A-Life BC Travel Blog

By Jacqueline Windh

The Nuu-chah-nulth-aht are the original inhabitants of the west coast, from mid-northern Vancouver Island down to Neah Bay, Washington.

The villages of Tofino and Ucluelet lie in the middle of Nuu-chah-nulth territory. The traditional Nuu-chah-nulth language is endangered. Fluent speakers number in the hundreds, and nearly all of those are elders.

But there are several exciting language initiatives taking place, that are working to keep the language alive and vibrant, and to bring it to the younger generations.

By Jessica Goerzen

From vineyards and wineries to apple orchards and cherry trees, the central Okanagan is known for its local farms and fresh produce.

And as the summer sun shines bright, farmers' markets are springing up all around the Okanagan, including the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market.

By Jacqueline Windh

Well, this week we marked “Aboriginal Day.” But sometimes, I feel that our nation’s Aboriginal Day represents a romantic vision of how native people “were,” rather than recognizing that they are still here, and reflecting how they “are.”

Aboriginal Day is very important, both here on Vancouver Island and across our country.

But, rather than focussing only on past First Nations traditions—some of which are still carried on today, but some of which are not—I think it is really important to also recognize that many of Canada’s First Nations people and their communities still exist, and that they face many challenges.

By Jacqueline Windh

The Victoria area is one of the best places to see the wild camas plant. From late April through mid-June the plants send up flowering stems, from which burst spectacular purple flowers.

Camas plants tend to grown in large groups, often on rocky outcrops close to the water’s edge, or in extensive meadows such as those at Beacon Hill Park. Some years, the mass displays are simply spectacular. 

The camas was once thought to be part of the lily family, and many people still call them “camas lilies”. But the camas actually belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae)—and, like the asparagus plant that most of us know, it is edible.

By Ross Collicutt

The summer sun is teasing us with its increasingly common appearances, and that means the warm, outdoorsy season is almost upon us.

Hiking and riding smooth, dry trails, sitting by the water in the sun and strolling around the city during the warm evenings are some of my favourite things to do during the warm season.

Another great thing that shows up as the weather gets warmer on Vancouver Island is the markets.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

Visiting Parksville? One day trip that you absolutely have to take is to Morningstar Farms.

Home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Mooberry Winery, this family-run farm is a favourite among locals from all over Central Vancouver Island.

Families, school groups and wine & cheese lovers alike have found a flavourful haven nestled in the shadow of Mount Arrowsmith in Parksville.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

Ask any Oceanside local what some of the must-see locations in the area are, and one of their answers will invariably be Cathedral Grove.

You cannot entertain off-Island guests without taking them for a day trip to Cathedral Grove; it is one of those breathtaking Vancouver Island locations that makes you beam with pride when you show it off to visitors.

Located in the MacMillan Provincial Park, this stand of towering Douglas Firs has been attracting visitors from around the globe for years.

With some trees more than 800 years old, the sheer magnitude of these statuesque stunners is enough to stop you dead in your hiking boots.

Rising up from the moss-laden forest floor and leaving nothing but dappled rays of sunshine in their wake, the trunks of Cathedral Grove have been inspiring tree huggers from near and far for decades.

By Jacqueline Windh

It was with mixed feelings here in Tofino when Clayoquot Sound was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2000.

Of course we were thrilled that UNESCO Clayoquot’s unique attributes that make it worthy of worldwide attention: its convergence of ecosystems ranging from alpine to forest to shoreline and ocean; its vast tracts of pristine oldgrowth rainforest, and the unique human communities that live within this wild landscape.

But the worries came from the media attention. Clayoquot’s designation as a World Biosphere Reserve was reported across the country as if, after a decade and half of protests against clearcut logging, Clayoquot were finally “saved.”

By LaVonne Reddicopp

Oceanside locals have long known a small secret that they have kept pretty much to themselves—the Errington Farmer’s Market and all of its wonderful wares.

Well, the secret is officially getting out: the market is reopening for its 38th year of business and the locals couldn’t be happier.

Located in the Community Park right next to the Errington Hall, this terrific farmer’s market draws locals from all over the Oceanside area. 

By Cassandra Anderton

Wherever you travel, I wouldn’t be the only one that highly recommends indulging in all the local products.

Whether that means lobster in PEI, or lamb in New Zealand, there’s always an ingredient that the region you’re in is known for.

And if you are visiting BC in the coming months, the must-try is the spot prawn.

Until about 2006, spot prawns never made it to our local dining tables, despite being caught directly off of our province’s shores.