From jazz to Shakespeare, from pottery workshops to whale-watching cruises, from sand sculpture competitions to trumpeter swan festivals... Choose your adventure - and don't forget your camera!

 

 

November 2008
Sat
Sat
9/13-
12/6
One Human Family Gospel Choir Workshops
Workshop style rehearsals begin Sept 13th from 11am – 3pm for the One Human Family Gospel Choir directed by singer, composer, arranger, director Eric Dozier at Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan/Mill Bay Rd. Email taylortunes@shaw.ca for more information.$20 per 4 hour rehearsal. www.onehumanfamily.org
Sun
Fri
10/26-
12/31
Salmon Run
Goldstream Provincial Park, from late October through December, some 20,000 salmon make the journey from the Pacific Ocean up Finlayson Arm to spawn in the river they were born in 3/4 years earlier. Park naturalists offer hourly programs during the weekend at the park's Nature Centre describing the life cycle of chum salmon and their spawning activity with a special noon program at the picnic site. For more info on the salmon run scheduled programs at Goldstream Park, call 478-9414.
Sun
Fri
10/26-
12/31
Salmon Run
Stamp Falls Provincial Park, each year thousands of salmon fight their way up the falls and fish ladder to spawn in upper Stamp River and Great Central Lake. Viewing from late October through December.
Sun
Fri
10/26-
12/31
Salmon Run
Elk Falls Provincial Park, from a riverside trail along the Quinsam River you can watch chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon returning to spawn. Viewing from late October through December.
Wed
Sat
10/29-
11/1
Pumpkin Art at Ogden Point
The pumpkins are back! Well known locally as the former Pumpkin Art event at Government House, hundreds of intricately carved lit up pumpkins are returning to Victoria this fall as part of a five city tour in support of UNICEF's BC's Unite for Children, Unite Against Aids campaign. Visit over 35 themed, lit up displays including cartoon characters, former prime ministers, the Royal Family, local personalities and much more. Fun for the whole family. Location: Ogden Point Cruise Ship Warehouse.
Sat
Sun
11/1-
11/2
Magic Cottage Craft Sale
The Magic Cottage is brimming with intricate ornaments, succulent sweets, festive floral creations, amigurumi, Victorian paper creations, handmade glass beads, and funky jewelery. Nov 1 from 10-6 & Nov 2 from 10-5 at 3945-4th Avenue, Port Alberni (between Morton and Maitland).
Sat
Sun
11/1-
11/2
Studio Terrafemina Art Sale
Nov 1st 10-6 pm and Nov 2nd 10-5pm at 4135-8th Avenue, Port Albern - behind Fir Park. Pottery and artwork by Mickey Smeele, Amy Rubin & Ken Flett.
Sat
Sun
11/1-
11/30
The Aerie meets the Goldstream Salmon Run
Every Saturday and Sunday in November, The Aerie Resort and Spa will celebrate the returning salmon to Goldstream Provincial Park by hosting educational luncheons to discuss the importance of salmon to the region. Throughout lunch, Harold C. Joe, of Legends Excursions, and his brother Philip will speak about the miraculous salmon life cycle. Salmon spawning is an exciting annual nature event at Goldstream. Following a four-year lifetime, that includes a journey of thousands of kilometres, salmon return to Goldstream to continue their species' life cycle by spawning in the river. Take adavantage of these special luncheons at the Aerie, either preceding or following your visit to see the Salmon. Guests may choose from the a la carte menu or a specially created three course menu at $25.00 per person. Time: Lunchtime every Saturday and Sunday in November Location: The Aerie Resort and Spa/ Goldstream Park. For more info: atrinder@aerie.ca
Thu
Sun
11/6-
12/28
Having Hope at Home
A young girl invites her uptight parents over to her ramshackle farmhouse for an early Christmas dinner, but she goes into labour before they arrive! Directed by one of the most hilarious and accomplished actor/directors in Canadian Theatre, Having Hope at Home is "…a big-hearted comedy that will leave you in tears of laughter." - Waterloo Record. Chemainus Theatre, Chemainus.
Fri
Sun
11/7-
11/9
Christmas in the Valley
Christmas in the Valley Craft Fair - Athletic Hall, 4835 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni - Nov. 7th from 3-9: Nov. 8th from 10-5 and Nov. 9th from 11-4. Free admission, wheelchair accessible, collecting food donations for Bread of Life, PA Shelter, SPCA.
Sat 11/8 Karate Tournament
12th Annual Victoria International Karate Tournament; Saturday - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Central Middle School Gym, 1240 Fort St, Victoria. More than 200 competitors, most from Vancouver Island are expected to take part. Karate Master and former world champion Greg Reid, 8th Dan, will preside over the all-styles tournament – sanctioned by Karate BC, the sport governing body for Karate in British Columbia, and the Wado Karate Association of Canada.
Wed
Thu
11/12-
11/13
1st Annual Indulgence Chocolate Festival
The Art of Chocolate Tasting Experience: Tempt your tastebuds with luscious chocolate creations. Palettes will be delighted with chocolate infused foods and beverages from chocolatiers and chocolate artisans including restaurants, bakeries, specialty wineries, and micro breweries.

Chicks & Chocolate Indulge Yourself! This Evening is All About the Experience. This evening of indulgence begins when suit clad waiters greet guests at the champagne fountain upon their arrival. Taste buds and senses will be delighted and satiated by luscious chocolate products, desserts and spa treatments. Tea leaves will be read, salsa will be learned and the latest fashions revealed. Prizes and surprises throughout the evening. The Art of Chocolate Tasting Experience 4 - 9 pm Chicks & Chocolate 6 - 10 pm. Tickets Port Theatre Box Office

Fri
Sun
11/14-
11/16
Oyster Festival
Tofino has designated November Oyster Month!! This high buzz event features oyster culinary delights diligently prepared by Chefs from local restaurants, sampling of exceptional regional wines, enjoy fabulous music, and partake in the renowned Slurping contest. Each year about 4,000 oysters were consumed during the evening.
Fri
Sun
11/14-
11/16
Work of Heart Craft Sale
Features work from the heart and hands of Valley crafters. Christmas basket raffle, proceeds to charity. Friday, Nov 14th from 1-9pm, Saturday, Nov 15th from 10-5pm and Sunday, Nov 16th from 11-4pm Train Station, 3100 Kingsway Ave at Argyle in Port Alberni, BC.
Tue
Mon
11/18-
1/5
Festival of Trees
BC Childrens Hospital Festival of Trees - Local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate trees - in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion. The trees are then displayed throughout The Fairmont Empress in Victoria BC over the holiday season, beginning November 18, 2008 with the kick-off decorating gala, through to January 5, 2009.
Thu 11/20 2nd Annual Trans Day of Remembrance
We're taking to the streets and making sure our voices are heard. Gather with us at Centennial Square (Victoria) in a space of remembrance, reclamation and celebration for the 2nd Annual Trans Day of Remembrance Rally. This is more than a day of remembrance, but also a space to speak up and celebrate Trans identities, experiences, communities and resistance. TransAction is a local organization that advocates for the rights of and strives to create community for Trans and Gender Variant people through consciousness raising activities and the on going project of creating safer spaces.
Sat 11/22 Santa Light Parade
The coloured lights illuminating over 50 entries in this wonderful evening holiday parade make this a perfect start to the holiday season. Over 40,000 spectators watch this popular annual event which is fun for the whole family. Remember to bring some non-perishable food items as they will be collected during the parade and donated to the local Mustard Seed Food Bank. 5:30pm start - Downtown Victoria.
Tue
Wed
11/25-
12/17
Bear Wear 2008
The fifty best-dressed teddy bears in Victoria will be on display at the elegant Hotel Grand Pacific in downtown Victoria as part of Bear Wear 2008, the signature fundraising event of the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children. The dressed-up bears will be displayed in the lobby of the Hotel Grand Pacific throughout the holiday season and are available for purchase by silent auction.
Thu 11/27 Ladysmith Festival of Lights
The last Thursday of November witness a spectacular evening of festivities. ~Spaghetti Dinner~Light Up Parade~Family Entertainment~Fireworks~Craft Fair~and Much, Much More!
Thu
Sun
11/27-
11/30
Kris Kringle Craft Market
This is a one-of-a-kind juried art and crafts show nestled in the beautiful Town of Qualicum Beach, featuring over 120 talented and creative artists and craftspeople from all over BC at the most beautifully decorated Christmas show. Over 200 Door Prizes, Weekend Getaways, Carriage Rides, Ice Carvers, Photos with Kris Kringle at the Kris Kringle Station for Kids, Interactive Christmas Characters, a $500 Shopping Spree, Spa Package, over $1000 in Christmas Crafters Gift Baskets and of course, the largest selection of art and crafts.
Fri
Sun
11/28-
11/30
Stinking Fish Studio Tour
The annual fall Stinking Fish Studio Tour in Metchosin and East Sooke runs November 28 - 30, 10am-5pm. A self guided tour of the studios of 18 artists, working in the fine arts of pottery, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mosaic, fabric, floral, jewellery, woodwork, blown glass, and metal. Maps available at www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com
Sat 11/29 Carnival of the Animals
Let out your child's inner animal with Victoria Music Corner Ensemble’s interactive musical storytelling! Opportunity to play the instruments following the show. For ages 2-6. 10 - 11 am at Orange Hall, 1620 Fernwood Road, Victoria. $9 adult / $6 child