WestPac 2009October 8-10, Victoria BC
Tourism
About Victoria
Here are some links to web sites with information about Victoria and its attractions. We have included a "WestPac Willy" graphic 
to highlight our committee's favorite places in Victoria. Watch for more updates closer to the conference dates.
- Tourism Victoria - Links to attractions in Victoria, as well as great day trip ideas.
- In Victoria - Guide to restaurants, events, shopping, etc.
- Super Natural B.C.-Tourism info for Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands
- About UVic from the University of Victoria's website
- City of Victoria
- Vancouver Island Tourism Information
Events in Victoria October 5th-12th 2009
- Royal Victoria Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K. Sunday October 11th, 2009. "One of the top 10 destination marathons in North America" ~ Runner's World Magazine. Put on your runners (or cheer on 10 000 runners) as the race meanders along Victoria's shoreline. The race starts at the Legislative buildings, only steps from the Laurel Point Inn.
- Victoria Art Gallery - 1040 Moss St. Special exhibits: "Vision into Reality: the Asian Collection Begins" and "Sacred Arts of Tibet." Phone 250-384-4101
- Antimatter Underground Film Festival. Antimatter is a premier showcase of experimental cinema in the west. The festival includes film screenings, installations, performances, and media hybrids. Phone 250-385-3327 for information about venues.
- Sports: Canada/US Women's National Hockey Exhibition Game. October 5th, 2009 at the Save On Foods Memorial Arena. Canada's National Women's Team will face the United States' Women's National Team in a series of six exhibition games, ahead of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, BC. 1925 Blanshard Street. Phone 250-220-7777.
- Play: "The Woman in Black" at the Chemainus Dinner Theatre, a 50 minute drive from Victoria. "This old fashioned ghost story has played to sold out houses in London's West End for over two decades." 9737 Chemainus Road. Phone 1-800-565-7738 or 250-246-9820.
- Concert: Tony Bennett Live in Concert at the Royal Theatre. October 7th 2009. Tickets will sell out quickly. Order online via the Royal Theatre. 805 Broughton Street. Phone 250-386-6121.
- Centre of the Universe at the Dominion Astrophysics Observatory: Join the "Stargazer Party" on Saturday nights for a look at the stars and planets via telescopes, or watch live images filtering through the large Plaskett telescope. In the interpretive centre, you can view the interactive exhibits or sit in on one of the auditorium presentations. There is no public transit to the observatory. 5071 West Saanich Road, Phone 363-0001.
- Salmon Run at Goldstream Park. Locals flock to Goldstream mid-October to early December to watch thousands of salmon returning each year. Keep your eyes out for bald eagles, gulls, and other shore birds. Stop by the Visitors Centre to see slide shows, exhibits, videos and interpretive programs. Walking trails and hiking trails will take you to 600 year old Douglas Fir trees and Niagara Falls. No public transit to the park. 25 minute drive by Taxi/private car. Phone 250-478-9414.
Stay tuned for more announcements closer to the date of the conference. . .
- Bolen Books. The largest independent bookstore in British Columbia. New books. Located at the Hillside Mall, a short 10 minute bus ride from downtown Victoria. 111-1644 Hillside Ave. Phone 250-595-4232
- Chapters Indigo Books. New books. 1212 Douglas Street. Phone 250-380-9009
- Crown Publications. BC Government Legislation and publications, new books about BC, maps and nautical charts.106 Ontario Street, Phone 250-386-4636
- Ivy's Bookshop. New books. A 10 minute bus ride from downtown Victoria, in the heart of Oak Bay Village. 2188 Oak Bay Ave. Phone 250-598-2713
- Grafton Bookshop. Used books. A 10 minute bus ride from downtown Victoria, in the heart of Oak Bay Village. 2238 Oak Bay Ave. Phone 1-800-618 5314 or 250-370-1455
- Munro's Books. New books. Located in a historical landmark in the heart of Victoria's Old Town. 1108 Government Street. Phone 250-382-2464
- Russell Books. Over 13 000 square feet of new, used, remainder, antiquarian, and out of print books. 734 Fort Street, Phone 250-361-4447
- Sidney by the Sea is known as "Booktown" with 12 independently owned bookshops selling new, used, and antiquarian books. Sidney is also home to gift shops, bakeries, chocolatiers, clothing stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and the new Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Direct bus routes from downtown Victoria to Sidney (Phone 250-382-6161 for schedule information). By car: 35 minute drive.
- Bastion Square Festival of the Arts - vendors and "juried" artisans sell their hand made creations. Festival is open between 10:30am and 5:30pm. Located downtown at Government Street and View Street, kitty corner to the Victoria Bay Centre.
- Salt Spring Island Craft Market - is a popular stop for crafts, art, and farm produce. Every Saturday until the end of October. A 35 min. ferry ride from Schwartz Bay.
- Visit Sidney by the Sea. Just 35 km north of Victoria, the town of Sidney is a booklovers paradise. You can visit numerous bookstores, take a stroll through the Port of Sidney marina and shops, take the 30 minute ferry over to Sidney Spit for a leisurely walk on the white sand beaches/picnic, or schedule a whale watching tour, and return to Sidney for dinner at a pub or local restaurant. Sidney is also home to gift shops, bakeries, chocolatiers, clothing stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and the new Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Bus transportation: 45 min bus ride, Phone 250-382-6161 for schedule information. By car: 35 minute drive.
- Salt Spring Island. A 35 min. ferry ride from Schwartz Bay will bring you to one of the largest of the Gulf Islands. Take in the view at Mount Maxwell. Beachcomb at Ruckle Park. Tour artists' studios. The Saturday arts and craft market is a popular stop for local crafts, jewelry, and farm produce (be sure to catch the early ferry Saturday morning since lineups are a certainty!). Public transit now available on Salt Spring Island.
- Beacon Hill Park - Established as City of Victoria park in 1882. The zoo began in 1890 and is now a petting farm (by donation, phone 250-381-2532). The petting farm is home to alpacas to miniature goats, tropical birds to potbellied pigs; they have all kinds of fuzzy, furry, feathered creatures, including a goat petting area and the famous goat stampedes. Alpine gardens, wildflower meadows, rose gardens, lakes, Mayor's Grove of Trees, native Garry Oak forest. Free. Stop by the Beacon Hill Drive Inn, on the edge of the park, for their famous soft serve ice cream. There is a large playground located in the centre of the park, next to the rose garden. Short walking distance from downtown Victoria.
- Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Be sure to visit the Courtroom on the 3rd floor, once presided over by the Judge Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie in the late 19th century. This courtroom once served as both the Supreme Court of BC and the Vice-Admiralty Court for maritime legal matters. Today, the room has been restored to its former glory and offers the visitor the unique opportunity to explore one of the few remaining historic courtrooms in the country. The rest of the museum is devoted to the Pacific Northwest's rich maritime heritage: shipbuilding, whaling and fishing, shipwrecks, steamships, Coast Guard, and the Canadian Navy. Located downtown at 28 Bastion Square, Phone 385-4222.
- Centre of the Universe at the Dominion Astrophysics Observatory: Join the "Stargazer Party" on Saturday nights for a look at the stars and planets via telescopes, or watch live images filtering through the large Plaskett telescope. In the interpretive centre, you can view the interactive exhibits or sit in on one of the auditorium presentations. There is no public transit to the observatory. 5071 West Saanich Road, Phone 363-0001.
- Commonwealth Games Pool. Great pool area for kids, includes a wave pool, waterslide, pirate ship, and a shallow pool for toddlers. Located north of Victoria. From downtown, takes buses #6, 30, 31, 70, 75 or any buses to "Royal Oak Exchange." Short 15 minute drive by car. 4636 Elk Lake Drive. Phone 250-475-7600 for pool hours.
- Miniature World. Over 80 miniature dioramas and railways highlighting Canadian history, the circus, frontier land, olde London towne, castles of Europe, dollhouses, and much more. Located at street level in the Empress Hotel, 649 Humboldt St. Phone 250-385-2835.
- Pacific Undersea Gardens. Go deep under Victoria's inner harbour to see local sea creatures and watch the live "dive show" in the undersea theatre. 490 Belleville St. Phone 250-382-5717.
- Royal British Columbia Museum - Highly realistic and inviting displays, such as the Ice Age and Coastal Forest dioramas, provide visitors with a sense of having truly experienced the authentic settings of many exhibits. Lots of hands on exhibits for kids in the Natural History gallery and the Climate Change gallery. Be sure to check out the Imax theatre. Located downtown at 675 Belleville St. Phone 250-356-RBCM (7226) or Toll Free: 1-888-447-7977 for more information.
- Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in the nearby town of Sidney B.C. Guides will introduce you to algae, plankton and amazing jelly fish. In the "wet" classroom, you will be able to look at creatures through microscopes, watch streaming "underwater" video, and interact with sea creatures in the "touch pools" -- to shake hands with an urchin and be tickled by a sea star. Large ocean tanks are home to eels, rock fish, octopus, and hundreds of other fish. 9811 Seaport Place, Sidney. Direct bus routes from downtown Victoria to Sidney (Phone 250-382-6161 for schedule information). By car: 35 minute drive.
- The Victoria Bug Zoo. You will view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with live giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantis, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. Discover over 40 fascinating species including Canada's largest ant farm. The knowledgeable "bug guides" will reveal the exotic secrets of this hidden kingdom. 631 Courtney St. Phone 250-384-2847
Victoria boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita in North America.
Coming Soon! The WestPac 2009 Committee is creating a "Dine Around" guide to help you find the perfect location for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
- Victorian Garden Tours - guided & narrated tours of public and private gardens. For more information call 250-380-2797.
- Butchart Gardens - From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this 55-acre show-place still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world. Coach transportation to the gardens can be arranged through Pacific Coach Lines or through Gray Line Tours. Admission fee. Public transit: take Bus #75 for a scenic bus ride (approx. 45 mins from downtown Victoria).
- Abkhazi Gardens - Created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in the mid to late-1940s and maintained and improved by them throughout their life together, the garden features native Garry oaks, ornamental evergreens, significant rhododendrons, rock and alpine plants, naturalized bulbs, and good examples of Japanese Maples and weeping conifers. Admission fee. Gardens are open until the end of September; phone to see if the season has been extended: 250-485-2422. Public transit: take Bus # 2 or Bus #7.
- Hatley Park/Royal Roads - A National Historic Site covering 650 acres. This 1908 Edwardian estate was the home of James Dunsmuir and later of the Royal Roads Military College. A Scottish castle surrounded by old forest, Italian, English, Japanese and rose gardens. Admission fee. Public transit: take Bus #50 from downtown to Western Exchange, transfer to Bus # 39 (limited service).
- Government House -The grounds include 14.6 hectares, consisting of 8.9 hectares of a rare Garry Oak ecosystem, and 5.7 hectares of formal gardens including the Bruce Pavilion, Rotary Garden of International Friendship, Victorian and Sunken and Rose Gardens, Winter, Iris, Perennial, Alpine, Heather, Herb, Cut Flower, Cottage and English Country Gardens. Free. Public transit: take Bus #1 Richardson.
- Beacon Hill Park - Established as City of Victoria park in 1882. The zoo began in 1890 and is now a petting farm. Alpine gardens, wildflower meadows, rose gardens, lakes, Mayor's Grove of Trees, native Garry Oak forest. Free. Stop by the Beacon Hill Drive Inn, on the edge of the park, for their famous soft serve ice cream. Short walking distance from downtown Victoria.
- Glendale Gardens & Woodland - Offers plant enthusiasts a peaceful, rural environment filled with a wide variety of plant material in a natural setting. Includes about 5 acres of inspiring demonstration and teaching gardens (which are open to the public) that includes over 10,000 varieties of plants. Free. Private transportation required. 505 Quayle Road, Phone (250) 479-6162
- Bard and the Banker Public House. Live music in the evenings. Located downtown, 1022 Government Street, Phone 250-953-9993
- Bartholomew's Bar and Rockefeller Grille. Live music on Wednesday evenings, Friday and Saturdays at 9pm, Sunday afternoons at 6:30. Located downtown, 777 Douglas St. Phone: 250-388-5111
- Bengal Lounge at the Empress Hotel. Live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights, from 8:30-11:30pm. Dress Code: smart casual. Phone 250-389-2727.
- Blethering Place Tea Room - Sunday nights (New Orleans jazz). Phone ahead for information about entertainment for the rest of the week. Shows start at 7pm. 2250 Oak Bay Ave., Phone 250-598-1413. Take Bus #2 from downtown to Oak Bay Village, 10 minute taxi from downtown.
- George and Dragon Pub - Live music on weekends. 1302 Gladstone Road. Phone 250-388-4458
- Hermann's Jazz Club. Local jazz and blues acts. Located downtown, 753 View Street. Phone: 250-388-9166
- Irish Times Pub. Live bands play Irish tunes every night, usually starting around 7pm. Menu provides pub favorites and traditional Irish food. Located downtown, 1200 Government Street, Phone 250-383-7775
- McMorrans Beach House - Live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. 5109 Cordova Bay Road. Phone 250-658-5527. Limited public transit service. Taxi ride will take approx. 20-25 minutes.
- Swans BrewPub. Live bands play every night. Located downtown, 506 Pandora, on the corner of Government Street and Pandora. Phone 250-361-3310
- Craigdarroch Castle. You will be treated to 39 rooms, most of which are furnished lavishly in the 1890s-1900s period. Climb the 87 stairs to the tower to see fabulous views of Victoria, the Straight of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. With over 20,000 square feet of interior space, the house and gardens are being restored exactly as they were originally built. 1050 Joan Cres. Take bus #11 or #14 from downtown (Direction UVic). 20 minute walk from downtown. Phone 250-592-5323
- Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Be sure to visit the Courtroom on the 3rd floor, once presided over by the notorious Judge Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie in the late 19th century. This courtroom once served as both the Supreme Court of BC and the Vice-Admiralty Court for maritime legal matters. Today, the room has been restored to its former glory and offers the visitor the unique opportunity to explore one of the few remaining historic courtrooms in the country. The rest of the museum is devoted to the Pacific Northwest's rich maritime heritage: shipbuilding, whaling and fishing, shipwrecks, steamships, Coast Guard, and the Canadian Navy. Located downtown at 28 Bastion Square, Phone 385-4222.
- Royal British Columbia Museum - Highly realistic and inviting displays, such as the Ice Age and Coastal Forest dioramas, provide visitors with a sense of having truly experienced the authentic settings of many exhibits. Be sure to check out the Imax theatre. Located downtown at 675 Belleville St. Phone 250-356-RBCM (7226) or Toll Free: 1-888-447-7977 for more information.
- Royal London Wax Museum. Includes over 300 wax figures including members of the Royal Family, politicians (recent acquisition for Barack Obama), historical figures (such as Einstein, Shakespeare) and the Crown Jewels theatre. 470 Belleville St. Phone 1-877-WAX-FACT.
- The Victoria Bug Zoo. You will view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with live giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantis, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. Discover over 40 fascinating species including Canada's largest ant farm. The knowledgeable "bug guides" will reveal the exotic secrets of this hidden kingdom. 631 Courtney St. Phone 250-384-2847
- Fort Rodd Hill National Historical Site. Fort Rodd Hill commemorates the importance of the coast artillery fortress in defence of Victoria and the naval base, 1878-1956. The nearby Fisgard Lighthouse provides a scenic backdrop for your westcoast photographs. You can also visit the Hatley Castle and Gardens/Royal Roads University which is short 5 minute drive away. Phone Victoria Regional Transit for bus schedule information, 250-382-6161. 25 minute drive from downtown Victoria.
- Bard and the Banker Public House. Live music in the evenings. Located downtown, 1022 Government Street, Phone 250-953-9993
- Irish Times Pub. Live bands play Irish tunes every night, usually starting around 7pm. Menu provides pub favorites and traditional Irish food. Located downtown, 1200 Government Street, Phone 250-383-7775
- Swans BrewPub
Live bands play every night. National award winning beers on tap, including the seasonal Pumpkin Ale (offered in the fall while supplies last). Located downtown, 506 Pandora, on the corner of Government Street and Pandora.
Phone 361-3310
Open Daily from 7am to 2am - Spinnakers Brew Pub
Located a short walk from downtown Victoria, 308 Catherine St..
Phone: 386-2739.
Open daily from 7am - 11am, lunch from 11am - 4pm and dinner from 4pm - 10:30pm.
Reservations recommended.
Follow Government St. to the Johnson Street bridge, walk along the Selkirk waterfront which will lead you to Spinnakers (10 minute walk from the bridge) OR take the "Harbour Ferry" from the boat docks in front of the Empress Hotel or Fisherman's Wharf and they will drop you off (and pick up) from Spinnakers (during daylight hours). - Penny Farthing Public House
2228 Oak Bay Ave.
Phone: 370-9008.
Open daily from 11am - 12am, kitchen closes at 11pm
Public Transit: take Bus #1 Richardson/Willows or Bus #2 Oak Bay/Gonzales bus from Douglas St. across the street from the Victoria Convention Centre. - Bartholomew's Bar and Rockefeller Grille
Located downtown, 777 Douglas St.
Phone: 388-5111
Hours: 4pm-12:00. Kitchen closes at 11pm.
Comfortable and cozy atmosphere. - Canoe Brew Pub
Located downtown, 450 Swift St.
Open daily from 11am-12pm, kitchen closes at 11pm
Reservations required
Phone: 361-1940
Recommendation: take a taxi to the restaurant (5 minute cab ride from downtown) - Sticky Wicket Pub
Strathcona Hotel
Located downtown, 919 Douglas St.
Phone 383-7137
Hours: open daily from 11am to 2am, kitchen closes at 11pm for dinner, 1:00am for appetizers.
- Cost: $19.95 per person for full tea (includes trifle)
- Reservations recommended
- Tea served between 11-7:30pm
- Take Bus #2 from downtown to Oak Bay Village
- 10 minute taxi from downtown
- Cost: $24.95 per person
- Tea served between 2-4pm
- Reservations recommended
- Located near the Legislative Buildings
- Afternoon Tea: cost: $39.00, Children's Tea $18.00
- Tea "seatings" starting at 12:00pm
- Dress code: smart casual
Reservations required - Cost: Daily tea service $16.00 per person
- High tea served only on Saturday and Sundays $19.25 per person
- Reservations recommended
- Located on the corner of Government and Menzies (kitty corner to the back of the Parliament Buildings)
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Cost: $26.65 per person + admission to gardens
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Tea served from 11:30-3:30.
- The "Wee" tea: $13.45 per person
- The "Not so wee" tea: $17.95 per person
- The "Big Muckle" (serves 2 people) $41.95
- Daily tea service from 9:30-5pm Tues-Sat. Reservations required
- Public transit: take Bus #2 to Oak Bay Village
| James Bay Tea Room Located downtown 332 Menzies St 250-382-8282 |
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Butchart Gardens |
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The White Heather Tea Room
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The waters of Southern Vancouver Island are home to a variety of marine mammals, including sea lions, seals, resident Orcas pods, porpoises, and migrating humpback, grey, and minke whales. Tour boats range from small to medium sized cruising yachts to adventurous Zodiac rides, and many tours leave from Victoria's Inner Harbour.
- Cuda Marine Adventures
- Eagle Wing Tours
- Fantasea Charters
- Great Pacific Adventures
- Naturally Salty Explorations
- Ocean Explorations
- Orca Spirit Adventures
- Prince of Whales Whale Watching
- Seacoast Expeditions
- Springtide Charters
- Wildcat Adventure Tours
- Le Spa Sereine -- Located downtown. 1411 Government Street. Phone 250-388-4419 or Toll free 1-866-388-4419.
- Spa at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort -- Located in the Delta Ocean Pointe resort, a 5 min walk west of downtown Victoria. Take the Johnson Street bridge and walk along the Songhees walkway or take a Harbour Ferry to the hotel.
- Silk Road Spa - Located downtown at 1624 Government Street, close to Chinatown. Phone 250-704-2688.
- Spa at the Hotel Grand Pacific. 463 Belleville Street, steps away from the conference hotel. Phone 250-380-7862
- Willow Stream Spa - located downtown in the lobby level of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Phone Number: Phone 250-995-4650 or Toll Free: 866-854-7444