Parkside Victoria Travel Blog

By Bri Wilson

More than 11,000 people will lace up to run the 32^nd annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon (formerly the Royal Victoria Marathon) on Sunday (Oct. 9).

The race route starts in Victoria's Inner Harbour and follows scenic city streets through Oak Bay to the Uplands and back, with stunning ocean views to enjoy along the way.

Whether you're a Victoria resident or visitor, running your first 8K road race or a seasoned marathon runner hoping to set a new personal best, here are some tips to help you shine this weekend.

Last chance to participate in the Artifact or Artifiction fundraising gala presented by the Royal BC Museum on Thursday (Oct. 6).

Twenty peculiar artifacts from the Royal BC Museum collections – and 20 even stranger tales about the items’ origins – are displayed throughout the gallery spaces. Your task: decipher fact from fiction by determining which stories are tall-tales and which are truths.

CHEK News and CBC News Vancouver anchor Tony Parsons will guide guests through the exciting evening, which includes a delectable roving buffet of fresh local ingredients; select BC beer, wine and cider; and a chance to win fantastic grand prizes. Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa is donating one of the grand prizes: seven nights at the winner's choice of Aviawest properties across BC (any combination), along with $200 at AquaTerre Spa and $200 at The Landing West Coast Grill.   

Tickets are $150 each (10% off for Members) and can be purchased online or by calling 250.387.7222 today or tomorrow 9am-5pm.     

By Neil Judson

The parting of three black curtains revealed the Royal BC Museum's 2011/2012 exhibition schedule on Wednesday (Sept. 28).

From the gaping jaws of a towering dinosaur to the glitter and grace of a waving Queen Elizabeth II, the international lineup is designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including budding paleontologists, royalty aficionados and nature lovers.

The three touring international exhibits will begin December 16 with the North American premiere of Wildlife Photographer of the Year from London's Natural History Museum. An ancient-looking tortoise slowly greeted the audience to help announce the exhibit, which will showcase more than 100 award-winning photographs in 18 categories, chosen from more than 40,000 entries from around the world.

In May 2012, Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries will shed new light on these fascinating creatures that were first identified nearly 200 years ago. Perfect for all ages, this exhibit is organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York and is making its only Canadian appearance in Victoria.

With the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton in June 2012, the Royal BC Museum will be the place to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Nearly 100 photographs from the royal photographer will tell a visual tale of princess, monarch and mother alongside extracts from Beaton's personal diaries and letters.

A convincing Queen Elizabeth II helps introduce Cecil Beaton's royal photography

The international touring lineup follows a year-long exploration of the museum's 125 years of research and collections, which concludes October 10.

"After a successful run offering a behind the scenes glimpse of our own natural history collection, we are throwing open the doors for our visitors to experience new explorations and discoveries," said Pauline Rafferty, Royal BC Museum CEO. "This year’s exhibitions herald from collections across the country, across the world and across time - there is something exciting for everyone."

 
                                 The tortoise attempts to exit stage right

On Thursday (Oct. 6), Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa is sponsoring the Royal BC Museum's presentation of Artifact or Artifiction, a fundraising gala where guests will put their trivia knowledge to the test. Parkside is donating one of the grand prizes: seven nights at the winner's choice of Aviawest properties across BC (any combination), along with $200 at AquaTerre Spa and $200 at The Landing West Coast Grill.                     

Fans, supporters, Tour de Victoria volunteers and fellow cyclists filled Parkside's atrium on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 to welcome home Ryder Hesjedal, celebrate the success of the inaugural Tour de Victoria (which took place on May 28, 2011) and to support Ryder's Wheelmen/Wheelwomen Ride Bicycles initiative.

The night kicked off with a barbecue hosted by M&M Meat Shops and live music courtesy of the Casey Ryder Trio. Guests got to check out Ryder's ultralight bikes on display while footage of the 2011 Tour de Victoria and the Tour de France played on a big screen. Wheelmen/Wheelwoman T-shirts were also available for sale at the event, with the proceeds going to support young up-and-coming cyclists through Ryder's Wheelmen initiative.

It's the end of some long roads. Now it's time to party.

Both Ryder Hesjedal and his hometown fans have a lot to celebrate after the cycling star followed up a successful first edition of the Tour de Victoria with a top-20 finish at the Tour de France, helping his Garmin-Cervélo squad win the overall team title.

Riding towards a common goal will be a prevailing theme at Ryder's Welcome Home Shindig, which will be held as a fundraiser for the Wheelmen/Wheelwomen Ride Bicycles initiative and in honour of the more than 500 Tour de Victoria volunteers.

As we pack our bathing suits away for another year and pull on our sweaters, don't despair: there are plenty of fun things to do around Victoria, BC in the fall.

Outdoor Activites

Just because the weather gets drizzly and the temperature drops a few degrees, it doesn't mean you have to stay inside! Head to one of Victoria's many outdoor clothing stores, grab some Gortex and get outside.

- Goldstream Park Salmon Run - Goldstream Park is worth visiting year-round, but it's particularly stunning in the fall when the leaves in the old-growth temperate rainforest turn from lush green to crimson and gold. 

It's that time of year again: shorter days, cooler mornings, the first few leaves turning from green to gold and late-summer produce appearing at the farmers' market stands.

As summer winds down for another year, fall fair season on Vancouver Island is just getting started.

The sunny and warm late-summer weather - plus delicious autumn harvest foods - makes the fall fair a popular event on the island every year.

What better way to celebrate beautiful British Columbia than by spending BC Day in the province's capital?

On Monday, August 1, 2011, St. Anne's Academy (right across the street for Parkside!) will be hosting the Capital Festival BC Day Celebration 2011 from 11am to 5:30pm.

Featuring over 100 musicians and artisans, this free event will also include live children's performances, interactive events, prizes and food and beverages.

And don't miss Victoria's Symphony Splash, happening Saturday, July 31, 2011, starting at 1pm in the Inner Harbour! 

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an exciting performance by the Victoria Symphony, starting at 6pm. The concert concludes with a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, complete with bells, cannons, and fireworks!

Join us for yoga set in the tranquil atmosphere of the Rooftop Gardens at Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa this summer!

With the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and a smile on your face, our local yoga instructor Ali Louwe will guide you through an hour-long practice, leaving you feeling rejunvenated and relaxed.

There is no previous yoga experience necessary and the classes are open to everyone.

Guest post by local A-Life Blogger Holly Rose

It's a sweet, warm Sunday in Victoria, British Columbia.

Wandering through the market in Centennial Square, I find myself enchanted. White artist's kiosks populate nearly every nook and cranny of the square, while a guitarist strums and sings on the stage.

The crowd ebbs and flows, some settling in to listen to the performance, others move from stall to stall.