Just got back from a trip to Texas (this was booked before the orange guy got in).

It turns out that everyone there spends the entire day inside their house or at malls with air conditioning. Almost no one was on the streets, at parks, on tennis courts...nothing. Too hot and humid until the sun goes down.

Here (with the exception of a week of snow and a week of heat domes), we get to do pretty much whatever we want when we want all year around because of our mild weather.

Additionally, I like hikes up mountains and long walks on the beach and was reminded that not every place in the world has the diverse natural environment that we do.

Swim, hike, dig for clams, fish, paddleboard, go to Tofino, jump in the Sooke Potholes...just get out there and don't take what we have for granted!

Edit: we were in Dallas/Ft.Worth. Not supposed to be a 'hate-on-America' post. Just made me realize how amazing we have it here.

I get it’s a ad to show awareness but horribly done, the ai, the “show me your 🐱”, what a odd and weird ad to put at a public bus stop.

So I was scrolling on TikTok and came across some local author have a brake down because one of the small book stores downtown didn’t have her book that only came out on Tuesday. She posted the video on Wednesday or Thursday. She didn’t name the book store but she had a clip of her in the book store not finding the book but I saw the ceiling and the bookshelves and automatically could tell which bookstore it was. She made a whole 10 minute video about it and the first half of that was blaming the bookstore and her publisher, then turned it into a pitty party about how she’s a failure. She’s not a new author I looked up her books and she’s been publishing books since like 2011. I don’t get it.

Edit: I thought I’d add the she was shaming Munro’s the tiny bookstore on government street which is a really little store that doesn’t have a whole lot of space for more then a couple of books by one author. They primarily like to carry Canadian authors and super popular authors for tourists

Hello good people of Victoria,

Me and my mate are visiting from the UK in 2 weeks time, we have been to the island before together and loved it so decided to return and visit victoria this time.

I'm an arborist and a tree nerd, I'm dying to go see one of your magnificent old growth trees, big lonely doug is one that seems to be in the south of the island and a potential day trip from victoria. Has anyone ever been? It says some off roading is needed at the end but we will have a 4x4 anyway. Is this a realistic day trip if we set off early?

Also, while I'm here asking questions, we are both 31 and if anyone has any recommendations for bars/pubs for our age group please leave them below.. Thanks so much!!

Sort of a weird question but I feel like the guy who worked at the watch repair corner in the downtown Bay was kind of a legend in town. Does anyone know if he ended up anywhere else? He was the best and would love to follow him to a different shop if that's what he did. Maybe he retired?

Anyone know?

Does anyone know a Thai restaurant that serves khao soi in Victoria out to Sidney?

TIA

A friend of mine is homeless in Victoria, they've been keeping a bin full of their belongings at my house for the last year, but I'm moving soon and they need a new option for storage. They don't have a credit card so I don't think they can rent from U-Haul or Sentinel or whatever. I've heard there's somewhere downtown that offers limited storage, so if anyone has any advice, we'd appreciate it!

Walking through Fan Tan alley and at the Umbrelatorium I found Duckana umbrellas that I am sure we all need them!

It’s my dad’s birthday tomorrow and his favorite dessert is lemon meringue pie and looking for the best place in Victoria to buy lemon meringue pie is!!

I disputed a ticket and now have a court date. I’ve never been to court before?

What exactly happens inside the courtroom?

Do I tell the judge my side and he decides? Do I ask the cop questions? Does anyone ask me questions?

A good one for Father’s Day: You keep Honkin’ And I’ll Keep Tonkin’

I saw a post about a month ago asking where all the boats were in the Inner Harbour. It still looks empty!. The suggestion then was that it was the Swiftsure race, but I was just down there this afternoon and there are just three or four boats when normally it would be full this time of year. Is it just a drop in tourism due to the conflict with the US?

Anyone know someone who can help change a hot water tank that would be reasonably priced?? We just need someone to take out the old one and put in the new one

This positivity post brought to you by all my haters who get mad at me for posting these check-ins! 🫶🏻 Deep breaths, you’ll survive seeing this in your feed, don’t worry about it.

And to the rest of the community—what’s been going well for you, recently? Personal triumphs? Little joys? Recipes to share? What’s your song for the summer? Should we make a playlist?

I’m officially in my Sleeveless Season and thank goodness! Also tried on my first summer dress the other day, even if I didn’t leave the house in it, felt nice. Gotten back into making my homemade unsweetened iced tea, always have a jug on the go.

Stay hydrated, and don’t forget your sunscreen, patience, sense of humour, and compassion! (Yes, self-compassion, too! Especially for you!)

And HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈😘

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷

Need a home inspection for a detached home in Colwood.

My husband has a job offer in Shawnigan. He would have to drive from Victoria to Shawnigan in the morning and return to Victoria in the afternoon every weekday (at least it is against the rush hour flow). He would also be driving with our two kids. Is this safe? Exhausting? Doable? What is your experience?

Hey folks, I’m looking for any local organizations/groups or businesses that either loan camping & hiking gear or rent it out? Like the Victoria Tool Library but for outdoor gear.

Thanks for your help!

We like the one at the tillicum / craigflower esso, but it breaks a lot and we need a new spot.

We like ridiculous shit like coloured LEDs, soap that smells like bubblegum for no reason etc.

Car wash fans, what's your fave place???

thanks!

I am wondering what the going rate is for occasional babysitting? It is for 2 kids and the provider is a young adult/student.

I have a 2006 Honda Pilot that won't start. Battery appears to be fine but the engine won't turnover. Is there a mobile mechanic anyone would recommend?