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With the expansion of the railway from Victoria to northern points on the Island, Nanaimo was once one of the Island’s fastest growing cities. Sitting on a hot bed of coal, the Harbour City expanded rapidly and, with that, came a number of saloons and bars. Some of these watering holes still stand today in the city’s Old Quarter.

The Nanaimo Museum is offering beer buffs the chance to explore some of Nanaimo’s oldest liquor establishments with an historical walking tour next month. Participants will learn a bit about the city’s history while stopping in at three of the oldest pubs.

Where: Tour begins at the Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo

When: Monday, August 8th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Who: Participants must be 19+

Tickets: $15 per person (Nanaimo Museum members receive a 15% discount) – pre-registration and pre-payment is required

Contact: Bobbi Williamson at the Nanaimo Museum by phone (250-753-1821) or by e-mail

For more information, visit the Nanaimo Museum online.

In eighth grade I visited Horne Lake Caves with my Outdoor Education class. We donned helmets, grabbed flashlights and made our way into the myriad of underground abysses. While it was easy for our adolescent bodies to make our way into the caves, spelunking may not be so simple for everyone.

Photo: John Biehler on Flickr

With a brand new interpretive centre coming to its mid-Island site, Horne Lake Caves is proud to feature Canada’s first entirely accessible underground experience. Of the approximately 30,000 visitors to the caves each year, only 1/3 of them ever get to enjoy the underground experience.

Photo: John Biehler on Flickr

“This will be Canada’s first fully wheelchair accessible cave theatre,” shares Richard Varela, Director of Island Pacific Adventures, the company that manages operations at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. “People that would never have had the ability to go into a cave, or who have been slightly uncomfortable doing so … can now learn about our caves.”

Photo: Fraser Valley Pulse & Metro Vancouver Pulse on Flickr

The new interpretive centre highlights Horne Lake’s 7 caves and features an education centre, a museum and a cave theatre. The beauty of Horne Lake Caves is in the fact that much of it is undeveloped and untouched, making it easy to see why these caves have been named Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC by Attractions Canada.

The public is invited to the opening of the interpretive centre throughout the day on on Tuesday, August 9th. Horne Lake Caves is located at 3900 Horne Lake Caves Rd. in Qualicum Beach. From Highway 19, take exit 75 and follow the signs. For more information on Horne Lake Caves, visit them online or follow their updates on Twitter.

Home to so much natural beauty, it comes as no surprise that the residents of Hornby Island have a lot to celebrate. Since 1982, the annual Hornby Festival has been drawing bigger crowds each summer to this well-loved event.

This Canadian success story is now in its 30th incarnation, and the 2011 festival is gearing up to be its best yet. This year’s program is wholly inclusive with classical, jazz, world beat and traditional genres of music, modern dance, childrens’ programming, theatre and spoken word.

Photo: © Jennifer Armstrong/Hornby Festival

With venues dotted across Hornby Island, some of this year’s featured guests include the Purcell String Quartet, Juno Award winner David Francey, Big Machine, Adrian Dolan’s Old Time Dance and kids’ storytime workshops with Rae Maté, Deirdre Baker and (my personal favourite) Kit Pearson.

If acclaimed musicians aren’t enough, also be sure to check out Hornby Island resident Michael Hornsby‘s art exhibit at the Community Hall, “art in unusual places” across Hornby Island, the birdhouse auction and the annual quilt raffle at the Ringside Market. For anyone that’s ever visited Hornby Island, you know how uniquely special each of these events can be.

Photo: © Joanne Ovitsland/Hornby Festival

Find out more about Hornby Festival 2011, the entire line up of events and performers or how you can become a Festival Society member on the official website.

Hornby Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, July 28th until Saturday, August 6th. Tickets to the various performances can be purchased online. They generally sell out quickly so time is of the essence. If you plan on staying overnight on Hornby Island, be sure that you book accommodation in advance as it can be very limited and the ferries do not run late into the night. A round-up of accommodation options can be found here.

Long before KitchenAid created the stand mixer, before Ralph Lauren designed ladies’ dresses and before Levi Strauss & Co. produced denim overalls, the Hudson’s Bay Company set up shop in Victoria. In fact, in the early 1840s, the Hudson’s Bay Co. was nothing more than a trading post at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Discovered by John Douglas and briefly known as Fort Camosun and Fort Albert, the post was officially named after Queen Victoria in 1843.

It would be another 80 years before work on the historical Hudson’s Bay Co. building would break ground on Douglas Street.

Acting on advice from the famed London department store Harrod’s, the Hudson’s Bay Co. wanted to modernize their entire image and to be presented as much more than just a dry goods retailer. Construction began in 1913 and, after a brief suspension due to World War I, the Hudson’s Bay building was finally completed in 1921.

Over the next several decades, as the fashion retail world began to rapidly expand, so too did the Hudson’s Bay Co. and its Vancouver Island location.

The retail space was expanded with a new addition in the late 1940s and in 1950 the very first escalator on Vancouver Island was installed in that retail expansion.

On the company’s 333rd birthday in 2003, the Hudson’s Bay Co. – now known simply as The Bay – moved down the street into what was once occupied by Eaton’s. The original Bay building was subsequently listed in Victoria’s heritage registry while it awaited redevelopment.

Three years passed before the former Hudson’s Bay Co. building, on Douglas Street between Herald and Fisgard Streets, would be purchased by Townline. Since that time the building has been carefully and lovingly restored. What was once the Hudson’s Bay Co.’s first Vancouver Island home is now a stunning collection of modern flats, lofts and penthouse spaces.

Photo: © Hudson Living

Known simply as The Hudson, developers have been diligent in maintaining the building’s history and former esthetic. I look forward to heading to Victoria next week to visit The Hudson, explore the suites for myself and see what the building – and the area – have to offer! Stay tuned…

All archival photos © BC Archives Collection private archives. Factual information provided by The Hudson and its developers.

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Few Canadian cities incite intrigue into its past more than Victoria. Though now a modern city in its own right, Victoria holds strong to the history that shaped and molded BC’s capital.

Historical buildings, century-old cemeteries, cobbled streets and famed stories exist to show n’ tell the tales of Victoria’s past. A brand-new walking tour will take summertime visitors on an historical voyage through some of the city’s most loved saloons.

ITT Wilson Tours welcomes history buffs or those with an appetite for a great mug of brew to join the Saloons, Scandals & Sweets tour, a tour that promises a “little scandal and a lot of intrigue.” Hear the stories behind the storefront facades, plant your feet in the same spot where some debaucherous deeds were carried out and find out just what happened in Victoria’s dance halls after the sun would set.

When: Daily until September 6, 2011 (and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday until mid-October). Tours depart daily at 2:00 p.m. and last approximately two hours.

Where: Meet at the Emily Carr Statue at the southwest corner of the Fairmont Empress Hotel grounds.

How Much: $25.89 plus tax – the tour includes stops at two local pubs; beer and sweets are included in the fee.

Who: Adults 19+ only

For more information, visit ITT Wilson Tours online or follow their updates on Twitter.

For 29 years, the annual Filberg Festival has drawn art and music enthusiasts from all corners of Vancouver Island and beyond. I remember attending the festival for as far back as my memory goes, spending many BC Day long weekends slurping hand-squeezed lemonade while wandering the grounds of the Filberg Park in steamy sunshine.

Festival goers will once again be treated to arts, crafts, food, music and more from July 29th through to August 1st as the entire Town of Comox is in full celebratory swing. More than 130 artisans will converge at this picturesque park, toting incredible creations ranging from pottery and metal works to jewelry, textiles and specialty food items.

This year’s guest artist is Coral May Barclay whose exceptional oil paintings will be showcased at the historic Filberg Lodge. Barclay is a Northwest coast artist widely acclaimed for her landscape paintings. In addition, Filberg Festival organizers are pleased to pack their stages with the musical stylings of Barney Bentall, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Mae Moore, Lunch At Allen’s and Michael Kaeshammer among others.

New to the Filberg Festival for 2011 is “Sip & Bid” – giving attendees the opportunity to sip offerings from the finest of Vancouver Island’s wineries and breweries while bidding on original artwork by MONK and Marion Webber, travel vouchers and airfare for two with Harbour Air/West Coast Air and accommodation at Fairmont Pacific Rim.

If you’re planning on making the Filberg Festival a part of your BC Day Long Weekend – which you should – here’s what you need to know:

Where: Filberg Lodge & Park, 61 Filberg Road, Comox, BC

When: Friday, July 29th – Monday, August 1st (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; closing at 6:00 p.m. on August 1st)

How: Very limited street parking is available. Your best bet is to grab a seat on the Park & Ride from Brooklyn Elementary School (1475 Noel Avenue). Ample bicycle parking and lock-up is available on site.

Admission: Advance one-day tickets are available at Thrifty Foods locations for $13. Tickets at the gate are $15 each or $30 for a full weekend pass. Kids 12 and under are FREE!

Filberg Festival organizers would like to kindly remind attendees that pets are not permitted on the Park’s grounds. Count on heat and sunshine so slather on sunscreen, fill up your reusable water bottle and have fun! For more information, visit the Filberg Festival online.

History will be made next week as the Kinsol Trestle is set to be unveiled after an extensive rehabilitation to the structure. Having spanned the Koksilah River for more than 90 years, this “Jewel in the Crown” of the Cowichan Valley has been a vital part of rail travel on Vancouver Island. Standing at 44m high and 188m long, the Kinsol Trestle is the largest wooden trestle in all of Canada!

Photo: © Kim Van Bruggen

“After so much hard work, we are very pleased that the day has finally come to celebrate the completion of the rehabilitation of this magnificent structure,” shared Gerry Giles, Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board Chair.

“The trestle rehabilitation project was a significant undertaking by the CVRD that would not have been possible without the generous support received from major sponsors, local businesses, community groups and individuals – all of whom share a desire to preserve an important feature of Cowichan’s history,” Giles continued.

Photo: © Kim Van Bruggen

The Cowichan Valley Trail is part of Vancouver Island’s Trans Canada Trail route. With the addition of a new walkway on top of the structure, the trestle has been transformed into a safe, vital connector on the Cowichan Valley Trail.

The community is invited to celebrate this historic grand re-opening along with former Duncan mayor, Michael Coleman. Residents are welcome at this family-friendly event on Thursday, July 28th at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments, entertainment and information booths will be on hand.

Those wishing to be a part of the grand opening celebration can take a quick shuttle from the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre (2804 Shawnigan Lake Road) starting at 10 a.m. Make sure you bring sturdy shoes as the walk from the drop-off spot to the trestle site is about 15 minutes. For more information, visit the Cowichan Valley Regional District online.

Earlier this year, after it was reported that a large number of working sled dogs were culled in Whistler, BC was up in arms. A task force was formed to investigate what happened in Whistler, but more significantly, new legislation was introduced to protect animals from cruel treatment.

Sadly – or perhaps thankfully – we don’t always hear about the investigations the BC-SPCA carries out. Since 2003, 50 Special Provincial Constables have taken a consistent approach in investigating neglected and abandoned animals, puppy mills, animal fighting rings and unthinkable acts. Take five minutes and watch the video below.

We’re not just talking cats and dogs here either… the Society knows no bounds and attends to pets, farm animals and even wild animals in distress. Each year the BC-SPCA requires up to $23 million dollars to carry out the investigations, bring charges to Crown counsel, care for neglected animals, provide veterinary care for those that are hurt.

I won’t argue that there are more dire needs in our community than the welfare of animals. However, we as a society can largely be measured by how we treat those who cannot act for themselves and by what we will tolerate in the way others treat animals. It’s all a part of humanity, a part we cannot ignore.

If you’d like to support me, Jordy and Charley as we try to raise funds to help the BC-SPCA, I would be incredibly grateful. I’ve set a personal goal of $1,500. To date I have raised $50. To donate, please visit my personal pledge page.

One of my most favourite discoveries in the Parksville-Qualicum Oceanside region is Milner Gardens & Woodland. I visited for the first time two years ago and quickly fell in love with its lush floral beds, marvelous old growth trees and charming tea house.

Photo: Milner Gardens & Woodland

It should come as no surprise that the summer months are some of the most beautiful at Milner. To celebrate this vibrant season in the Gardens, a number of enticing events are planned between now and the time the leaves start to change colour.

Art and Photography in the Garden
July 16-17
Meet, mingle and be inspired as more than 21 artists transform this seaside paradise into a giant makeshift art studio. Painters, sculptors, sketchers and photographers will be displaying their creations while allowing visitors the chance to chat and ask questions. Each artist has donated a piece of art to be auctioned off to benefit the Gardens.

Music in the Garden – Adult Jazz Intensive Ensemble
August 7
Phil Dwyer’s Adult Jazz Intensive Ensemble swings into Milner Gardens with some of BC’s top amateur musicians. Bring your jazz hands.

Music in the Garden – Spectacular Music BC
August 14
Joe Chindamo and Friends present “Improvisatory Fireworks as Jazz Giants Reunite” featuring Joe Chindamo on the accordion, Phil Dwyer saxing it up, Jodi Proznick on bass and Craig Scott on drums.

Music in the Garden – Finale
August 28
As summer days dwindle, join Milner Gardens as they welcome The Nanaimo Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus.

If you aren’t able to make any of these events, be sure to dedicate one day this summer to visit this Oceanside gem. Wander the pathways and make your way to the tea house for English tea and home-baked scones with Devonshire cream and sweet jams made from fruit that grows on Milner’s grounds.

Milner Gardens and Woodland is open to the public 7 days a week 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. all summer long and Thursdays to Sundays for the months of September and October. Find Milner Gardens and Woodland online, connect with them on Facebook or say hello on Twitter.

High above the quiet calm of the Comox Valley a war has been raging. Snow has been squaring off against dirt for weeks, but with the recent slightly warmer temperatures, mountain bike terrain of epic proportions has been revealed.

Only a month ago mountain crews were digging through 15 feet of snow, but mountain bike season at Mount Washington Alpine Resort finally kicks off today. Apart from the tried and true trails, the resort has added the Green Line to counter the mountain’s normally demanding and intermediate terrain. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into our Learn to Ride programs and beginner trail development for this summer,” explains Mike Manara, the mountain’s Bike Park Manager. “We’ve added Family and Kids Camp Learn to Ride lessons to an already extensive list of lesson package options.”

Photo: © Harookz Photography

Living up to its reputation of being an all-season resort, Mount Washington has a calendar jam-packed with summertime events. The mountain welcomes the BC Cup Provincial Championships on August 13-14 and Darcy Turenne’s See Jane Jump Women’s Mountain Bike Festival on August 20-21. Perhaps most anticipated is the return of the Bearclaw Invitational on August 5-6.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or curious to get started, Mount Washington is well-suited for everyone. You can try riding on for size – $65 will get you a two-hour lift pass and a top-of-the-line Rocky mountain bike rental. Regulars may want to shell out for the brand-new Dirt Pak, getting you three one-day lift passes for $111.

For more information on Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s mountain bike park and biking events, visit the bike park online. Please remember to ride safely and be aware of other riders. Helmets are mandatory throughout the entire bike park and body armour is recommended. You can find Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Facebook and follow their updates on Twitter.