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 2^nd 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 1^st – March 13th. The facility is open to all public during Spring Break and from May 3rd – September 30^th.  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.

The Butchart Gardens is a world famous display of flowers, plants and other vegetation in a striking setting . Located in Victoria on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Butchart Gardens has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. It was created by namesake Jennie Butchart as a way to beautify her husbands worked-out limestone quarry.

The garden with some 22ha (55 acres) of amazing floral displays has been blooming for over 100 years. Its reputation as one of the best gardens in the world is definitely not overstating it. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera!

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Italian Garden. A favorite is the path to the edge of the towering limestone walls that surround the Sunken Garden.

Butchart Gardens Activities

• 5 Seasons – see breath taking displays during Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and special events for Christmas

• Walking – take your time to explore each part of the gardens as they all reward close inspection

• Photography – bring extra memory for your camera to capture all the pictures you will want to take

• Evening entertainment

• And 150 other things to do

Butchart Gardens Restaurants

• The Dining Room Restaurant is located in the original Butchart family residence. From the restaurant you can enjoy spectacular views of Tod Inlet as well as the Private Garden and the Italian Garden. Afternoon Tea is served during the Spring and Summer seasons. High Tea is served in the winter months. Lunch is served seasonally.

• The Blue Poppy Restaurant – offers cafeteria-style service ideal for families.

• The Coffee Shop – offers coffee, tea, pastries and sandwiches.

Admission to The Gardens is required for all restaurants.

Butchart Gardens TripAdvisor Rating

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:  4 1/2 out of 5

TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 72 attractions in Victoria

Butchart Gardens Address and Phone Number

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave. Victoria, British Columbia V8X 3X4 Canada

Tel: 250-652-4422 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fax: 250-652-3883

Email: email@butchartgardens.com

Website: www.butchartgardens.com

Buchart Gardens From Victoria By Car

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave. Victoria, British Columbia V8X 3X4 Canada

Distance: 21km (14miles) from downtown Victoria

Travel time: 30 minutes by car

-Take Blanshard Street (North).

-Blanshard Street becomes Hwy 17 (on the way to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal).

-Pass Elk Lake on the left.

-Turn left off Hwy 17 (Exit 18) onto Keating X Road.

- Continue along Keating X Road which becomes Benvenuto Avenue

The Butchart Gardens is a little slice of paradise–enjoy every color imaginable on these immaculate grounds. Linger and enjoy the flowers, have lunch, dinner or even high tea.

The Ten Most Beautiful Urban Parks on Earth

Environmental Graffiti found ten oases in the middle of cities that provide a good dose of nature for urban dwellers. Some are big enough to have hiking trails, lakes, zoos, forests, gardens, and even observatories. These 26 pictures are a refreshing treat for the eyes! Included is the gorgeous Butchart Gardens.

Come and enjoy Butchart Gardens in Sidney on Amazing Vancouver Island and please tell your friends about us.