Something strange is happening in the heart of Victoria. The Royal British Columbia Museum is in the grip of Egyptomania, hosting the costliest and most complex exhibit in the museum's history, from July 10 to October 31. The Eternal Egypt exhibit, on loan from the British Museum, comes to Victoria at the tail end of a North American tour. But this is the only venue in Western Canada to showcase these rare works of art--and the RBCM's presentation promises a very different spin on things Egyptian, giving it the Royal treatment.

One big difference is the on-site IMAX movie, Mysteries of Egypt. Showing four times daily, this 45-minute National Geographic effort features dramatic reenactments of funerary rites and building the pyramids, as well as thrilling helicopter sorties along the Nile Valley, the cradle of Egyptian civilization. It sets the context for the museum exhibits and is highly recommended.

From the dead, we learn about the living: taking clues from tomb wall murals and from objects found with mummies (cosmetic boxes, perfume vessels, wine jars), experts will attempt to re-create the sounds, music, perfumes, food, and spices of ancient Egypt. This may be dubious science, but in Victoria they're having a lot of fun with the concept. To highlight aspects of daily life, the RBCM is staging a marketplace, with a modest display of food, clothing, cosmetics, and papyrus.

Another unique feature at the RBCM is the Mummy Chamber, with two human mummies on display, plus a mummified cat and hawk. The chamber offers insights into the arcane art of wrapping and embalming. During the exhibit period, the RBCM will be staging special events and lectures, and holding Junior Egyptologist camps. (Check the museum Web site at www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/.) Bound to be popular is the exhibit's own gift shop, selling T-shirts, Egyptian jewellery, books, and facsimile statuary.

Absorbing thousands of years of history in a few hours can be taxing on the grey matter. To help you unwind, Willow Stream spa (inside the Fairmont Empress Hotel) offers an Egyptian body wrap, a 90-minute experience for around $200. This Cleopatra-style treatment employs ancient oils like frankincense and myrrh, and a full-body massage to "bring guests back to the living". The spa also offers a 60-minute facial for $130. Another spa offering an Egyptian wrap is at the Delta Victoria.

Or you might want to just chill out with some King Tut's Tipple. That's an ancient-Egypt-inspired beer created by Victoria microbrewery Spinnakers. The limited-edition ale is brewed from heritage emmet wheat--similar to what would grow in the Nile Valley--and spiced with figs and star anise. The result is a light and surprisingly palatable beer. Spinnakers Brewpub serves Egyptian-themed food in its character building with great harbour views, at 308 Catherine Street (easily reached by mini-ferry departing from the foot of the Empress Hotel). A handful of other restaurants in Victoria will feature lavish Egyptian-inspired menus: the Herald Street Caffe, the Temple, and the Empress Room.

More than 70 Victoria hotels are participating in Eternal Egypt packages, from B & Bs to high-end lodgings like the Laurel Point Inn. Packages include one- or two-night stays, plus museum tickets and perhaps an Egyptian-themed meal, or a side trip to see the Heavens of the Pharaohs star show at the Centre of the Universe (5071 West Saanich Road, Victoria). For updated info on hotel deals, visit www.tourismvictoria.com/.