Little Local - August 7

This week’s email is arriving a day later than usual. I’d hoped to send it off before our travel day to the family cottage, but life (and kids) had other plans.

A quick thank you to everyone who filled out the survey last week. It was so helpful (and reassuring!) to see we’re on the right track with this newsletter. If you haven’t had a chance yet, it’s still open and you can find it right here.

This week’s newsletter issue includes a stunning day trip destination you might not have explored yet, plus a few family-friendly events worth adding to your calendar.

Hop on Over to Sidney Island

Just a short ferry ride from Sidney’s waterfront, Sidney Island (more specifically Sidney Spit) is one of our favourite spots for a simple, memorable beach day with kids. Wide-open sandy shores, calm shallow water, and easy trails make it ideal for little legs. Pack a picnic, bring the beach toys, and don’t forget the sunscreen as there’s not much shade out there.

The island is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and is full of natural beauty, wildlife, and history. The W̱SÁNEĆ people have long cared for this land and sea, calling it SET,TINES, or “chest sticking out.” If you keep an eye out, you might notice signs of traditional use, like shell middens or even a clam garden tucked along the shore.

In the early 1900s, Sidney Island was home to a brickworks, and some of the clay from here was used to build houses in Victoria. The old kiln remnants are still hidden in the trees, waiting to be discovered if your crew is up for a little exploring.

⛴️ The logistics are family-friendly: Sidney Spit Ferry runs regular trips from Sidney's waterfront, and the island offers picnicking areas, gentle hiking trails, and that gorgeous sandy beach for building castles. On summer Sundays, Parks Canada even offers interpretive programs that bring the island's restoration story to life.

⛺ Want to stay longer? Plan to book a campsite through Parks Canada and sleep under the stars.

🦷 Wheely Clean makes it so easy to get your whole family’s teeth cleaned this summer because they come right to your home and are great with kids! It might even be the perfect time to treat yourself, too: they’re offering $50 off teeth whitening when you show your Summer Adventure Passport.

🧀 Ottavio is the perfect summer stop. Come for the amazing deli goods and stay for the espresso and gelato. Show your Summer Adventure Passport and your kiddo gets a free scoop of gelato!

🥦 Part & Parcel is one of my personal favourites in the city and they recently won Yam Magazine’s Best Restaurant Award (Best Casual). Make sure you complete the Passport this summer so you can be entered to win a $150 gift certificate to P&P for the ultimate date night!

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 2,000 local families?

📅 Upcoming Events

📘 Stories in the Park
Thursdays from 10am-11am
Head down to Saxe Point Park every Thursday in July & August for stories by Canadian authors, followed by a fun activity. Great for kiddos 2-5, but everyone’s welcome. [Info]

🎶 Sooke Music & Art Festival
Friday, August 9 | 12pm-10pm
A free, family-friendly festival in Sooke featuring local musicians, artists, food vendors, and a welcoming community vibe. [Info]

🐙 Cadboro Bay Festival
Saturday, August 9 | 11am–3pm
Celebrate summer by the sea with inflatables, food trucks, live music, and fun for the whole family at Cadboro-Gyro Park. [Info]

🎸 Music in the Park
Saturday, August 9 | 5:30-7:30pm
Hang out at Colwood City Hall with live music from the Heist. Bring a blanket and enjoy the evening! [Info]

🎨 Arts & Music at the Gardens
Friday, August 9 & Saturday, August 10 | 9am–4pm
Explore art, live music, and nature at this creative celebration hosted at the Gardens at HCP. With local artists, performers, and garden walks, it’s a great way to spend the day with kids. [Info]

🌳 Free Play in the Park
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in August 5:30–8pm
Panorama staff are hosting FREE summer fun for the whole family, with interactive play, group games, and inflatable fun on a giant 50' obstacle course! [Info]
Tuesdays: at KELSET Elementary
Wednesdays: at Tulista Park
Thursdays: at Centennial Park

🎨 Imprint, In Print: Nature-Themed Crafting at Swan Lake
Tuesday, August 12 | 6–7pm
Create beautiful nature-themed prints with your kids at this guided crafting session at Swan Lake Nature House. [Info]

🎵 Memorial Park Music Fest
Tuesday, August 12 | 6–8pm
Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxed summer concert with The Phonix YYJ at Memorial Park in Esquimalt, perfect for an easy and entertaining evening with the kids. [Info]

🏞️ Neighbourhood Nights
Tuesday, August 12 | 6pm–8pm
Bring a picnic and meet your neighbours at Royal Bay Meadow Park. Enjoy games, activities, and good company in a beautiful community green space. [Info]

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night: Encanto
Wednesday, August 13 | 8:30pm
Bring a blanket and enjoy Encanto under the stars at Gorge Park, hosted by Esquimalt Parks & Rec. Hot Dog Guys will be on-site serving up snacks! [Info]

🚲 Free Wheelin’ Youth Bike Lending
Monday – Friday until August 29
Head down to the Topaz Park all-wheels skate and bike park, where kids and youth can borrow bikes, scooters, skateboards, helmets, and pads for free! [Info]

💜 Summer Lavender Festival
Every weekend in August | 1pm–6pm
Head over to Bilston Creek Farm for a peaceful afternoon in the sun and lavender fields. Wander the blooming fields, listen to live music, and enjoy local treats. [Info]

🥕 Fresh Food Experience at Woodside Farm
Saturday, August 17 | 10am-4pm
Explore flower gardens, meet friendly animals, ride a hay wagon, and enjoy fresh farm treats and orchard adventures at this fun-filled day on the farm. [Info]

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.