The Admiral Inn Blog

And that’s just what’s going on in Victoria this next couple of weeks. We have festivals for every taste - Greek, beer, theatre, chess festival, the Saanich Fair and our Blues Bash.

Leading off of course, is the annual Victoria Fringe Festival. Held at venues all over town it features some of the best up and coming performance artists in Canada. All venues are downtown, such as Metro Studio, Victoria Event Centre, Market Square, St. Andrew’s School and the Wood Recital Hall. There will be some pay-what-you-can shows at the Fringe Club, some random ‘happenings’, such as FringeKids Fest, Fringe Block Party, Pick of the Fringe Pancake Breakfast and other commissioned projects.

Once you’ve partaken of the culture that the theatre offers, be sure to top it up with a stop at the Blues Bash. Running from September 4 to 6, the Bash takes place at Ship’s Point in the Inner Harbour and features some of the greatest blues & R&B musicians from all over North America. Be sure to stop by and enjoy great blues!

Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to slake your thirst on Sept 10 and 11. Enjoying theatre and the blues can really dry someone out, so be sure to stop by The Great Canadian Beer Festival which has become one of the worlds must-attend beer events. People from all over the globe seek out Victoria and the GCBF every year: brewers from Australia, volunteers from England and beer lovers from all over. The little beer festival first held in 1993 has blossomed into a truly international event.
In support of C-Fax Santa’s anonymous the GCBF is held each year on the first weekend after Labour Day, with over 45 craft breweries from across Canada, Belgium and the Pacific North-Western USA and more than 7000 happy people coming together in the beautiful city of Victoria to celebrate the diversity of the brewers’ craft.  IMPORTANT! Ticket sales are online only. Tickets will go on sale at 9am Pacific Time, July 24, 2010.

And if you’re feeling like something intellectual, try the Victoria Summer Chess Fest, held at CRD square, Fisgard & Government on September 11 and 12. Beyond a chess match or tournament, this event is sure to engage and delight you. Drop down and see what they have to offer.

The kickoff to September wouldn’t be right without Greek Fest. Held on the Greek Orthodox Church grounds, right next to the Commonwealth Pool, this is a 5 day trip to Greece, without the plane fare or the jet lag. Enjoy great Greek food, drink, dancing, language and just all round good times. If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s the Greeks, and this one is well worth attending!

And if country is your thing, the be sure to be around on the 4 & 5 for the Saanich Fair - the largest agricultural fair on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This event provides lots of fun for the whole family. From farm animal judging, equestrian events, ploughing match, arts and crafts competitions, produce vendors to the ever poplular Midway, you will be entertained from morning until dark.  Located at the Saanich Fairground.

After all that activity, return to your spotlessly clean, quiet and homey room here at the Admiral Inn & Suites for a quiet night, and awake refreshed and ready to see more of the wonderful festivals, events and activities that we have going on in the City of Gardens. Cheap at twice the price, our hotel is your home away from home and we look forward to welcoming you and making your stay memorable and relaxing.

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It’s that time again – Fringe Festival is getting underway and we’re all geared up to enjoy it. The 24th Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival promises to be a non-stop, twelve-day explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance from around the world. All venues are downtown, such as Metro Studio, Victoria Event Centre, Market Square, St. Andrew’s School and the Wood Recital Hall.
There will be some pay-what-you-can shows at the Fringe Club, some random ‘happenings’, such as FringeKids Fest, Fringe Block Party, Pick of the Fringe Pancake Breakfast and other commissioned projects.

For the nature lovers in our midst, and this wonderful summer weather brings out the nature lover in just about all of us, we have a couple of really exciting events for you.  For the early risers and the water lovers, join with CRD Regional Parks interpreters at Elk and Beaver lakes for a paddle through early morning mist searching for eagles, herons, turtles and other lake life. Canoe equipment and instruction are provided, and no experience is necessary. You must pre-register: $15.00 + tax/person; $8.50 + tax/person (children 5-14 yrs and adult non-paddlers). Call 250-478-3344.

If that’s too wet or early for you, then perhaps you’d be interested in a forest feast. Drop in at the Francis/King Nature Centre between 1100am and 200pm for a celebration of wild plants and their many uses. CRD Regional Parks naturalists will have activities, displays and guided walks in the park to celebrate the richness of our West Coast forests. Meet at the Nature Centre off Munn Road. All ages.

If theatre is more your style, or you want something to do after the sun goes down, trek up to Chemanius for the Guys and Dolls - on until Sept 11. One of the best musicals ever written, it’s sure to be a foot tapping, heart warming pleaser, especially after a day spent with nature.

Whether you spend your days in the parks or on (and in) the lakes and oceans, walking or biking the wonderful trails around the city, or shopping and visiting the major toursit attractions, be sure to check into the Admiral Inn & Suites before you begin your adventures. Our spotless, warm and comfortable (and cheap) rooms will assure you of a wonderful night’s sleep and you’ll awake refreshed and ready to tackle another day of nature, culture and fun here in the City of Gardens. Be sure to check out our very special September rates and special deals, either here on our deals page, or on our website, and book your vacation with us now. Our friendly, warm and courteous staff will be delighted to welcome you and make sure your stay is a high point of your life.

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It may have rained yesterday, but the sun is back today, and with it a glorious, event filled summer. Not that the rain stopped anything in the city yesterday – not at all! But the coming weeks are packed full of great things to see and do.

First up is next weekend, August 13-15. Put time aside for the 16th annual Dragon Boat festival. That’s right, this event is 16 years old, and sweet it is! There are all kinds of events going on all through the weekend at Ship’s Point in the Inner Harbour, from the eye painting to kick off the festival, to the air guitar competition on Saturday evening to the carnation toss Sunday afternoon.

If you enjoy dance, you might want to show up at Centennial Square, the Cameron Bandshell, the Victoria Arts Connection, Alix Goolden Hall, or Metro Theatre for the Victoria Tango Festival. There’s a three day extravaganza of tango activities, music concerts, lectures and dance performances by international, Canadian and local artists from August 4 – 8. Concerts feature tango classics and tango blended with other cultural art forms and cutting edge contemporary work. Contact for more information: (250) 418-8898.

And last, but certainly not least – if you’re a fan of B films, or think you’d like to be, then show up at the Cameron Band Shell in Beacon Hill park August 6, 7, 14, 21, 27 or 28 and enjoy B-movies from the “Family-Friendly” to the “Funky and Fun.”

Whether you attend one of these events, or all of them, if you book a room at the Admiral Inn and Suites, we can guarantee that we’re within 15 minutes walk (usually much less) of every single venue listed here. In fact, if you book one of our Best View rooms for next weekend, you can probably sit on the balcony and watch the dragon boat races from the hotel. Our prices are cheap at twice the price, we’re the cleanest hotel in town, and we’re the only place that can boast a harbour view from both the front AND back of the hotel. We’re quiet (awake refreshed is our motto) yet central to almost everything that goes on in the city core. Call today, or visit our website and book your holiday with us.

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Either with the Canadian Pacific Ballet, or at Symphony Splash, or at the Electronic Music Festival the weekend coming up is full of music, and you need to be everywhere to hear it!

First up – don’t forget that Symphony Splash is happening this weekend, at the Inner Harbour, near the Pariliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. Come down early and stake out your space, because by 7 pm, when the Victoria Symphony starts to play, it’s going to be some crowded. Unless, of course, you’ve already booked a room or suite with us, and are sitting, comfortably and with a cool drink in your hand on your balcony, watching the sights and enjoying the music. But book fast, becuase we always sell out on that weekend.

If the symphony isn’t your thing, then try the Electronic Music Festival, a non-profit event. Now in its 7^th year, VEMF is expected to attract 15,000+ people this BC Day long weekend. A showcase of cutting edge DJ’s, Producers, and live acts both locally and abroad, VEMF will take place at Centennial Square on Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1. It’s free and features an exceptional artist lineup, VEMF Interactive seminars, a beer garden, and much more.

For a taste of both old and new, dance and music, under the open sky, Canadian Pacific Ballet is showcasing “Dochas” July 27 and 28, and Fandangos August 3 and 4, 10 and 11. CPB is an up and coming dance company and they’ve put on some wonderful performances. Be sure to enjoy their latest offerings, at Market Square!

Don’t forget that the Girls Fastpitch softball provincial tournament is coming up early this month, too. Hosted by our own local Daredevil’s this should be an exciting event.

Whether you’re here for the regular attractions – Butchart’s Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, or the hidden gems, like Fan Tan Alley and the Abkahzi Gardens, be sure to take in some of the incredible activities around our town. And when you’re done your day, what better place to lay your head, than our cheap and extraordinarily clean and cozy room or suite here at the Admiral? You’ll awake refreshed, with a substantial continental breakfast awaiting you (including boiled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and juices), ready for another wonderful day of vacation. And if you’re here on business, we have suites that you can use for meetings of two or three, and a small boardroom ideal for a business gathering of 5 to 10. We can arrange for coffee breaks with home made muffins as well, just speak to our front desk staff for details.

We look forward to welcoming you, on business or pleasure, to the Admiral!

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It’s that time of year again – get ready for Symphony Splash! Yes, this August 1, right next door (for all  practical purposes) to the Admiral, the barge will be anchored, the instruments will be tuned, and if you’re here, you can enjoy an evening of wonderful music courtesy of our own Victoria Symphony. If you book now (and space is already limited – we always sell out on Symphony Splash weekend!) you can sit on the evening of August 1, on your own patio or balcony, enjoying the company of your companions, a glass of wine or scotch (or your choice of beverage) and listen in total comfort. But be sure not to miss this annual event.

 And come out to Athletic Park to welcome our own Victoria Seals home after a marathon road trip where they smashed their final opponents 17-7. They’re facing Yuma this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so come out for some really great ball!

If country western music is your thing, then be sure to catch the Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s production of the Canadian Classic Hank Williams – The Show He Never Gave. Can you imagine what thoughts ran through his mind as he lay in the backseat of his Cadillac before a concert in Ohio on December 31, 1952? Playwright Maynard Collins did and the result was this hugely popular Canadian musical which has wowed audiences throughout North America. You’ll hear and see classic Hank Williams hits performed – Jambalaya, I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) and Hey Good Lookin’.

And for you dog lovers out there, do you enjoy watching well-trained dogs work with their people? Be at the RCMP building at the Saanich Fairgrounds on July 25, to enjoy the Musical Canine Freestyle and Dressage Competition. Great entertainment! Guaranteed fun for the whole family! Musical Canine Freestyle simply involves the handler and the dog moving in creative ways to music, and includes some tricks and some obedience moves. Canine Dressage is also performed to music and involves the dog and handler working closely with one another. Both are fun for the dog, the handler and most of all, the audience. 

Summer in Victoria is full of wonderful activities for everyone, and we have something for just about every taste and interest. When you’re exhausted from all the sights, sounds and movements you’ve been enjoying all day, come and rest in one of the Admiral’s spotlessly clean and quiet rooms and suites. We promise you’ll awake refreshed, and your pocketbook won’t be injured in the process! We’re cheap at twice the price. Not only are our rooms clean, but our staff are friendly, informative, knowledgable and attentive without being overbearing. Check us out and be sure to remember to return – we’d love to see you again and again at your ‘home away from home.’

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And it sure is this week. Don’t miss the gorgeous summer weather with lots of sun, wind, fresh air and lots and lots to do!

Leading off this weekend is the Deuce Days - those wonderful hot rods are parked down by the Empress and the Parliament Buildings. Be sure to see them over this weekend and enjoy every one of them.

The TD Art Gallery Paint In (for us old-timers, that’s the Moss Street Paint In) is on this Saturday from 11 till 4. Come out and see some of Victoria’s best artists display their work on Moss Street, from the Gallery on down to Clover Point at the foot of Moss. Lots of people, lots of art, lots of good, good times.

If fabric arts are what thrill you, then be sure to drop into the Art Gallery, to view SMASH, International Indigenous Weaving that will showcase work from the Coast Salish, Micmaq, American Southwest, Alaskan, and Hawaiian regions. Exhibit runs until late August.

An American Classic! Brimming with the steamy sexuality of New Orleans, A Streetcar named Desire has continued to move audiences since its premiere in New York in 1947. Brought to you by the creative team that gave you last season’s critically acclaimed Death of a Salesman, with Tim Campbell as Stanley Kowalski, this production also reunites Thea Gill, as Blanche Dubois, and director Brian Richmond – the actor/director duo who first teamed up on the critical and box office smash hit Proof at the Belfry Theatre.

But we can’t neglect dance. The Canadian Pacific Ballet is once again hosting “Ballet under the Stars” Canadian Pacific Ballet opens Victoria’s premiere summer dance event July 20 in Market Square. Ballet under the Stars runs for 6 weeks, every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, featuring three different repertoires of classical and romantic ballet excerpts. This year’s repertoire will include Dying Swan and Black Swan Pas de Deux, the Pas de Trois from La Bayadere Act II, a new pas de deux ‘Circus Pas’ and a re-staging of the 1982 ballet ‘Dochas’.  To find out when specific ballets will be performed, to buy tickets and to find out all other event details please call 250-380-2522 or email info@canadianpacificballet.org.

And finally, the Victoria Seals, our own baseball club, will be home for games on July 23 – their first game back is on the 23 against the Yuma Scorpions. Don’t miss the excitement of pro ball right here at Athletic Park!

The Admiral Inn is located on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbour and is one of the cities most sought after accommodations. Our rooms and suites are spotlessly clean, cheap at twice the price and our comfortable beds will ensure you awake refreshed.We are within walking distance of all of the downtown tourist attractions, ideal for a family vacation, couple getaway or business visit. Please contact us through our website for more information regarding rates, specials and discounts. The Admiral is also pet friendly and we love kids.

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We are at full swing here in Victoria, with all kinds of things going on everywhere. Whether your interest is in sports, like baseball (either amateur or pro), or soccer, history, music, theatre or shopping we have it all and then some.

Let’s start off with something new. From July 26 – 30, at the University of Victoria, there’s a new marketplace – Archangel Marketplace. If you’re interested in Christian music, handcrafts (including some gorgeous glasswork), books (including booksignings by two of Victoria’s Orthodox Christian authors: The Rev. Dr. Wee Chon Tan & Bev. Cooke), icons (including a talk given by internationally recognized iconographer Heather MacKean), this is the place to be.  Located at University of Victoria, Student Union Building, Michele Pujol Room, the marketplace will be open from noon to 7 pm every day.

If it’s music you’re after, then check out the SKA festival at the Inner Harbour tonight and tomorrow night. The 11th annual festival is the most popular event the group has held and the music is hot.

Baseball season is here, if you haven’t noticed. While our own Golden Victoria Seals are on the road till the 24, at the end of the month the Victoria Devil’s Bantam Girls are hosting the Provincial Fastpitch Softball Tournament. If you want to see some excellent baseball, be sure to attend some of the Fastpitch games between rooting for our own Victoria Seals!

From July 16 to 18, if you’re a car buff, be sure to check out Deuce Days - the Duece Coupe, fabled in story and song (well, song at least – who doesn’t remember the Beach Boy’s Little Deuce Coupe?) in front of the Empress and the Parliament Buildings.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to stop in at the Provincial museum for “Good Timber” a multi-media, singing and acting extravaganza that celebrates the logging history of BC. Running July 2 – August 28, the show features numerous Victoria actors, musicians and musical directors. Be sure to check it out.

If you like walking and you want a slightly different slant on history, you might be interested in the Historic Walking Tour of Jewish Victoria. Explore over 150 years of Jewish heritage on this 2 hour tour. A tour guide from the Jewish Museum and Archives of BC will provide insight into the landmarks, architecture, events and evolution of downtown Victoria, while sharing anecdotes of Jewish daily life in the area. Landmarks include Jewish businesses, the Masonic Temple and Congregation Emanu-El, the oldest Synagogue in continual use in Canada. Notable Jewish men and women are also explored. Tours begin at 1194 Langley Street at Bastion Square.

And if you still have time and energy after all that, and you fancy a game of chess in the lovely summer weather we’re finally enjoying, head over to Willows Beach in Oak Bay on Saturdays from noon to 2, or the CRD square, at Fisgard & Governments on Sundays from 1-4.

That’s just a taste of the activities in the city right now. Be sure to stay with us, at the Admiral, where you can be busy and active all day, then come to our spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms and suites and awake refreshed, enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast before heading out to catch more of the wonderful Victoria summer. We look forward to welcoming you and helping to make your visit to the City of Gardens such a memorable and relaxing event that you come back to visit year after year.

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Enjoying Jazzfest? We hope so. We are, and not just because the city is full of people. But maybe jazz isn’t your thing, so here are some more activities going on in and around Victoria for the next couple of weeks:

Feel like travelling in time? Want to go back to when men were men and dragons were plentiful? When the court jester wore motely and bells, and the gowns were of velvet and linen, and possibly, if you were very very rich and aristocratic enough, silk? Make sure you’re on Fort Rodd Hill between June 27 and July 3 as the Pacific Association for recreating the Middle Ages demonstrates medieval crafts, activities and dress.

Join Naden Band, Stephanie Greaves and Ken Lavigne at the Royal Theatre on June 23 as they perform songs of the sea and that are the favourites of sailors.

And while you’re in Victoria, be sure to plan a trip to Chemanius to take in Guys and Dolls at the Chemanius theatre. Ten Tonys, seven Laurence Olivier and six Drama Desk Awards make this show an undeniable hit! Enjoy Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat, Luck Be A Lady and Take Back Your Mink along with the unforgettable Sky Masterson, Sarah Brown and Miss Adelaide – it’s a show that has been described as the perfect musical comedy. Gangsters, card sharks, night club headliners and the Salvation Army fall in, and out, and back in love again, in this high octane New York fable.

But be sure to come back to Victoria, and stay with us, the Admiral Inn, your home away from home, where you awake refreshed and can enjoy our substantial continental breakfast on the patio, or in our lounge. We have a room, or a suite just for you, so call today and reserve with us.

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That’s right – Jazzfest Victoria is coming up – June 25 to July 4. Be sure to book your stay now, because we, along with most of the rest of the city’s hotels are almost booked up.  An it’s no wonder when you see the line up for this year! It’s an amazing collection of local and international talent that you’re going to love to listen to, dance to, BE to. Among the stellar performers:

Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, Katzenjammer,

Joe Coughlin,

Terry Clarke Trio, Joshua Redman’s New Quartet James Farm, Maureen Washington, Gilllian Stone, and our own

Vic High R&B band. And if you think high school kids can’t compete with some of the talent the jazzfest brings, think again – these kids are phenomenal! That’s not even half the list of major talent that will be occupying the city for the fest. Don’t miss it!

If Jazz isn’t your thing, or isn’t your only thing, then on July 19, Crystal Journey will make a stop at the beautiful Alix Goolden Performance Hall, with Special Guest “Lee Simmons” from the Secret World of Crystals, who will project images of photos taken of the inside of Crystals, an amazing and beautiful addition to the music.

We love music at the Admiral, whether it’s the ska, jazz, blues, classical, hip hop, Big band, pop & rock or easy listening. People making melodious noise is our thing. Come listen to the the wonderful music Victoria has to offer, and awake refreshed after a night in one of our extra clean and quiet rooms.

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As you already know, this is the summer of the Canadian Navy. Join us in celebrating one hundred years of being afloat through peace and war, thick and thin. For a limited time, the Admiral is offering a special deal to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families, and the members of international armed forces and their families. From June 9-14, a standard room goes for $95.00 – cheap at half the price! And a suite or a Best View room is only $135.00. Rates are based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

The reason we’re offering such a great deal to the members of the armed forces is due to the International Fleet Review which is being held June 9-14. Even if you’re not a member of the armed forces, come and stay at the Admiral and enjoy the twenty-eight navies of the Indo-Pacific region. We’re anticipating more than 15 visiting ships and an estimated 10-12 thousand sailors will be guests in the city.
The Victoria Ship Point centre will act a s a transportation hub for visiting sailors and as an introduction to the services available around the Inner Harbour area.

The schedule for the International Fleet Review:

Wednesday and Thursday, June 9 and 10: 

Visiting Navy ships arrive at Esquimalt Harbour and Royal Roads anchorage area.  A Naval Parade of Nations through downtown Victoria will feature visiting sailors. The Parade, to be led by a 32 person Canadian Navy contingent along with the Naden Band, will begin and end at Ship Point.  Once the ships have moved to Royal Roads, the public will be treated to an evening fireworks display.

Saturday, June 12:
After the Ceremonial Fleet Review watch for a SkyHawks parachute demonstration (11:30 – 11:50am), a fly-past of Canadian Forces Aircraft (12:00 – 12:30pm), and a Snowbirds show (12:30 – 1:30pm).

Sunday, June 13: 
 Local sports groups and sailors of the Canadian Pacific Fleet host the international sailors at a series of sports and recreational events including cricket, rugby, and soccer.

At the Admiral, it’s natural that we are proud of the Canadian Navy and are excited at the celebrations that have been planned. Come and stay with us, adjacent to Victoria’s beautiful downtown inner harbour and enjoy restful and quiet sleep in our sparkling clean and quiet rooms and suites. Even if you’re not in the armed forces, our prices are cheap and our amenities can’t be beat.

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