Kim Kenyon

Friends of Uplands Park - Camas (Kwetlal) Day 2026 Victoria BC

Join the Friends of Uplands Park for the 2026 annual spring celebration of Camas (Kwetlal) Day 2026 and celebrate Uplands Park's 80th Birthday!

This is a community celebration of Uplands Park's endangered Garry Oak ecosystem during the peak camas (kwetlal) bloom.

This FREE for EVERYONE EVENT includes:

* Live Music with the Bald Eagles
* Environmental Organizations Displays
* Guided Camas Meadow Walks
* Free Refreshments
* Family Activities
* Prizes of Native Plants

The location is the Beach Drive Field at the Entrance to Cattle Point.

Uplands Park was designated a natural area park in March 1946, so this year marks its 80th anniversary. This event brings together local environmental non-profit organizations who will help share the importance of protecting Garry Oak and other local ecosystems. Uplands Park is one of the best examples of a Garry Oak ecosystem and also hosts the region's highest bird species count thanks to restoration efforts. Music, prizes and guided walks through Uplands Park will entertain -- and there, of course, will be cake!

The lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, have long harvested the camas lily's onion-like bulbs, historically steaming them in pits to produce inulin, a healthy sugar. Cooked bulbs taste like baked pears and can be eaten whole or ground into flour. First Nations cultivated camas lilies in family plots, using traditional methods to increase yields and weed out the toxic white "death camas." Pit cooked camas was both a staple food and a valuable trade item. As you look over the meadows of blue in Uplands Park it is likely that these extensive fields of camas lilies were once cultivated by the lək̓ʷəŋən people.

The Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary in Saanich BC hosts Vancouver Island's largest Native Plant Sale on May 2nd and 3rd for its 31rst year. Shop a wide range of native plants to support biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and provide habitats for local wildlife.

All proceeds fund conservation efforts and community stewardship at the Nature Sanctuary.

When: Saturday May 2nd 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, and Sunday, May 3rd, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Where: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, there is free admission and parking available at several locations around the sanctuary and at the Swan Lake Nature House.

On Saturday, Victoria Master Gardeners and the Native Plant Study Group will be in attendance to answer questions and provide expertise.

Introducing any number of native plants at your home or workplace helps support biodiversity by creating habitat for native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

The 2026 Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the annual migration of Pacific Grey Whales past Vancouver Island's west coast. Over 20,000 whales travel from Mexico to their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic. Tail flukes and blowholes can be seen right from the shore!

One of the best places to view this migration is along the shoreline of Tofino and Ucluelet, B.C. These two small laid-back towns host a week-long festival featuring whale watching and community events across Tofino, neighboring Ucluelet, and the spectacular Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, that lies between them, promoting ocean curiosity and unity.

There will be:

* Whale watching tours
* Children's science programs and scavenger hunts
* Live music, art exhibits, and food tastings
* Environmental workshops
* Talks by marine biologists and First Nations educators

This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning, discovering new places, and engaging with both the people and wildlife of Canada's west coast. As an added bonus in visiting at this time, there will still be sunshine between the rainstorms and fewer crowds than in the summer.

Many cafes, galleries, and shops join the festival with events and displays, letting you experience the culture between outdoor activities.

Here is a short calendar of events for the week:

Saturday, March 14
Parade of Whales & Wonder (bring the kids and your Ocean Wonder themed costumes), community market, art workshops, a talk on grey whale conservation, evening Art Night- Live.

Sunday, March 15
Chowder Chowdown and Nature Journaling - Tidepools and an evening Art Night Live.

Monday, March 16
Beach Clean with Surfrider at Combers Beach, Bamfield Marine Science Centre visit, whale spotting with Parks Canada, Nature Journaling - Animal Signs, Monday Night Movies: Oceans.

Tuesday, March 17
Marine Mammal Research Day, Melfort Shipwreck Walk, Maritime Kids Day.

Wednesday, March 18
Thornton Creek Hatchery open house, whale spotting from shore, Speaker series: Flights Over Greys, and a Trivia Night at the Ucluelet Brewery.

Thursday, March 19
Marine Mammal Research Day, Maritime Kid's Day, Speaker Series - Incredible Journeys- Grey Whales with Dr. Lang.

Friday, March 20
Marine Mammal Research Day, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Teachings with Nicki Love, Whale Spotting from the Amphitrite Lighthouse, Ucluelet, Happy Hour Whale Trivia with Parks Canada at Hotel Zed, Tofino.

Saturday, March 21
Beach seine with Ucluelet Aquarium on Terrace Beach, closing Baleen Bash party with live music (licensed event 19+) at Tofino Community Hall.

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival has two types of events - Button Events and Ticketed Events.

Button Events:
Purchase a button at your first event to access the many button events throughout the festival week.
$10 Adult (19+) and $5 Children

Plus, show your 2026 button to participating whale watching companies in town to receive a discount on whale watching tours during March 14th to 21rst!

Ticketed events include events such as:
The Chowder Chowdown at the Ucluelet Community Centre and are available at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for children.
Art Night Live - Black Rock Resort Ucluelet $65 includes supplies and a drink ticket
Baleen Bash featuring Shred Kelly, a folk-rock band from Fernie, and the Hyenas a Vancouver based punk band. Tickets: $35.

However, the majority of events are button events with many free activities also available in the communities and of course there is always taking in the spectacular scenery of Pacific Rim National Park!

What better thing to do on a rare snowy and wintry day in Victoria BC than to partake in a Hot Chocolate Festival!

The Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival is back for its second year, and is on from February 1 to 28, 2025.

Not only will participating local business showcase their creativity and community spirit by creating hot chocolate experiences but $1 of each purchase goes to support the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre.

This year there are over 25 participating businesses, a big increase from last year. Just wait, Victoria will soon rival Vancouver's Hot Chocolate Festival, perhaps next year!

Following are just a few samples of hot chocolate creations awaiting your tastebuds. Check out the website for a map to the locations and details on all the participating businesses this year and of course mouthwatering descriptions of all the delicious hot chocolates! There is even an opportunity on the website to vote for your favorite!

Q Bar & Veranda at the Fairmont Empress (721 Government St)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Marshall's Marshmallow Melt - Inspired by Paw Patrol's fire-fighting dalmatian, this hot chocolate includes a spiced dog bone cookie, milk chocolate cremeux, roasted hazelnut and gooey marshmallows. The drink is fired up with red sprinkles to match Marshall's red-hot gear and fire truck.

Pendray Inn and Tea House (309 Belleville Street)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Traditional Hot Chocolate: A focus on quality ingredients without any additives, syrups, or artificial flavorings. Chocolate/Cacao is Organic and Fairtrade and served with freshly made whipped cream and other true ingredients.

Working Culture Bread (2506 Douglas Street)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Passionfruit dark hot chocolate with a buttery shortbread cookie to dip.

Blue Crab Seafood House 9146 Kingston Street)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Callebaut Belgium chocolate, smoked lapsang souchong syrup, homemade whipping cream, double smoked bacon powder and orange.

Selkirk Cafe (C-2960 Jutland Road)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Majestic Strawberry Hot Chocolate - Rich dark hot chocolate topped with real strawberry.

L'Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro (1028 Blanshard Street)
Featured Hot Chocolate: (FONDUE)
Hot Chocolate Fondue! Discover how cheese and chocolate is the pairing you didn't know you needed. Belgian Dark and Milk Chocolate with Red Wine Reduction and three Fine Cheeses for Dipping!

The Ruby (642 Johnson Street and 3110 Douglas Street)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Mexican Hot Chocolate - Rich, indulgent, and with a little spice to keep things interesting. Infused with cayenne, cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of nutmeg, it's topped off with a cinnamon sugar whipped cream. Feeling adventurous? Add a shot of creme de cacao for an extra kick.
Biscoff Hot Chocolate - This caramel-infused delight is topped with a caramel and chocolate dusted whipped cream, making it the perfect cozy treat.

Faro Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room (1175 Beach Drive)
Featured Hot Chocolate:
Indulge in a Fog Hot Chocolate, featuring steamed milk infused with chocolate sauce and Earl Grey tea, finished with whipped cream, honey drizzle and chocolate flakes. Served with a chocolate dipped biscotti topped with pistachio.

and proving that there is really something for everyone:

Beacon Brewing (9829 Third Street, Sidney) 
Featured Hot Chocolate: (BEER)
Yes, throughout the month of February, Beacon Brewing will offer 3 rotating hot chocolate inspired beers! The base of all 3 will be a Chocolate Stout, with rotating flavors of peppermint, marshmallow and Mexican hot chocolate.

Craving chocolate yet! Don't just stop at one, try them all contributing to a great cause while doing so!