Lizard Adventure Travel

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.