Prince of Whales has been providing exciting, educational whale-watching experiences in the beautiful Salish Sea since 1993. Come down to the inner harbour and see why We’re Victoria’s choice!

Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry Our mandate - To foster and promote the development of the audiovisual industry in Canada. Our vision - Telefilm and Canada, Partner of Choice. Our driving goal - Bringing Canadian creativity to the world. A proud champion of Canadian talent and stories, at home and abroad, Telefilm has been at the heart of the Canadian audiovisual industry for more than half a century.

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.”

Creative BC brings a strategic and integrated approach to the growth and development of the province's creative industries.

The CRD plays a key role in providing services that can be delivered efficiently and effectively through region-wide or shared service delivery models. These include the regional water supply, solid waste,wastewater treatment, regional parks, housing, 911 call answer, and recreation facilities. With more than 200 service, infrastructure and financing agreements with municipalities and electoral areas, the CRD delivers services in the following categories: regional, where all municipalities and electoral areas are served sub-regional, where two or more jurisdictions are served local, in the electoral areas where the CRD is the local government In addition, the CRD owns and operates the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), a nonprofit provider of 1,418 affordable rental units within seven municipalities, and administers the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD). The CRHD invests in traditional health care services and provides capital funding for health care infrastructure, such as health facilities and hospital equipment.

Capital City of British Columbia Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, on the homelands of the Songhees and Esquimalt People, Victoria is a forward- thinking, active community. The city is home to a dynamic, thriving economy and vibrant arts and culture scene, with an unparalleled natural environment enjoyed by residents and visitors. It’s a place where sustainability, health and well-being are the cornerstones of creating a prosperous future.

The BC Arts Council (BCAC) was created in 1995 as an agency of the Province of British Columbia under the Arts Council Act. The BCAC nurtures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities across British Columbia. From community arts in rural and urban centres, to individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, art galleries, local museums and music festivals – BCAC supports a range of activities while engaging with artists and communities to inform policies and programs.

B.C.'s elected leaders and public servants are here to serve the citizens of B.C. and they're held accountable for their actions and decisions that impact residents. Learn about the different government bodies, the people that staff them and the work that they do.

Victoria Film Festival's host hotel partner. Only 5 minutes’ walk from the Inner Harbour, the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria offers a restaurant and bar on site. A mini market provides additional convenience. Free WiFi is available.

A family-owned and operated development and real estate investment firm, we specialize in commercial rentals to small businesses and in community-focused residential developments. People are at the forefront of who we are and what we do, and we’re proud to play an important role in developing strong, vibrant communities.

We create radically contemporary pieces built to last generations. Designed and crafted in british Columbia from the world's finest wood, each piece is a statement - bold in form, precise in detail, and uncompromising in quality

The Union Club of British Columbia came to Victoria on an early spring day in April of 1879, when a group of gentlemen met over Van Volkenburg’s butcher shop on the southeast corner of Yates and Government Streets, and founded the Union Club of British Columbia. Two of the more prominent members of the group, Sir Frank Barnard, K.C.M.G., and Mr. H.E. Croasdaille, were persuaded to canvas among friends considered congenial as Members. The result of the canvas proving satisfactory, the meeting was called to order and by unanimous vote, Sir Matthew Baillie-Begbie, C.J., was prevailed upon to become the Club’s first President.

Print Hole is an independent art studio based in Victoria, British Columbia, founded in 2020 by relief printmaker Austin. The business specializes in handmade traditional and contemporary printmaking, with a focus on linocut and woodblock printing.

creativity’s sake that encourages guests to flick switches, press buttons and explore the array of wild sounds, pulsating music and blinking lights on a variety of tech-retrofitted-vintage-interactive-art-machines. The Artcade is a bigger, better, bleepier interactive art show that expands upon Magnificent Musical Mutant Machines, a favourite of the 2024 Victoria Winter Arts Festival, which ran for a few weeks in the winter of 2024. Showcasing sounds and sculptural installations from local composers, DJs, and artists, while also providing their own boops and beeps, Monkey C’s Artcade is a living exhibition - new machines, creative evolutions and mutations will be added over time. Follow our socials to see it grow. A fun and delightful experience for all ages, an art-exhibit that’s intended to be played with. Rediscover wonder, embrace the unexpected. Play with Strangers. Beep Boop!

We are an integrated developer, owner and manager of premium commercial real estate in Victoria, BC. We provide our clients with market-leading space solutions through responsive management services and an unwavering commitment to high quality construction and maintenance practices. We are deeply rooted in the Victoria community and take a long-term approach to everything we do.

The Gage Gallery is a beautiful gem situated in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia. We are 22 local contemporary artists dedicated to creating an inspiring venue where we exhibit and sell our artwork as well as engage with community in meaningful ways around art and culture. With rotating solo and group exhibitions mounted every three weeks in our Main Gallery, there is always something new and exciting to discover. Our styles range from vivid abstraction to expressive representation, west coast landscape painting to sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and more. Our member gallery features an array of paintings and sculptures by collective members along with prints and art cards at very affordable prices. A special “Gage” bonus: there is always an artist present to chat with you. Admission is always free!

Star Cinema is a beloved independent, community-focused movie theatre located in the seaside town of Sidney, British Columbia. Known for its warm atmosphere and famous popcorn, it has been a cornerstone of local culture on the Saanich Peninsula for over 25 years.

We are a locally-owned and operated restaurant group that strives to showcase what’s local and seasonal by utilizing the ingredients produced by our sustianable 10 acre farm. Our farm, located in North Saanich, just 20 minutes from our downtown locations, provides our guests with a locally focsued culinary experience. We are dedicated to presenting thoughtful, innovative, creative and delicious dishes at each of our unique dining locations by showcasing the high- quality, seasonal ingredients from the 10 Acres farm and other local suppliers. 10 Acres Farm & Restaurants offers 4 unique dining locations to chose from; 2 in the busy hub of downtown Victoria, and 2 in the quaint seaside town of Sidney. With 4 unique dining locations you can choose the location & type of experience that best suits your culinary desires.

Spinnakers is the Oldest Brewpub in Canada. It opened for business May 15, 1984! Island Made. Spinnakers has always believed that the measure of a good pub is in its ability to serve a good meal along with a good pint. Over the last 31 years, we have always supported farm to table eating, and have partnered with over 35 local farmers and producers who supply us with fresh, local foods all year long. We seek ingredients with good stories behind them, and our team brings it all together with their passion to make Spinnakers an authentic taste of Vancouver Island. It is the abundance of healthy, delicious food available in our part of the world that inspired Spinnakers to embrace the local food movement before it became a movement. Our commitment to the food of Southern Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and our surrounding waters shines through in everything we do. At Spinnakers we are proud to be an icon of local sustainability. Consistently voted: Best of Victoria by Newsgroup reader polls, Best Pub by Victoria chapter of Campaign for Real Ale, Best Pub food by EAT Magazine, and Fodor’s choice for Victoria accommodations.

Dirty Laundry Vineyard is an award-winning Kelowna winery known for its cheeky attitude and excellent Okanagan wine. Our unique, fun-filled atmosphere make us one of the most popular wineries in Summerland. Open seven days a week come by to dine at our winery restaurant with sweeping views of the vineyard and Okanagan valley. Craving our Okanagan wine year-round? Join our BC Wine Club. At Dirty Laundry Vineyard, you can expect FOOD & DRINK, live entertainment, excellent wine tasting and exciting wine events. We have it all

Excellent food, top notch service and unrivaled views of the harbour. Our facility is located on the waters edge, right across from the Fairmont Empress. We offer large portion sizes, large selection of items, quality and good value. Milestones has familiar food with a unique twist.

Famed as Canada’s Castle on the Coast, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria is an award-wining British Columbia hotel and National Historic Site dating back to 1908. With unparalleled views over the Inner Harbour, this historic hotel is where contemporary convenience meets iconic luxury and classic British styling. Our Victoria hotel is a distinguished city hideaway with 431 tasteful rooms and suites, including our 'hotel-within-a-hotel' Fairmont Gold accommodations, a fine-dining restaurant, and the best afternoon tea in Victoria, BC.

At Hey Happy we love people, we love creativity and most of all we LOVE coffee. Our coffees are treated with respect and an uncompromising touch. Here, coffee isn’t just a commodity. At Hey Happy we treat it as it truly is, a beverage every bit as complex and profound as the finest wines and spirits in the world. It’s all in the details. The roasters with whom we work; the local businesses with whom we partner. From our house made cashew milk to our famous signature drinks. Design and atmosphere. Jazz and funk. It's in the details. And it's these details that blend together seamlessly to create the sensory experience that is Hey Happy.

Barrelhouse Brine was formed with foodies in mind, sharing a passion for premium unique pickled experiences. We enthusiastically search for and partner with small family owned farms on Vancouver Island to grow the fresh ‘100mile‘ heritage produce found in each hand-packed and numbered jar. We love making people happy doing what we love to do. To make a a truly great pickle only takes a few simple ingredients, fresh organically grown produce, fantastic salt, the right vinegar and a little culinary talent

Yalla is a Family owned restaurant where we bring great flavors of Middle Eastern food from many different countries. From our most ordered item persian shawarma to the most flavorful side (side brussel sprout), every dish is made here at Yalla with love and joy. We are open to any suggestions and ideas our customers share with us and our goal is to make your day a little bit more enjoyable.

Frank’s Honey Bun Cafe is a unique, casual dining establishment located in the heart of downtown Victoria, British Columbia. It is well-known for its eclectic fusion of traditional North American breakfast comfort food and authentic Chinese cuisine.

No Frills (styled as NOFRILLS) is a prominent Canadian discount supermarket chain owned by Loblaw Companies Limited. Established in 1978, it pioneered the "hard discount" grocery model in Canada, focusing on stripped-back operations to provide the lowest possible prices to consumers.

Based on the website and business details, Smoke2Snack is a Canadian specialty retail chain that uniquely combines a high-end vape shop with an exotic international snack market.

Singing Bowl Granola is a hand-crafted artisan granola, using organic oats from Canadian farmers, as well as many other organic and Canadian ingredients. Our small-batch granola is made with the highest quality organic oils and is only lightly sweetened with Canadian honey or maple syrup. We are proud to offer real food made with real ingredients for people who care about their health and the planet.

Part of MAiiZ Nixtamal’s mission is to provide education and resources on the importance of nixtamalization, corn and culture, actively working towards sharing this practice with all people. We connect with community members, activists and experts to share a range of knowledge, all related to corn.

Hi Five Chicken is a Canadian fast food chain established in 2016. From its inaugural location in Vancouver, it has grown to boast over 11 locations throughout the British Columbia market. The chain’s remarkable growth testifies to the journey it has undertaken and underscores its continuous expansion. The secret behind the company’s progression is the love and care we extend to our guests. We invite you to come on in and give us a Hi Five!

A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (commonly known as A&W Canada) is a leading national quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain and the second-largest burger chain in the country. While it shares its name and heritage with the American brand, A&W Canada is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated entity that is entirely independent of the U.S. chain.

The Perfect Match Wedding & Events (often associated with lead planner Vicky) is a professional wedding planning and coordination firm based in Victoria, BC. They are known for providing highly organized, stress-free planning services for couples getting married on Vancouver Island.

La Fogata Mexicana is a family-owned and operated restaurant in downtown Victoria, BC, celebrated for serving some of the most authentic Mexican "street-style" food in the city. After operating out of a smaller location for years, they recently moved to a larger, more prominent space at 1310 Douglas Street, offering more room for diners while maintaining their casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Tractor At Home Healthy meals delivered to your doorstep Stock your kitchen with wholesome ready-to-eat meals. Skip the menu planning, grocery shopping and time-consuming prep. We make nourishing meals from scratch that you’ll love!

Drawing inspiration from our small town in Western Canada's Coastal Temperate Rainforest, we are committed to handcrafting premium quality, Certified Organic spirits. NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH OUR ONLINE STORE

Deer & Dough Bakery Cafe is a local bakery and café in Victoria, British Columbia that offers homemade small‑batch baked goods, coffee, and a menu of soups, sandwiches, and salads with vegan and gluten‑free options in a bright, welcoming space. It began as a home bakery during the pandemic and has since expanded into a brick‑and‑mortar café on Fisgard Street with indoor seating and a patio.

Casa Philippine Cuisine is a cozy Filipino restaurant in Victoria, British Columbia, serving a variety of traditional Filipino dishes like adobo, pancit, and bulalo in a warm, casual setting that reflects authentic home‑style flavours. The spot also includes a convenience store element where customers can find Filipino groceries and baked goods alongside made‑to‑order meals.

LOCAL Pizza (and its other Victoria locations) is a casual pizza restaurant in Victoria, British Columbia that serves a variety of freshly made pizzas, sides, and quick take‑out meals with customizable and classic options at affordable prices. Customers appreciate its friendly service and convenient ordering for dine‑in, takeout, or delivery.

Chocolats Favoris is a Canadian artisanal chocolate maker and confectionery known for its premium chocolates, chocolate fondue products, and its signature real‑chocolate‑dipped soft‑serve ice cream available in multiple flavours at its retail shops across Canada. Founded in 1979 in Lévis, Québec, it has grown into a national brand that also focuses on sustainably sourced cocoa and offers a range of chocolate gifts and treats for customers to enjoy.

Second Slice Pizza is a casual pizza restaurant in Victoria, British Columbia that serves fresh‑made pizzas, slices, wings, and other quick meals with generous portions and affordable pricing. It’s known locally for its late‑night hours, take‑out and pickup options, and friendly service.

The Joint Pizzeria is a locally owned pizza restaurant in Victoria, British Columbia, known for its handcrafted pizzas made with quality ingredients and a menu that includes gluten‑free and other accommodating options. It serves as a casual lunch and dinner spot as well as a popular late‑night destination for locals and visitors alike.

Terra Foods is a Canadian food distribution and brand-building company that brings premium international grocery products to Canadian retailers and consumers, handling everything from logistics and marketing to sales.

Yorkshire Tea is a family-owned British tea brand known for crafting high-quality, flavourful tea blends with a focus on fairness, sustainability and strong relationships with tea growers.

Traveling to VFF from the island and beyond? Make your ride more convenient, affordable, and sustainable with car-sharing! Pick one of Modo's shared daily drives, hybrids or EVs and ride worry-free with the all-included insurance, gas and even few dedicated parking spots. Not a member yet? Sign up using the code VFFCARSHARE and get $50 free drive time to help you start.

Grüezi, Bonjour, Buongiorno, Bun di! Dear friends of Switzerland My team and I welcome you to the website of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver. It is our pleasure to represent the interests of Switzerland and of the Swiss citizens in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon and Northwest Territories. In this context, all consular services are offered at our counters. A broad range of information on consular issues, administrative procedures, as well as opening hours and contacts in case of emergency are available to Swiss citizens and friends of Switzerland through the respective links on this website. We also actively encourage exchanges in areas such as trade and investment, innovation, education, science, tourism, culture and environment. Besides this webpage, you can find us on Facebook where we publish daily news on Switzerland and inform about Swiss events taking place in Western Canada. Please "like" and "follow" us. I look forward to contributing to the further development of the relations between Switzerland and Canada and, most importantly, to the various encounters with the Swiss community, a significant player in the promotion of Swiss values throughout the consular district and beyond. Should you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your visit Andreas Rufer Consul General of Switzerland in Vancouver

The first Monk Office opened its doors in 1951 in Victoria, run by Mr. Charlie Monk who later sold the business to Ron McKenzie. It’s been in the family ever since, growing to 8 locations across Vancouver Island including a Head Office and Distribution Center in Victoria.

Depuis 20 ans, la Tournée Québec Cinéma propulse le cinéma québécois d’un océan à l’autre faisant d’elle la plus importante activité de rayonnement de notre 7e art à travers le Canada. Consciente que la plupart des communautés francophones du pays n’ont pas accès aux films québécois, franco-canadiens et autochtones sur grand écran, la Tournée bonifie la programmation de festivals existants et enrichit l’offre culturelle des communautés francophones hors Québec. Plusieurs artistes se joignent à l’aventure, créant ainsi un lieu de rencontres privilégiées avec les francophones et francophiles amoureux du cinéma d’ici. For 20 years, the Quebec Cinema Tour has propelled Quebec cinema from coast to coast, making it the most important outreach activity for our 7th art across Canada. Aware that most French-speaking communities in the country do not have access to Quebec, French-Canadian and Indigenous films on the big screen, the Tour enhances the programming of existing festivals and enriches the cultural offer of French-speaking communities outside Quebec. Several artists join the adventure, thus creating a privileged meeting place with Francophones and Francophiles who love local cinema.

What do Friedrich Nietzsche, the Brothers Grimm and Nosferatu all have in common? They all have Germanic roots. Germanic studies let you build language proficiency, explore new cultures and worldviews and even study or work in a German-speaking country.

The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) is a not-for-profit association, incorporated by an Act of Parliament. Founded in 1901, the CMPA emerged from a need for physicians to work together to support their physician colleagues. The CMPA’s tag line, Empowering Better Healthcare, underscores our enduring commitment to assist members in reducing their medical-legal risk and to contribute to improvements in the safety of care. The CMPA By-law establishes the rules that guide the conduct of the Association's affairs. The CMPA is governed by an elected council of 30 practising physicians representing specific geographical areas of Canada, as well as various clinical practices. The council is responsible for overseeing the business of the Association and to direct management concerning operational matters. The CMPA's long-held tenet of mutuality means the CMPA has a responsibility to its members, and members have a responsibility to each other and the CMPA to practise in a manner consistent with the values of the medical profession. Through this mutual commitment, the CMPA provides effective medical liability protection and offers real value to physicians. Learn more about what we do.

GARDENWORKS is a collection of unique, BC owned community garden centres offering a wide selection of beautiful plants, garden supplies, pottery & home décor as well as expert advice. We are driven to create an inspired experience for our guests. At GARDENWORKS we connect guests to nature, to growing beauty and harmony in gardens, homes and communities. Connecting people to our natural world, we inspire our guests to create greener, healthier and more vibrant communities.

In 1988, the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) became the first Senate-approved research centre at the University of Victoria. Recognizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region to Canada, the concept of a centre focusing on Asia-Pacific issues was given financial support by the Dorothy and David Lam Foundation, the Federal Secretary of State and the Provincial Government of British Columbia. Since its inception, CAPI has acted as a vital link between the University of Victoria and the Asia–Pacific region, providing programming and research initiatives that have brought together scholars from the Asia-Pacific region with those from UVic. Over three decades later, the Asia-Pacific region not only continues to of importance to Canada, but has grown in its significance.

Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites Locally Owned and Operated since 1975 For many, the best way to experience our unique harbour city is to stay in the heart of downtown. The place to feel that Victoria vibe is right here at our locally owned and operated hotel. By remaining an independent property, we stay true to our founder, Mr. Clive Piercy`s wish to treat every guest with personal attention that is hard to find elsewhere. Being authentically local also means supporting and promoting our farmers, fisherman, businesses and our arts community in our daily service to our visitors. Experience the best of Victoria through a truly local hotel.

Over 9,000 professional artists and technicians are members of IATSE Local 891, the largest IATSE local in Canada. Chartered in 1962, IATSE Local 891 represents motion picture workers throughout British Columbia and the Yukon.PRODUCTIONS because we possess everything that you require for the event that you are planning.

Robbins got its start back in 1958 when Jack Robbins, an entrepreneur at heart, founded our company as a small, one-lot business. Since then, we’ve grown to become Vancouver Island’s largest parking solutions provider, with more than 250 lots spanning all the way from Comox in the north to Victoria in the south. And even though our company has experienced incredible growth and development since those early days, four key values have always stayed the same: to offer property owning clients unique, customized parking solutions; to provide lot visitors with superior levels of customer service; to operate our business under the highest standards of professionalism and integrity; and to support and give back to our communities.

Pedersen's is committed to offering exceptional service and the highest quality rental product to events of all sizes. We provide service that exceeds expectations, innovative rental items, and expertise to help you celebrate in style.

The National Film Board of Canada is Canada's public film and digital media producer and distributor. An agency of the Government of Canada, the NFB produces and distributes documentary films, animation, web documentaries, and alternative dramas.

Founded in 2007, on Vancouver Island, Fernwood is a result of many journeys off the beaten path, carefully roasted by obsessive coffee professionals. Journeys that bring you coffee from the far corners of the world, high elevations and independent farms. A true testament to the ways of the Pacific Northwest adventure seekers.

Situated at the shore of the Salish Sea, Sidney’s historic and vibrant downtown district is the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. Locally owned storefronts, coffee shops, eateries, and more offer unique and memorable opportunities year-round. With new restaurants and retail spaces opening each year, there’s more to experience with each visit.

Thanks to your amazing generosity, the 2025 Golf for Kids Fundraising Campaign raised over $300,000! Your support is helping make Dreams come true and funding vital programs for children across Vancouver Island.
 A huge thank-you to our Title Sponsor, the Mann Group, and to all of our other sponsors, donors, and volunteers for showing what’s possible when our community comes together with heart!

Framed by elegant architecture, lovely rose and topiary gardens, scenic ponds, and cobblestone pathways, the Huntingdon Hotel and Suites (formerly Huntingdon Manor) merges the timeless ambience of early 20th-century Canadian Pacific hotels with a uniquely British character to create a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Located in the bustling heart of Victoria, BC, across the street from the Coho and Victoria Clipper ferries and a short walk from downtown and the Inner Harbour, we're surrounded by the eclectic shops, inviting coffee bars, and innovative restaurants of Canada's most romantic city.

Destroyed Cinema is an events company and film distributor located in Victoria, BC, Canada. We put on multi-medium events with a focus on DIY, underrepresented, and unconventional cinema.

Malahat SkyWalk offers the ultimate Island experience where explorers of all ages can enjoy breathtaking views and adventure, high among the trees and surrounded by the sea. Your ticket unlocks a full day of adventure and connection. Climb the Spiral Tower at your own pace, wander the elevated TreeWalk through ancient Douglas Fir and Arbutus, and race down the world-famous Spiral Slide as many times as you dare. More than just a view, Malahat SkyWalk invites you to explore, play, and connect with the stories and spirit of Vancouver Island.

Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that acts as the primary regulator for various industries and consumer transactions in British Columbia. Unlike most government agencies, it operates as an "arm’s-length" organization, meaning it is independent of the provincial government but is mandated to enforce BC’s consumer protection laws.

L’Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Sezione Culturale del Consolato Generale di Italia a Toronto, fu fondato nel 1976. È situato in una palazzina di pregio storico e di proprietà dello Stato Italiano nell’area della città prossima al campus della University of Toronto. L’Istituto è un centro di iniziative culturali ed accademiche, una scuola di lingua e civiltà italiana, una fonte di informazioni sull’Italia contemporanea, sulle sue regioni, sulle realtà territoriali locali e sulle sue molteplici eredità culturali. Presso l’Istituto ha sede una biblioteca e una videoteca italiana, mentre nella galleria vengono organizzate esposizioni d’arte, conferenze e proiezioni multimediali.

Golf for Kids is a Vancouver Island-based charity that raises funds through community support and events to help make dreams come true and support vital programs for children, families, and children’s organizations across the region. Over its 25-plus year history, it has raised millions to fund experiences, essential equipment, and services that improve quality of life for kids in need.

UBCP/ACTRA (Union of British Columbia Performers/ACTRA) is a trade union representing professional performers working in English-language film, television, radio, digital media, and other recorded media in British Columbia and the Yukon, and is an autonomous branch of the national Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. They negotiate and enforce collective agreements to secure fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections for their members, while advocating for performers’ rights and supporting industry opportunities.

Rikkard (Richard) Hansson Beck (1897–1980) was an Icelandic-born American literary scholar, teacher, writer, and poet who spent much of his career promoting Icelandic language, literature, and culture and taught Scandinavian languages and literature at the University of North Dakota, publishing numerous books and articles. After retiring to Victoria, British Columbia, he and his wife Margaret donated their extensive Icelandic and Scandinavian book collection to the University of Victoria and established a trust that supports public lectures and academic work on Icelandic culture.

The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG 669) represents camera and cinematography professionals working in film, television, and digital media across Western Canada. It provides union representation, contracts, training, and support to protect members’ rights and uphold industry standards.

TELUS Originals (via watch.telusoriginals.com) is TELUS’s online platform for streaming social-purpose Canadian and Indigenous documentaries and docuseries that showcase diverse, locally reflective stories, especially from British Columbia and Alberta. The content is part of a broader TELUS initiative that funds and shares impactful independent films and series for free online and through TELUS TV services.

Sanctuary Whisky is a handcrafted Canadian single malt whisky made on Vancouver Island in British Columbia using locally grown barley that’s malted, fermented, distilled, and aged in a mix of bourbon, wine, and beer casks to create a distinct coastal-inspired spirit. The brand emphasizes small-batch production and artisanal quality, reflecting the rugged West Coast terroir in its flavour and experience.

Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites is a luxury waterfront hotel and suite property in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, offering spacious rooms and condo-style suites with spectacular views of the Inner Harbour. It provides comfortable accommodations with amenities like fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and easy walking access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

The Leonardo Da Vinci Centre is a cultural and community venue in Victoria, British Columbia that celebrates Italian heritage by hosting social events, language classes, and community gatherings while also offering hall rentals for weddings, parties, and other functions. It serves as a hub for Italian culture and community activities in the region.

YYJ.ca is the official website for Victoria International Airport (airport code: YYJ)—the major airport serving Victoria and southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia—and is operated by the not-for-profit Victoria Airport Authority. It provides travellers with information on flights, airlines, destinations, airport services, parking, and travel planning, and highlights the airport’s role as a key regional transportation hub connecting the area to destinations across North America.

Good Things Consignments is a long‑established consignment store in Victoria, British Columbia that specializes in selling high‑quality pre‑owned items—from antiques and collectibles to household goods and art—helping them find new homes. It operates on a consignment model where sellers and the store share proceeds, and is known locally for its ever‑changing curated inventory.

La Société francophone de Victoria (SFV) is a not‑for‑profit community organization in Victoria, British Columbia that promotes and celebrates French language and Francophone culture by offering social, cultural, and educational activities, events, language services, and community support. It brings together the local French‑speaking community, provides resources like a French library and bulletin board, and hosts cultural programming to enrich Francophone life in the region.

BC’s First Private TV Station Celebrates 60 Years in Broadcasting At 5pm on December 1, 1956 CHEK-TV, B.C.’s first privately owned television station and affiliate of the CBC network, hit the airwaves. Over the next six decades, the station’s identity, logo design and network affiliations changed numerous times, until in September of 2009, CHEK became North America’s first and only employee-owned television station. In the last 60-years the evolution of CHEK has come full circle. Live television of the past gave way to film, videotape and satellite feeds, only to find its way back to the energy and spontaneity of ‘live’ news broadcasts. Throughout the station’s incredible history it has continued to produced popular local programs relevant to viewers on Vancouver Island. Most of the station-produced programs in the early days were primarily entertainment shows such as the TV House Party Show in 1956, the Ida Clarkson Show from 1962 to 1991 and Club 6 where local teens could come and try the latest dance moves every afternoon ‘live’ in the CHEK studio located on Epsom Drive in Victoria. From the days of CHEK-TV’s founding father Charlie White to the present-day employee-owners, CHEK has a rich legacy of producing local news, weather and sports as well as information programming including the current crop of productions like Cookin’ on The Coast hosted by Garrett Schack, The Wealthy Life with Sybil Verch, Trend with Amy McGeachy and of course the time-honoured CHEK Around with Gordie Tupper, to highlight just a few. Over the past six decades, CHEK has grown to meet the ever-changing needs of advertisers and audiences. Gone are the days of live commercials, where the message was more important than the length. Today, CHEK’s award winning Creative Services department captures an advertiser’s message in a precise highly-crafted, 30 or 15 second spot that is often complimented by on-line advertising. CHEK has been part of the fabric of the communities it serves since 1956, and continues to provide viewers with compelling and comprehensive news coverage from all across Vancouver Island seven days a week. Giving back has also been a major part of the station’s 60-year history. CHEK continues to dedicate its people, airtime and resources to countless events and causes. Thank you for watching and supporting CHEK!

The Times Colonist is the oldest daily newspaper in Western Canada. It was created by the 1980 merger of the British Colonist, which started in 1858, and the Victoria Daily Times, which began publishing in 1884. The British Colonist was founded by Amor De Cosmos, who went on to become the second premier of British Columbia. The newspaper has chronicled the history of Victoria and Vancouver Island from the gold rush days of the 1850s to Victoria's present status as a thriving capital city and an international tourist destination. Today, the Times Colonist is the dominant medium in the B.C. capital, reaching a quarter of a million households every week. The newspaper's lively blend of local news and informed commentary make it a must-read for Victorians who want to know what is happening in the capital and on Vancouver Island. The Times Colonist has also been recognized provincially and nationally with awards for its investigative reporting, editorials and beat coverage, and timescolonist.com, the newspaper's website, delivers breaking news and other multimedia content to a growing number of readers nearly 24/7. The newspaper's strong connections with the community stretch back almost to its inception. The Christmas Fund has been delivering Christmas cheer to the needy for more than half a century, the TC 10K is the second largest run in the province, and the Times Colonist Book Drive has raised more than $5 million for literacy projects in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. The Times Colonist publishes in print six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, and online 365 days per year.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (branded as CBC/Radio-Canada) is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Established as a federal Crown corporation in 1936, its mandate is to "inform, enlighten, and entertain" Canadians through predominantly Canadian content.