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
Is there anything more iconic than van-dwelling, craft beer-sipping, and surfing in Tofino? BC’s surf capital isn’t exactly a secret. But, no matter how many times you explore the area in and around Tofino, there’s a chance to discover something new. Whether it’s an undiscovered-by-you view spot or a friendly face you meet along the … Continued
Now is the Perfect Time to Explore the Comox Valley! From March 4 – April 25, 2022, book a two night stay at the Bayview Hotel, Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community or Old House Hotel & Spa and receive a limited edition, custom designed Comox Valley .95 L growler, as well as $50 in … Continued
There’s no shortage of breweries with pizza on the BC Ale Trail. In celebration of National Pizza Day (and just because), we visited breweries on mid-Vancouver Island with fantastic pizza pies. But if you’re on the mainland, don’t fret. We’ve got a list of where to find a brewery pizza across the province, too. Pizza … Continued