your hands, and most of all, dance.

If you can't make it to Pagliacci's this Sunday, January 10th, fear not. The Yiddish Columbia State Orchestra will be back at Pagliacci's January 24th, 2010.

Victoria Express will make all arrangements for your travel to Victoria, including lodging. You need only decide when you want to be there. Call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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

The photo of Marion Siegal is by Barbara Pedrick.

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!