Stay Local, Support Local

Five Star Whale Watching is encouraging people to Stay Local, & Support Local business. With COVID-19 hurting so many local business, we are encouraging everyone to support our local small businesses in these trying times. Remember, “Be kind, be calm and be safe” – Dr. Henry.

Here are a few local businesses we recommend and hope you will support. Please adhere to provincial health guidelines, each shop’s COVID-19 protocols, and wear a mask when shopping.

 

Five Star Whale Watching Gift Certificate (sorry, a shameless plug) – Gift Certificate

Butchart Gardens – Butchart Gardens

Trotac Marine for all your marine supplies – Trotac Marine

Bolen Books – Bolen Books

Cycle BC Rentals & Tours.  – Cycle BC

Grayline Victoria – Grayline Victoria

Nootka Traders – Nootka Traders

Victoria Kayak – https://victoriakayak.com/

 

Migration Boutique- fine goods from local and Canadian artisans – Migration Boutique

Songhees Gift Shop and Cafe- From the Songhees Nation, wonderful gifts and goods from local artisans. Centre is closed until summer, but gift cards available for purchase on link – Songhees Gift Shop and Cafe

Ecologyst-sustainable and ethical Victoria made clothing and textiles – Ecologyst

Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) has Ocean Store for proceeds assisting with research, education and conservation on the West Coast – Marine Education and Research Society

Nezza Naturals for your health, wellness and beauty products that come with sustainable practices in mind – Nezza Naturals

Robinson’s Outdoor Store is a 90-year-old family business which specializes in outdoor, technical and adventure gear for all skill and experience levels- Robinson’s Outdoor Store

Maritime Museum is a local centre with a gift shop offering nautical, marine and ocean-life themed goods and gifts – Maritime Museum

WIN (Women In Need Society) offers vintage and used clothing, housewares, and antiques that benefit local women in need of support and resources – WIN

Sḵwálwen Botanicals- an Indigenous-owned business honoring Squamish plant knowledge to produce skin care from natural sources. Shipping available for those not living in Squamish, B.C. – Sḵwálwen Botanicals

ANIAN in Victoria is a clothing and textile company using predominantly recycled materials, made in Canada – ANIAN

Bug Zoo, a local centre with gifts for your nature or invertebrate lover – Bug Zoo

Pollen Sweaters made in Lund, B.C. are a comfy and compostable addition for a cozy winter – Pollen Sweaters

Patagonia Victoria – Patagonia Victoria

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney, B.C. provides marine-themed and/or various locally-made gifts that celebrate the beauty of the mysterious ocean. Gift certificates available for purchase on link if you do not live in the area and will visit at a later date – Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Timeless Toys- a great neighborhood toy store – Timeless Toys

Country Bee Honey prides itself on our amazing honey, delicious infusions, farm raised livestock, and unique gift ideas. – Country Bee Honey

Oceanside Gifts –  Oceanside Gifts

Belleville’s Watering Hole & Diner – Bellevilles

Frankie’s Modern Diner – Frankie’s

Browns Social House – Browns Social House

Ferris’ Oyster Bar – https://www.ferrisoysterbar.com/

Limey, the British Shop – limeyshop