A Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget By Doreen M. Gee Marvel at high stakes gambling in Montenegro or enjoy a sparkling beach in the Bahamas for only $7.45 at a University Heights Cinema matinee. The spectacular Casino Royale is an affordable walk on the wild side. For a totally free experience, go to Movie Mondays at the Eric Martin Pavilion. Trace your family tree on a fascinating journey in genealogy for absolutely free at the Greater Victoria Library. Thrills and enjoyment in Victoria are for everyone, even those on a pauper’s budget. Many entertaining activities are at a low cost or free and many tourist attractions are very reasonably priced in this city. We can all have a taste of the high life. Take a trip back in history by strolling by Emily Carr House and down Government Street to Helmcken House, the oldest house in BC. You can ride the information highway by using the Internet for free at any of the public computers at James Bay Community Centre, the Project, or any community centre in Victoria. The City of Victoria offers the great “Leisure Involvement for Everyone” program for anyone on a low income. If you qualify as a single person, you will receive 52 free passes to any designated recreation centre in Victoria and a $40 credit towards any program. Families receive extra. In the New Year, you can buff up that body for free. The James Bay New Horizons offers quality low-cost programs and free programs for seniors. Many tourist attractions in Victoria suit a beer budget. One of the best entertainment deals in Victoria is a yearly pass to the IMAX theatre for only $41.34 (including tax) covering all the regular amazing IMAX films. You can walk through the Maritime Museum and look at pirates and shipwrecks and watch a video on Victoria’s history – all for only $8. The thrill of seeing sea creatures up close is a mere $9.50 at the Undersea Gardens. Try a tour of the Parliament Buildings for free or sit in on a session of the legislature. At the Greater Victoria Public Library, anyone can enjoy free computer classes in every topic from online news sources to social networking on the Internet. A piece of gold in the heart of downtown is the Deans’ Lunchtime Lecture Series at UVic’s Downtown Campus. These exceptional free lectures by UVic speakers will stimulate your mind on issues in science, politics and the arts. Feel like pampering yourself? Treat yourself to a free cosmetics makeover at the Body Shop. If you need some culture, browse through the many free art galleries downtown, such as Winchester Galleries. At Marley Farm Winery in Saanichton, you can get a free tour of the facility complete with wine-tasting. For a touch of nature, the gorgeous Finnerty Gardens at UVic are free to the public. Revel at a live beehive at the Swan Lake Nature House for free and watch all the wild birds. Want some free evening fun and entertainment? Enjoy live local bands and music every Friday night at James Bay Coffee and Books on Menzies Street. The Lounge at the Ocean Island Backpackers Inn downtown offers free live band music every week. If solace and peace are what you seek, rest your mind at Christ Church Cathedral. A number of places in Victoria have free clothing for those on a limited budget, such as Blanshard Community Centre and the “Community Closet” at Fairfield Community Centre. Probably the most exciting activity of all is simply walking around this splendid city and feasting on the ocean views, sumptuous parks and unique buildings. Have fun in 2007! And make sure that you laugh out loud at least once per day.