Tess van Straaten

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Enjoy Valentine’s Day fun with daring date nights

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Enjoy Valentine’s Day fun with daring date nights

From axe throwing to escape rooms to dance lessons, there’s many ways to have fun with a partner

 

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Changing things up puts spice into winter

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Changing things up puts spice into winter

Try something different like visiting a new restaurant, or even skating in Oak Bay

 

Enjoying smores on the patio at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of the treats of the Victoria holiday season. Rhymes With Orange Photography

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Find Christmas cheer in the heart of Victoria

From the iconic Fairmont Empress to decorated Old Town, seasonal activities abound in the harbour

  • Nov 30, 2019

 

Fan Tan Alley offers an intriguing collection of shops, sights, sounds and smells. Photo courtesy Destination Greater Victoria

TESS VAN STRAATEN:Chinatown Confidential: Colour, culture and tasty treats

Tess van Straaten Monday Magazine columnist Nestled in a corner of downtown…

  • Nov 2, 2019
Fan Tan Alley offers an intriguing collection of shops, sights, sounds and smells. Photo courtesy Destination Greater Victoria
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Tess takes an autumn art adventure

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Tess takes an autumn art adventure

Salt Spring National Art Prize attracts top-notch artists from across the country

  • Sep 27, 2019
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Tess takes an autumn art adventure
Server Kim King stands next to a wall of tea cannisters at the Westholme Tea Farm near Duncan. Photo by Tess van Straaten

TESS VAN STRAATEN: It’s tea time in Cowichan!

Monday’s intrepid columnist makes a unique escape just north of Victoria

  • Aug 25, 2019
Server Kim King stands next to a wall of tea cannisters at the Westholme Tea Farm near Duncan. Photo by Tess van Straaten
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Take a rural ramble on the North Saanich Flavour Trail

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Take a rural ramble on the North Saanich Flavour Trail

Mid-August celebration of farm-fresh produce, wineries and more promises flavours galore

  • Jul 30, 2019
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Take a rural ramble on the North Saanich Flavour Trail
The Honda Celebration of Light, a fireworks extravanganza accompanied by a music and food festival on the Vancouver waterfront, features three presenting countries this year: India on July 27, Canada on July 31 and Croatia on Aug. 3. It is B.C.’s largest outdoor spectator event. Instagram

TESS ON TOUR: Festivals and attractions make it Vibrant Vancouver

Monday columnist Tess Van Straaten crosses the water to check out what’s hot in the big city

  • Jun 21, 2019
The Honda Celebration of Light, a fireworks extravanganza accompanied by a music and food festival on the Vancouver waterfront, features three presenting countries this year: India on July 27, Canada on July 31 and Croatia on Aug. 3. It is B.C.’s largest outdoor spectator event. Instagram
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Getting funky in Fernwood

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Getting funky in Fernwood

Eclectic neighbourhood draws many visitors, laid-back feel popular with residents

  • Jun 11, 2019
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Getting funky in Fernwood
Early evening glow from the pool deck at the Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa. Photo contributed

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Brentwood Bay bliss awaits

Saanich Inlet waterfront area offers a perfect opportunity for a staycation

  • May 10, 2019
Early evening glow from the pool deck at the Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa. Photo contributed
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Marine magic at play in James Bay

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Marine magic at play in James Bay

Ogden Point and Fisherman’s Wharf are destinations for locals and visitors alike

  • Mar 20, 2019
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Marine magic at play in James Bay
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Chilling in Cook Street Village

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Chilling in Cook Street Village

Monday’s adventure columnist tones it down for a trip to the heart of Fairfield

  • Feb 26, 2019
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Chilling in Cook Street Village
Travel: Romantic rendezvous awaits on South Island

Travel: Romantic rendezvous awaits on South Island

Monday columnist Tess van Straaten discovers an easy-to reach getaway off the Malahat

  • Jan 27, 2019
Travel: Romantic rendezvous awaits on South Island
Estevan Escape: Rediscovering a special spot

Estevan Escape: Rediscovering a special spot

Plenty of reasons to visit in winter, writes Monday columnist Tess van Straaten

  • Dec 26, 2018
Estevan Escape: Rediscovering a special spot
A holiday season scene in downtown Ganges on Saltspring Island. Photo by Bob Rogers/Saltspring Photography Club

Tess van Straaten: Getting away to the Gulf Islands

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the holidays is within reach for you

  • Nov 24, 2018
A holiday season scene in downtown Ganges on Saltspring Island. Photo by Bob Rogers/Saltspring Photography Club
Tess van Straaten: Falling in Love with Cowichan

Tess van Straaten: Falling in Love with Cowichan

Monday columnist gets wined and dined in the Valley

  • Oct 31, 2018
Tess van Straaten: Falling in Love with Cowichan
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Go spelunking on Vancouver Island

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Go spelunking on Vancouver Island

Horne Lake Caves make for a rockin’ adventure under the surface

  • Aug 30, 2018
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Go spelunking on Vancouver Island
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Taking a Walk on the Wild Side

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Taking a Walk on the Wild Side

Monday’s intrepid adventure columnist tests the waters of Port Renfrew

  • Aug 3, 2018
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Taking a Walk on the Wild Side
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Having one whale of a time

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Having one whale of a time

Monday columnist joins her mom, a whale-watching rookie, in ocean adventure

  • Jul 9, 2018
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Having one whale of a time
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Short international flight a scenic gem

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Short international flight a scenic gem

Monday’s intrepid adventure columnist takes us on a quick trip to the San Juan Islands

  • Jun 3, 2018
TESS VAN STRAATEN: Short international flight a scenic gem