Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Music and Dance
Pacific Opera Victoria (250/385-0222, www.pov.bc.ca ) performs three productions each
year (usually Oct.-Apr.) in the McPherson Playhouse. Tickets run $25-75. The Victoria
Operatic Society (250/381-1021, www.vos.bc.ca ) presentsoperayear-roundattheMcPh-
erson Playhouse.
Atthe Symphony Splash (250/385-9771or888/717-6121, www.victoriasymphony.ca )
on the first Sunday of August, the Victoria Symphony performs on a barge moored at
the Inner Harbour. This kicks off the performing arts season, with regular performances
through May at the Royal Theatre and other city venues.
NIGHTLIFE
Bars
The Strathcona Hotel (919DouglasSt.,250/383-7137)isVictoria'slargestentertainment
venue, featuring four bars, including one with a magnificent rooftop patio (with a volley-
ball court) and the Sticky Wicket, an English bar complete with mahogany paneling.
Closer to the Inner Harbour and converted from an old grain warehouse is Swans
Brewpub (Swans Hotel, 506 Pandora St., 250/361-3310, from 11am daily), which brews
its own beer. Unlike many other smaller brewing operations, this one uses traditional in-
gredients andmethods,suchasallowing thebrewtosettle naturally ratherthanbefiltered.
The beer is available at the hotel's bar, in its restaurants, and in the attached liquor store.
The main bar is a popular hangout for local businesspeople and gets busy 5pm-8pm
weeknights.
A few blocks farther north and right on the water is the Harbour Canoe Club (450
Swift St., 250/361-1940), housed in an 1894 red-brick building that was at one time home
togeneratorsthatpoweredVictoria'sstreetlights.Thisplaceispopularwiththedowntown
crowd and has a great deck.
Also offering magnificent water views is Spinnakers Brewpub (308 Catherine St.,
250/386-2739, 11am-2am daily), across the Inner Harbour from downtown. Having
opened in 1984 as Canada's first brewpub, Spinnakers continues to produce its own
European-style ales, including the popular Spinnakers Ale. The original downstairs
brewpub is now a restaurant while upstairs is now the bar. Most important, both levels
haveoutdoortableswithwaterviews.TheclassicSpinnakerscomboisapintofIndiaPale
Ale ($6.50) and a half dozen local oysters ($11).
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