Central Vancouver Island Offers a Bounty of Exceptional Experiences! From Cowichan through Nanaimo to Parksville Qualicum Beach, Central Vancouver Island offers a variety of exceptional experiences, including spectacular beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails, and coastal paddling. From February 1 through March 8, 2026, explore the region and the diverse mix of breweries. Fill Your … Continued
Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim is ready to welcome you with craft beer, majestic forests, big nature, and west coast warmth. Port Alberni serves as a central hub for exploring the region, offering a rich mix of culture, heritage, and flavour. Discover three local breweries, a growing culinary scene, and a new distillery before heading west … Continued
Ucluelet (pronounced you-clue-let) is a town where life slows down in the best possible way. Tucked somewhere between the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island and the rhythm of the rainforest, the scent of cedar mixes with ocean air, and there’s a sense that you’ve landed somewhere special. Set on the traditional territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ … Continued
Central Vancouver Island Offers a Bounty of Exceptional Experiences! From Cowichan through Nanaimo and Parksville Qualicum Beach to the Comox Valley, Central Vancouver Island offers a variety of exceptional experiences, including spectacular beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails, and coastal paddling. From February 1 through March 9, 2025, explore the region and the diverse mix … Continued
Escape the crowds and discover the quiet magic of Port Alberni during the winter months. Winter in the Alberni Valley offers a serene escape, with misty mornings, uncrowded attractions, and an authentic glimpse into the region’s soul. Whether it’s peaceful fishing expeditions, cozy brewery tastings, or awe-inspiring coastal vistas, this season unveils a quieter, more … Continued
In 1899, artist Emily Carr travelled to Ucluelet via a steamship. During subsequent visits, she drew a series of illustrations. Many of those drawings reveal remote First Nations communities and cedars too big to hug amid the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an enchanting place, in which the nautical, historical and cool surf vibes … Continued
In this latest instalment in the Hops Among Friends series, showcasing the people who make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail, Kim Lawton interviews Tessa Gabiniewicz from Land & Sea Brewing. My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Connor Blanchard from Luppolo Brewing. Connor was able to pay it … Continued
Vancouver Island is a bounty for diverse and unique crops. Stop by any of the numerous bustling farmers’ markets and you’ll find a plethora of hard-to-find Canadian ingredients like olives, figs, kiwis, hazelnuts, chanterelles, and even the decadent truffle. Not to mention the more obvious market favourites such as berries, greens, grains, and fruit. It’s … Continued
Nestled in the heart of North Vancouver Island, Port McNeill is a resource town with stunning scenery and endless outdoor adventure potential. It has one grocery store, one pub, one general store, and one craft brewery: Devil’s Bath Brewing. Head brewer Aaron Battaglio and his family, long-time locals of Port McNeill, are the brains behind … Continued
Thanks to the recent opening of Ladysmith’s first craft brewery, Bayview Brewing, this historic town is becoming a destination rather than just a pit stop. As someone who frequently drives from Victoria to Comox, I often only stop in Ladysmith if I have a hankering for a cinnamon bun the size of a sedan from … Continued
