A Coolcation Shaped by Ocean, Air, Forest, and Slow Adventure As global temperatures rise, Victoria, B.C. offers a cooler summer escape shaped by ocean air, forest landscapes, and slow adventure. As climate patterns shift and a potentially strong El Niño is expected to influence global weather through 2026 and into 2027, bringing increased temperatures and … Read more
Savour the Wild Unveils Savoured Here: A Cinematic Exploration Backed by TELUS STORYHIVE, the six-part docuseries is supported by partners including Volkswagen, Weber, Blundstone, BC Dairy, Search & Rescue Denim, and House of Epula with screenings and activations planned across B.C. Savour the Wild, the immersive culinary experience founded by Chef Colton Armstrong-Ashley and Creative Director … Read more
In Conversation With Jesse Dame | Birdman Jesse Dame is a Vancouver Island-born entrepreneur, restaurateur, and founder of Cottage Hospitality Group. With nearly 30 years in hospitality, he has worked with globally recognized brands including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Walt Disney World before returning to Victoria to open Wind Cries Mary, Rudi, and Birdman. … Read more
Magnolia Hotel & Spa Unveils Refreshed Diamond Guestrooms Original artworks and thoughtful design at Victoria’s leading boutique hotel The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is unveiling its newly refreshed Diamond guestrooms, offering an elegant haven in the heart of Victoria. The redesign introduces a calm, residential atmosphere with modern touches, creating a space where guests can … Read more
Usually I like to dine twice at any restaurant before I write a review, but often this is not possible. This time it was my second time reviewing Ugly Duckling. The first time I had the honour of reviewing the exclusive L’Abattoir x | Ugly Duckling | Gastown Meets Chinatown last November. Two champions of … Read more
The Island Restaurant Collective: Chef-Led Group Spotlights Vancouver Island’s Culinary Identity Through Collaboration and Community West Coast chefs head to Calgary for first collaborative dinner: March 4, 2026 A group of esteemed Vancouver Island chefs and restaurateurs has come together with a shared goal: to strengthen community, celebrate regional ingredients, and help define Vancouver Island’s … Read more
Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country Partners with Victoria’s Ugly Duckling for a Special Collaboration Dinner Wednesday, February 25 at 6pm Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country brings the warmth and flavours of the South Okanagan to Vancouver Island with Savour the Sun Victoria, an intimate wine dinner in partnership with Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions on Wednesday, February … Read more
This past week I had the pleasure and opportunity to taste the wines from both Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Unsworth Vineyards. The event was billed as Pinot & Pizza and held at Pinhalla (a pinball pizzeria) located in downtown Victoria’s Chinatown. It was indeed a rather intriguing approach and an interesting invitation for sure. I think … Read more
New Partnership Offers Harbour Air Travellers the Opportunity to earn Aeroplan points on eligible Harbour Air Flights Harbour Air, one of the most efficient and scenic ways to travel across coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, has partnered with Aeroplan giving travellers a new way to earn Aeroplan points every time they fly … Read more
I can’t wait to bring this menu to life with beautiful wines.