Good morning {{First name}}!

I think it’s pretty cool that a pod of orcas made an appearance yesterday at the starting line of the Swiftsure International Yacht Race. I’m hoping it’s a harbinger for the upcoming summer.
Two summers ago, I was fortunate enough to see killer whales off our coast five times—including twice in two days.
Bring on the heat.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

Today: 🌤️ 18 / 11

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 16 / 10 

Tuesday: 🌦️ 18 / 11

7-day forecast

Pickleball players from all over the region are smashing, slamming, and dinking this morning at a pretty big tournament in Sooke, and come late August, an even larger event, one that has organizers talking about going national with it, will take place at Victoria’s Topaz Park.

The Pickleball Festival, a three-day pickleball smorgasbord, will feature a tournament for competitive and recreational players across multiple skill levels, with the best competing for the inaugural Clipper Cup. 

The tourney, which organizers said will be the first of its kind in Canada, is expected to attract participants from across the region, province, and Washington state. 

“Pickleball is more than a sport right now. It is a movement, and Canada deserves a flagship festival that matches the energy players are bringing to the courts every weekend," said Brittany Buna, the festival's founder.

Read Mark Brennae’s full story here.

Recall: Kirkland Signature Women 50+: may contain the presence of foreign matter (metal fragments). [Health Canada]

Canada Strong Pass: Enjoy free entry to national parks, museums, and historic sites from June 19 to Sept. 7. [Details]

Oak Bay Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, and Kids 1K is today. Road closures.

Ironman 70.3 Victoria is happening today, with races kicking off at 6am.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

On the water today? Check the tide times for Victoria.