Parkside Victoria Travel Blog

With Halloween only a few days away—and no shortage of fun ways to celebrate it in Victoria—, it's time to take a look at the spooky side of BC's capital.

Victoria is considered to be one of the most haunted places in BC and the Pacific Northwest, and not just at Halloween. 

Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk in the wilderness or a challenging uphill trek, there are many amazing hiking and walking trails around Victoria to suit all levels and abilities.

Autumn is an especially great time to get outside and go for a walk—so grab your Gortex, lace up your walking shoes and check out these beautiful Victoria trails!

We're bringing Apple's iPad to our guests with the unveiling of our complimentary iPad Bar this week!

Located in our atrium's new Discovery Centre, and perhaps the first if its kind, the custom-built iPad Bar features four touchscreen tablet computers with access to Internet and various iPad applications designed to improve the guest experience and add a new level of convenience.

Released in April 2010, Apple's iPad created international buzz as a sleek alternative to laptop computers.

Something spooky is going on across the street from Parkside!

Find out about the "singing in the middle of the night" and "fleeting glimpses of dark figures in doorways" at St. Anne's Academy, one of Victoria’s oldest heritage buildings and former girls school and convent.

Did you know that Victoria, BC is one of the most haunted places in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest?

With Halloween just weeks away, why not get into the 'spirit' and take a Ghostly Walk!

Ghostly Walks are scheduled every night at 7:30 pm until October 21, plus on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

Here's a sneak peak at our brand new Info Centre at Parkside!

The Parkside Info Centre is located on the ground floor across from AquaTerre Spa, and is set to open sometime this month.

Without giving away too much before it opens, you can look forward to finding out about the history of Victoria and the location of Parkside, as well as information about the building itself and Aviawest's other resort properties.

Oh, and did we mention we've got an iPad bar there too?

Stay tuned to find out more!

On October 10, 2010, over 13,000 people laced up to run the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon (formerly the Royal Victoria Marathon), including a few of us from the Parkside team!

The race route starts in the heart of downtown Victoria, next to the iconic Fairmont Empress, and follows Victoria's scenic city streets through Oak Bay to the Uplands and back, with stunning ocean views to enjoy almost the entire way.

Parkside was excited to welcome runners from all over the world staying at the hotel on marathon weekend, which is just a short 10-minute walk from the starting line.

Looking for something fun to do with the whole family this October? Then take a trip out to Galey Farms in Saanich!

Starting on October 14, 2010—and running nightly from 6pm - 10pm until Halloween night—is Galey Farms' famous Festival of Fear, featuring the Cornfield of Horror, The Crazy Train, Madame Isabella's Seance and the always-frightening Carnevil haunted house.

All but Carnevil are great attractions for kids of all ages—Carnevil is rated PG13, and trust us, it's not for the faint of heart!

Looking for some family fun during the day? Galey Farms also hosts Pumpkinfest on October 16,17, 23, 24, 30 and 31, from 10am - 4pm. 

On October 10, 2010, over 13,000 people will lace up to run the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon (formerly the Royal Victoria Marathon).

The race route starts in the heart of downtown Victoria, next to the iconic Fairmont Empress, and follows Victoria's scenic city streets through Oak Bay to the Uplands and back, with stunning ocean views to enjoy almost the entire way.

Congratulations Bev O'Shea from Regina, Saskatchewan!

Your name was randomly selected as the winner of our Victoria, BC getaway contest!