Oak Bay "Travel Bites" Fall/Winter
Say “Until Next Time” to an Oak Bay Icon
After over 75 years of attracting visitors from around the world, the Oak Bay
Beach Hotel will be closing its doors on November 6th, 2006… reopening
in 2009 after a complete redevelopment. Last chance opportunities to enjoy the
hotel before it takes a vacation include:
A Reunion Package for couples who celebrated a wedding, anniversary, or engagement
at the hotel. Includes one night stay in an oceanview fireplace suite, a bottle
of champagne or wine, continental breakfast, and a special keepsake “Memories
Gift”. Package starts at $299 CDN per night.
Two Dinner Shows: “Thanks for the Memories”, a revue of Broadway
classics tied in with anecdotes from the hotel’s past, and “The
Ecclestons”, an “Eastcoast meets Westcoast style “Kitchen
Party”, featuring foot-stomping Celtic music. Tickets are $59 per person.
Packages start at $220 CDN/196.92 USD* per couple.
A “Farewell Party” will be held in the legendary Snug Pub on November
4th. Tickets for this dinner and dance are $75 per person.
Visit www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
or call 1-800-668-7758 for more details and reservations.
Centennial Trail Tours Best of Oak Bay
In celebration of Oak Bay’s Centennial year Oak Bay has created the Centennial
Trail, an urban trail that meanders through the best parts of Oak Bay, traversing
paths, roads, waterfront and parkland. The Centennial trail takes approximately
75 minutes to walk, winding past historic stone walls, regal gardens, stately
homes, Garry Oaks and waterfront vistas. Maps for nine walks have been created,
ranging from 3.2 to 10.2 km and all incorporate a mixture of scenery ranging
from quiet urban stretches to nature areas and beachfront. Maps of Oak Bay’s
walks are available at www.oakbaytourism.com.
Ted Harrison Studio Opens in Oak Bay
Beloved painter Ted Harrison has opened the Ted Harrison Studio at 2004 Oak
Bay Avenue. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the studio
sells limited edition serigraphs, posters, art cards, calendars, books and porcelain.
On most days Ted spends some time in the studio painting and visitors are invited
to watch him paint or have a chat. Ted Harrison is one of Canada's most popular
and beloved artists. His love of the land and the people of Yukon has brought
him national acclaim. He is also an internationally recognized author and illustrator
of children's books and has spent much of his career teaching art to children
of all ages. His work can be found in numerous private and public collections
throughout Canada and in England, Australia, New Zealand, the United States,
Germany and Japan. www.tedharrisongallery.com
Visit Vancouver Island’s Best Deli
Oak Bay’s own Ottavio Italian Bakery and Delicatessen has been voted Vancouver
Island’s Best Deli/Specialty Food Shop by Times Colonist readers. Praised
for knowledgeable staff, the Island's best selection of artisan cheeses, olives,
cured meats, specialty grocery, gelato – and of course great coffee, Ottavio
is a third generation business run by people who are passionate about great
food. Ottavio offers fantastic picnic fare including Tuscan chocolate, Italian
Bakery Breads and sweet treats. Light lunches are available to go or to stay.
The “people watching” from the patio is excellent and frequent special
events celebrate food from around the world. www.ottaviovictoria.com
Oak Bay Guests Receive Special ‘Passport’
Until October 31 Oak Bay guests will be welcomed with a ‘passport’
of offers from Oak Bay merchants. In celebration of Oak Bay’s Centennial,
merchants wish to welcome guests to the region with a variety of offers designed
to enhance their stay in Oak Bay. Upon check in at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel or
Oak Bay Guest House guests receive their passport of coupons as well as a map
of the region highlighting shopping areas.
Spend Time Relaxing with the Autumn Getaway Package at the Oak Bay Guest House
Looking to relax before the rush of the Christmas season? Oak Bay Guest House
is offering an Autumn Getaway Package between October 16 and December 15. Featuring
two nights accommodation for two in an Old English decorated queen bedroom with
ensuite, Oak Bay Guest House is only steps from Oak Bay Village, an ideal place
to search for unique Christmas gifts or browse the art galleries and antique
shops. Through December, this 1912 Old English style home is festively decorated
in the style of the era. The Autumn Getaway Package includes a scrumptious full
cooked breakfast for two each morning, featuring local tastes of the season,
and two tickets to Craigdarroch Castle. The Castle is decorated for Christmas
from December 1 with thousands of lights and a display of antique toys. Autumn
Getaway Package is $215.00 CDN/$192.43 USD, per couple, not including taxes.
Fun and Festivities in Oak Bay
Oktoberfest at Ottavio – A celebration of food, music and fall festivities!
Saturday, October 14 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2272 Oak Bay Avenue
Join the staff at Ottavio Italian Bakery and Delicatessen on Saturday, October
14 for Oktoberfest, the tastes and sounds of Germany! Sample locally made sausages
from Galloping Goose Sausage and hand crafted beer from Canoe Brewpub. Enjoy
Bavarian Pretzels, Schnitzel, Sauerkraut and more! Ottavio’s staff dress
the part while live accordion music plays in the background, setting the mood.
Oktoberfest also features a display of the fastest German cars.
Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in Oak Bay
Oak Bay will hold the sixth annual Christmas Festival beginning with a light
up celebration on November 26, with musical entertainment, roasted chestnuts,
Santa Claus and thousands and thousands of Christmas lights on the trees, buildings
and lampposts. The celebrations continue with the Island Equipment Operators
Association truck parade on December 2. Seventy-five heavy trucks including
cement trucks, dump trucks and more are spectacularly decked out in Christmas
lights. Events through December include an artists studio tour, Oak Bay Avenue
Gallery Walk and Lighted Sail Past. Celebrations continue to be added. Check
www.oakbaytourism.com
for details.
*US prices are estimates. Price will be based on the day’s rate of exchange.
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