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The Winter Olympics start Wednesday, with the opening ceremony airing Friday.
Super Bowl Sunday? Balance the screen time with a guided morning owl walk at Mill Hill. Get some nature in before settling in for the big game.
This week also brings Valentine's card making at the Royal BC Museum and tickets on sale for Elvis Stojko's upcoming appearance. Meanwhile, your coffee shop’s 30% tip prompt is sparking debate across Greater Victoria, and BC's drug policy just shifted in ways that matter for our community.
From date night yoga to rainforest workshops, there's a lot happening right now.
Want the full list of what’s happening this week? [Subscribe for free] and never miss the good stuff in your own neighbourhood.
One more thing for pet owners (or anyone who knows one): We've partnered with a locally-owned pet store where Greater Victoria Scoop subscribers will now save 15% on everything except live animals—every visit, all year long. Want to know which store and how to start claiming your discount? Subscribe today!
🐠 A Pet Store You Should Know About 🐠
From Scales to Tails
Meet our newest partner: From Scales to Tails, a family-owned Saanich pet store doing things right. They source Canadian supplies locally and partner with Greater Victoria animal rescues to help pets find homes.
They also specialize in reptiles and fish—kids will love this place.
And there is a Scoop subscriber bonus!
⭐ Greater Victoria Scoop subscribers save 15% on everything except live animals—and this discount is available each visit, not just once. Buy $50 in pet supplies? Save $7.50. Stock up monthly. That's real money back in your pocket all year long.
Let them know you subscribe to the Scoop at checkout – they may occasionally ask for your email to verify. More subscriber perks coming throughout the year!
📍 Website: From Scales to Tails | Address: 5471 Hamsterly Road | Phone: 250-590-0517
Family Fun: Our Top 3 Picks
Three unique family experiences we're excited about this week:
Feb 6-8 (Fri-Sun), 12:00-3:00pm @Royal BC Museum
Love is in the air! Drop by anytime this weekend to create heartfelt Valentine's cards for someone special. All supplies provided—just bring your creativity! Perfect for kids who want to craft something unique for family, friends, or teachers. No registration needed, just show up and make someone's day a little brighter. 💌
Feb 7 (Sat), 1:00-2:00pm @Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra St
Victoria Butterfly Gardens brings the rainforest to you! Kids get up close with insects, meet a tortoise, study butterfly wings under a microscope, and explore nature artifacts like feathers and exoskeletons. This hands-on workshop welcomes all ages (kids under 10 need an adult). Register in advance—space is limited!
Feb 8 (Sun), 10:00-11:30am @Mill Hill Regional Park, Langford
It's Superb Owl Sunday! Make this your family's pre-Super Bowl activity! Join a CRD naturalist to discover why owls are nature's fierce competitors. Learn about their bone-crushing hunting skills, impressive adaptations, and fascinating habits on this 600-metre woodland loop. The day is sure to be a hoot! Meet at the info kiosk off Atkins Avenue. All ages welcome.
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Active & Outdoors
Victoria: Date Night Yoga (partner flow) – 60mins with Leanne Stepp Feb 5 (Thur) @Heart Work Therapy and Yoga, #355-1627 Fort St 7pm
Langford: Superb Owls of Mill Hill (Guided Walk) – All Ages Feb 8 (Sun) @Mill Hill Regional Park 10—11:30am (meet at info kiosk in parking lot off Atkins Ave)
Greater Victoria: Victoria Pathfinders Walking Club (walks this week in Oak Bay, Langford, and Sidney)
Arts & Entertainment
Victoria: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (presented by Shawnigan Lake School) Feb 4-7 (Wed-Sat) @McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
+ FREE Visits – Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Feb 5+7 (Thur/Sat) @1040 Moss St (Thur: 5-9pm | Sat: 10am-5pm)
+ JIMI (modern rock, country and blues) Feb 6 (Fri) @The Duke Saloon, 502 Discovery St 9-11pm
+ Wild in Love: Valentines Day Card Making Feb 6-8 (Fri-Sun) @Royal BC Museum 12-3pm
+ Victoria Film Festival 2026 Feb 6-15 @See festival program for all films/locations.
Sidney: You’re Just a Place I Know – Adrian Glynn McMorran Feb 5 (Thur) @Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave 7:30pm
Oak Bay: An Evening with Roy Forbes Feb 7 (Sat) @Oak Bay Rec Centre, 1975 Bee St 7:30-9:30pm
Adventure curated by the brands you trust
Hike the legendary Nüümü Poyo (John Muir Trail), while forming lasting bonds with like-minded travelers.
Set up camp with iconic backdrops, enjoying an authentic travel experience in the outdoors.
This trip is inspired by REI Co-op, operated by Intrepid Travel. REI Co-op members save 15% on this itinerary.
For T&Cs and more info, click here.
News Bites
💊 BC's Drug Policy Shift: What Greater Victoria Residents Should Know
BC's drug decriminalization pilot ended January 31, making possession of illicit substances illegal again across the province. Here's what matters for our community: if you witness or experience an overdose, calling for help remains legally protected under the federal Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act—no one faces possession charges for seeking emergency assistance. UVic has confirmed its campus amnesty policy also stays in place, meaning students won't face university discipline for calling for help during substance-related emergencies. While police can now arrest for public drug use, harm reduction resources and overdose prevention sites will continue operating throughout Greater Victoria for anyone who needs support.
[Read more: Times Colonist & UVic News]
💰 Why Your Coffee Shop is Asking for 30% Tips
Noticed tip prompts creeping up everywhere around Greater Victoria? You're not alone—recent surveys show 91% of Canadians prefer employers just paying better wages. Some mainland BC spots like Cowdog Coffee and Folke restaurant already scrapped tips in favour of living wages. Workers benefit from tips but face income swings and workplace stress. The debate continues: is it time for tipping to evolve or disappear? Where do you stand on tipping’s future?
[For a deeper discussion on the issue: The Tyee]
Community & Creative
Sidney: Black Pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula – Celebration of Black History Month Feb 1-28 @Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave
Saanich: Young at Heart Seniors Expo Victoria – FREE Feb 4 (Wed) @Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Rd 11am-3pm
Metchosin: 2026 Maiden Mother Crone Winter Witches Market Feb 7-8 (Sat/Sun) @Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd 10am-4pm
Victoria: Black History and Heritage Day Feb 7 (Sat) @Royal BC Museum Conference Hall, 675 Belleville St 1-4pm
+ Discover the Rainforest - Victoria Butterly Gardens Mobile Workshop Feb 7 (Sat) @Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra St 1-2pm (registration required)
+ Kaleidoscope Family FUNdays Feb 8 (Sun) @Kaleidoscope Arts Centre, 613 Pandora Ave 10am-1pm
+ Victoria’s Annual Dine Around and Stay in Town Until Feb 8 (at participating local restaurants)
+ Hot Chocolate Festival Feb 1-28 (up to 25 businesses now participating). Play Hot Chocolate Festival Bingo – click here for card.
Sooke: Super Bowl! Watch on the Big Screens – FREE Admission Feb 8 (Sun) @Sooke Legion, 6726 Eustace Road Doors – Doors open at 11:30am (kick-off 3:30pm)
🌅 On the Horizon
Planning ahead? Here are a few events worth noting:
Victoria: Victoria at Dusk Festival Feb 13-15 @Downtown Victoria – Full Program now available!
+ 2026 Lunar New Year Parade & Blessing of Merchants Feb 22 @Victoria’s Chinatown
+ Canada’s Stars on Ice (including Elvis Stojko!) May 14 @Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Have a great week Greater Victoria! 💙
