Life

Wayne Ralph stands in his tasting room at Victoria Cider Co. (Nicole Crescenzi)

Victoria Cider Co. took a risk making keeved cider, but the results set them apart

A lifelong dream creates prize-winning keeved cider

Attendees at a previous Victoria International Wine Festival. This year’s event happens Sept. 29-30 at the Victoria Conference Centre. (Courtesy Victora International Wine Festival)

Victoria wine festival returns with 400 wines from 14 different countries

Festival is set for Sept. 29 to 30 at the Victoria Conference Centre

  • May 31, 2023
Big Bad John’s started in 1962, during a celebration of the World’s Fair in Seattle, where the Strathcona Room was temporarily transformed into “Big Bad John’s Hillbilly Bar.” Due to popularity, the bar has continued in all its quirkiness ever since. (Dave Van)

Behind Bars: Big Bad John’s puts the quirk back into the bar experience

Throwing peanuts, falling spiders, and bras hanging from the rafters – Big Bad John’s has it all.

  • May 11, 2023
Victoria Beer Week has six events total this year. (Victoria Beer Society)

Matter of Beer: good times brewing at Victoria Beer Week

Lift Off! happens May 5th at Market Square with dozens of new beers

The Loft Pub offers live music seven days a week. (image supplied)

Behind Bars: The Loft Pub

Loft raising Gorge spirits with great food, drink and music

  • Apr 25, 2023
The Loft Pub offers live music seven days a week. (image supplied)
Nature Morte (2014), oil. This piece by Rick Leong, artist and assistant professor at University of Victoria, is one of many to be featured at the Symbiosis exhibit. (Courtesy of Art Gallery of Greater Victoria)

Gallery of Greater Victoria exhibit Symbiosis explores artists’ musings about ‘fascinating world’ of mushrooms

The exhibit, starting April 1, is multi-disciplinary, including painting, photographs, science, bio-materials, discussion and even music

Nature Morte (2014), oil. This piece by Rick Leong, artist and assistant professor at University of Victoria, is one of many to be featured at the Symbiosis exhibit. (Courtesy of Art Gallery of Greater Victoria)
Phillips bartender Harvey serves up a cold beer. (John Atkinson)

Behind Bars: creative Phillips brewing up community and fun

Founder Matt Phillips focuses on good product, team involvement, and offering an inclusive space.

  • Mar 24, 2023
Phillips bartender Harvey serves up a cold beer. (John Atkinson)
A couple enjoys the fire at Oak Bay Hotel Boathouse Spa. (Aaron J. Barr)

Choose your own adventure: Things to do for Valentine’s Day in Victoria

Here’s our list of things to do this Valentine’s Day based off what mood you want to set

A couple enjoys the fire at Oak Bay Hotel Boathouse Spa. (Aaron J. Barr)
Kevin Strelaeff points out one of his first tattoos. (Tim Collins)

The Good, the Bad, and the “What the Hell were you thinking?”

Seven things to know before you get yourself a tattoo

  • Jan 25, 2023
Kevin Strelaeff points out one of his first tattoos. (Tim Collins)
Allan Reid food column on 900 Degrees pizza

900˚ Wood-Fired Pizzeria fires up Allan Reid

Voracious, Victoria’s restaurant column

  • Dec 29, 2022
Allan Reid food column on 900 Degrees pizza
Assistant bar manager Bronwyn Hawkins - Wind Cries Mary restaurant

Cocktails and more at Wind Cries Mary

Behind Bars with John Atkinson

  • Oct 28, 2022
Assistant bar manager Bronwyn Hawkins - Wind Cries Mary restaurant
Fiamo Restaurant - Allan Reid photo

Don’t pass by Fiamo: it’s worth the stop!

Allan Reid’s Voracious restaurant column

  • Oct 26, 2022
Fiamo Restaurant - Allan Reid photo
Ghost Ramen - Allan Reid photo

Food writer Allan Reid visits Ghost Ramen

You won’t want to waste a single drop

  • Jun 15, 2022
Ghost Ramen - Allan Reid photo
Eva Schnitzelhaus by Allan Reid

Craving schnitzel?

Eva is the place to be.

  • Apr 30, 2022
Eva Schnitzelhaus by Allan Reid
Sooke Fine Arts

Renowned Sooke Fine Arts Show is back

Call to artists runs until May 24

  • Apr 15, 2022
Sooke Fine Arts
Book cover handout

Out of the Fire

New book explores west coast metalworkers

  • Apr 8, 2022
Book cover handout
Joe Cocker Experience - handout photo

Fire it up!

The Joe Cocker Experience is smokin’ hot

  • Mar 11, 2022
Joe Cocker Experience - handout photo
Tasmin Carlow-Ujiie (cello) - handout photo

Spark to Flame ignites musical spirit

Student talent showcased at VCM concert

  • Mar 4, 2022
Tasmin Carlow-Ujiie (cello) - handout photo
Jimbo - Drag Clown - handout photo

Jimbo time!

Victoria’s famous drag queen takes on the world

  • Feb 28, 2022
Jimbo - Drag Clown - handout photo
Victoria Film Fest Handout

Victoria Film Festival plans feast for the eyes

Eight-six features and 27 shorts on tap

  • Jan 31, 2022
Victoria Film Fest Handout