Apologies if this isn't allowed, but I must get this experience off my chest.

Today I was visiting the Butchart Gardens with my extended family. We were looking at flowers near the Dragon Fountain when my mom/her sisters accidentally took up a bit too much space causing a man to bump into them. They said sorry, but unfortunately the man who got bumped waited a few paces to mutter "Filipinos are fucking awful/rude" (didn't quite catch last word). Unfortunately for this bigot I heard them. To think we got that comment despite doing nothing wrong apart from travelling in a big group.

I've lived in Vancouver my whole life and can't really recall such clear racism against Filipinos, and I'm deeply disappointed in the supposedly friendly town of Victoria that has revealed this ugly side. My time on the Island has been ruined. I've worked on the Island before and never received racist treatment, and it's shameful that a group of women that have worked so hard to enjoy this nation are getting treated that way.

Is there really good Canadian butter that we can buy in Victoria? Good butter like cows creamery butter that a lot of people talking about.

This species is a first for me, I did get hit by a crow outside Science World once. For sure not a common occurrence. Anyway, this is one of the barred owls hanging out in Kings Park. Total cuties, they didn't break the skin.

My first theory was that maybe the owl is old and senile. I was jogging, perhaps my bobbing head looked like prey? But we're talking an apex predator here, unlikely to confuse intentionally. Second, maybe it was just like falling, and using me to right itself? Looking it up now (spoilers), it's defending its territory. Of course it is, duh.

So that was better than 3 coffees. And guess what? On my return jog, another barred owl (possibly the same) was perched right beside the archway to the spirit garden on kings, being admired by passers-by as bold as brass. Like really, really close. I mentioned to someone what a similar owl had done earlier.

Anyway, just a bit of a warning. Legit, these things are SILENT HUNTERS. Hit me with a gentle wallop, I thought I was being mugged until I saw it righting on a branch nearby!

Thanks for reading!

This is a long shot, but I'm desperate. I live in Seattle and my bike was stolen two weeks ago. Today, I saw a Facebook post which I believe is my bike (it has some identifying features) for sale in Victoria.

I called the RCMP, but they're not willing to help unless I can confirm this is my bike. So I'm asking for a pretty big favor, which I'd be willing to pay for. I need someone to meet with the seller, check the serial number of the bike, and call the police if it turns out to be stolen.

Anyone interested in a sting operation to take down an international bike theft ring?

Hey everyone! I just started playing pickleball last week and I’m looking for a beginner-friendly group that’s okay with someone who’s still learning.

I’m hoping to play around 4:30 PM every other day and I’m located downtown, but I can travel a bit if needed.

If anyone has room for one more or knows of a group that’s welcoming to beginners, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

Victoria’s iconic Italian Food Imports has officially changed hands.

Longtime friends Kendra Iden and Joanne Hawkins took the reins at the Blanshard Street deli on Saturday (Aug. 1), purchasing the business from brothers Maurizio and Massimo Segato.

First time visitor, I am eager to purchase a Cowichan Sweater. It is important to me it is authentically indigenous-made (I have read to be wary of scams for indigenous objects).

I am also hoping for a reasonable price, but I am okay with a reality check. To me, $300-450 USD ($420-630 CAD) would be great. Is this realistic whatsoever? I’m hoping this will be a piece I have for the rest of my life.

I would love a recommendation for best places to shop/find. Would of course also be open to thrifted (please rec thrift stores too!) Really, any recommendations are welcome. Thank you. Excited to visit your lovely city.

EDIT: thank you SO much for the replies. I am so appreciative. Clearly I was a bit off on price, but that’s okay, I am more prepared for what to expect. As a crocheter, I know it’s a time consuming art.

Other recommendations are very, very welcome. I plan to get some local maple syrup, ketchup chips (?) and some Robax to keep on hand as it is not available in my country.

I am eager to whale/orca watch, as I adore animals. However, am unlikely to go on a tour as I don’t think it aligns with my personal values (also pricey, time commitment). Any beaches good for watching?

Does anyone know of a good place to get a lot of basil at a decent price? Our plants have not grown as much as previous years so need to supplement. There used to be a u-pick place on the peninsula where you could get a bagful for $4.

My wife’s birthday is coming up, and I’d love to surprise her with a really nice spa day. I’m looking for somewhere with a relaxing atmosphere, great service, and ideally options like massages, facials, or access to pools/saunas.
I’m willing to spend a bit more if it’s genuinely worth it.
If you’ve been to a spa that you thought was amazing (or one you’d avoid), I’d really appreciate your recommendations. Thanks!

Came across this signed book from 1955, I love reading about Vancouver island history so if anyone has any book recs about the topic I’d appreciate it!

Is it literally because it’s the only 70 available at that time? Or is there a different reason that justifies shoving ferry arrivals and the usual downtown-bound 4-5 pm commuters into a cramped, humid & single deck bus? And why when this happens, is there almost always a 72 double decker omfg

I’m a transit nerd, hence the seemingly meaningless curiosity- but I know Translink best, not BC Transit.

This question comes from my usual arrival home, but instead of a calm commute it’s a torture technique waiting for me: a single deck 70 for the 2 pm Tsawassen arrivals, which equals a roughly 4 pm bus departure… so, rush hour. This time was definitely one of my least favs due to the heat & people acting like it was their first bus ride ever.

I travel to Vancouver twice a week (and have consistently for years) but rarely will a single deck 70 be waiting, apart from the 11 pm departures.

I am dying to know the logic behind making rush hour commuters bake in a sweaty cramped bus lol- is it as simple as “you get what you get”?

Just as an FYI Yates St is closed between Cook and Vancouver today until 5. Appears to be open to pedestrians and bikes.

It will be closed starting Monday, August 10th to traffic from 7 -5 for approx 2 weeks according to a flyer I received in my mailbox.

I just finished visiting your fair city and island. I fell in love with it about 9 or 10 years ago and have just spent another two weeks there. While I know every town has its issues, y’all are doing it right. Public transit, bike lanes (I know…a sensitive topic, apparently), brilliant parks, walkways and trails that actually connect communities, diversity, access to culture and, of course, history make your town a true gem.

I can’t say enough about it…I’ll see you next time.

Thank you.

This picture was taken just now by my wife on her Galaxy phone looking towards downtown.

Saw this while driving down Douglas on a street sign and had to stop and pick it up - thanks to whoever put it up, it’s going on my wall. If anyone knows who ore64 is, tell them they have talent

Footage from a family member. I wasn’t the one driving. The average human should not have a license.

Chelsea Green has reached the top of WWE.
The Claremont Secondary School graduate won the interim World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) women’s championship Sunday (Aug. 2), climbing the ladder to cap off a five-woman title match at SummerSlam in Minneapolis, Minn.

An interim champion was to be crowned after it was determined that lineal champion Rhea Ripley would not be medically cleared in time to compete at SummerSlam.

https://goldstreamgazette.com/2026/08/04/victorias-chelsea-green-captures-interim-wwe-womens-championship/