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the possibilities

the saanich peninsula

the possibilitiesthe possibilitiesthe possibilities

the saanich peninsula the saanich peninsula the saanich peninsulaexplorePENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 www.vicnews.com • 1

By land or by sea, enjoy the PeninsulaSurrounded by the Salish Sea,

the Peninsula is the gateway to many exciting aquatic

activities. From whale-watching amidst the sea spray to enjoying a lazy day on calm, sunny waters, the ocean is a beautiful and exciting place to be.

The waters around the Peninsula are abundant with wildlife, from seabirds to whales. Whether you’re exploring the open ocean in a high-powered vessel or enjoying a leisurely paddle through an archipelago of islands, you’ll be sure to spot a myriad of creatures. Experience for yourself why the ocean is irresistible.

Once you’re here on the Peninsula, there are many choices to choose from to get easy access to all the region has to offer.

Island Cruising charters

yachts and powerboats and offers week-long learn-to-sail vacations. For the experienced sailor, or willing student, Island Cruising is the place to acquire the boat and skills necessary for

an aquatic adventure. Visit www.islandcruising.com for more.

Paci� ca Paddle Sports rents canoes and kayaks and offers tours as well. Tod Inlet is only 20 minutes away from the dock,

while Senanus Island, a great picnic spot, is only 30 minutes away. There are also further away locations for those who wish to make a day trip. The beautiful waters of Brentwood

Bay are a must. Check them out at www.paci� capaddle.com.

Paddle in the Park Kayaking offers kayak rentals, lessons, and a variety of tours. Along with an experienced guide, explore the waters surrounding Sidney during the day or take the sunset tour to experience the beauty of the evening ocean. Visit www.apaddleinthepark.com.

Sidney Whale Watching offers year-round kayak rentals and whale-watching tours from March to November. These three hour tours take you off the coast of Sidney to discover the wildlife that inhabits the area and sightings are guaranteed. Go to www.ssidneywhalewatching.com.

Sidney Spit is accessible via the Alpine Sidney Spit Ferry. The schedule can be found online at www.alpinegroup.ca/companies/alpine-sidney-spit-ferry.

Getting outside and on the ocean is a great way to see what the Saanich Peninsula has to offer.

B2 • www.vicnews.com Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

The District of North SaanichNorth Saanich offers many diverse recreational activities for visitors and residents of all ages. From water sports such as boating and swimming, to golf, beachcombing or organized recreation fun through the Panorama Recreation Centre, North Saanich can accommodate whatever your interest may be. Consult our website at www.northsaanich.ca for more information on our parks and trails network system, and to download a copy of our “Parks and Trails Guide”.

1620 Mills Rd., North Saanich, BCTel: 250-656-0781 | Fax: 250-656-3155e-mail: admin@northsaanichc.a | www.northsaanich.ca

North Saanich o�ers many diverse recreational activities for visitors and residents of all ages. From water sports such as boating and swimming, to golf, beachcombing or organized recreation fun through the Panorama Recreation Centre, North Saanich can accommodate whatever your interest may be. Consult our website at www.northsaanich.ca for more information on our parks and trails network system, and to download a copy of our “Parks and Trails Guide”.

The District of North Saanich

1620 Mills Rd., North Saanich, BCTel: 250-656-0781 | Fax: 250-656-3155e-mail: admin@northsaanichc.a | www.northsaanich.ca

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2 • www.vicnews.com Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

the peninsulaexploreThe Saanich Peninsula is the gateway to

exploring Greater Victoria and all of Vancou-ver Island.

To visit some of the best places the Pen-insula has to offer, the Peninsula Attractions Shuttle is a free hop-on-and-hop-off service running between June 29 and Septem-ber 3.

It visits the area’s hottest tourist attractions — The Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butter� y Gardens, Church and State winery, Sea Cider Farm & Cider-house, Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa and the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.

The Peninsula Attractions Shuttle picks up passengers at the B.C. Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay and the Wash-ington State Ferries international termi-nal in Sidney and connects them to the Peninsula.

The service start-ed last year and has expanded. The shuttle is free to use.

“This was initially going to be an attrac-tions bus but we (expanded) it to a commu-nity shuttle,” explained David Roberts, presi-dent of the Peninsula Shuttle Committee and

executive director at Butter� y Gardens.The routes have an east-west focus, with

trips to local attractions. It’s transporting children to various summer camps at Pan-orama Recreation Centre and Greenglade Community Centre. Find out more and make

your reservations at www.peninsulashuttle.ca.

The most popular means of arriving here is through B.C. Ferries’ Swartz Bay terminal. The Anacortes to Sidney ferry arrives at the Sidney ferry terminal daily during the summer months.

Private vessels are welcome at marinas all over the Peninsula. For moorage, try Van Isle Marina (www.vanislemari-na.com), Westport Marina (www.thunderbirdmarine.com/westport-marina.php), Portside Marina in Brentwood Bay and many others.

Paci� c Coach Lines offers daily service, as well as tours to the Pen-insula from Victoria and the North Island, and from the Lower Mainland. Visit

www.paci� ccoach.com.Public transit is also an easy and inexpen-

sive way of seeing the beauty of the Saanich Peninsula. To view some of the many B.C. Transit route options visit www.bctransit.com or call 250-382-6161.

The Peninsula is rich in history from land to sea and even the sky above. Learn more about our rich agricultural history at Heritage Acres, started by the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society in 1968 by Willard Michell, and a group of volunteers as a way of keeping the history of the Saanich Peninsula alive. Heritage Acres, as it is now known, is a hugely popular destination with hundreds of artifacts displayed in various heritage buildings and on the grounds.

Elsewhere, in a compact log house in Saanichton, volunteers craft displays harkening back to the pio-neers of the Central Saanich area. With a small dedicated archive next door, the Log Cabin Museum is manned by members of the Saanich Pioneer Society who are ded-icated to the preservation of the historical records of the

Saanich Peninsula. The Peninsula is also

home to the B.C. Aviation Museum — dedicated to pre-serving aircraft and aviation artifacts. Volunteers collect and restore items key to aviation history in B.C. and Canada. Those include a re-stored Noorduyn Norseman and Avro Anson MKII.

History from the ferry sys-tem and airport to business-es of long ago are outlined in photos and artifacts in the Sidney Museum. An old-time kitchen, general store and classroom all bring back days of old in the Beacon Avenue space. Big news this year is the museum is grow-ing, with more displays.

Getting around the Peninsula Peninsula heritage comes alive

Be a part of Sidney’s Booktown

Once you’re on the Saanich Peninsula, there are many places to enjoy a walk.

Heritage Acres in Central Saanich is home to artifacts and Peninsula history.

Stand at the corner of Beacon and Fourth in Sidney and you’re no more than a block from eight bookstores.

It’s no � uke Sidney is dubbed Booktown – the town is brimming with page-turners neatly � led on wooden shelves and stacked on tables both inside the doors of shops and outside,

on the wide sidewalks.The Booktown brand is the brainchild of Christine and Clive Tanner, the

former owners of a Sidney landmark, Tanner’s Books on Beacon Avenue. After more than a decade of running growing bookshops in Sidney, the two became inspired by a small town on the English-Welsh border.

A small marketplace in Powys, Wales boasts more than 30 bookshops of different types and made the small village into an annual destination for many. This inspired the Tanners to create that same calling in Sidney-by-the-Sea.

Bibliophiles can easily spend a day perusing the rows of offerings Canada’s Booktown has to offer, from the newest hardcover, to treasured paperbacks, to leatherbound volumes touched by countless palms.

For maps and information on Sidney Booktown events visit sidneybooktown.ca.

Fun play becomes a medium of discovery and learning at Adel’s Play N Discovery House, a licensed Childcare Centre for children 3-5 years old.Open House to Monday through Saturday

10:am-4:00pm until June 29.

Adel’s Play N Discovery House

Opens Tuesday, July 2, 2013Hours of operation: Monday thru Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

www.adelplayndiscovery.comP: 250-655-4888 E: info@adelplayndiscovery.com2146 Beacon Avenue, West • Sidney BC V8L 1W7

“Inspired by the Reggio Emilia innovative approach in early childhood education”

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 www.vicnews.com • B3

Your gateway to Vancouver Island.

www.victoriaairport.com

There is a lot of progress happening at the Airport! Check out our plans at www.victoriaairport.com• Spot aircraft at YYJ• Enjoy Tim’s, Starbucks and the White Spot• Shop the Reay Store• Ride your bicycle, jog or walk the new Bike Path

There is a lot of progress happening at the Airport! Check out our plans at www.victoriaairport.com

www.sidney.ca Town of Sidney

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 www.vicnews.com • 3

the possibilitiesexploreJune to September Gallery by the Sea is up for display and voting by the public. Artworks hang off the � sh market at Beacon Pier.

June to OctoberPeninsula Country Market opens for the season, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Info: www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca.

June 5 to Aug. 29Sidney Thursday night street market. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on a large portion of Beacon Avenue in Sidney, enjoy vendors, music and art at these regular summer street markets. For details, visit www. www.sidney.ca/Visitors/Sidney_Street_Market.htm.

June 30 and July 1Sidney Days, with community celebrations, parade and more. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca.

June 29 to Aug. 31, SaturdaysFireworks illuminate the night sky at the Butchart Gardens. Info: www.butchartgardens.com.

July to August, SundaysSummer Sounds Concert Series 2 to 4 p.m. in Beacon Park. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca.

July and AugustMusic in the Park, Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Pioneer Park, Brentwood Bay. Bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner, or buy dinner from a food vendor. Info: www.brentwoodbay.info.

AugustSaanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heavy Truck Show happens at Heritage Acres. More information on exact dates and times available at www.shas.ca or by calling 250-652-5522.

AugustThe seventh annual North Saanich Flavour Trail, a tour of North Saanich farms, wineries, nurseries, markets and restaurants. Visit www.northsaanich.ca to con� rm dates and times.

Aug. 10 to 11Victoria’s Largest Little Airshow brings its � ne show of remote control aircraft to life. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Michell Air� eld on Lochside Drive.

Aug. 31 to Sept. 2146th annual Saanich Fair, with midway, games, community booths, agricultural displays, food, entertainment and more. Info: www.saanichfair.ca.

Sept. 14 and 15Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Harvest Fair and Threshing

Weekend, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Acres. Info: www.shas.ca

Oct. 17 to 20The Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula’s ninth annual Sidney Fine Art Show is at Mary Winspear Centre.Info: http://blog.sidney� neartshow.com.

Oct. 18 to 27It’s the Saanich Peninsula ArtSea Festival. Starting with the Sidney Fine Art Show, the Festival shows off a community of art in a variety fo forms. Learn more at www.cacsp.com.

OctoberSaanich Peninsula Fall Studio Tour, hosted by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula. Info: http://cacsp.com.

November 30Sidney Sparkles parade and sailpast, a welcome to the holiday season lights up Sidney’s Beacon Avenue and the waterfront. Info: www.peninsulacelebrations.ca.

NovemberSaanich Fairgrounds’ Christmas in the Manger

Craft show. Info: www.saanichfair.ca.DecemberButchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas – carollers, a festive brass band and an outdoor ice rink to help celebrate the festive season. Info: www.butchartgardens.com.

DecemberChristmas in the Village with Christmas lights, food, music and Santa at Heritage Acres. For more information, visit www.shas.ca.

DecemberSaanichton Community Christmas, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Saanichton. Photos with Santa, Christmas Tree Trail and live music. Visit saanichtonvillage.ca for more information.

Dec. 31First Night celebrations at Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich. Features swimming, skating, arts and crafts, in� atable obstacle course, bouncy castle, a giant movie screen, followed by the � reworks � nale at 9 p.m. www.peninsulacelebrations.ca.

Check out these ideas to fill your days while visiting the Saanich Peninsula.

Take a hike to the Saanich Peninsula.

Wave hello to your reflection in the Salish Sea.

B4 • www.vicnews.com Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Play in the Park

July (No session Jul 1)

August (No session Aug 5)

Monday Pioneer Park 7130 West Saanich Road

Tuesday Iroquois Park 2295 Ocean Ave

Wednesday North Saanich Middle School 10475 McDonald Park Rd

Thursday Rodolph Park 6446 Loganberry Place

Centennial Park 7400 Block of Wallace

Friday Wain Park 871 Birch Road

Rathdown Park 2170 Calvin Ave

250.656.7271 www.panoramarecreation.ca

Join us this summer as we explore some of our local parks with ‘Play in the Park’. Beginning July 2nd, Monday to Friday 5:30 - 8:30pm, Panorama staff will facilitate interactive play, face painting, group games, and of course, inflatable fun on our giant 50’ obstacle course! The program will be offered at 7 different locations throughout Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich. We can’t think of a better way for you to spend your summer evenings, so grab the whole family and join us for some fun! Remember, a community that plays together, stays together!

EVENTSSaanich Fairwww.saanichfair.caThe 146th annual Saanich Fair is the best

place to discover what keeps the Peninsula’s agricultural scene growing. Learn about local

farming from cattle to flowers to pigs and pick-les. Be amazed by youngsters in 4-H and watch the majestic draft horses go through their paces.

Hundreds of volunteers dedi-

cate their time to bring you the best in enter-tainment, education and fun for the entire fam-ily. As well, all concessions during the fair are non-profit and manned by volunteers. Munch on popcorn, cotton candy or ice cream while meandering through dozens of cultural and agricultural displays. Enjoy strolling among the Corner Market vendors and don’t forget to take a ride on the midway.

With its roots firmly planted by the non-profit North and South Saanich Agricultural Society in 1868, the fair has now grown into Western Canada’s longest running agricultural fair. Today, the 146th Saanich Fair has three times more exhibits than Vancouver’s PNE.

From the hottest up and coming entertain-ers, to wild rides and traditional homemade treats and farm-grown veggies, the Saanich Fair has it all. Join the fun Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 & 2.

Sidney paradeswww.peninsulacelebrations.caSidney boasts two parades a year, both

hosted by Peninsula Celebrations Society. The first is a summertime tradition that parades down Beacon Avenue on Canada Day as part of the Sidney Days festivities. Starting at 11 a.m. the parade works its way down Bea-con from Resthaven Drive toward the water-front on July 1. There is wheelchair viewing reserved at Beacon and Fifth Street. Viewers tend to line the curbs well ahead of time for the popular parade.

In November, Sidney Sparkles. The town is lit up and so is the parade that brings Santa to town in time for Christmas. Usually slated for the final weekend of November, or early December, the parade warms hearts despite the chill in the air.

MARKET SEASONSidney marketwww.sidney.caThe annual Sidney Thursday night street

market runs each Thursday eve-ning down Beacon Avenue. Mar-ket vendors include everyone from local farmers with fresh produce to those selling custom jewelry, woodwork and art to speciality food items. The market also fea-tures music from local perform-ers, bands and buskers to enter-tain shoppers along the way. Local businesses stay open late to enjoy the festive affair and entertainment rounds out the evening. The mar-ket runs through the end of August.

North Saanich marketwww.northsaanichfarmmarket.caSaturdays in North Saanich are filled with

the sights, sounds and smells of growers, bakers and art makers at St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. Held in the

church garden, the market features the best produce North Saanich has to offer, including seasonal fruits and veggies, local lamb and beef. Merry music accompanies each market of the summer and right through the fall once the event moves indoors. An added bonus is the education table where market goers can learn about composting, get garden tips from master gardeners and find out if that ancient apple tree really is a rare heritage breed from the fruit testers.

ATTRACTIONSButchart Gardenswww.butchartgardens.comThe world-renowned Butchart Gardens in

Brentwood Bay bring guests from around the globe all year long. From July through the first week in September, Saturdays are punctuated with the famous fireworks.

Music on the main stage and other small segments of the gardens makes perusing the aromatic scene that much more merry. By Christmas-time the grounds are lit up in hon-our of the 12 days of Christmas and an outdoor skating rink provides an added passtime. Don’t forget to check out the carousel all times of year.

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centrewww.oceandiscovery.caThe aquarium in Sidney cele-

brates all things about the Salish Sea, above and below. Its Gallery of Drifters (jellyfish) greets guests as they exit the submersible into the deep blue.

With a wet lab, tanks filled with fish and their friends in the Gallery of the Salish Sea, a day is complete with a visit to the touch pools. There, guests, using the one finger rule, can shake hands with an urchin.

Victoria Butterfly Gardenswww.butterflygardens.comThe warm humid air of Victoria Butterfly

Gardens is enough to entice, even without the jungle atmosphere it offers.

If you’re still, a winged creature could even give you a kiss. Filled with the obvious but-terflies – 3,000 of them flutter about the flora – this Brentwood Bay tourist stop also has moths like you’ve never seen, pink flamingos and other tropical birds, Koi fish, tortoises and dart frogs. Rates are $5 to $15.

Mary Winspear Centrewww.marywinspear.caNamed for a pioneering teacher, long-time

visitor to North Saanich and favourite aunt to the large Winspear family, Sidney’s Mary Win-spear Centre is the hub of entertainment and community events on the Peninsula.

The culteral and conference centre has been around since the 1950s, serving busi-ness, social and cultural clientele. The 310-seat Charlie White theatre is the place to see local, regional and international performers. The Centre offers plenty of community pro-grams for youth and adults and can be found at the west end of Beacon Avenue in Sidney.

B.C. Aviation Museumwww.bcam.netVolunteers at the British Columbia Aviation

Museum, adjacent to the Victoria International Airport, set out to preserve and share aircraft history. Their mandate is to collect, restore and display aircraft and artifacts to share the history of aviation in B.C. and Canada. Browse on your own, or have one of the guides show you around. Admission is $4 to $12. Open daily, call 250-655-3300 for hours.

Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walkwww.sculpturewalk.caWorks of art dot the

Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk, two kilometres of seaside walkway start-ing at the foot of Beacon Avenue. They follow the 2.5 km Heart Smart Walk along the waterfront offering a spectacular backdrop for the artists’ pieces. The artwork is on loan to the town for two years before being changed up to keep the outdoor gallery fresh.

OUTDOORSWildlife viewingwww.crd.bc.ca/parksSurrounded by the Saanich Inlet and the

Salish Sea, the Saanich Peninsula offers a plethora of beautiful beaches and parks, each boasting different features in flora and fauna. Try Island View Regional Park, off Island View Road in Central Saanich; Glass Beach at the base of Beacon Avenue in Sidney; Coles Bay Regional Park off Inverness Road in North Saa-nich and Verdier Park in Brentwood Bay.

4 • www.peninsulanewsreview.com Friday, June 26, 2013 - PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

the peninsulaexplore

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