victoria, vancouver island, british columbia
Distance FROM vancouver: 115 KM (approximately 3 hours via ferry)
Distance to tofino: 318 km (approximately 4.5 hours)
Victoria: The Capital City of British Columbia, millions visit Victoria every year and enjoy the climate, natural beauty and gardens. Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. This, combined with spectacular outdoor setting adorned with ocean views and mountain vistas, encourage year round recreational opportunities including hiking, golfing, cycling, gardening and kayaking.
Victoria has something for everyone! There's so much to do and see, it's just a matter of choosing. Whether you're strolling along the causeway in the Inner Harbour, enjoying a whale watching adventure, indulging in the distinct West Coast cuisine or taking in a local theatre production,Victoria's attractions add up to a trip to remember. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Victoria is made for strolling, with downtown hotels, restaurants, shops and parks within close proximity to each other. Take a walk along the beautiful Victoria inner harbour, Grab one of the Harbour Ferries to take in Victoria by water. Enjoy the vibrant and eclectic arts and culture community including the world famous Royal BC Museum, performing arts, festivals, local authors, artisans and performers. |
Visit the breath taking Butchart Gardens and have a picnic among some of the most beautiful gardens and landscapes. Visit Fisherman's Wharf for a floating home village, fresh seafood and seals that visit the wharf. Visit the Parliament Building and take a tour. The Craigdarroch Castle is another site to see for wonderful architecture and history.
Tofino: For those interested in outdoor adventure, a scenic drive and unforgettable experiences, visit Tofino and go on a whale watching, bear watching or kayaking tour into the Pacific Ocean or try surfing in the world famous Long Beach, the best surfing waters and beaches in Canada! If surfing isn't your thing, you can always enjoy the beaches and go hiking at one of the many trails including the Wild Pacific Trail or Pacific Rim National Park Go into town and grab some of the freshest seafood and cook it yourself. |
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Masjid Al-Iman
Masjid Al-Iman
2218 Quadra Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 4C6 http://www.masjidal-iman.com Phone: (250) 995-1422 E-mail: [email protected] The CommunityIn 1993 the Victoria Branch of the British Columbia Muslim Association (BCMA) was formed. The BCMA is a regional organization with its constitution based on the Quran and Sunnah, and the Victoria Branch continues that tradition. Due to limited resources at that time, the living room in a rented student home was used for some of the daily prayers. Islamic classes were offered to children on Sundays at the same venue while Friday, Taraweeh and Eid prayers were held in larger rented facilities.
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Despite limited resources in those early days, Islamic classes were held for both adults and children. Marriages and burial services were also provided. The Muslim community continued to increase steadily. In the latter part of 1996, two adjoining lots with a house on each lot were purchased. One house was remodeled as a Masjid to provide prayer facilities for both men and women. The second was rented to defray running expenses. Subsequently the second property was converted into a prayer area for women.
Currently, the five daily prayers and the Friday prayer are performed in congregation at the Masjid. In addition there is a large Friday congregation at the local smaller one in the adjoining city of Victoria. However, Eid prayers continue to be held in rented facilities. Several other Islamic activities are also held in the community. Victoria built the first Masjid on Vancouver Island. With more than sufficient capacity for current crowds, along with a burial prep room, a childrens baby-sitting area, and a large-size storage, the Masjid currently satisfies the diverse requirements of the Victorian Community (both Muslims and non-Muslims). The construction was completed on November 1st 2012. It is estimated that there are approximately 2,000 Muslims living in Victoria, and more than one quarter of them are students. |
My ExperienceComing Soon.
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islamic centre of nanaimo
Islamic Centre of Nanaimo
905 Hectate Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 4K7 http://nanaimo.thebcma.com Phone: (250) 754-3471 E-mail: [email protected] The CommunityHistory: Muslims have been living in Nanaimo at least since 1970. The first Muslim community in Nanaimo was organised by two people in 1989. The community at that time consisted of only a few families. They started with celebrating important Islamic days such as the two Eid festivals. Friday prayers soon followed, held at various family houses on a rotational basis. In 1997, the Islamic community of Nanaimo joined the Vancouver Island Muslim Association based in Victoria. In 1999 the Vancouver Island Muslim Association joined the B.C Muslim Association. Thanks to the joint efforts by the community and BCMA, a building was purchased in July 1999 for the Islamic Centre from the Francophone Association (L’Association des Francophones de Nanaimo). Built more than four decades ago originally as a Chinese church in the then China town, it had been used as a school by the Francophone Association. The Islamic Centre of Nanaimo was officially opened on July 15, 2000. The opening ceremony was attended by high ranking officials of the city of Nanaimo and the public. The event received wide media coverage from all the local newspapers.
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Present: The Nanaimo Chapter of BCMA, based in the Islamic Centre of Nanaimo serves the mid-Vancouver Island - all the way from Duncan in the south to Tofino in the West and Port Hardy in the North. All five daily prayers and Friday prayers are held regularly. Eid festivities are celebrated in grand style. These include Eid prayers, weekly Iftar pot luck dinners and functions in the month of Ramadan, Eid functions, etc. There is a Sunday Arabic and Qur'an learning school for children. Also special attention is paid to meet the religious and community needs of the Muslim foreign students (from more than thirty Muslim countries around the world) attending the Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo. Weekly brothers’ and sisters’ halqas are held on Sundays.
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