Vancouver Island Reviews and Information

Black Bears on Vancouver Island

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Recently my mother had a bit of a scare when she realized a juvenile black bear was in her dog run. The bear got spooked by the dogs and immediately ran up a tree where it remained for a few hours. We called the conservation office and they came out to see if they could do anything, seems the bear was tagged and had already been relocated. The neighbours apple tree with it's rotten apple's on the ground at attracted the great beast.

British Columbia has the largest black bear population in North America
and Vancouver Island has the densest population of bears in the entire province. Black bear attacks on human's are very rare - in most cases it is a female protecting her cubs, otherwise they tend to just retreat when confronted by a human.

Cape Scott (Northern Tip of Vancouver Island)

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:23:00 +0000

So I am making a tentative plan to hike Cape Scott

I've done some minor research and it looks like June - September is the best time to plan a hike, due to the likelihood of a very muddy trail otherwise.

Here are some interesting tidbit facts on the Cape Scott area:

- Originally the Tlatlasikwala, Nakumgilisala and Yutlinuk natives occupied the area.
- Although there are fresh water sources, it is recommended that you boil all water you consume.
- Black bears and cougars are frequently seen and it is important that you know how to deal with a run in. Bear bells or pepper spray are a good idea.
- Holberg is the closest accessible town. En route to Cape Scott keep an eye out for the "Shoe Tree"

Depending on the weather conditions these are some different trails with different distances that you can hike.

Destination:	Kilometers (1 km=0.621 miles)	Hours of hiking
San Josef Bay	2.5	3/4
Eric Lake	3.0	1
Fisherman River	9.3	3
Hansen Lagoon	14.7	5
Nissen Bight	15.0	5 1/2
Nels Bight	16.8	6
Experiment Bight	18.9	6 1/2
Guise Bay	20.7	7
Cape Scott	23.6	8

If any of my readers have taken on the Cape Scott area, information and stories are greatly appreciated!

Vancouver Island September Photos.

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:22:00 +0000

After a little bit of a hiatus from posts I went for a hike to the Harewood Plains on the weekend and snapped a few shots after the massive rain storm an hour earlier. Enjoy!

Tree-Go @Wildplay Nanaimo

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:48:00 +0000

There are two Wildplay Element parks in British Columbia, one located in Whistler B.C and the other in Nanaimo B.C located on beautiful Vancouver Island.

I had the opportunity to check out the Tree course (called Tree-Go) and thought I would share my experience.

The full course costs $39.99 or if you are doing the kids course, $19.99. Depending on the size of your group you may be eligible for group pricing.

The course includes a natural obstacle course within the environment including zip lines, suspended bridges, scramble nets, swinging logs and much more. It's takes about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours to complete the entire course. (Which we were unable to do, since we had some slow people ahead).

It's important to always make sure you are clipped onto something with your safety harness at all times or you will be banned from the course.

I would personally suggest going in groups of 10 or less and try to go early in the day because it does get extremely busy on weekends.

All in all it was a lot of fun, we weren't able to finish because of time constraints but I will be going back in the near future to complete the course! Check it out!

Fire Ban All Over Vancouver Island and B.C

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:27:00 +0000

If you haven't already guessed, there is a ZERO tolerance fire ban in effect currently EVERYWHERE in B.C.

Don't forget it's your civil duty to report a fire if you see one.

You could get fined up to $345 if you are found with open flame.

Also, smokers - please use extra caution!

Ant Nest on Vancouver Island

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:01:00 +0000

I'm a self admitted science/biology geek. I came across this huge ant nest up near Nanaimo Lakes and filmed a bit of it, the quality isn't great but I still think the nest is amazing!

Victoria Butchart Gardens Fireworks!

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Take in the wonderful firework display in lovely Victoria at Butchart Gardens this summer. Every Saturday night you can check out the show, which in my opinion is magnificent! Make sure you bring a blanket to sit on during the show and don't bring your pets!
After the show you will enjoy a recital from the rare Aeolian Pipe Organ situated in the loft of the Organ Pavilion. Guaranteed to impress!

Price:	$28.00 (Adult; Youth (13-17) $14.00; Child (5-12) $3.00)
Dates:	Jul 04, 2009
Dates:	Jul 11, 2009
Dates:	Jul 18, 2009
Dates:	Jul 25, 2009
Dates:	Aug 01, 2009
Dates:	Aug 08, 2009
Dates:	Aug 15, 2009
Dates:	Aug 22, 2009
Dates:	Aug 29, 2009
Dates:	Sep 05, 2009

Vancouver Island Exhibitions/Fairs

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:28:00 +0000

Agriculture being what it is on Vancouver Island, makes our Island fairs an exciting event all throughout the summer. Here I've compiled a list of the 2009 fairs!

Coombs Fair : August 8th - 10th - Located at the Coombs Fairground on Ford Road.
(4-H Animal Barns, Live Music Tent, concessions)

VIEx:
August 21st-23rd - Located at #4 - 2300 Bowen Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 3K7
(Songbird Competition, sheepdog trials, musical acts, 4-H Barns)

Comox Valley Exhibition: Aug. 29th-30th - Located at 4835 Headquarters Rd. Theme is "Blue Jeans and Country Dreams" (haha)
(Westcoast Amusements, beer tent, Danceheads, strongman competition)

Saanich Fair: Sept 5th - Sept 6th - Saanich Fairground - 1528 Stellys Cross Road.
(Kids Zone, 4-H Barn, Westcoast Amusements)

Alberni District Fall Fair: Sept 10th - 13th -

Dragon Boat Festival on Vancouver Island

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:20:00 +0000

The 2009 Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival is happening this weekend!

Teams from all over North America come to compete.

Come down to the Maffeo Sutton Park to check out the festivities.

There will be parking across the street behind the Howard Johnson hotel.

You can find more information HERE

Racial Attack in Courtenay.

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:27:00 +0000

View Video Here

Though I usually tend to stick to more positive and neutral issue here on this blog, I have to bring this into the limelight as it is something that sickens me to the core. A fight is a fight, but when you are yelling racial slurs and you are attacking someone 3 on 1, it becomes very concerning.

We need to learn to love each other, that is that. On a side note, I don't believe this is a common occurence in the Comox Valley and the accused aren't thought to be white supremacists.

Vancouver Island Provincial Park Camping

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Here is a compiled list of Provincial Parks on Vancouver Island - complete with links for more information! Happy Camping. I will post a blog later on private and hard to get to but GREAT camping spots on Vancouver Island :)

Bamberton Provincial Park
Cowichan River Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Fillongley Provincial Park
French Beach Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park
Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Loveland Bay Provincial Park

Cowichan River Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Fillongley Provincial Park
French Beach Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park
Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Loveland Bay Provincial Park

Miracle Beach Provincial Park
Montague Harbour Provincial Park
Morton Lake Provincial Park
Pacific Rim National Park
Prior Centennial Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Smelt Bay Provincial Park
Sproat Lake Provincial Park
Stamp River Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park (Buttle Lake)

Vancouver Island Canada Day Celebrations.

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:31:00 +0000

There's loads and loads of fun events happening on Vancouver Island for all ages tomorrow!

Nanaimo:

Events are happening down at Maffeo Sutton Park - lots of games, music (From the Kerplunks and Power Project) food, face painting and plenty of interactive booths. Check it all out from 11am-3:15pm)

Parksville:

Canadian rock band Chilliwack are performing at this event which will most likely be the best on the central island. There is a Canada Day Parade which will follow down Island Highway towards the Community Park - finishing off the day with the Thrifty Foods fire works display. There are ample family events happening downtown all day.
The Canada Day ceremony kicks off at noon.

Victoria:

There is always tons to do in Victoria on Canada Day. Events are happening from dawn 'til dust!
Plenty of booths, events, music, food and entertainment for everyone!

Regardless of what you do or how you celebrate Canada Day, we should all take a moment and remind ourselves how lucky we are to be living in a beautiful country such as Canada!

Heart graffiti on Vancouver Island

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:07:00 +0000

In some well known parks and walk ways within Nanaimo, it seems someone is either bored, or trying to make some sort of statement.

The city is now paying for a contractor to remove the hearts that have been appearing at Westwood Lake, Bowen Park and I discovered some on the Parkway trail this morning. The cost is over a couple thousand dollars and climbing. The contractors are using pressure washers, set on low to remove it from the bark of trees.

I am no tree expert but I'm pretty sure the graffiti would fade quite quickly over time on it's own.

I found this link interesting

I'm definitely not advocating tagging trees with graffiti, or saying it's ok - but I don't think tax payers money should be used in this particular case.

What exactly is the city upset about? Destroying nature? Because it won't kill the trees, but the pressure washing might. I find it mildly comical that these hearts appear in places where the city has cleared forest/trees to construct a walking trail poured with concrete! Just a thought.....

Vancouver Island Forest Fires

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Here in B.C we've hit some record high temperatures and not a whole lot of rain in the past few months. Due to this, there has been almost 500 blazes across our province - the majority of them caused by people.

Specifically there was a suspicious fire in South Nanaimo which actually closed down Parkway traffic. This area (Nanaimo Lakes area) has been the victim of suspicious fires since last year.

Unfortunately the cost of fighting such fires is high, by last week more than $680,000 has been spent fighting 110 fires in the region alone this year. This is double the amount the coastal forest service deals with in an entire season. Many of the fires have been started on Island Timberlands property and an investigation is underway for suspected arsonists.

Walking this morning I happened to be facing southbound near Duke Point and snapped these shots.

Vancouver Island Nanaimo to Victoria Journey.

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Nanaimo to Victoria photos for your viewing pleasure :)

Jack Point Pictures

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:24:00 +0000

This morning I decided to go for a little jaunt near Duke Point (Jack Point).

I would have taken more pictures, but my camera was acting up!

Get outside and enjoy the beautiful Vancouver Island weather while it's here!

Some Vancouver Island Events...

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:37:00 +0000

Here are a few things happening if you're looking for something to do this weekend on Vancouver Island!

The Cowichan Theatre is hosting a dance performance by the Celtic Rhythms.(happening May 29th)
On Saturday and Sunday you can head down to Victoria and check out the 2nd Annual Vancouver Island Custom Motorcycle and Car Show

Starting Friday May.29th the Parksville Quilt Festival begins and continues until June 4th.

It's supposed to be great weather for the next little while, so getting outside and enjoying the Vancouver Island life is a great idea too!

live the good life!

Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Many people don't know about it, but in 2002 a suspension bridge was installed across Haslam Creek. This development is included in efforts to establish the Trans Canada Trail. Next will be to establish a crossing point over Nanaimo River.

There are 3 ways to access the Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge.
1. Across from the airport, in Cassidy. This is located at the end of Timberlands road, making a left at Rondalyn Resort. There is no signage at the entrance anymore due to VIU's Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Program running in the gravel pit that runs along side the trail. If you park in between a private logging road and the gate you should find a trail at this point.

2. Up Spruston Road, drive past Mountainaire Resort, it starts just past Loftus Road. I have yet to access the trail this way, but will be checking it out in the near future.

3. Nanaimo River Road Access: Once you pass the turnoff for White Rapids Road, travel another 3.6 km up Nanaimo River Road to some gates. Look for a small Trans-Canada Trail sign on the gate going towards the Nanaimo River.
Check out my photos!
live the good life!

Southern Vancouver Island Farmer's Markets.

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:03:00 +0000

It's that time of year again, the weather is warm and it's time to go to the farmer's markets!! Check out what's happening in any town on South Vancouver Island!
Salt Spring Island Saturday Market		Ganges, Salt Spring Island
April 4 to October 31
Saturdays	8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At Centennial Park in Ganges
Telephone: 250-537-4448	Email: parc(at)saltspring.com
www.saltspringmarket.com


Peninsula Country Market		Brentwood Bay
June 6 to September 26
Saturdays	9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
At the Saanich Fairground (1528 Stelly's Crossroad), across from Stelly's Secondary School, near Brentwood Bay
Telephone: 250-216-0521
www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca


Sidney Summer Market		Sidney
June to August
Thursdays	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Beacon Avenue in Sidney (closed to traffic)
Telephone: 250-655-6433	market(at)sidneybusiness.ca


Esquimalt Community Market – in limbo...		Esquimalt


Moss Street Community Market		Victoria
May 2 to October 24	Half markets on April 25 and April 25 (10 am - noon)
Saturdays	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At Sir James Douglas Elementary School, at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road
Telephone: 250-361-1747	Email: info(at)mossstreetmarket.ca
www.mossstreetmarket.com See website for winter and holiday markets


James Bay Community Market		Victoria
May 2 to October 10
Saturdays	9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
At the corner of Menzies and Superior Streets in James Bay
Telephone: 250-381-5323	Email: info@jamesbaymarket.com
www.jamesbaymarket.com


Colwood Farmers' Market		Colwood
June 3 to September 30
Wednesdays	4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre (1767 Island Highway), between the pool and the
Telephone:TBA	Email: info(at)colwoodmarket.com
www.colwoodmarket.com


Luxton Station Market		Langford
May 30 to October 17
Saturdays	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Site to be confirmed
Telephone: 250-507-5767	info(at)luxtonstationmarket.ca
www.luxtonstationmarket.ca


Metchosin Farmers' Market		Metchosin
May 10 to October 25
Sundays	11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At the Metchosin Municipal Grounds (4450 Happy Valley Road)
Telephone: 250-478-7871	email: metmkt08(at)telus.net


Sooke Country Market		Sooke
May 9 to September 26
Saturdays	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At 2047 Otter Point Road (turn right at the lights in downtown Sooke)
Telephone: 250-642-2133	Email: metmkt08(at)telus.net
www.sooke.org/countrymarket/index.htm


Downtown Duncan Farmers' Market		Duncan
Open year round
Saturdays	10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In the Duncan City Square
Telephone: 250-732-1723	Email: thesquaremarketmanager(at)hotmail.com
www.marketinthesquare.net


Cedar Farmers' Market		Cedar
May 10 to October 11
Sundays	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In front of the Crow & Gate Pub on Yellow Point Road in Cedar (2313 Yellow Point Road)
Telephone: 250-722-3526	Email: g_benson(at)hotmail.com


Nanaimo Downtown Farmers' Market		Nanaimo
May 1 to October 9
Fridays	10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, by the historic bastion (Front Street)
Telephone: 250-754-1998 (Ann)	Email: ndfms(at)shaw.ca
www.nanaimofarmersmarket.com


Errington Farmers' Market		Errington
May 2 to September 26
Saturdays	10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
At Errington Community Park on Errington Road
Telephone: 250-951-0558
www.erringtonhall.bc.ca/market.htm


Qualicum Beach Farmers' Market		Qualicum Beach
May 16 to October 10
Saturdays	8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
At Memorial and First Streets in downtown Qualicum Beach (north of the railroad tracks)
Telephone: 250-752-3087
www.coombsfair.com/market

BC Votes.

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:29:00 +0000

As many of you may know, we are in the midst of a provincial election. As a strong advocate of having and utilizing your voice - I strongly suggest you take the time and cast your ballot.

In my opinion no vote is a wasted one, it takes minimal time to have your say in who will run YOUR province. Do your research, be informed - your future depends on it.

Here are some helpful links, check them out and cast your vote on May 12th!

Elections BC

Be aware that you will also be voting for a referendum involving the way in which we vote.

Check out both these websites and get informed!

No STV

British Columbians For STV

And last but not least the Registered Political Parties!

Here are some videos and information that may be helpful as well. I also strongly suggest you do your own investigating and research to help you decide where to place your vote.

Pro Liberal Video

Pro NDP Video

Other Links.

The Tyee

10,000 Voices For BC Rivers

BC STV Debate

Vancouver Island History

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 04 May 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Here's a little history lesson on Vancouver Island, enjoy!

It is assumed that Vancouver Island was created as a result of volcanic activity over a period of 200 million years, starting about 360 million years ago.
It was most likely near present day Mexico, slowly migrating up towards California.
For quite some time, both Britain and Spain occupied the region.
New Westminister was declared the province's capital before Victoria.
The "Malahat" was a completed gravel road in 1911. The first automobile made it over in June of 1911
Archaeologists have determined that people have lived on Vancouver Island for about 9,000 years.
Canada's oldest Chinatown is located in Victoria, B.C.
Vancouver Island's first permanent resident was Dr.John Mackay.
Native's occupied this island far earlier than any Europeons.
The 49th parellel, which seperates Canada from the US, runs right through Ladysmith.
Richard Blanshard becomes the first governor of Vancouver Island, but resigns within 18 months.
In the 1800s small pox brought over by Europeon settlers decimate approximately 1/3rd of Native populations.
In the 1870s BC join confederation, much to some's dismay that it should have become part of America.
In 1910 mine workers strike due to unsafe work conditions
In the 1920's the Tory leader Simon Fraser Tolmie imposes a tax of 1% on all incomes over $12 a week due to the stock market crash "Black Thursday".
In the 1940's an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale rocks Courtenay, causing severe damage.
Mary Bell is the first woman to swim the Strait Of Juan De Fuca in 1950.
In the 1960's Victoria experiences Typhoon Frieda with gusts up to 145 km/hr.

Vancouver Island Reviews and Information Feedback

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Hello readers. I recently have been receiving a lot of e-mails and feedback about the site and would like to thank everyone that takes the time to comment.

Most recently I received an e-mail from a fellow from the Netherlands who LOVED what he experienced here, I'm going to post some of the e-mail.

"visited the island in September 2008 together with my girlfriend and my best friend.

We fell in love with it (especially myself!) because of it's beauty. An astonishing nature, laid back people and the nice cities were the reasons. We visited Victoria, Sooke, Port Alberni and Ucluelet. In Ukee, we stayed at the Terrace beach Resort. Because Jason was there for a fishing trip with his wife and some friends I had the opportunity to meet him briefly and taken picures of me and him."

As the weather warms up on Vancouver Island so does the allure of outdoor fun in places like Tofino
Port Alberni, Campbell River and everywhere else on beautiful Vancouver Island.

Live the good life!

Vancouver Island Summer

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:50:00 +0000

There are endless activities to do on Vancouver Island in the summer (especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast like myself).

So what is your favourite summer activity on Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Islanders love Lucky Lager

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:39:00 +0000

If you were born on Vancouver Island you probably know of the beer Lucky Lager (perhaps more than others!). Here are some interesting (and SURPRISING) facts on Lucky Lager!

It was originally made by General Brewing Company, located in San Francisco, California (in 1934)
This company become the Lucky Lager Brewing Company in 1948.
Historically, all the breweries for Lucky Lager have been in the U.S
It is only available in selected areas. This includes most of Southern British Columbia
It has an extremely dedicated following on Vancouver Island - notably, Ucluelet, Chemainus, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alberni and Sooke. (I can vouche for Ladysmith and Nanaimo being included in this list also)

Cumberland B.C was named by Labatt Brewing Company the "Luckiest Town in Canada" in 2002 due to it's amazing consumption!

You can read the entire Wiki article HERE

Tofino, Long Beach Vancouver Island

slprzada@hotmail.com (s_przada) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:56:00 +0000

Here are some pictures of my recent adventure in Tofino. The day was rather stormy, but surprisingly warm! The wave warning was at extreme, it was beautiful!