Victoria Express

Craigdarroch Castle

There is much to do in Victoria year round, but at this time of year, the city is particularly engaging. Historic buildings are adorned with lights and garlands, making it easy for visitors to succumb to holiday good cheer.

It takes a good month to fill Craigdarroch Castle with authentic Victorian decorations, so it seems our duty to visit it and admire the efforts of countless staff and volunteers.

In addition, the events calendar at the Castle is jam-packed with a variety of interesting suitable for the whole family, and during the day, this entertainment is included with the price of admission.

Puppet theater, cello music, choirs, and a visit with Father Christmas are just a few of the offerings on hand this month at Craigdarroch Castle. A visit here is sure to be enjoyed by all members of the family.

If you are still missing a few gifts, the  gift shop at Craigdarroch Castle is a good place to find something unique.

Victoria Express is offering two travel packages to Victoria that include a visit to Craigdarroch Castle from now through January 2, 2010. Plan a trip to Victoria before Christmas, or surprise the family with a visit there over the holiday break. Let Victoria Express make all the arrangements, from travel to accommodations.

Call 360-452-8088 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it today.

There is a lot going on in and around Victoria, BC this weekend. Since this is also the last weekend when travel between Canada and the United States is permitted without either a passport or an enhanced driver’s license, why not hop on board the passenger ferry from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, BC and have a little holiday?

Plan on spending Saturday night listening to four of the greatest voices in the world. Il Divo creatively blends opera with popular music, and the results are out of this world. In fact, they have awed audiences around the world with their versions of “Amazing Grace” and “Power of Love”, among others. David Miller, Carlos Marín, Urs Buhler & Sébastien Izambard are not to be missed.

Canadians have been fans of Il Divo since their inception, and Saturday’s concert is guaranteed to leave listeners breathless. Staged and choreographed by William Baker (Kylie, Jamiroquai) on a state of the art set, with a tour wardrobe designed by Giorgio Armani, the show will certainly look as good as it sounds.

Saturday night is set. Now, what to do the rest of the weekend? The Selkirk Waterfront Festival is one thought. Sponsored by the Burnside Gorge Community Association, and located on the beautiful Selkirk Waterfront, this event is perfect for the whole family. There will be live cultural performances, interactive workshops, a family fun zone, food and vendors. This is a perfect way to be out in the great weather and experience a little culture, too.

Or, take the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria and attend Fired-Up! Contemporary Works in Clay. This pottery show at Metchosin Hall in Metchosin, BC has been going on for 25 years. The combined experience of participating potters adds up to 750 years, which means a lot of clay has passed through these able hands. This show will display a great deal of innovation and even more talent, and should be seen by anyone who enjoys the ceramic arts.

Victoria Express offers a number of overnight specials in Victoria. So why not plan to spend a sunny, fun filled weekend in Victoria now?

Certainly not everyone goes wild over bugs, but you have to admit that they are fascinating little creatures. Or not so little, as the case may be. The Victoria Bug Zoo has some pretty big bugs on hand, and while you are there you may even hold a few in your hand. If you feel adventurous, consider taking the scenic passenger ferry to Victoria this summer, and spending an afternoon at the Victoria Bug Zoo. You won’t be disappointed.

There are creatures from all around the world at this bug zoo. From giant walkingsticks to glow-in-the-dark scorpions, you will be stunned at the wide variety of insects and spiders that have made their way to Victoria. Canada’s largest ant farm is here, along with a 400 leg millipede as long as your forearm. Really. The fact that you can put that millipede on your forearm makes it truly worth a visit.

The Victoria Bug Zoo is an easy walk from the Victoria passenger ferry dock. This would make a great day trip from Port Angeles, or part of an extended Victoria getaway. The Victoria Express offers a variety of overnight specials in Victoria that include round trip ferry tickets, lodging, and fun activities in Victoria.

Remember that passports or enhanced drivers licenses are now required for travel between the United States and Canada.

Victoria Bug Zoo