A-Life BC Travel Blog

By Ross Collicutt

Driving through Duncan one day, on my way home to Nanaimo, I was looking for a nice spot to stretch my legs and take some photos. The sun was casting a beautiful glow over the valley as it started dipping behind Mount Prevost.

They say just before sunset is one of the best times to get out and take amazing photographs, so I kept my eyes open for a nice location. Some interesting trees and landscapes or maybe some different kinds of wildlife would have all made for some great shots in the fading light.

I was passing Somenos Marsh at the north end of Duncan when I realized it would be a perfect place to wander the beautiful, recently-installed boardwalk out into the marsh and maybe even get some photos of a few of the 200+ bird species that frequent the area. There is a helpful map on SomenosMarsh.com, the digital home of the conservation project.

By Jacqueline Windh

A lot of people think of this time of year, particularly the month of October, as the time of the salmon spawn. But here on the west coast, the salmon spawn actually goes for well over half the year - although the peak of activity is definitely through the autumn months.

There are seven species of Pacific salmon here - that is including steelhead and cutthroat trout, which used to be classified in the trout genus, but are now considered to be salmon.

Unfortunately, we also now have Atlantic salmon out here too. They have been escaping from salmon farms for years and surviving in the wild. Fishery workers have observed them ascending spawning streams, where they may disrupt the eggs of the native salmon when they spawn on top of their nests.

By Ross Collicutt

When I think of aquariums that I’ve visited over the years, I think of smaller businesses that are having trouble staying afloat and keeping their animals happy, all while attempting to make a difference in the world.

The execution can be a little lackluster, but the idea—providing entertaining shows and valuable education about our planet’s animals while making a huge difference in their lives—is still a very admirable one, and the Vancouver Aquarium proves it can work.

By Jacqueline Windh

Tofino and Ucluelet tend to attract visitors who value healthy living: clean air and water, keeping active in the outdoors, and nutritious foods. For people who value health and wellness, it helps to know where to find local and organic products.

Each town has a supermarket—the Co-op Grocery stores—with a small organic section and some organic produce, so you may be able to find what you are looking for there. But each town has specialty shops too, and even some local products.

By Jacqueline Windh

This is Tla-o-qui-aht canoe carver Joe Martin. Tla-o-qui-aht are one of the Nuu-chah-nulth tribes, and their traditional territory extends from the Tofino region, to northern Long Beach, and to Kennedy Lake (Haa’uukmin).

Joe is holding a traditional whale-hunting harpoon head. It is traditional in every respect except for some of the materials. The cutting edge of the harpoon head, instead of being made of finely sharpened but fragile mussel shell, is made of metal.

By Jacqueline Windh

This weekend marks the 11th annual Tofino Lantern Festival.

Anyone who has ever attended the Lantern Festival will remember the magic of the rainforest at night, lit up by the soft glow of hundreds of hand-made lanterns. And anyone who has not attended… well, they should put this unique event into their calendar.

The Lantern Festival takes place in the Tofino Botanical Gardens, and it is organized by the Raincoast Education Society. RES events in the week leading up to the festival include numerous lantern-making workshops—you can bring your own craft supplies or use one of their kits with all supplies included. So, anyone who wants to take their own original lantern to the event has their chance to do that. (Check out the RES website for the workshop schedule).

By Holly Rose

I am seated in a beautiful space, feeling a little reverent. While it is true that I am one to feel a great sense of reverence for culinary delights or an excellent glass of wine, I have only arrived at Steeples Restaurant and it is the space itself that inspires these feelings.

For the last 10 years, Steeples has been satisfying its patrons with an elegant ever-changing menu and its enticing selection of local (and global) wines, ciders and beers.

Prior to being the culinary prize of Shawnigan Lake, this space was once a place of worship. One glance around Steeples Restaurant and its history is evident. Proprietor Darren Cole ensured with his renovations that the beauty of the building was showcased.

Rich exposed beams shine in the afternoon light on my visit. Most of the brunch clientele has already moved on but a few linger on the protected patio with its lovely view of Steeples' manicured grounds. In the evening the patio is often full with the breeze of BC's summer nights, never bothering those under the shelter of heat lamps.

By Jacqueline Windh

This past weekend marked the official opening of newly redesigned Kwisitis Visitor Centre.

The Kwisitis Visitor Centre is located within the Long Beach section of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, about halfway between the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. People who have been out to this part of the park before may know this building as the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre.

By Jessica Woollard

From Thailand’s world famous night bazaars to Germany’s holiday Christkindlmarkts, food and artisan markets have become a popular attraction in communities around the world, including Sidney, BC, just 35 minutes from downtown Victoria.

Now in its 11th year, the Sidney Summer Market boasts more than 200 vendors, displaying everything from hand-crafted jewellery, clothing, pottery, and soaps, to home-made pasta, granola, and teas.

By Jacqueline Windh

Yes, you heard that right.

Many people want to do the right thing both environmentally and healthwise, but lament the high price of local organic food.

Well, out here on the west coast, we have local organic food available for free, six months of the year!

Wild berries are one of the most delicious and easy-to-find food sources here on the west coast. And yes, the season really does run for six months or more. The first salmonberries appear in May, and evergreen huckleberries (also known locally as cinamock or winterberries) remain good for the picking in the cool temperatures of early winter, through November and even December.