Head to Victoria for festive cheer while the Parliament buildings are
decked from copper top to bottom in Christmas lights. Herewith, our
weekend picks:
spa
Get your nails done while you sail to Swartz Bay. BC
Ferries new onboard C-Spa
offers manicures, pedicures and massages. They take you to a room away
from it all, provide gossip magazines and pamperyou walk off polished.
From $20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sailings, Thursdays through Mondays, www.c-spa.ca
stay
We didnt know Abbeymoore Manor was the top-ranked inn
in Canada on TripAdvisor before our visit, but now we know why. Among
many things its their breakfasts fit for a foodie (hows a piping hot
poached egg atop a crab cake drizzled with chipotle hollandaise sound?)
and the cozy common room outfitted with jazz radio, port wine for the
taking and crackling fire. But its the generous hospitality thats
warmest of all. From $129, www.abbeymoore.com
sup
Opt for the Abbeymoores
Epicurean Escape package and you get two nights, a gourmet basket of
goodies and a gift certificate for one of three restaurants. We opted
for nearby Paprika Bistro and suggest you do that same. Their dynamic
dishes belie the quaint, quiet neighbourhood the bistro resides in.
Sourcing local fare like Cowichan Bay duck and Qualicum Beach scallops,
Chef Anna Hunts plates are perfection. www.paprika-bistro.com
shop
Over the last few years a bevy of hip shops catering to
the fashion set have popped up downtown. To that list, add Charlie &
Lee. The Wharf Street storefront is brick and beautiful, carrying a whos
cool of labels, like The Reformation, Factory and Something Else. Just
dont chide yourself for gifting yourself a little something. www.charlieandlee.com
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