Lizard Adventure Travel

I recently returned to Vancouver Island from a glorious week in Oahu, Hawaii.  I went from sunshine and temperatures of 25+ degrees Celcius to a rainy and windy 10 degrees.  Although this sounds like I'm leading into a complaint, I have to say I felt the exact opposite.  As I caught up on the local news, I felt a sense of privilege...it is winter, yet here in Victoria it's only 10 degrees Celcius! 

The rest of Canada, much of the United Kingdom and even Florida are experiencing record cold snaps.  I think I can handle a little drizzle, and consider myself lucky that my 'winter' jacket is only a thin wind breaker.

To emphasize my point, I came up with the top ten reasons why Vancouver Island is so awesome in the winter:

10) You can have fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers from your garden in the winter.  If you don't have your own garden, there are many local farms where you can indulge and support the local economy!

9) You can play outdoor soccer year-round...go Vic West!  Also when you go for  a run you look normal... those balaclavas can really cramp one's style!

8) Big Discounts! Since our peak tourism season is from April-October, ask around for off season discounts at local tourist attractions and accomodations.  

7) The wineries on Vancouver Island still operate and benefit from the winter weather - most wineries have challenges in the winter months.  Our wine just gets better! 

6) If you want to experience some snow you can take a day trip to Mt.Washington and participate in various winter sports: down-hill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing or even snow angel making.  There are also cabins that you can rent if you want to spend a couple nights. 

5) If you're more interested in the summer sports you can also hit up the local golf courses.  Yes, they are open and fully operational in the middle of the winter!  You can also try sailing, as you won't freeze out here!

4) Stormwatching in Tofino - I absolutely love watching the big waves roll into the shore, and even better is when you catch a surfing competition.

3) Hike the rainforests of Vancouver Island, and you'll actually be surrouded by wildlife and greenery.  Most other locations in the winter are so cold that the animals hibernate and the leaves of the trees fall off, leaving the area barren.  We are so lucky to have the temperate rainforests that are so beautiful year-round!  One of my favourites...the Gowlland Tod Trails (about 30 minutes outside of Victoria).

2) You heating bill is going to be lower, compared to other Canadians.  This means two things:  you'll have more money to spend on surf lessons when you go to Tofino and enough to hop on a Lizard Adventure!

and what I find most exciting....

1) An opportunity to watch the hundreds of bald eagles that fill the area around Goldstream Provincial Park (about 30 minutes from Victoria).  In the winter months this area if full of bald eagles, as they search for food and feast on the left over salmon from the spawning the took place in the stream (Oct-November).  A truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else!

Please feel free to share why you feel Vancouver Island is so special in the winter.  To comment on the blog, you must register as a Lizard Member (free!). 

There are many reasons to visit Chemainus - the most popular being the Chemainus Theatre Festival or to view the infamous Mural Project.  Today the Lizard Bus dropped by Chemainus with a group of seniors to watch a live performance of Anne (based on the bestselling novel, Anne of Green Gables by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery).  An instant hit, which led the seniors to reminisce about their childhood stories and memorable experiences of growing up.  My favourite comment was from one senior that reflected on her excitment around getting her first job (as a nurse in Victoria)... "Back then we got paid $210 for the entire month...now people get paid more than that in a day...this isn't a recession"...

I know it's all relative, but wow...things have changed! 

I passed on the theatre today, and spent a little time checking out the stores.  At first glance I felt this town was full of tourist shops, but a closer look I discovered I was very wrong.  If you head to Chemainus check out the following places (unfortunately many of these don't have websites):

Gallery 786 Inc.: a very cute shop with the friendliest staff, offering a huge selection of products (jewellery, ladies handbags, clothing, native art and more).  I'm was trying to find Christmas presents but ended up finding a stylish sweater-dress for myself (oops!).  I couldn't resist because the prices were so fantastic - they also had a tempting selection of pashmina scarves, only $7.99 each (much cheaper than the prices in Victoria!)

Top Hat Antiques & Collectibles: they offer a unique, huge selection of hats that were used once or twice in movie filmings; the hats are very well priced $9-$25 (located in the older part of town - Maple St)

Sa-Cinn Native Enterprises Ltd.: authentic Native art at affordable prices an a great selection of jewelry, woven items and famous Cowichan sweaters

Willow Street Soaps & Small Indulgences: fragrant soaps, exquisite candles and silky skin products (the place to go if you want to treat yourself to a little luxury)

To finish my day off, I found a delightful cafe...Willow Street Cafe...locally owned by Michelle and Phil and situated in a characteristic heritage building.   The staff made every effort to welcome each person that walked through the door.  They knew most people by name, I was an obvious tourist!  There was something special about this place - each table had a little note on it, personally signed by all staff members in an agreement to offer the best service possible.  A very personal note that I found truly unqiue and refreshing.  Beyond the friendly staff, I found the menu to be excellent with edibles such as gourmet pizza, quiches, sandwiches and muffins, in addition to specialty and fresh brewed coffee.  The cafe is even fully licensed - so if you need a little Baileys in that hot chocolate, you've found the right place!

Last Friday, I had the positive experience of taking the media from the Olympic Torch Relay on one of my tours.  The excitement and stories shared between the groups were fantastic.  They were reporting on the Olympic vision and hoped to extend the importance of this venture to their viewers and readers back home.  Cultures came together to share a motivational experience, and it was upsetting to see their work disrupted by several hundred protesters, that wanted to voice their anger towards the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.    

For me, the Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience that represents so much more than competitive sport.  In my eyes the Olympic Games help to unite communities, and create an intangible form of motivation for all ages.  Children look up to Olympic athletes, hoping to one day achieve a personal goal or to 'beat the odds'.  Most Canadian Olympic Athletes live below the poverty line, and overcome great struggles to reach where they are today.  It is a true inspiration (even as an adult) to look at the athletes that have sacrificed in so many areas, and to witness success is truly humbling. 

The protestors were demonstrating for a variety of reasons, but their primary concerns were towards the billions being spent on the Olympics instead of housing and health care.  It is easy to get upset with the protestors -why stomp on an event that is a motivational experience for so many people? 

Personally, organized sport has been a vital part of my life; I even went on to study Human Kinetics at university and currently work towards promoting physical activity through my own company.  The benefits of physical activity and organized sport are intangible and the Olympic Torch Relay represents so much of what I believe in.  Although I was upset and annoyed as the protesters took over, I did re-evaluate my position as I headed home along Pandora Street, in Victoria. 

Pandora Street is just one of the many streets in Victoria that is occupied with homeless and less fortunate people that need help from our government.  How does the government find so much money to transfer an Olympic Torch around the entire country - yet we can't muster up enough money to help the people that are living on our streets?  What are the priorities of the Canadian government?

I discovered that the Olympic Torch Relay is a 106-day journey, spanning a total of 45,000-kilometres.  Not only am I worried about the money that has been redirected away from the housing and health care issues, but how many fossil fuels were produced to transport the hundreds of staff around the country (300+ people from what I last heard)?  This endeavor conflicts a shared human understanding that everyone should have access to the basic needs of life (housing, food and health service), and further conflicts with my efforts to consume and produce less in our struggling environment.  

Although the journey is one of motivation and inspires many - does that intangible profit out weigh the benefits that could be drawn from investing the money in our less fortunate sectors of the community? 

After careful thought I'm still in support of the Olympic movement, but I would like to see more community discussion around the true impact of external events (i.e. Torch Relay).  Could we possibly look at cutting back on external traditions that require a lot of money, and look towards what areas might be in more need?  Not sure what the solution is - but I do feel strongly that the protestors could voice their opinion in a different manner - what message does it send to crash a family event?  Doesn't solve anything, especially when it harms the inspirations of young children and risks the safety of bystanders!

The flame arrived atthe B.C. legislature after being carried in a traditional West Coastnative dugout canoe by First Nations paddlers. (CBC)

Olympic medallists Simon Whitfield and Catriona Le May Doan kicked off the Olympic torch relay in Victoria on Friday. (CBC)

Protestors make no apologies for distrupting relay. (Globe and Mail)

The other day I was chatting with my friend who recently moved to Victoria, and discovered that I was out of the loop (more specifically I was out of touch with Victoria's social scene), and it all came down to one website: www.MeetUp.com.  This website helps groups of people with shared interests, plan meetings and form offline clubs in local communities around the world.  Here in Victoria there are over 167 meetup groups, which range from the Social Dog Walking Club, to the Victoria Girls Cocktail Group to the more unique Michael Jackson Meetup Group.  If you're looking to get involved, stay connected or meet new people, this is truly the place to be. 

You simply type in your postal code and your topic of interest and all of the related groups will appear.  Since I have a passion for running I tried to search for a group in Victoria, but to my surprise there wasn't a running group!  Within 24 hours I decided it was time to take charge and I launched the Victoria Running MeetUp Group and I've already made 7 new friends!   

The idea is to post MeetUp events (so in my case it would be runs) and we meet at different places in Victoria to enjoy an interest that we share with complete strangers (whom will likely become friends).  This is different from joining a running group at a running store or recreation centre, because there is more of a online social component.  You can chat with fellow group members online - something that isn't available through other groups you might join in the city.  It is a great support network and it is very forward thinking, because it is accessible to more people - the majority of MeetUp groups are FREE to join!!! 

Once you join a group you can decide which MeetUp events to attend (most MeetUps are FREE or the group organizer can implement a cost if there are costs to cover, ex. transportation, entrance fees etc). 

In the Victoira Running MeetUp Group that I just started, you can join for free and there will be several runs that only require that you turn up and run.  Other events will be more structured (include transportation and guest lectures) and a registration fee is applied. 

I hope that you get out into your local communities to see what is offered.  Maybe you'll even start your own meetup group! 

The local seniors that I've taken out on trips make me laugh, but the questions from tourists really trump everyone.  I could devulge my list of top 20, but while reading the news today I stumpled across this list from Banff National Park.  I just couldn't resist a re-post...

From an unofficial survey of Banff tour operators, here are the top 20 outrageous questions, some with answers in case you've wondered the same thing. As for the rest, well, they stand on their own.

1.Are the animals with collars tame? (These animals have been fitted withtagged collars because they have had incidents with people. It isimportant to stay a safe distance away from wildlife.)

2. We are going into British Columbia. Do we need to change our money into Euros?

3.Can we drive our car onto a glacier anywhere? (Not to our knowledge,but you might enjoy a trip on the Ice Explorer across the ColumbiaIcefields.)

4. Do we need snow tires or chains to drive to Lake Louise in July?

5. Where are the igloos and the Eskimos?

6. If the Columbia Icefield melts before we get there, can we do a different excursion?

7. Can you see polar bears at the Columbia Icefield?

8. Can I walk around P.E.I. in a day?

9. Can I get from Vancouver to Toronto by driving in a day?

10. At what elevation do the deer turn to elk?

11. How much does that mountain weigh?

12. Is this all natural?

13. While working at the (Banff) Gondola on a rainy day I was asked to turn the fog off at the top so they could see."

14.While working at the Gondola, I got asked when we release the animalsso they can start feeding them. I had to remind them that this wasn't apetting zoo, the animals are wild and come out when they please -- andplease don't feed them."

15. Where's that place where I can see the bear in the cage? Can I get a photo with him?

16. If I see a bear when I'm hiking, can I just keep walking past it?

17. Can you guarantee wildlife sightings?

18. Where is the rocky mountain?

19. What's the best trail to take a bike on to see a cougar?

20. Where are the animals kept at night?

Bonus Question: Where can I find a wife?

Recently I've been taking senior groups out on day trips around Victoria and to more quaint places such as Salt Spring Island, Chemainus and Comox.  I have to say that these have been some of the more entertaining trips that I've had all summer!  The seniors are friendly, spontaneous and always up for an adventure!

Favourite quotes from my senior groups...which I've graciously kept anonymous:

"Stop for that hunky hitch hiker!  He can sit on my lap" - hollered from the back of the bus

"Where's the Pot House?" - senior

"You mean the pottery house?" - Liz searching through tourist book

"No, NOT POTTERY...the marijuana house...I want to eat brownies and party on the Lizard Bus!" - senior

"That wine-tasting was delightful, so delightful I decided to keep the wine glass as a memory" - the wine glass was secretly revealed from within the purse, followed by a sly giggle

"I didn't like the wine, it tasted a bit like cat's piss...well you've gotta give everything a try!"

I look forward to the future senior trips, but in the interim I've found some great DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS: 

Air Canada

Many fares allow a Senior Citizen discount for passengers over 60 yearsof age. Typically, there is a 10% discount off of the base fare before taxes and surcharges. Unfortunately, Senior?s discounts cannot bebooked on the web site, but you can call Air Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262 for fare type applicability, fare quotes and reservations.

National Parks

Parks Canada Agency is responsiblefor national parks, national historic sites and canals. Those over 65 years of age receive 25% off the entry fees! Contact the individual parks for more information.

VIA RAIL

Seniors, take someone for a FREE ride! Take advantage of the standard 10% discount offered to seniors and get a FREE second ticket for your accompanying spouse, child or friend!

Sandman Hotels

Seniors 55 years or better will find fabulous discounts -approximately 25% off regular rates - at all 26 locations throughout Western Canada all year long.

In addition to the above mentioned areas, you'll also find a number of beauty salons, health and fitness studios, pharmacies, restaurants and car dealers offer senior discounts.  Don't be afraid to ask!

As I wondered into the inner harbour of Victoria, on Sunday evening I was greeted by the friendly volunteers of the Symphony Splash.  I then made friends with the hoards of people that were occupying the same small, square of grass as us, as we all vied for a great view of the stage floating in the harbour.  For the next 3 hours we all enjoyed the live music and fireworks, while sharing popcorn, chocolate and Belgium waffles...this was truly a 'Victoria' experience.  Nowhere else do you find such extreme openess and interest in making new friends. 

As we chilled on the hill we overlooked the harbour where we saw all of the kayaks, sailboats, motor boats and miscellaneous floating devices crowd the base of the stage.  Once everyone was settled the central motor boat cooked up a BBQ and served everyone hotdogs...utilizing their paddles as a serving tray between boats!  Surprisingly - not one dog fell into the water!

The following day I ventured down to St.Ann's Academy to catch some of the BC Day Celebrations, and was blown away by a live performance of Sahara Sloan in the St.Ann's Chapel.  As a soprano, opera singer she wowed the crowd with her immensely powerful voice.  On the final song, she brought the crowd to tears with 'Ave Maria' - truly amazing!  I couldn't believe that this was a FREE performance.  Something of this caliber is rarely FREE!

On the lawns of St.Ann's Academy there was a chill beer garden hosted by Vancouver Island Brewery, and a main stage held a range of performances from pop singers to extensive Flamenco workshops.  Truly the highlight of the outdoor area was the Polish food kiosk - homemade perogies and polish sausage...

Below I've noted other FREE events coming up in Victoria so you don't miss out:

Outdoor Movies in Beacon Hill Park (Cameron Bandshell)

Friday, August 7, 14, 21, 28 (9pm) *3D movies: First 1000 people on Fri. Aug.7 receive free 3D Glasses!

Saturday, August 8, 15, 22, 29 (8pm-11pm) *regular movies

Keen to see a flick for free? Don’t fancy being cooped up inside a hotstuffy theatre for hours? Come & enjoy a movie under the stars. Screenings are free, just bring your own snacks, flashlights & blankets.

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival (Inner Harbour)

August 14-16  In addition to paddling races you can check out various forms of entertainment: Bucan Bucan (14 piece gypsy marching band), Asmira Dance Theatre (set to middle eastern melodies) and much more...

Victoria Symphony in Beach Hill Park (Cameron Bandshell)

Sunday, August 9, 1:30pm

Check out a pic of the boats and fireworks of Symphony Splash:

So we headed out to Glendale Gardens on Saturday, July 4 for the Organic Islands Festival, and we all experienced something a little different.  Below is a snap shot of top 20 highlights from my group of travellers:

20) Hemp Milk - not my cup of tea but plenty sustainable

19) Gulf Islands Brewery - need I say more?  It's beer! 

18) Flash frozen fruit - not on the market yet

17) 'Wellness Oasis' in the Japanese Gardens, hosted by the Victoria Community Health Coop

16) Talking with Adam Saab from the Green Party

15) Checked out bald eagles nesting on site

14) Learning about hair analysis - although I'm not sure I agree with their findings

13) Mama pig and her piglets chillin' in their pen

12) Lazing in the hammocks from 'Hangin' Around Hammocks & Gifts' - this is on my Christmas list!

11) Learning about local food delivery through 'Share Organics'

10) Ate a fake meat substance that I swore was chicken

9) Impressed with the 'no staple stapler' from The Good Planet Co.

8) Salt Spring Island Cheese - fav sample was Basil Cheese

7) Friendly and well-educated volunteers

6) Meeting Chef Natalie Brake from Dinners By Design - one of the top Chefs on the island

5) Silk Road iced tea = Chai + a splash of apple juice

4) Helping to make a Cob bench

3) Jeremy Fisher performing live

2) Getting tongue analyzed

1) Man giving out FREE Hugs

Click the photo for more pics of the event

Over the last couple of weeks I've strolled downtown Victoria to discover first-hand the rather powerful impact the economic downturn has had on various sectors of the tourism industry.  I won't mention specific business names, but I'd like to draw attention to the areas that I've seen take a big hit.

One hostel owner I talked to mentioned they were at half capacity with their peak season approaching on June 25 - things just don't look promising.  I also spoke with the Manager of a local high-end restaurant that normally hires 15 new serving staff in mid June, but due to few customers he's only hired 1 new person!  To further emphasize my point, this restaurant manager had the time to speak with me during the lunch-time "rush hour"...

After meeting with some B&B owners, I soon discovered a struggling trend across their sector with customer numbers half of what they had this time last year.  They expressed hope that this was only a temporary human reaction to the widespread fear around the recent economic shift, and the common mindset of "spending is bad!".

Instead of going against the human intuition to SAVE, I figured it was time to leap onto the bargain train and offer services and products that fit what's left of the deflated vacation budgets, and focus on the new buzzphrase "STAYCATION".

Here on Vancouver Island, we are lucky as we're surrounded by natural beauty and can create a 'staycation' that could be passed off as a pretty sweet vacation.  Take for example a day trip out to Goldstream Provincial Park, where you hike Mount Finalyson and capture photos of 'foreign wildlife' (bald eagles, turkey vultures and owls) that soar up above.  Then on the way home, stop by Thetis Lake Regional Park for a refreshing dip in the infamous waterholes.  If swimming isn't your fancy, take in some Canadian history at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse for only $3.40/per person! The ideas are endless?

To help peak your creativity during tough economic times, check out: www.localsknow.ca

This website features fantastic local hotspots - where you can "discover the Canada you don't know". 

For those that aren't diggin' the hiking and swimming and would rather sip wine samples on a sun-kissed patio overlooking a winery...join us on Sunday, June 21, 2009 for the Wine, Cider and Honey Tour-Tasting.

On Sunday, May 31, 2009 the Island Chef's Collaborative hosted their 2nd annual Local Food Festival.  Over 1000 'foodies' (inlcuding a hand-full from the Lizard Bus) filled the picturesque grounds of the National Historic Site, Fort Rodd Hill where the delicious event was hosted (about 20 min outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island).  

Chefs from the finest restaurants on Vancouver Island cooked up all sorts of treats and raised public awareness of the importance of local food and supporting local farms. In addition to sampling some tastes of the Island, we learnt how to grow our own food, composting techniques and the ethical harvest of seafood.

If you're interested in food issues and up for sampling a wide selection of beer, wine, cider and mead from the top breweries and wineries on Vancouver Island, I recommend you check out this festival next year.  The Lizard Bus will be offering a shuttle to this event, so you can sample all you like while still getting a safe ride home.  Check back in April 2010 for the food festival dates, slated for May 2010. 

For the 'foodies' that are looking for something sooner, we are hitting up the local wineries and cider houses in Saanichton this Sunday, June 21, 2009.  Leaving Victoria at 10am and returning around 6pm. Further details and to reserve your spot on the Lizard Bus check out the 'Calendar of Tours'. 

In closing...I discovered that White Bark Ale from Driftwood Brewery is amazing on a hot summer day!

Click here for pics of those that travelled on the Lizard Bus to the Food Festival this year.