Victoria Express

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.

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.