Professional Cleaning & Property Management Tips

The spooky season has returned to Vancouver Island, and this year promises more thrills, chills, and eerie fun than ever before. From haunted trails and immersive ghost tours to lively costume parties and family-friendly pumpkin festivals, there’s something spooktacular for every age. Whether you’re chasing jump scares or fall festivities, these 2025 Halloween events will get you in the Halloween spirit. Victoria / Greater Victoria Wicked Victoria Presented by CHEK Media, the 11th Annual Thrifty Foods Wicked Victoria transforms downtown into a Halloween wonderland of costumes, music, and festive fun. Enjoy spine-tingling storytelling at Munro’s Books, live music, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the day. Kids can trick-or-treat safely with local vendors, explore the Kid Zone filled with crafts, face painting, and spooky activities, and take in the vibrant atmosphere as Government Street fills with costumed characters and Halloween cheer for the whole family. When: October 26, 2025 Where: Government Street and Bastion Square Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Haunted Horse & Carriage Halloween Tours Embark on a haunting journey through Victoria’s eerie past. Step aboard a beautifully adorned horse-drawn carriage and wind through shadowed streets as your professional guide recounts ghostly tales of restless spirits, haunted landmarks, and long-forgotten tragedies that still echo through the city. With the rhythmic clop of hooves and the flicker of lantern light, this immersive ride blends chilling storytelling with timeless charm.  When: October 1 – 31, 2025 Where: Government Street and Bastion Square Admission: For more information and reserving, click here Ghostly Walks Halloween Tour Step into Victoria’s haunted past with Ghostly Walks – the city’s most famous tour of ghosts, legends, and true crime. Led by expert storytellers, these tours weave together chilling tales of restless spirits, tragic accidents, and dark deeds that shaped Victoria’s history. With more than five hundred ghost stories collected over the years, each route reveals new secrets hiding in shadowed alleyways and historic streets. When: October 1 – November 2, 2025 Where: Starting from Market Square, each year’s route changes Admission: For more information and reserving, click here Curiosities of Craigdarroch - The After Hours Tour Step inside Craigdarroch Castle after dark for a chilling journey into Victorian death, mourning, and mystery. This ninety-minute guided tour explores how Victorians confronted death through rituals like taxidermy, hair art, and spiritualism, all while winding through the Castle’s dimly lit halls long after closing time. Not for the faint of heart, this adults-only experience offers a rare, haunting glimpse into the darker side of the 19th century. When: Fridays through Sundays starting October 10, 2025 Where: Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria BC Admission: For more information and reserving, click here Zombie Walk The undead return to the streets of downtown Victoria for the annual Zombie Walk – a gruesome, hilarious, and wildly popular Halloween tradition. Join hundreds of “zombies” to lurch, crawl, and drag your way through the city. Whether you’re screaming, snapping photos, or stumbling alongside the crowd, it’s one of Victoria’s most frightfully fun sights to behold. When: October 31, 2025 Where: Victoria BC Admission: For more information and reserving, click here The Haunted Hop | Victoria Halloween Bar Crawl Giving partygoers access to 4+ of the city’s top bars and nightclubs, enjoy live DJs spinning hits and Halloween classics, costume contests, and hundreds of ghouls, witches, and monsters dancing their way from venue to venue. With only 500 spots available, this legendary crawl promises a night of spooky fun, outrageous costumes, and unforgettable Halloween chaos. When: October 31st, 2025 Where: Victoria BC Admission: For more information and reserving, click here Haunted Manor Mini Golf Putt your way through an 18-hole course set in a haunted manor with a ghoulish story to tell. When: September 22 – November 2, 2025 Where: 711 Yates St, Victoria Admission: For more information and reserving, click here Treat Street A free, family-friendly evening of festive fun for all ages, Downtown Sidney transforms into a Halloween haven as streets close to traffic and little ghosts, goblins, and princesses can trick-or-treat safely at local shops and treat stations throughout downtown. When: October 31, 2025, 4:30 p.m.  6:00 p.m. Where: Downtown Sidney Admission: For more information, click here Halloween Market Browse an incredible lineup of handmade vendors, artisans, and local creators offering everything from eerie art to seasonal treats. This year features new events and workshops, plus live music and food to keep the festive energy flowing. A must-visit fall tradition for makers, collectors, and Halloween lovers alike. When: October 25 & 26, 2025 Where: Da Vinci Centre Admission: For more information, click here Duncan Halloween Train All aboard the Halloween Train! This spooktacular family tradition returns for another year of frightful fun and fall festivities. Climb aboard for an evening of Halloween magic featuring crafts in the schoolhouse, trick-or-treat stations for kids, and live entertainment by Andy McCormack. Warm up by the fire pits with hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks, or explore the decorated grounds filled with spooky surprises. When: October 17 to 21, 24 to 26, & 28 to 30, 2025 Where: The BC Forest Discovery Centre Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Chemainus Chemainus Fall Fest & Halloween Maze Get ready for an unforgettable day of festive fun, delicious food, and community spirit at the Chemainus Fall Fest & Chili Cook-Off. This free, family-friendly celebration brings downtown Chemainus to life with food, games, contests, and spooky seasonal excitement – rain or shine! When: October 25, 2025 Where: Waterwheel Park Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Ladysmith Spooktacular Halloween Get ready for a frightfully fun day! Visitors can meet creepy creatures up close – from slithering snakes and scaly lizards to hairy tarantulas and tenrecs. Expert handlers will be on-site to share fascinating facts and let you safely interact with these spooky stars. Kids can stop by the free face-painting station to complete their Halloween look, and donations are welcome in support of The Anthony Seddon Fund. When: October 30, 2025 Where: Ladysmith Shopping Centre Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Nanaimo Halloween Video Dance Party at The Nanaimo Bar Get ready for Nanaimo’s ultimate Halloween bash with legendary DJ El Devine. This immersive video dance party blends live-mixed music videos, classic horror film clips, and Halloween visuals projected across The Nanaimo Bar. Dance the night away to a killer mix of 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, pop, disco, hip-hop, R&B, new wave, and dance hits. When: October 31, 2025 Where: The Nanaimo Bar, Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Return to the Pumpkin Patch Celebrate Halloween’s history and traditions in this family-friendly mini exhibit. Explore the lighter side of Halloween through festive foods and Samhain customs, then dive into the darker myths of ghosts, bats, and Tarot. Saturdays feature hands-on crafts where kids can make paper pumpkins or ghosts, and on October 25, guests can BYOP – bring your own pumpkin – for a special painting day. When: October 1-31, 2025 Where: The Nanaimo Museum, Admission: For more information, click here Beban Park Haunted House Beban Park transforms once again into Nanaimo’s premier haunted house with A Canary’s Warning. Step inside the cursed Prosper Peak Mine, where the echoes of long-lost miners and the faint song of ghostly canaries linger in the dark.  When: October 24 & 25, 27 & 28, 30 & 31, 2025 Where: Beban Park Admission: For more information, click here Hells Bells Halloween Costume Party Back by popular demand, the Halloween Costume Dance Party returns to Cavallotti Hall for a night of music, dancing, and frightful fun. Slip into your spookiest, silliest, or most creative costume and join fellow ghouls on the dance floor as the DJ spins crowd favorites late into the night. When: October 25, 2025 Where: Cavallotti Lodge Admission: For more information, click here Halloween Happenings Enjoy free, family-friendly Halloween fun at Country Club Centre. Snap photos in the farmyard-style pumpkin patch, explore the LEGO® exhibition, and bring your little ones in costume to trick-or-treat. When: October 17-31, 2025 Where: Country Club Centre Admission: For more information, click here Nanoose Bay Halloween Walk Now in its 14th year, this beloved local tradition features two unique experiences – a Spooky Walk perfect for families of all ages, and a Scary Walk designed for those who dare to face frights after dark. With over 175 pumpkins lighting the trails, concessions by the Nanoose Bay Lions Club, and proceeds supporting the Ballenas Whalers Football Society and Nanoose Bay Elementary School, this event promises a festive mix of Halloween magic and community heart. When: October 24, 25, 26, 2025 (Daytime Walk 12–3 PM Sat & Sun; Evening Walks 6:30–9:30 PM) Where: 2525 Northwest Bay Road Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Scarecrow Spectacular Stroll through Scarecrow Lane, where local businesses and community groups showcase their creativity with one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Visitors can admire the imaginative designs, vote for their favourite, and enjoy the Gardens’ vibrant fall atmosphere. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that captures the spirit of the season. When: October 24, 25, 2025 Where: Milner Gardens & Woodland Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Parksville Witchyville Thrill: A Spellbinding Time for Little Ghouls Put on your Halloween costume and step into Witchyville at the Parksville Museum! Meet a friendly coven of witches, enjoy trick-or-treating through historic buildings, catch live music by Woodstick, and take home Halloween crafts. Food trucks will also be onsite serving tasty treats. When: October 25, 2025 Where: Parksville Museum Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Qualicum Beach Halloween in the Village It’s creepy, kooky, and oh-so-spooky in Qualicum Beach Village! Dress up and join the annual Halloween Candy Walk. Local shops will be handing out treats to every ghoul, goblin, and ghost who dares to stop by. When: October 31, 2025 Where: Town of Qualicum Beach Admission: For more information and pricing, click here Tricks, Treats & Post-Halloween Cleanup Halloween is for treats, not messy tricks! When the haunted fun is over, let Lemon Tree Housekeeping take care of the cleanup. Serving communities from Victoria to Qualicum Beach, our professional cleaners are here to take care of the post-party cleanup so you don’t have to. Book your cleaning today! Nanaimo & Region Victoria & Greater Victoria

Fall on Vancouver Island is beautiful, but it can be hard on empty homes. From Victoria to Nanaimo and beyond, the first real rains arrive with wind, leaves, and the odd power flicker. If your home sits empty – even for a few weeks – small problems escalate quickly: a clogged gutter becomes a roof leak, a tripped breaker spoils the fridge, a failed sump backs up after a storm. Seasonal home watch services from a Vancouver Island property management company like Lemon Tree Housekeeping ensure your home receives regular checks from a trusted local team, keeping your property safe, dry, and ready for your return. What Are Home Watch Services? Seasonal home watch services are a scheduled, in-person inspection of your vacant home or condo – including exterior walk-around, interior walkthrough, photos, and a written report – to catch issues early (leaks, power loss, pests, storm damage), keep your insurance compliant, and prep the property for changing weather on Vancouver Island. Why Home Watch Matters When You’re Away If your Vancouver Island home or condo is going to sit empty for weeks (hello, snowbird season), a professional home watch service gives you structured, in-person inspections plus documentation – so small issues don’t turn into big, expensive ones while you’re gone. Benefits of Home Watch Services Insurance compliance Most insurance providers expect vacant homes to be checked at regular intervals. Without proof of these visits, claims can be denied if damage occurs. Documented inspections give you clear evidence that your property was monitored properly and consistently. Early issue detection Fall and winter bring a unique set of problems: leaks from driving rain, water pooling around foundations, power interruptions, frozen pipes in colder pockets, and pest activity seeking warmth indoors. Home watch visits catch these issues quickly, often before you’d even know they happened, saving you from costly repairs later. Storm readiness On Vancouver Island, autumn storms can arrive suddenly. Gutters clog with leaves, balcony drains back up, and wind-driven rain finds its way into weak points around windows and doors. With a local home watch service provider like Lemon Tree Housekeeping, you’ll have extra eyes on your property before and after storms. If something needs immediate attention, a nearby team can respond right away. Mechanical checks Vacant homes are vulnerable when essential systems go unchecked. During each visit, we confirm that breakers and GFCIs are working, fridges and freezers are running, thermostats and humidity controls are set correctly, sump pumps are operational, and smoke and CO alarms are in place. These are the small details that keep your home safe and functioning when you’re not there. Security and Peace of Mind An empty property can stand out in Nanaimo and Victoria. Collecting flyers, checking locks, and making sure everything looks cared for helps reduce the risk of unwanted attention. Even more important, you’ll know from the regular reports that someone you trust has been inside your home. Detailed Reporting After each visit, you’ll receive time-stamped photos and a clear summary of what was checked. This record is useful not only for your peace of mind but also for insurance and strata requirements if you own a condo. Support for Strata and Condos In buildings across Nanaimo and Victoria, balcony drains and door thresholds are frequent trouble spots in the rainy season. Professional checks focus on these areas, ensuring your unit isn’t overlooked and that any problems are identified early. Our reports can also be shared with strata if needed. Return-Ready Comfort One of the biggest benefits of seasonal home watch is knowing your home will be ready when you return. Before your arrival, the heat can be set, water restored, and the property walked through to confirm everything is in good order. Instead of arriving at surprises, you arrive at a home that feels cared for and ready to use. How Often Should Visits Happen? In fall and winter, most properties do well with visits every one to two weeks. After a major wind or rain event, a quick follow-up within 48–72 hours is a good idea. Older homes, coastal exposures, and suites with known moisture concerns may benefit from weekly checks through October and November. At Lemon Tree Housekeeping, we tailor the schedule to your home’s needs and your insurer’s requirements so you’re covered and confident while you’re away. Protect Your Home This Fall-Winter Seasonal home watches are about more than inspections – it’s about protecting your investment, keeping insurance requirements in check, and giving you peace of mind while you’re away that your home is protected. If your property in Nanaimo, Victoria, or anywhere in between will sit vacant this fall or winter, now is the time to put a plan in place. Contact our team at Lemon Tree Housekeeping today to schedule a visit and create a home watch plan tailored to your property. Contact Nanaimo & Region Contact Victoria & Greater Victoria

Managing a vacation rental requires careful planning, ongoing effort, and a strategic approach. From maintenance and guest communication to financial management, it can quickly become a full-time job. Understandably, all those moving parts can feel overwhelming and take the joy out of owning a vacation property. That’s where Lemon Tree Housekeeping comes in. As a trusted short-term rental management company on Vancouver Island, we have helped property owners successfully manage everything from downtown studios to oceanfront estates. If you’re looking to streamline your approach, here are 8 practical tips to make managing your vacation rental more effective. Understand Local Laws and Regulations Short-term rental regulations can vary significantly from one city to the next. Before listing your property, take time to research local bylaws, zoning rules, business licensing, and applicable taxes. Staying informed and compliant helps you avoid fines and ensures a smoother hosting experience. Secure the Right Insurance Coverage Standard homeowner insurance typically doesn’t cover short-term rentals. Make sure you have proper vacation rental insurance that protects your property, your guests, and your income. This includes liability coverage, damage protection, and loss-of-use coverage in case your property becomes temporarily uninhabitable. Stay on Top of Financial Management Effectively managing a vacation rental includes more than just collecting payments. Keep organized records for bookkeeping, track your expenses, and be mindful of local tax obligations. Implement smart pricing strategies based on demand and seasonality to maximize revenue without sacrificing occupancy. Prioritize Safety and Security Guest safety should always be a top priority. Install basic security features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, exterior lighting, and secure locks. Consider adding a smart security system for extra peace of mind for both you and your guests. Hire a Local Property Manager If you don’t live near your rental or simply want to take a more hands-off approach, hiring a property manager can be a game-changer. A local manager can handle guest communication, maintenance issues, restocking supplies, and responding to emergencies, ensuring everything runs smoothly when you're not on site. Automate the Check-In and Check-Out Process Today’s guests appreciate convenience. Smart locks and automated entry systems make arrivals and departures seamless. Be sure to provide detailed instructions for access, and make yourself (or your property manager) available in case anything goes wrong. Invest in Professional Cleaning Services Cleanliness is one of the top factors influencing guest satisfaction and 5-star reviews. Hiring a professional cleaning service ensures your property is thoroughly cleaned and guest-ready after every stay. It also helps maintain a consistent standard, which is key for repeat bookings. Use Software for Booking and Calendar Management Keeping your calendar organized is essential. Use vacation rental management software to track bookings, sync calendars across platforms, and avoid double bookings. These tools can also automate messaging, reminders, and pricing adjustments to make your hosting experience more efficient. Turn Your Vacation Rental Into a Hands-Off Investment At Lemon Tree Housekeeping, we make hosting stress-free. As a full-service Airbnb property management company, we handle everything from insurance consultations to professional cleaning and guest coordination. Whether you're looking for help with day-to-day logistics or want someone to fully manage your Airbnb listing, our experienced Airbnb management team is here to help. Vacation Rental Managers in Nanaimo Vacation Rental Managers in Victoria

Looking to attract more guests and boost your vacation rental bookings? With the right Airbnb listing optimization strategy, you can turn casual browsers into confirmed guests and keep your calendar full. At Lemon Tree Housekeeping, we specialize in Airbnb listing management and have years of experience helping property owners across Vancouver Island get the most out of their vacation rentals. Whether you're just starting out or want to improve an existing listing, our tips will help you create memorable guest experiences that drive glowing reviews and repeat stays. Write Descriptive Titles Your title is often the first touchpoint for potential guests searching for a vacation rental, so make sure it’s easy to find in search results and compelling enough to stand out. Include relevant keywords that highlight the best features of your property. Phrases like “Cozy Lakefront Home with Hot Tub” or “Modern Apartment Steps from Victoria Harbour” are more compelling than generic titles like “2-Bedroom Rental.” Craft a Detailed Description Use the description to paint a picture of what it’s like to stay in your Airbnb. Include details about the layout, amenities, neighbourhood, and proximity to local attractions. Anticipate your guests’ questions and answer them clearly to help them feel confident about booking. Address common questions such as, “Is there parking”  “How close is it to hiking trails or beaches?” “What kind of coffee maker is there?”  Highlight Amenities That Set You Apart Be thorough and accurate when listing amenities so your property shows up in filtered searches. Include essentials like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, or laundry, but don’t forget to add special touches like a hot tub, firepit, espresso machine, beach gear, or board games. These small perks can help your property stand out from the competition. Invest in Great Photos A picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to your Airbnb listing, photos can truly make or break it. In addition to photographing an immaculately clean space, think about what makes your property special. Does it have stunning sunset views from the balcony? A cozy reading nook by the fireplace? Show it off! Highlight all the best features of your vacation rental, so guests can truly envision themselves enjoying the space. And if you can, consider hiring a professional photographer to help your listing stand out. Keep Your Calendar Up to Date Ensure your calendar reflects current availability to avoid frustrating guests with cancellations or booking issues. Platforms like Airbnb prioritize active and accurate listings, so staying on top of your calendar helps with visibility and guest trust. Use Dynamic Pricing Adjust your nightly rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events to maximize both occupancy and revenue. Tools like Airbnb’s Smart Pricing can help, or you can manually update your pricing based on booking trends. Aim for Superhost Status Superhost status not only boosts your credibility but also increases your listing's visibility on Airbnb. To achieve and maintain Superhost status, prioritize fast response times, maintain a high booking acceptance rate, avoid cancellations, and consistently earn great reviews by providing exceptional guest experiences. Can I Hire Someone to Manage My Airbnb Listing? Absolutely! Managing a vacation rental can be time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling multiple listings or live out of town. Lemon Tree Housekeeping offers full-service Airbnb and vacation rental management on Vancouver Island, including airbnb listing optimization, guest communication, cleaning, restocking, and more.  CONTACT NANAIMO CONTACT VICTORIA

Owning a luxury home should feel effortless and free from the burden of managing logistics. Executive property management services allow for stress-free day-to-day living. From staff coordination and cleaning schedules to routine maintenance and vendor oversight, this personalized service brings ease, discretion, and expert care to every aspect of your household operations. The benefits also go far beyond convenience. Having a private estate manager ensures a higher standard of living where every detail in your home reflects your preferences, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is taken care of. Who Needs Executive Property Management? Executive property management is ideal for high-profile individuals, busy professionals, seasonal homeowners, and anyone managing multiple properties or complex household needs. It’s especially valuable for those who want the benefits of luxury living without the stress of daily oversight. Clients may include: CEOs and executives with demanding schedules Celebrities and high-profile individuals who value discretion Owners of vacation homes or secondary residences Families with live-in staff or extensive service needs These homeowners rely on executive property managers to ensure their homes are well-maintained, secure, and ready to support their lifestyle wherever they are. A Step Beyond Traditional Property Management Unlike standard property management, executive property management goes beyond repairs and maintenance. It includes lifestyle support, hospitality coordination, and meticulous attention to detail. These services are about delivering peace of mind, comfort, and time back to the homeowner. Customized Household Management Plans Each estate is unique, and so are its needs. Private estate managers develop tailored household plans that may include: Coordinating household staff such as chefs, housekeepers, chauffeurs, and nannies Planning events, from private dinners to large celebrations Managing laundry, wardrobe care, and closet organization Arranging private shopping, in-home fittings, and exclusive experiences Arrange bookings for restaurants, travel, spa treatments, and custom activities Staff and Schedule Coordination From managing household calendars to ensuring staff schedules align with your daily routine, executive property managers keep your home operating like a five-star hotel. They handle appointment bookings, guest arrivals, and day-to-day logistics, so everything flows without interruption. Privacy, Security & Peace of Mind With experience working with high-profile clients, executive managers prioritize privacy and security. They oversee on-site security teams, control property access, and coordinate discreet guest handling. Ready to Experience the Difference? If you're looking for a trusted executive property management team in Victoria, Nanaimo, or elsewhere on Vancouver Island, Lemon Tree Housekeeping offers the discretion, professionalism, and white-glove service your lifestyle demands. Contact us today to learn how we can create a customized management plan for your property. Contact Nanaimo Contact Victoria

Spring has sprung in Nanaimo, and it’s the perfect time to take care of those home improvement tasks you've been meaning to get to. Whether it's a minor repair or a small renovation, Andrew, our experienced handyman services provider in Nanaimo, is ready to tackle your home improvement needs. From general home repairs services to carpentry services, if you’re searching for a handyman near me, Lemon Tree Housekeeping has the solution. Your Local Handyman for Home Projects Andrew offers professional, trustworthy handyman services for homeowners in Nanaimo and nearby communities. With a focus on quality and efficiency, he can tackle a wide range of tasks to help maintain and improve your home. Here’s how he can help tackle your home improvement needs: Carpentry services and small renovation jobs Simple plumbing projects Small kitchen remodels and bathroom updates Drywall repair services and painting Hanging mirrors, shelves, and pictures Door and window repairman services Searching for a Handyman Near Me in Nanaimo? Just like our professional cleaning services, we believe in a tailored approach. Andrew will assess your specific project and work with you to find the best solution. Need home repairs services not listed above? Reach out to us and let’s chat about how we can help you with your unique home improvement needs. Text or call us at: 250.739.7649Email us at: [email protected]