The Admiral Inn Blog

 Just as we predicted, the winter winds have arrived with a vengence! Ferrys are cancelled, rain is pelting down and up-Island, electricity is out. It’s exhilarating to walk down the street and feel the air pushing you along, to see the white capped waves break against the concrete and stone walls along the coast and to taste the salt spray on your lips and tongue.

This photo doesn’t do justice to the wildness of the weather, but it’s the closest we can come right now. So if you’re planning a trip to Victoria and you like wind, now’s the time!

If you aren’t a big fan of moving air, then we suggest that you come anyway, but be sure to build the events below into your stay here and wear warm clothing and a hat to keep your coif protected from the imps of the air! These are worth braving the elements for!

If you’ve got kids and are looking for something fun, Four Seasons Musical Theatre is presenting a musical adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Steadfast Tin Solider at Spirit Square, just across from City Hall on December 21, just before the Santa Claus Parade - 2pm to 5 pm. This is sure to be a wonderful, well mounted production, and best of all, it’s free with a donation to the food bank.

Once that’s done, the kids of all ages will be cuing up for Santa’s arrival along Douglas Street. And then, move down to the harbour front to watch Santa and his reindeer perform the Nutcracker Ballet over the water in the Inner Harbour. Courtesy of the Inner Harbour Ferries, all proceeds from the hot chocolate and goodies will be going to support local charities. Bring food for the food bank, or a piece of warm clothing to donate to the local shelters, so they can give the homeless some warm clothing and food. If you miss this performance, don’t despair – this will be continuing all through the holiday season, so you can catch it another time – Saturday, November 21: Following the Island Farms Lighted Santa Parade. Friday, November 27: Following the Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light Up. Saturday, November 28. Friday, December 4. Saturday December 5: Following the Lighted Ships Parade in the Inner Harbour. Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12. Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19. So be sure to be downtown on one of those occasions to catch the water ballet.

As mentioned above, there are two more parades coming up – one on water and one on land. The Lighted Ship Parade commences Dec 5 at 7:15 pm – it’s worth coming out to see the lovely light decorations on the many ships in the city. And the Lighted truck parade is the same night – you can’t miss that!

If you’re more the indoor type, there’s lots going on – both seasonal and non-holiday type activities.

Stuart MacLean of the Vinyl Cafe will be in town November 30 to December 1 at the MacPherson Theatre. Get your tickets now – Dave is one of the most beloved and popular fictional characters in Canadian history, so there tickets will be going fast.

Direct from Zimbabwe Black Umfolosi will thrill the audience with their marvelous harmonies, gospel singing and gum boot dancing at Alix Goolden Hall Novbember 26. Tickets available from the McPherson Box Office in person, by phone at 250-386-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca. (Christmas is Here).

Enjoy the music of the Beatles as the Fab Four recreate your favourite songs – their attention to detail makes them almost indistinguishable from the original band. At the Royal Theatre December 18.

While you’re enjoying all these events, and our wild, wonderful weather, we’ll welcome you back to the Admiral with a hot coffee, hot chocolate and our own warm and friendly atmosphere. We’re conveniently located adjacent to the Inner Harbour, just down the street from the Parliament Buildings and the RBC Museum, handy to all the action. In fact, if you book one of our Best View Rooms, we’ll bet that you can see the water ballet, the lighted ships AND the lighted trucks parade from the balcony of your room. Be sure to book with us for your holiday vacation, and we’ll be sure to keep the coffee fresh and hot!

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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have been to visit, wowing crowds outside the legislature and Christchurch Cathedral (you must visit and see the new stained glass window they dedicated!), Remembrance Day has come and gone with its bittersweet evocation of loss and heroism and despair and hope.

Advent, for those who follow the Christian liturgical year, is almost upon us. For the Orthodox, it begins November 15, and for the Western Christian church, November 29. Those weeks lead up of course, to Christmas, possibly the biggest commercial holiday in the world. At the Admiral, we aren’t yet decorated, but we’re thinking about the entire holiday, and hoping to make it a home away from home for you.

In the meantime, Victoria is certainly getting ready for the big celebration, and continuing our proud tradition of never letting the fun stop. November 21 is the Santa Claus parade, sponsored by Island Farms Dairy and one of the biggest events of the year.  But before that, we are proud to announce that Jann Arden will be performing at the Memorial Save On Foods arena on the night of November 17. Tickets on sale now, get yours, they’re going fast. And the very next night, Kelly Clarkson, again for one night only, also at the Memorial Save On Foods arena – be sure not to miss her. But if you do, then hustle your buns back down to the ticket office for her New Year’s Eve concert – same venue. On November 20, KraftyKuts, the internationally acclaimed DJ will be appearing at Sugar – 858 Yates Street – be sure not to miss him. Also appearing in Victoria: Alison Crowes at Alix Goolden Hall on November 28.

The Out of Hand Craft show is getting underway Nov 21-23. Not just another craft fair, the Out of Hand Fair is Victoria’s premier showcase for contemporary crafts and artisan food from across Canada. This show has a well deserved national reputation for presenting high quality, original work. It is an excellent opportunity to view contemporary Canadian crafts and meet the artists. 2009 marks the twenty-first anniversary for Victoria’s favourite show, and the fair is moving across the street to the newly renovated Crystal Gardens: a magnificant glass-roofed heritage building.

Nov. 22, the Victoria Symphony, under the direction of Maestra Tania Miller will perform works by Haydn, Prokofiev and Mozart. Featuring soprano Nancy Argenta, this will be a night to remember.

As the holiday season gets closer, be sure to give the Admiral a call for your out of town guests, or if you are coming to town to spend the holidays with friends or family. We’ll extend the joy and festive nature of the day for you, with our friendly, warm atmosphere, spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms, as well as our Christmas Eve “At Home” gathering. We would love to have you stay with us on this most festive of days, and we’ll do all we can to ensure your stay is comfortable, relaxing and homey. Located just minutes from the heart of downtown Victoria, the Admiral Inn is adjacent to the Inner Harbour and gives spectacular views of Victoria’s waterfront. You can’t do better with inner harbour accommodations and you can’t go wrong with our home made muffins (Rita bakes them every day), our friendly and helpful staff and our gorgeous location.

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The clocks are back, Hallowe’en has come & gone, and the torch is on its way across Canada. It would seem as though there was nothing left to do but curl up before the fire with a hot toddy, chocolate or mulled wine, but here in Victoria, we’re not quite ready for that! There’s still lots to see and do around the old girl, whether you like music, shopping, hockey or theatre. Even the great outdoors has some attractions.

We’re heading into one of the most exciting seasons in our year. Every fall and early winter, the wind storms come to Victoria, and if you like wind and waves, you can see both as you drive or walk along the seafront from the Admiral hotel, around to the breakwater at Ogden Point, past Clover Point to at least Gonzales Bay. On windy days, the waves are magnificent, and it’s worth the walk  just to enjoy the fresh fall odours, and the sea spray in your face. If you are more interested in the wildlife, you can still see the last of the salmon run and the eagles at Goldstream Park, along with their nature exhibits and walking paths.

If indoors is more your cup of tea, then try S’abadeb: The Gifts – Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists at the Royal British Columbia Museum. The exhibit features the art and culture of the Coast Salish Peoples of Vancouver Island and Washington State. It runs from November 20 to March 8.

The Victoria Arts Collective is hosting The Art of the Cocktail, launched by the Victoria Film Festival. Cocktail lovers and mixologists can glean tips from guest mixologists, authors and distillery representatives in ongoing demonstrations. November 7 to 8 at 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC.

But we can’t forget our talented singers – the Pacific Opera Victoria presents The Rake’s Progress at the Royal Theatre. Stravinsky’s music is a revelation – tender and quirky – one minute reminiscent of the bucolic English countryside, the next the grotesque exuberance and seductive revelry of the dangerous city. Astonishingly sweet and lyrical, spiked with idiosyncratic twists of harmony and rhythm, the music is as irresistible as temptation.

Come watch the Victoria Salmon Kings professional ECHL ice hockey team take on the Ontario Reign! The Salmon Kings are the official ECHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. They have a strong team again this year and a great season ahead. Come down to our beautiful 7000 seat Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and enjoy the game! November 11, 13, and 14.

While you can always take in several marvellous exhibits at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery, if you’re interested in the Navy and art, be sure to stop by the Martime Museum of BC. The work of marine artist John Horton will be front and center in the Museum’s celebration of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Centennial. The special exhibit entitled We Stand On Guard For Thee consists of 32 pieces depicting the history of the navy from 1910 until today. Horton’s insistence on historically accurate detail is unmatched by his contemporaries and his attention to technical accuracy and detail is equally legendary.

Be sure not to miss the Santa Claus Parade, November 21, along Douglas St. It’s an annual tradition, sponsored by Island Farms Dairies, and a highlight of most childrens’ (of all ages) year. Route and time to be announced, or call Island Farms for more information.

After all that excitement, curl up before the fire with that toddy, wine or hot chocolate at the Admiral Inn - located in James Bay adjacent to the Inner Harbour, right by the Seattle ferries, and just minutes from Victoria’s historic and beautiful downtown. We have everything you need to make this your home away from home, from our head housekeeper’s homebaked muffins (if we can pry Jeff away from the oven!) to spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms, to conceirge service with a smile. Stay a night, or stay weeks with us, and enjoy the beauty of fall in Victoria.

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Olympic torch leaving Greece for Canada

Yes, it’s this weekend – October 30 and 31 the Olympic Torch will be in Victoria on its 47,000 km journey from Greece to Vancouver. As the capital city of the host province, Victoria receives the torch into Canada, and sends it on its way across the country and back until it arrives in Vancouver for the opening of the 2010 Olympic Games.

The Admiral is just down the street from where the relay will start, and where the ceremonies and party will be held, so if you’re planning on coming into town to see it, book with us and you’ll have a great view, especially if you reserve our Best View Rooms. Best of all, we’re less than 5 minutes away from the Parliament buildings and the inner harbour, where most of the action will take place.

Display designed and built by Dan Cawsey.

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Yes, Hallowe’en is coming up, and we haven’t forgotten it, but there is so much going on in this town, we’re not going to have room for it all! Victoria is just bursting at the seams with culture, sports and scary good times. As the days draw down and evening sets in early, we gear up for fun.

For the poetry and performance poetry lovers among us, Victoria’s own SLAM team will be performing at the Tongues of Fire poetry evening on Thursday, October 22. This will be their last public performance before the National Poetry Slam Competition in November, (watch this space for details) so if you want to hear and watch some incredible performances from some of the best Victoria has to offer, be sure to be there. Solstice Cafe, 529 Pandora Street. And remember, that Tongues of Fire goes on every Thursday evening with an open mic followed by a riveting performer. Slams happen on the third Thursday of every month. Admission $5.00.

Ongoing is “The Chalk Garden” mounted by St. Luke’s players. If you haven’t yet seen this tour de force, then be sure to be at St. Luke’s Church Hall (Cedar Hill Road and Cedar Hill Cross Road) for their last three performances on Oct 22, 23 and 24. It’s being hailed as the company’s best ever production, and given their usual high standard, this is not to be missed. Be sure to cheer for our own beloved manager, Debra Taylor Wright, in her role in this remarkable piece.

The Olympic torch relay gets off to a terrific start right here in the capital city of the host province. Victoria is the beginning of the Canadian relay, on October 30 and 31. Be on the legislature grounds at 9:30 am for the official arrival of the Torch, and be sure you return for the celebration in the Inner Harbour beginning at 5:30 pm. If you want to follow the torch relay through our wonderful city, check the official website of the Olympic Torch. That site has maps. a detailed itinerary and event descriptions – it’s gonna be a party folks! And we’re right down the street from the main event. If you book into one of our Best View rooms, you could probably watch it all from the balcony!

If Hallowe’en is the time for you, then be sure to check into John Adam’s Ghostly Walking Tours. John is a local historian of some repute, and has planned and guided walking tours all over the city – he knows his stuff! Check his message at 250-384-6698 for detailed information about the tours, times and rendevous points.

And for the pet lovers among us, be sure to show up for the four-footed set’s own Hallowe’en party! Werewoofles Wagoween 4th annual Costume Contest for Pets takes place in Market Square October 31. Registration begins at 1:00pm with costume contests starting at 1:30pm sharp. There will be a minimum registration donation of $3.00 with all proceeds going to support the Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders (www.animalcrusaders.ca). Pawty games will follow contests. There will be prizes and tons of fun. For more event details please visit Woofles Barking Boutique,106-560 Johnson Street, call 250-385-9663 or email royanne@wooflesboutique.com.

The Belfry Theatre is mounting Joan Didion’s The Year of Thinking Magically, starring Seana McKenna, one of Canada’s finest actors. Opening November 10, the play “captures the compassion, humour and bewilderment of a fiercely intelligent woman whose world lurches suddenly from the ordinary to the unimaginable. This magnificently written meditation on grief – a place none of us know until we reach it – is also a celebration of family, filled with a luminous belief in the power of the human spirit to overcome heartbreak and to endure.” Don’t miss this incredible play with an incredible actor!

And if something a little scarier and on the edge is your thing, you might like to take in Frankenstein in Oblivion, by WHoS – that would be William Head on Stage. Written specifically for the unusual venue, Frankenstein in Oblivion is a stunning reimaging of the magnificent Victorian Frankenstein. Please note: WHoS is located inside a federal prison so no person under 19 will be admitted – You may be electronically scanned – Personal belongings are forbidden (this includes purses, wallets, cell phones, money, etc) – No smoking materials are permitted – Gates open at 6:15pm/close at 7:15pm.
Tickets available at: My Chosen Cafe – 250-474-2333 Soap Exchange – 250-475-0033 Moka House – 250-388-7377 No debit cards please. Performance dates: Remember: Gates open at 6:15 and close at 7:15. Performances start at 7:30 and go until 9:15 pm. Oct 23 – Oct 24; Oct 30- Oct 31; Nov 06 – Nov 07; Nov 12- Nov 14; Nov 19 – Nov 21.

With all that going on, how can you not come to Victoria for a wonderful getaway vacation in our beautiful downtown, right by the inner harbour. Our downtown harbour accommodation allows you to get to almost all of the events, with some of them right outside our front door! Combined with our wonderful contintental breakfasts (with homemade muffins), our wireless internet access AND our free bicycles, how can you resist? Be sure to book a three day stay and take advantage of our seasonal special. We look forward to welcoming you to the Admiral – your home away from home.

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The Thanksgiving turkey is reduced to soup (or to the cat’s meal), the Royal Victoria marathon is over for another year (and good luck to those going on to the Boston race) and it seems as though things should be winding down. But not here in our town! The season is just starting, and we have a whole host of events to offer you, whether in the downtown core, close to the inner harbour, or further away from the Admiral’s snug downtown harbour accommodation. Be sure to see some of these events, we’re sure you’ll be delighted and entertained.

The Royal BC Museum is featuring the new exhibit “Silver of the Stars”. Scottish silversmiths designed silver vessels for the favourite drinks of ten Scottish celebrities, from quaichs to hot chocolate pots to claret jugs. Regular admission prices are in effect and be sure to check with the musem for tmes. The exhibit runs from Oct. 23 to Jan 10.

The Comic Book show is still running, so if the X-men, Superman, or Batman are your heroes, be sure to make time to visit the show. See our last entry for details.

Ghostly bus tours are running this year, Oct. 23 to 30. Price is $23.00 and they’re narrated by John Adams, a local historian who’s made a specialty of the haunted corners of Victoria. If you’re looking for Hallowee’n fun, then this is your spot. For more information, contact Ghostly Walks and Chinatown Walks at 250-384-6698.

Big Band has never really disappeared from view, and the Victoria Symphony is proving that it’s still alive and wonderful! Oct 22 to 24 you can hear conductor/trombonist David Martin’s loving tribute to three great band leaders, featuring the swinging arrangements of Glen Miller, the gorgeous lyric playing of Tommy Dorsey, and the hot jazz of Jack Teagarden. For ticket information or to purchase tickets please contact the Box Office, in person, by phone at 250-386-6121 (Toll-free 1-888-717-6121) or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

If dance is more your thing, Romp is still playing – check our last entry for details. And Wowandflutter is opening on October 23 at the MacPherson:  Enjoy seventy-five minutes of pure dance set to a score by Brazilian/Canadian electronic-music superstar, Amon Tobin. Wildly imaginative, this fresh work for ten sensuous jazz dancers combines video, gorgeous group work and inventive partnering. For ticket information or to purchase tickets please contact the Box Office, in person, by phone at 250-386-6121 (Toll-free 1-888-717-6121) or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

We can’t think of a better way to combine science and culture than by the offering the Victoria Symphony has on Oct. 25 for kids at the Royal Theatre. Take a musical adventure through space in Music of the Spheres. Written and conducted by Music Director Tania Miler in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first use of a telescope and UNESCO’s World Year of Astronomy. For ticket information or to purchase tickets please contact the Box Office, in person, by phone at 250-386-6121 (Toll-free 1-888-717-6121) or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

And if you’re a Salmon Kings fan, be sure to be at their first home game! This is the FIRST Salmon Kings home game of the season and will be a packed house. The official ECHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks have a strong team again this year and look to have a great season ahead! For season tickets, mini-packs and group sales call Jeff at 250-220-2637 or email jeff.hill@salmonkings.com and we will see you at the opening game!

Whether you’re here for the hockey, the theatre, music or dance, or just to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Victoria and southern Vancouver Island, we here at the Admiral will be happy to welcome you and make your stay ascomfortable and relaxed as is humanly possible. Located next to the Inner harbour, we’re uper clean and our complimentary continental breakfasts include home made muffins. Rita, our head housekeeper bakes them, and they have to be tasted to be believed.! We look forward to hearing from you and in due time, welcoming you to our city and our hotel.

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If you’re quick, you can still get tickets to the October 9 Victoria Symphony’s showing of the classic Chaplin silent film, City Lights, which comes alive as the film plays above the stage while the original score is performed by the Victoria Symphony. Giuseppe Pietraroia conducts this live orchestral tour de force for a night you won’t want to miss! Special introduction by actor and artist Duncan Regehr. Dress the part for a chance to win best Chaplin look-alike.

The Chalk Garden, presented by St. Luke’s Players opens Oct 14 and runs until Oct 17, then reprises from the 21-24. We’re delighted to announce that our beloved general manager, Debra Taylor Wright is in this play.  Debra is by all accounts a talented and versatile actress, as are the rest of the cast. St. Luke’s Players have a long and outstanding history of theatrical presentations, and there’s every reason to believe that this play will be as good as everything else they’ve produced over the years. Be sure that you don’t miss this compelling, suspenseful play. Ticket, price and location information are on their website.

If opera isn’t quite what you’re looking for, Canadian Pacific Ballet’s season begins with La Source; a romantic ballet. That’s romance in all senses of the word – traditional, beautiful romantic ballet, with a romantic and elegant plot set in exotic and (yes) romantic Persia. Ursula Szkolak will dance the role of Nouredda, Ashley Evans will dance Naila, Graham McMonagle will dance Djemil and Amanda Gray will dance Morgab. Be sure to catch it on one of the two nights – Oct 17 and 18 at the MacPherson Theatre. And be sure to mark your calendars for that seasonal favourite – the Nutcracker. It’s being mounted by the Canadian Pacific Ballet this Christmas, and is sure to be a winner. Watch our blog for more information.

And for those who prefer to read we have the Victoria Comic Book show on October 18. With lots of exhibitors showing their books, there will be thousands of examples from all eras. From the hottest books of the day to hard-to-find treasures of the past. The show will feature toys, non-sports card and other collectibles as well. Come buy, sell, trade or just browse around. Free comics (while they last). Free admission. Silent auction. Looking to display/sell your comics or just want some further information, contact Glen @ 250-361-6227 or gjcomics@shaw.

Romp! Festival of Independant Dance. This annual international juried dance festival provides a microcosm of community supportive activities including live performance, emerging and established dance artists, low cost dance, classes, and art walk for dance. Festival events will be held at Metro Studio Theatre, Martin Batchelor Gallery, Ballet Victoria and Lynda Raino Dance Studio.
For a full program and tickets please contact 250-389-6059 or visit www.suddenlydance.ca.

And what would fall and winter (and spring and part of summer) be without hockey? Well, according to a lot of Canadians, including folk here at the Admiral, not much! So, we’re proud that Victoria has the Grizzlies. Part of the British Columbia Hockey league, the Grizzlies, as were the Salsa’s, the Warriors and the Cougars before them, Tier II Junior ‘A’s. Their home rink is Bear Mountain arena, and they’ll be playing there October 10 against the Burnaby Express, October 16 against the Cowichan Valley Capitals, October 17 against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, and October 21 against the Penticton Vees. They tied their last game,  5-5 against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. For more information about the Grizzlies, check their website.

If you book a seaonsal stay special with the Admiral Inn, we have a limited number of complimentary tickets to the Canadian Pacific Ballet’s production of La Source. And we would be happy to make any arrangements for any of the other events in town for you – whether that’s a lovely horse carriage ride around the Inner Harbour, a romantic dinner for two at one of Victoria’s fine restaurants, a showing of the Chalk Garden or a tour of Butchart’s Gardens. Make us your home away from home, in the beautiful downtown harbour area, and we promise you the best of service, comfortable and spotlessly clean accommodations and homebaked muffins with breakfast!

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Resorts and Lodgings.com is one of the premier hotel booking sites on the web, and they love us! Not only did they name us the number one spot a few months ago (see this blog entry ) but they have us featured on their site. Check out the link here. Be sure to click on the “video” tab and get a good look at our hotel. They’ve done a marvellous job of showing us off.

Be sure to check our specials and deals pages for the September and October specials, as well as some really great packages that we’re offering. If resorts and lodges.com says we’re great, how can you doubt it?

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If you’ve ever wanted to whale watch, or you’ve been whale watching with no luck, now is the time to come to Victoria and check out the Orcas. Fall is salmon spawning time, and some Orcas dine on nothing else – so they congregate here in Victoria to feast on the salmon returning to the streams and rivers of the island. Not only that, but the humpback whales are moving around, and this is on their migration route – so you may get to see some of the most magnificent cetacetans of the planet. And just to top off your trip, the sea lions are also migrating – and we’re on the path of two different species, both of whom like to hang out around Race Rocks. And if, like one of our employees, you happen to be out during a herring run, you might have the incredible luck to see the sea birds congregating on a small patch of sea as they hunt and eat the herring – thousands and thousands of them in less than 20 cubic feet. Be sure to check out Bev’s blog for her account of a recent whale watching trip.

If you’re coming to Victoria, we’d be glad to have you stay with us. We can book the whale tours for you, provide more hot chocolate after your trip and enthuse with you on how close the wildlife is in this beautiful city. Located on the inner harbour, we’re a short walk away from several whale watching locations, as well as most of the rest of downtown. Be sure to check out the museums and the art galleries while you’re here, and check with us for upcoming events. When you stay at the Admiral, you’ll awake refreshed, ready to enjoy all that Victoria’s downtown and downtown harbour have to offer.

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Check out our specials and deals page for a whole harvest worth of savings! We’re offering not only incredible savings on rooms and suites, but we have complimentary tickets to the ballet, the theatre, and for the kids, a “fantasy” show hosted by the Shriners. If you’re planning to come to Victoria during October, you’ll be at the right place if you stay with us. Not only do we serve homebaked muffins with the complimentary breakfast, but the rooms are ultra-clean, the view is superb, and we’re within walking distance of almost all of downtown – and we’re right next to the fabulous inner harbour. Our inner harbour accommodations will be perfect for your stay with us, whether you need business accommodation (ask about our meeting room and the service we give to business people), a weekend getaway or a proper days long vacation. This inner harbour accommodation is just waiting for you!

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