Best Western Plus
Emerald Isle
Hotel, Sidney

Closest Best Western to
Butchart Gardens!



http://www.bwemeraldisle.com

Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel - Blog

Play Finders Keepers at Mineral World & Scratch Patch in Sidney, BC

Recognized as one of the best state-of-the-art establishments in Canada, Mineral World is a unique venture in retail with its stone works of art, unique giftware, beautiful jewelries, fossils, school and community programs, Earth and Science exhibits and of course, their most well known Scratch Patch area. 

It’s easily one of the most popular and fun Vancouver Island travel attractions all year round, and why not? People of all ages  love to getting the chance to look for rare minerals and gems which they keep for free. If you want to get your hands on a few pieces of your own, better head down to Sidney, BC.

Launch a Treasure Hunt at Scratch Patch

When we discuss about the Scratch Patch area, it refers to a labyrinth of outdoor activities of shells, gold panning, gemstones and fossil digging. What is best is, it is absolutely free to visit. Jade, agate, amethyst, jasper and many are others are the gems that you could hunt and choose as your own treasure when you purchase a collector’s bag in the Scratch Patch area. Yes, you only pay for the bag! How cool is that?

The Scratch Patch can also be a family gold panning and gemstone adventure.  It is specifically designed to let everyone enjoy and experience an adventure land full of magic and wonders through gems. It is where you will learn what it’s like to hunt and collect treasures.

A Garden of Gems and Minerals

Basically, the area is comprised of almost all of the gems around the world. Set like a garden right beside the sea, it is about 1800 square feet containing a pond of shells, two pools for gold panning and a pile of precious gemstones like amethyst, jasper and tigereye and about 80 varieties more.  When there is nothing more to do, especially during hot summer days, you can just enjoy the cold stream and pick up tropical shells that you can just put in your bag.

All in all, you can enjoy the sea breeze, listen to the voices of the seagulls as you sit down, relax and feel  in sync with nature. To somehow set the mood, you can also experience the lazy moment of the Scratch Patch. Once you get home, you might also want to identify the gemstones that you have collected and who knows it might be an amazing discovery for you to keep. Some discoveries were in fact about 400 million years old.

The Art of Hunting for Gemstones

Even though there is not an entrance fee, in order to collect a wide array of selections out of minerals, you must buy the collector’s bag for either $6.00,  $8.00 or the largest one at $10.00 so that whatever you fill in the bag, it is going to be yours to keep! As you can imagine, a lot of people have learned of this. It is usually a family activity appealing from 6-year olds to the grannies. In fact, a lot of grandparents go back, purchase a bag for themselves and have fun without bringing their grandchildren along the second time.

It takes approximately 20 minutes to fill a bag if you rush it, but just take your time – you have the whole day to spend. The staff wouldn’t mind at all. So, what are you waiting for? The more you continually go back to the place, the more chances of getting more and more types and varieties of gemstones that you can collect and treasure. What do you think of a star sapphire?

Accommodations

When it comes to visiting one of the lovely places in the entire Vancouver Island, BC, it is generally best to book ahead of time to avoid the tourist crowd. There are a string of wonderful places to stay in Sidney, among the most popular ones include one of our major sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn
2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2
Phone: 250/656-4441 | Fax: 250/655-1351

If you are looking for great accommodations at reasonable rates, the Emerald Isle Motor Inn presents the ideal place to stay. It is the ultimate accommodation of choice for large groups and families.

Located a mere 5-minute drive from Victoria International Airport, along with other ports and terminals, Emerald Isle Motor Inn is highly accessible and easy to locate. For tourists searching for comfortable and affordable place to stay, this one is definitely on top of the list .

A short ride from Emerald Isle Motor Inn will take you to some of the major tourist destinations such as the Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens, the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre and Centre of the Universe Observatory, Church & State Winery, among others.

The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed basic modern conveniences. In addition, the inn also features a number of wonderful amenities that are all designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

The Dazzling Display of Lights Made Butchart Gardens a Truly Spectacular Sight Last Christmas

Its no secret, the primary all-year round tourist attraction of Vancouver Island, BC is the Butchart Gardens. People who catch sight of this wonderful place never fail to gush over its magnificent beauty. But last Christmas, the entire 55 acres transformed into a magical wonderland of sorts, designed to enthrall children and adults alike. Even locals like me who have enjoyed the beauty of the gardens on numerous occasions, was truly impressed at the stunning display of lights.

Breathtaking Views for the Young and Old

Last December, I heard people raving about the Butchart Gaderns’, Magic of Christmas Special. This prompted me to make a mental note of checking out the place and bring along the kids to take a few photos for the blog. With the holiday rush, I only got around to visit the site on the last week of December. Luckily, the presentation was scheduled to end on the first week of January.

Despite the chilly weather, one can’t help but be amazed at the sight of thousands of twinkling lights, complemented with evergreen swags, wreaths and other holiday decor. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. For children, one could just imagine the visual impact the entire place presents, which no doubt only fuels their vivid imagination. It was too much to take in with a one glance. In fact, it may take a few minutes before you notice every detail that makes up the entire breathtaking view.

Fun Holiday Activities for Locals and Tourists

As soon as we started to roam around the gardens, I found out there were highlights other than the stunning display of lights. Part of their Magic of Christmas presentation included the 12 days of Christmas displays, which were strategically spread all throughout the gardens.

The whole garden was also abuzz with activities and families enjoying the sights. In one area, a 3, 300 square foot ice rink was set up, where one can enjoy ice skating during regular admission hours. There was also the Piazza, which presented the perfect stage for holiday music performances and carols, which I discovered was available on a daily basis from December 1, 2011 to January 6, 2012.

Like many, I would assume, I did not notice the time. I enjoyed a good two hours just walking around and absorbing the festive holiday cheer. The Butchart Gardens during December is definitely something everyone should look forward to every year. In fact, for people planning to visit Victoria, it’s a good idea to schedule a trip during the holidays. The photos simply won’t do justice to the visual delight it presents up close.

Accommodations

Sidney BC Accommodations:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,

Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377 Phone: (250) 656-4441

Fax: (250) 655-1351

Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Vacouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

If you are planning for some fun family vacations around Sidney, Vancouver Island, you might want to add the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre on your itinerary. I have personally checked out the place, and found it highly entertaining and educational, a perfect destination especially if you have kids in tow.

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is located right on the magnificent Sidney waterfront, easily across from the downtown area. Featuring massive underwater habitants, visitors get an unhampered view of the extraordinary marine life of the Salish Sea of Gulf Island, from the smallest plankton to the gigantic Pacific octopus. Children are sure to have a field day ogling the different colorful creatures they have not seen before.

A Great Venue for Special Events

During my visit, I found out that the centre does not only host educational excursions, which it was primarily famous for. It can also cater to corporate meetings as well as cocktail parties. It presents a unique venue that can easily turn a simple event into a highly memorable one for your guests.

I could only imagine how their galleries and exhibits can provide a stunning backdrop for a wedding. That’s a great possibility, you also want to explore or consider. The facility can easily accommodate up to 300 people comfortably.

The facility is not that large and the tour usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. This makes it an ideal side trip if you have a number of other destinations lined up. They also offer some hands-on exhibits attended by well-trained guides to provide more fascinating information about what you are looking at.

When visiting, don’t forget to check out their touch tank. It’s basically an area where attendants lift up a sea cucumber or a starfish or other marine creatures so you can personally touch it. A lot of kids and even grown ups enjoy that experience. If you are near the Sidney area, or you plan to visit often, they offer an Annual Pass, so you have a perfect excuse to return. Check out their rates below:

Admission

Regular Rates

Adults                                                                                  $14.00

Youth (7 to 17)                                                                    $8.00

Child (3 to 6)                                                                       $4.00 (comes with Free Annual Pass)

Toddlers (2 and under)                                                      Free Admission

Annual Pass

Adults                                                                                  Admission Rate + $12.00

Youth                                                                                  Admission Rate + $10.00

Contact Details

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

9811 Seaport Place

Sidney, Vancouver Island, BC

V8L 4X3

Phone: 250.665.7511

Fax: 778.426.0715

Email: info@oceandiscovery.ca

Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Closed on December 24 and 25, and January 1.

Getting to Sidney

Sidney is situated about 25 KM (15.5 miles) north of Victoria. It is easily accessible to BC Ferry Terminal and Victoria Internal Airport.

By Land

· Pacific Coach Lines

· BC Transit

By Sea

· BC Ferries

· Victoria/Port Angeles Ferry

· Victoria/Seattle Ferry

· Sidney/Anacortes Ferry

By Air

· Helijet Airways

· Victoria International Airport

· Harbour Air

· Pat Bay Air Seaplanes

Vancouver Island Accommodations

For those weekend getaways, there are a number of superior accommodations Vancouver Island you can choose from, including our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn

2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2

Phone: 250/656-4441 | Fax: 250/655-1351

If quality accommodation at reasonable rates is what you are looking for, Emerald Isle Motor Inn presents the ideal choice.

Emerald Isle Motor Inn is just 5 minutes away from the Victoria International Airport and other terminals and ports, such as BC Ferries, US Ferry Terminal, and Swartz Bay, making it an ideal choice if you want to be at the heart of all the action.

It is also a short ride from all other tourist attractions such as, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens, Centre of the Universe Observatory, Church & State Winery and so much more.

You will find all guest rooms well appointed and spacious, and comes with all the modern conveniences that will ensure a comfortable stay. Among the highly favored facilities and amenities include: fitness centre, bubbling hot tub, dry cedar sauna and so much more. If you are traveling for business, the hotel can easily cater to your needs as it features a conference centre and meeting room so you can transact your business with ease while away from the office.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

March
11

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

posted by Emerald Isle Motor Inn on March 11, 2012 11:37:13 AM

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens with some 3,000 specimens from over 50 species of free-flying butterflies is close to the famed Butchart Gardens and Sidney, BC on Vancouver Island.
The Gardens are a 1,100 sq m (12,000 sq ft) simulated rainforest that is aply described as a tropical jungle, with the numerous plants, exotic butterflies and more – all indoors in a warm and fragrant environment.  There is a waterfall that flows into a meandering stream.

A lot more than Butterflies

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens go well beyond butterflies and moths.  The Gardens are home to:

Butterflies – some 75 different species with an overall population of 4,000
• Moths
• Over 200 species of orchids and tropical plants - some even that are the carnivorous variety
• Exquisite Caribbean flamingos and rare tropical birds: parrot, turaco, parakeets, finches and canaries.
• Sulcata and Red Footed Tortoises
• Large Koi swimming in the pond and stream
• Tropical ducks that chirp instead of quacking
• Tree frogs and poison dart frogs
• Chameleons

Nursery Window at Victoria Butterfly Gardens

The Gardens have a nursery window where you can watch the development of butterflies from the larva stage to beautiful specimens – around 500 per week. The wide selection butterflies come from butterfly farms in Costa Rica, Malaysia and London.

The Gardens

The gardens are more of a picturesque rain forest with trees, vines and bushes all nicely placed to house the butterflies and birds. The gardens also serve as a source of food and breading areas. There are daily tours included in the price of the ticket.

Contact Info

Open all week but they have seasonal hours when they are open, so check in advance. Children under 14 years need to be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 years are admitted free. They have season passes and group rates.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

1461 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay, BC
Toll free 1.877.722.0272   Tel 250.652.3822   info@butterflygardens.com
www.butterflygardens.com

Getting to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

From Victoria – Travel north on Highway #17 (Patricia Bay); take exit 18 going west – Keating Cross Road which becomes Benvenuto Avenue (same road as Butchart Gardens) - 1461 Benvenuto Ave.
From Sidney, BC Ferries terminal or Airport - Travel south on Highway #17 (Patricia Bay); exit  right at McTavish Road, left on West Saanich Road which becomes Benvenuto Avenue (same road as Butchart Gardens) - 1461 Benvenuto Ave.

Sidney Accommodations:

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Hotel and the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre have joined forces to provide guests with the best deals possible. Bring the whole family. Stay at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Hotel and receive free Discovery Centre admittance for one child (up to 17 years old) with the purchase of one adult entry ticket.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:
Best Western Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,
Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377 Phone: (250) 656-4441  Fax: (250) 655-1351
Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Sidney on Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney BC on Vancouver Island is a world class  aquarium right on Sidney’s stunning waterfront. It is located in the lower floor of the Pier Hotel at the end of Beacon Avenue in downtown Sidney just minutes from the BC Ferry terminal at Swartz Bay and the Victoria International Airport.

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

This spectacular aquarium and marine education centre features 17 marine habitats where visitors discover amazing sea life from king crabs to giant Pacific octopus to brilliantly colored starfish.

The Centre’s touch pools are a hit with children as they can touch and feel the sea life in addition to viewing areas which are stunning in themselves.

The Centre is designed to not only provide a wonderful experience while viewing marine life but also to educate visitors about the living sea.  At the end you are asked to make a pledge to protect the oceans.

Deep Sea Portal

You enter the Centre through the deep sea portal where you are introduced to a series of gallery displays very much like you would find snorkeling in the Georgia Straight.

You can view up close jellyfish, wolf eels, anemones, kelp, octopus and a great deal more.

Gallery of the Drifters

You start at the Gallery of the Drifters with back-lit aquarium tanks of jellyfish, algae and plankton.

Ocean’s Heartbeat

This is a high-tech classroom like no other. It is “wired” with microscopes, video and Internet connections. There are marine educators there to assist visitors and handle any questions that you might have.

Gallery of the Salish Sea

The Salish Sea includes the waters from the north end of the Strait of Georgia and Desolation Sound to the south end of the Puget Sound and west to the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including the inland marine waters of southern BC and northern Washington state.

As you can image that covers a lot of marine life. In this exhibit you will see life-sized Killer Whales (Orcas) swim by on a giant screen all the while listening to the sound of a Salish paddle song.

You may think you are right on the ocean floor as an overhead projector shines an ocean scene right on the floor as you walk by.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Once you leave the Gallery of the Salish Sea you pass through a section of the aqarium that is home to the giant Pacific Octopus.

Touch Pool

Next in the Centre is a touch pool where your actually get your hands wet while you touch the amazing sea creatures.

Contact Information:

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
9811 Seaport Place, Sidney, Vancouver Island, BC V8L 4X3
Phone: 250.665.7511   Fax: 778.426.0715
Email: info@oceandiscovery.ca Website: www.oceandiscovery.ca

Sidney Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Hotel and the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre have joined forces to provide guests with the best deals possible. Bring the whole family. Stay at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Hotel and receive free Discovery Centre admittance for one child (up to 17 years old) with the purchase of one adult entry ticket.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:
Best Western Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,
Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377 Phone: (250) 656-4441  Fax: (250) 655-1351
Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Sidney on Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

January
19

Mineral World and Scratch Patch located in Sidney BC on Vancouver Island are playgrounds for kids and grown-ups alike. Imagine you’re panning for gold, or discovering a new beautiful gemstone, walking in caves, or by a waterfall. A very popular attraction, this is an environment in which you get to have fun, play and learn all at the same time.

Mineral World

At this minerally-oriented Sidney Gift Shop, you will find gifts for all you know and you may not be able to resist purchasing a little something for yourself. With prices in all ranges, and great service, you will find unique jewelry set in sterling silver, created with semi-precious gemstones, some of which, like Zoisite, Mookaite, Spinel, are fairly uncommon, as well as the more familiar stones, such as, amber, amethyst, garnet, aquamarine, moonstone, turquoise, lapis lazuli just to name a few of the beautiful rock offereings available.

If you’re feeling creative, you can purchase the sterling silver findings, pick out your gemstones and design your own one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Also available in this specialty Gift Store are items created from stone, such as stone goblets and vases-with which you can add a touch of Mother Nature to your Home Décor; toys-rooted in science, and even fossils- fossilized sharks teeth and ammonites giving us a window into the earth’s amazing history.

For the collector

Set to impress the mineral collector, these raw specimens dazzle the observer. Malachite, quartz, aquamarine, fluorite, rutilated quartz many other gemstones are displayed, showing off their diverse shapes, colours, textures, refractivity and sizes – each one displaying its own essence and properties – and each one captivating its audience with its beauty.

Scratch Patch

The now indoor Scratch Patch is a wonderful opportunity to for kids of all ages to have fun and learn at the same time. The opportunity to discover and collect the lovely polished stones is, of course, a highlight of the visit.

The Scratch Patch has more than 80 different varieties of semi-precious gemstones that you can discover and collect while there, including amethyst, citrine, tiger eye, agates, jaspers, and crystal quartz. They issue a Gemstone Chart (pdf) to make it easy to identify which rocks you’ve collected.

Special visits can be arranged for School Groups, from Kindergarten to Grade 7, and for Birthday Parties as well. Ever wonder what the inside of a volcano looks like? Well the kids will find out on this enjoyable outing. They can also explore caves and rivers, while they learn about the life cycle of the rock.

This is one of a kind adventure that’s a don’t miss.

Mineral World and Scratch Patch are Located at 9891 Seaport Place, which is right across from the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.

Sidney BC Accommodations:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,

Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377   Phone: (250) 656-4441

Fax: (250) 655-1351

Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Vacouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

January
19

Sidney BC is Booktown

posted by Emerald Isle Motor Inn on January 19, 2012 3:54:30 PM

Sidney, located on the Saanich Peninsuala, Vancouver Island and just north of Victoria BC, can be reached by ferry, plane, taxi and public transport. I tell you that right now, up-front, because if you are a book lover, you’re going to want to hop a plane, ferry, taxi or bus to get to this amazing destination.

Sidney Activities

Sidney has many activities and sights for the traveller, like kayaking, whale watching, stargazing, museums, numerous wonderful little shops, cafes and restaurants, but perhaps, the thing it’s known best for is being a ‘Booktown’.

With a population of only 11,300 people, it’s unusual to find bookstores everywhere, 8 within walking distance. Decreed one of the very few ‘Booktowns’ in 1996, Sidney wears the title well.

Sidney Bookstores

Each of these bookstores has its own character, and special collections and each of the store owners has an intimate working knowledge of the categories and titles they offer, making shopping in one of these bookstores a great pleasure.

And of course, you’re always welcome to browse through the stacks of these many hardcopy books, that’s right, not e-books, but actual hardcopy, touchable, bound books.

Thought you might like to know a bit about each of the bookstores that comprise the treasure that Sidney Booktown has become.

Sidney – Beacon Books

Be welcomed, by Rosabelle, the resident reading kitty and let her show you around. This is a secondhand books store that covers much reading terrain: Art, Music, Philosophy, History, Gift Books, great Literature, and books about all things Canadian as a start point.

Then you’ll find there are the collectors’ First Editions. They do also have a Paperback Room for novels, and mysteries and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, it can, in all likelihood be ordered, even items that are out-of-print. This is a store that will go out of its way to get you what you want. Would a store, with a cat, named Rosabelle be any other way?

Sidney – The Military Bookshop

Boosting a good collection of material that pertains to Winston Churchill, this store, specializes in second-hand material that covers military history, biographies, both ancient and modern wars.

Books and maps and other collectibles can be found. Other literary offerings cover subjects like the British Royalty, American politics, various forms of transportation, such as aviation, railways and naval transport.

Sidney – The Children’s Bookshop

A large selection of new books for kids from the time they’re tiny tots till they’re young adults awaits your visit.  They stock books on every topic from faieries to planes, from bears to mermaids, from cooking and quilting to kites and totem poles and on and on the lists grow.

They have Nancy Drew (makes one want to re-read them starting with ‘The Mystery of the Old Clock’), Harry Potter and Encyclopaedia Brown and there’s always a staff member who can help you find something to expand your child’s world through the joy of reading.

Sidney – Dragon Horse

Unique among the unique Dragon Horse has created a spiritually oriented book-store, gift-store, tea-store, jewelry-store. This lovely store creates an environment that has been described as ‘a candy store for the spirit’. Whatever you can think of in the realm of Self-Help, Spiritual, Metaphysical, can be found.

There are Tarot and Oracle Card Decks, Feng Shui books and paraphernalia, Japanese and Zen Garden items and a large ‘greeting card’ section filled with spiritual/upbeat messages.

There are luscious candles, Yoga clothing and supplies, crystals and gemstones, and natural body products. There are Tea Pots and mugs – if you have a collection, you might find a new piece to add. There is New Age Music, and Jewelry and ever so much more.

Sidney – Galleon Books and Antiques

The Galleon specializes in Antiquarian and collectible books and antiques, as well as second-hand books on BC history, the military, Canadiana, Art and more.

Galleon Books and Antiques displays its collectibles, like china, glass and period antiques beautifully. Quite a wonderful and unusual collection of material and definitely worth checking out.

Sidney – The Haunted Bookshop

This is the oldest bookshop on Vancouver Island, established in 1947. ‘Beautiful British Columbia’ magazine hailed the Haunted Bookshop as ‘the sort of antiquarian bookstore bibliophiles dream about’.

Carrying books  in most genres, and maps, prints and related memorabilia, the Haunted Bookstore satisfies the more casual reader with contemporary paperbacks, and those searching for out-of-print material, as well as collectors of the rare items.

Sidney – Tanner’s Books

Tanner’s is amazing! It’s the bookstore that does it all.

1. It has the dependability of having been in business for 24 years

2. It is the largest newsstand on Vancouver Island – it carries over 2,000 magazines and 40 newspapers from Canada, the U.S., and Great Britian.

3. It carries new releases, and bestsellers in over 50 fiction and non-fiction categories.

4. It has a Travel & Nautical Room which holds reference books on the subjects, as well as more than 500 maps and nautical charts.

5. And of course, just for fun they carry souvenir items and games, puzzles, greeting cards, etc.

Sidney – Tanner’s Bargain Books

Sister store of Tanner’s Books, it offers great bargain prices on Overstocks.

To discover more about Booktown:

http://www.sidneybooktown.ca/

Sidney Accommodations:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:

Best Western PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,

Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377   Phone: (250) 656-4441

Fax: (250) 655-1351

Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

January
15

Sidney: Shopping on Salt Spring Island

posted by Emerald Isle Motor Inn on January 15, 2012 12:45:54 PM

Salt Spring Island is well-known for many things: the beauty of the terrain, a kind climate, hiking  and biking trails, kayaking and golfing, and those are only a few of the activities that draw people to the island. 

There are spas, and restaurants and performing arts events well-worth attending, but for me, there’s nothing like shopping on Salt Spring Island – one of the gulf island to the west of Vancouver Island. Salt Spring Island is a shopper’s delight: Boutiques and specialty stores carry items from all over the world, as well as stocking many wonderful products created by local artists and artisans. These island artists work in a wide variety of mediums, including wood, metal, ceramic, reed, stone, glass and more, creating paintings, photographs and sketches, vases and frames all manner of items ranging from large pieces of furniture to earrings – items that both practical and imaginative.

Specialty stores run the gamut from handcrafted wood furniture and artworks to photography, hand crafted jewelry, toys, organic soaps, savory gift foods like Ice Wine Jelly and Camembert Cheese, aroma healing crystals, an array of lavender oils, sachets and teas, and gifts for the spirit. There are numerous book stores and you’ll find maps, charts and guide books readily available.

Since Salt Spring is an arts and crafts centre, you’ll find that a number of the local artisans, spinners, weavers, painters, sculptors will open their studios for tours.

Here’s a little list of some of the many stores on Salt Spring Island for you to scope out on your next trip.

Salt Spring Shopping

Aroma Crystal Therapy
ArtCraft
ArtSpring/Performing Arts Centre
Avanti Glass Studio

Earth Tribe Designs
Flat Earth Photography
Galleons Lap Photography
Ganges Village Cobbler
Graffiti Theatre
Harlans Chocolates
Jill Louise Campbell Art Gallery
Martinus Jewelry Studio
Mouat’s Clothing Company

Salt Spring Island Archives
Salt Spring Lavender
Salt Spring Painters Guild
Salt Spring Photo
Saltspring Soapworks
Salt Spring Woodworks
Seachange Savouries
Stitches Quilt Shop
West of the Moon
Windflower Moon

Travelling Around Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island is located off the east coast of Vancouver Island and so you’ll find that ferries leave Vancouver Island from Victoria, Nanaimo and Powell River/Comox and take you to the three ferry entrances on Salt Spring. Once there you have your choice of how to travel around the island.

There’s a bus system that travels all the main routes on Salt Spring Island; there are shuttle services that operate between the ferry terminals (Fulford, Long Harbour, Vesuvius) and Ganges, Ruckle Park, and Fernwood; and there are cabs, cars, motorbikes, and bicycles you can rent; you’ll find navigating around the island a doable and friendly experience.

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts in the Sidney area to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

Sidney Accommodations:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,

Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377   Phone: (250) 656-4441

Fax: (250) 655-1351

Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

The Mary Winspear Cultural and Conference Centre is in the peninsula community of Sidney BC in Southern Vancouver Island. It hosts trade shows, conferences and events in its multi-purpose rooms and the large Bodine Family banquet hall. The adjoining courtyard along with the banquet hall make an ideal location for dances, special dinners, weddings and more. The Centre has a sustainability program to help you make your event as green as possible.

Mary Winspear Cultural and Conference Centre

The 30,000 square foot facility with its banquet hall and theatre has modern facilities and professional catering to host a variety of business functions, events and conferences. Along with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems there is a 12′ x 12′ drop screen for your impactful presentations.

The 8,100 square foot Bodine Family banquet hall with 18 foot vaulted ceilings and fresh sea air is ideal for receptions, weddings, concerts or other events. The 5,000 outdoor patio can accommodate events in the scenic by the sea surroundings. The centre can host over 900 attendees at a time.

Charlie White Theatre

The first-class Charlie White Theatre with its 310 seating capacity and private reception lobby is an ideal community performance theatre. There is  a large stage area supported by professional lighting and sound technical staff. The weekly fare includes dance, musicals and live theatre. For ticketed functions there is a box office service.

Contact Info – Mary Winspear Centre

2243 Beacon Avenue
Sidney, BC V8L 1W9

Tel: (250) 656-0275
www.marywinspear.ca

Conveiently Located – Mary Winspear Centre

• Charming seaside town of Sidney
• A short drive from the Victoria International Airport
• Close to the BC Ferry Terminal in Schwartz Bay
• Near the Sidney – Anacortes (Washington State) Ferry Terminal
• A 10 minute drive to the world famous Butchart Gardens
• Adjacent to several hotels
• Near to restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes
• Short drive to downtown Victoria
 

Come and enjoy Sidney on Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.


Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

On top of Observatory Hill, near Sidney B.C., at the National Research Council’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory lies the Center of the Universe and a gateway to the stars.

Centre of the Universe

Described as an Interpretive Centre, the Centre of the Universe is a new kind of museum, so to speak, which has as its purpose the spreading of knowledge of a natural or cultural heritage.

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory opened its doors in May of 1918.  In 1995 the NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics made it their home. The NRC (the National Research Council), is the number one organization for research and development in Canada, with Technology Clusters, Research & Educational Programs, Marine Life and Ecologically Conscious initiatives stretching out across the country.  It’s truly an extraordinary facility, in which the Centre of the Universe resides.

The Plaskett Telescope

The Plaskett Telescope, named for John Stanley Plaskett, the Observatory founder, also made its debut in 1918 and is considered to be the centrepiece of the Centre of the Universe as far as the general public is concerned. The Plaskett is a 1.8-m telescope, which for a very brief period of time was the world’s largest, and has been the 2nd largest telescope on planet earth for quite some time. With the help of some of the most recently developed technology which can capture even faint light signals of objects which are at spectacular distances, the Plaskett is now 10,000+ times more sensitive than when it was first entered into use. The Plaskett’s original purpose was to study the stars motions to understand the structure of the Milky Way, the galaxy in which our home planet Earth resides.

The discovery of Plaskett’s Star, and coming to understand the orbital motion of our solar system around the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy have been invaluable discoveries in the field of astronomy. Now used by professional astronomers from all around the world, to track comet and asteroid orbits, and to learn more about the nature of stars, and other astral bodies, the Plaskett is put to good use every clear night, approximately 200 nights a year.

There are numerous programs which someone wanting to learn more about this telescope or the facility can attend. There are courses, and special events, which include Star Parties, which I think sound like great fun, and these events feature the Plaskett Telescope.

Centre of the Universe Schedule

The Centre of the Universe is open for group bookings and school programs only between the dates October 1st – March 13th. The facility is open to all public during Spring Break and from May 3rd – September 30th.  Take advantage of the spectacular views of both Vancouver Island and the heavens; enjoy the Centre’s interactive exhibits; discover the amazing world of astronomy; take a telescope tour of the constellations; and see the special presentations in the theatre – from what I hear you don’t want to miss the ‘Falling Asteroid’.

It is an enjoyable trip just driving up the mountain – be sure to watch for bikes as they seem to love the challenge of the vertical climb.

Have you been stargazing at the Centre of the Universe?  What was your favorite part of the trip?

For more information about the Centre of the Universe, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory:

Come and enjoy Victoria Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Check out more Best Western properties on Vancouver Island.
for your chance to discover Vancouver Island.