Tess van Straaten

Flirting with axes: or how to put a little edge in your date night

Flirting with axes: or how to put a little edge in your date night

From axe throwing to escape rooms to dance lessons, there’s many ways to have fun with a partner

 

Enjoying smores on the patio at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of the treats of the Victoria holiday season. Rhymes With Orange Photography

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Find Christmas cheer in the heart of Victoria

From the iconic Fairmont Empress to decorated Old Town, seasonal activities abound in the harbour

  • Dec 7, 2019

 

Ceremonial Chinese lion’s heads, with their wearers behind, sit lined up on Fisgard Street. The lion dance is a popular part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Facebook

Chinatown Confidential: Colour, culture and tasty treats

Victoria has its own can’t-miss corner of town-within-a-town culture and history

  • Nov 5, 2019

 

Server Kim King stands next to a wall of tea cannisters at the Westholme Tea Farm near Duncan. Photo by Tess van Straaten

Tea time (and more) in Cowichan

Unique tea farm a prime example of how Cowichan is a place to slow down and savour

  • Aug 27, 2019
Server Kim King stands next to a wall of tea cannisters at the Westholme Tea Farm near Duncan. Photo by Tess van Straaten
The Ogden Point breakwater and the Breakwater Barge (centre), host to musical events in summer, are two popular attractions in James Bay. Photo by Tess van Straaten

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Marine magic at play in James Bay

Ogden Point and Fisherman’s Wharf are destinations for locals and visitors alike

  • Mar 31, 2019
The Ogden Point breakwater and the Breakwater Barge (centre), host to musical events in summer, are two popular attractions in James Bay. Photo by Tess van Straaten
A row of apple trees at Merridale Farms in Cobble Hill looks about ready to harvest. Tess van Straaten/Monday Magazine

Tess van Straaten: Falling in Love with Cowichan

Monday columnist gets wined and dined in the Valley

  • Nov 4, 2018
A row of apple trees at Merridale Farms in Cobble Hill looks about ready to harvest. Tess van Straaten/Monday Magazine
Pristine Friday Harbour on San Juan Island gives a glimpse of what’s available for the short-hop traveller from Greater Victoria. NorthStar Air Tours offers what is billed as the “shortest scheduled international flight in North America.” Photo by Brendan Hunter

TESS VAN STRAATEN: Short international flight a scenic gem

Monday’s intrepid adventure columnist takes us on a quick trip to the San Juan Islands

  • Jun 9, 2018
Pristine Friday Harbour on San Juan Island gives a glimpse of what’s available for the short-hop traveller from Greater Victoria. NorthStar Air Tours offers what is billed as the “shortest scheduled international flight in North America.” Photo by Brendan Hunter
Take an aerial adventure in the treetops

Take an aerial adventure in the treetops

Wild Play offers exhiliration and agility training in Colwood

  • Mar 31, 2018
Take an aerial adventure in the treetops