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I’m not normally one for summer vacations. That’s not to say I don’t take time away from work when the sun is shining and the beach calls my name. However, there’s no better place to be during the summertime than British Columbia and, in particular, on Vancouver Island. So why leave?

In only one week I’ll be throwing summer dresses, sandals and bikinis in my suitcase, packing a bag for Jordy (that kid doesn’t travel light) and head to Vancouver Island for nine days. The best part of the plan is that I have no plans. Spending endless hours on the Island’s beaches, noshing on homegrown food from Coombs, taking afternoon naps in the shade in my mom’s backyard, ice cold beer, evening badminton, BBQ dinners every single day and catching up with some of my oldest friends are all on the must-do list.

There’s never a shortage of events happening in and around the Comox Valley over the upcoming BC Day Long Wekeend, some of which I spend all year looking forward to. Next weekend marks the start of the 52nd Annual Nautical Days celebration in the seaside town of Comox, featuring a family-friendly parade, Dragon Boat races, fireworks and the always-popular Build, Bail and Sail race [website].

Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr

Photo: Amelia Burrows

Also that weekend is the Filberg Festival, entering its 28th year from July 30 until August 2 [website]. Highly skilled potters, painters, musicians, “foodies”, weavers, textile and clothing designers, jewelers and more from around North America converge in the middle of breathtaking Filberg Park to display their wares. It’s a must for me every year, even if only for the best lemonade ever.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite summer snaps from around the Island and the Comox Valley over the summer months. What are you looking forward to before the leaves start to turn orange, red and yellow? Feel free to share your summertime musts in the comments below!

Whomever was responsible for coining the phrase “blink and you’ll miss it” surely must have visited the sleepy town of Crofton at some point or another. A near-hidden part of the Cowichan Valley, Crofton is home to just 2,500 people.

Photos: Rick McCharles on Flickr

Situated directly across the water from Vesuvius on Saltspring Island, Crofton hugs the shores of the Georgia Strait about half-way between Chemainus and Duncan. Largely driven and economically stabilized by the local forest industry, Crofton is home to one of Vancouver Island’s largest pulp and paper mills.

Map: Google Maps

This is one town that’s always latched on to a soft spot in my heart. I spent many summers as a teenager and in my very early 20s working at Camp Qwanoes, a sprawling year-round retreat over-looking the water. In fact, I can’t tell you how many scoops of Island Farms ice cream I tucked into hand-made waffle cones at Ice Cream Island (pictured below).

Photo: Studio 3

While the area of Crofton was scarcely populated by First Nations people, the area saw great growth in the mid-1800s around Osborne Bay by settlers drawn to local mining opportunities. Mt. Sicker had abundant copper, a prospect that an Australian man by the name of Henry Croft could not deny. Though the town’s population plummeted when copper prices did the same, Crofton was already established by local forestry and fishing, preventing the town from becoming a ghost town.

Photo: Gypsy and The Fool on Flickr

View to Crofton from Saltspring Island
Photo: diffuse on Flickr (used with permission)

Today the community of Crofton is truly as quiet and tranquil as the waves that lap its shoreline. A handful of parks, a small community school, tree-lined streets where children ride bikes and locally-run shops all add to the town’s charm.

Photos: Rick McCharles on Flickr; Gypsy and The Fool on Flickr

Photo: RobertCiavarro on Flickr

Photo: Satoru Kikuchi on Flickr

Though not particularly known as a tourist hot spot, ferry access to Saltspring Island brings many travelers through Crofton in the summer months. Golfing at one of the several courses nearby, a hike on Maple Mountain, beach-combing on serene and deserted beaches, a picnic at Osborne Bay Park or a visit to the Old School House Museum are all ways to fill a day in Crofton.

Photo: RobertCiavarro on Flickr

Photo: James R. Page on Flickr (used with permission)

Both Photos: thorinside on Flickr

Some of my most favourite memories of summers spent here involve simply laying on the dock for hours on end and marveling at the stars. Simple? Yes. Breathtaking? Absolutely.

Photo: Gypsy and The Fool on Flickr.

Photo: Cowichan Valley Travel, Tourism and Photography Information

If a visit to Crofton is on your itinerary this summer, finding your way there is easy. On the stretch of Highway 1 between Ladysmith and Duncan, watch for the signs. If north-bound, turn right on to Mt. Sicker Road; turn left if you’re south-bound. A quick left on Westholme Road will lead you to Crofton Road, the quickest route into town. For more information on tourism in Crofton, please visit the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.

The countless destinations scattered across Vancouver Island are each known for something special and unique. Though nestled along its namesake river, the rushing body of water is only one of many things Campbell River has become famous for.

Photo: Macpablo_Campbell_River on Flickr

Photo: Logantech on Flickr

Resting on Earth’s 50th parallel, this city of 32,000 is a short 90-minute drive from Nanaimo and a three-hour trip from Victoria. Serviced mainly by the Island Highway, route 19, access to Campbell River can also be gained by air or by sea.

Map: Beaver Lodge Bed & Breakfast

The Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Wakashan First Nations migrated from Fort Rupert, rooting down in the area in the 1700s. It’s believed that this group dominated much of the land and neighbouring bands, including the Coastal Salish. When Captain George Vancouver sailed in by way of what’s now known as Discovery Passage in 1792, the town of Campbell River very slowly began more than 200 years of settlement to become the city it is today.

Photo: Discover Campbell River

Campbell River from Smelt Bay, Cortes Island – Photo: proudlydonut on Flickr

With deep roots in hard work and industry, Campbell River has long been known as a fishing town. Curiosity began as early as 1880 when sport fishermen discovered the abundance of salmon. It wasn’t long before the industry sector caught on as well.

Since then, lodges, fishing groups and even conservation groups have sprung up, each with an interest in what Campbell River is famous for. The area has even played host to some Hollywood infusion, welcoming the likes of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby over the years, all vying to angle the “perfect catch.”

Photo: Macpablo_Campbell_River on Flickr

Photo: Logantech on Flickr

Anyone who has visited Campbell River will attest to the small town nature and charm that’s still evident on city streets and in the magnificent views. Though much has changed over the last handful of centuries, the moonlight still hits Discovery Passage the same way it always has.

Photo: russilwvong on Flickr

Photo: Fizzcity Gallery on Flickr

Local First Nations bands still have a strong and proud presence in this community of hard-working citizens. Many of Campbell River’s families work in industry sectors including fishing and the local pulp mill. Tourism is also a big draw, and it’s not unusual to see luxurious cruise ships criss-crossing off the shore en route to Alaska.

Discovery Passage – Photo: Frans & All on Flickr

Growing up, I always knew we were nearing Campbell River on our trips when I spotted the incredible – and graffiti-laden – boulder near Oyster Bay.

Photo: Alanna@VanIsle on Flickr

Photo: clompers on Flickr

With seemingly endless natural beauty, it should come as no surprise that a number of blockbuster movies were filmed in and around Campbell River. Some of these films include The 13th Warrior, Final Destination 2 (highway scenes outside Campbell River), Seven Years In Tibet, The Scarlet Letter and Trapped.

Photo: Tony Cyphert on Flickr

Photo: Macpablo_Campbell_River on Flickr

With its close proximity to ferry service and a local airport, there’s no excuse to skip past Campbell River. Though a little out of the way of some of Vancouver Island’s bigger cities, it’s well worth the trip – and very close to Mt. Washington. For more information on the region, or to plan your trip, visit Campbell River Tourism‘s website.

Famously known for its grand museums, lush gardens and proud British heritage, there’s one area of Victoria that’s almost always overlooked by locals and tourists alike. While British Columbia’s Capital city is frequented by those looking to ride trolley buses and indulge in high tea, the neighbourhood of Oak Bay is truly like stepping back in time.

Photo: Sopow on Flickr

Known as Victoria’s “Seaside Village,” Oak Bay can be found just ten minutes east of downtown where Pandora and Johnson Streets merge to create Oak Bay Avenue. Lined with historic architecture, tiny shops that define the word “quaint” and more tea shops than you can imagine, this neighbourhood is certainly a shiny jewel in Victoria’s crown.

Map: Victoria Golf Club via Google Maps

The Coast Salish people of the Songhees First Nation were the first to inhabit what is today one of Victoria’s most charming neighbourhoods. Once The Hudson Bay Company established a trading post in the Victoria Harbour, European settlers set up homesteads and rolled out farmland through the area.

Photo: Oak Bay – My Home

Photo: Turbulentflow on Flickr

Today the community of Oak Bay has a much different face than it did at the turn of the 20th century. Streets are lined with homes so old that many still require skeleton keys, children ride their bikes up and down leaf-strewn sidewalks and the smell of fresh-baked bread seems to be around every corner. One thing that hasn’t changed in all this time, however, is the natural beauty…

Photo: TylerIngram on Flickr

Photo: Yogi on Flickr

Each year the community meets at Willows Park for the annual Oak Bay Tea Party, designed to help raise funds for local charitable groups. The Oak Bay Tea Party also happens to be the first and only time I’ve ever won a jumbo stuffed animal at an amusement park game. If you’re dying to know, it was Charmander from the Pokémon series.

Photo: Ryoh A on Flickr

Photo: OurBC

Photo: molajen on Flickr

Oak Bay will always hold something very special for me. Between the sweet-as-pie tea shops and English candy stores full of sugary delectable treats, it’s one of my favourite places in all of Victoria. Oak Bay feels safe and warming, a village where you can wrap yourself in a cozy scarf, slowly wander to Oak Bay Avenue for a London Fog before finding yourself watching ducks on the shores of the marina.

A word of caution for golf buffs: though it boasts gorgeous views of Juan de Fuca Straight, the Victoria Golf Club is said to be haunted. In September of 1936, 30-year-old Doris Charnock Thomson Gravlin and her husband mysteriously disappeared. A few days later, her beaten and strangled body was discovered under some bushes on the green. Her husband Victor’s body was found a month later in shallow water beside the golf course. Since then and still to this day, dozens have sworn to have seen Doris lingering the course at dusk.

Photo: Score Golf

Photo: joneboi on Flickr

Photo: Calypso Orchid on Flickr

Next time you find yourself on the southern-most tip of Vancouver Island, give yourself a day or two to explore Oak Bay. Victoria is accessible by air, ferry and train. For more information and a listing of area accommodations and attractions, visit Oak Bay Tourism’s website.

While the residents of Vancouver are sharply divided on the upcoming 2010 Olympic Winter Games, related constructions projects are starting to wrap up across the Greater Vancouver area. Rising above the waters of False Creek one will find the Olympic Athletes Village, designed to hold nearly 2,000 competitors. However, it’s the large influx of tourism that is going to really impact Vancouver’s population, driving it from just over 2 million to just under 3 million.

With a desperate need to house Vancouver’s less fortunate and those that will be visiting the City, a project has emerged that I can finally throw my support behind. Home For The Games is non-profit group uniting homeowners and tourists for a great cause in an effort to meet critical needs in Vancouver.

Photo: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Local homeowners that are renting out spaces to Olympic spectators can register with Home For The Games and see their rental income put to good use. While homeowners maintain 50% profit, the other 50% is divided between Streetohome and Covenant House.

Some of Streetohome’s current initiatives “include funding and facilitating the creation of housing for people who are homeless, including supportive housing for homeless mothers and babies.” Funds donated to Covenant House will support “young people who often have no on else—people between the ages of 16 and 24 who have fled physical, emotional or sexual abuse or have been forced from their homes.”

It is hoped that some $750,000 will be raised for these two fantastic charities.

For more information, to volunteer or to register with Home For The Games, please visit their website.

There are enough elements, places to discover and activities around Tofino and the surrounding region to fill a year’s worth of Island Profile posts. However, as it’s my first day back from holidays, I thought it would instead be nice to view the seaside village through my eyes.

To view all the photos I snapped on the wet coast, please visit my Tofino Set on Flickr.

As a recent dog owner, what becomes quite clear is not only the division between those who own dogs and those who don’t, but also the division between dog owners themselves. However, whether we find ourselves with a canine companion or not, there are some unspoken rules that we can all benefit from. That is, of course, in my humble opinion (which you’re all entitled to).

In no particular order…

10. Jordy and I recently came across a man with his two dogs, one of which was a dachshund. Without warning, the dachshund lurched at Jordy, sending him into a tailspin and leaving me to quickly get my balance to avoid crushing Jordy after being tripped by the dachshund’s leash. Point being: keep your dog(s) under your control at all times for everyone’s safety.

9. If my 12-pound furball trots onto the elevator and you scream like a school girl, guess who looks like the moron. If you’re not fond of dogs, then believe me, there are plenty of apartment buildings in Vancouver that don’t allow them at all.

8. Get your dog spayed or neutered! All points of the globe are already over-run with a severely swollen population problem, so please don’t contribute to it by breeding your dog for a quick buck. You have zero control over what will happen to those puppies, and half will most likely end up dead or in shelters due to your irresponsibility.

7. Like humans, dogs have allergies and can be intolerant to some foods. Never give a dog treats or food without explicit permission of the owner first. The last thing we dog owners need is a $100 vet bill because you thought it would be cute to feed our dogs a bite of your lunch.

6. Invite good karma into your life and buy me this t-shirt. Size small, please.

5. Dogs will positively thrive when you provide a structured, disciplined and loving environment for them. Not only will it encourage their emotional health and well-being, it will also instill confidence in them for the times you’re not around.

4. Both Vancouver and Vancouver Island are full of terrific off-leash spots for your dog. However, being off-leash is a privilege, not a right. If your dog’s misbehaving, show her who’s boss.

3. Ask first, pet later. I’d never walk up to your child and give him or her a hug, so please refrain from walking up to my dog and nuzzling or petting him without asking first. It’s intrusive and inappropriate. This is, of course, negated at dog parks where dog piles are an inevitability.

2. In the same vein, when walking your dog, make sure it’s okay to approach another dog before doing so. When an owner is trying to work with and train his or her dog to obey and “walk nicely,” your playful dog can be a huge distraction and derail the entire process.

1. Pick up the poop! Do I need to say it again? Pick up the poop! Leaving your dog’s poop on the sidewalk to smear, squish and rot in the sun is both disgusting from the standpoint of human decency, but also contravenes City of Vancouver by-laws. Pick up the poop!

To all of you responsible dog owners out there, thank you! Both dogs and people are a part of every community, so it’s important to have an understanding both ways. If you have something else to contribute, please feel free to do so in the comments.

And lastly, if you’re considering bringing a dog into your home, remember the rule of thumb: Adopt, Don’t Shop!

It’s no secret that I’m a true Island girl – born and raised – but few know that I was actually born on the north Island. Many communities north of Campbell River are heavily populated with proud First Nations bands who have been able to maintain a grasp on their heritage through a deep sense of community. The Village of Alert Bay on Cormorant Island is no exception.

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

Located just an hour southeast of my hometown, Port Hardy, access to Cormorant Island is available through a scenic 45-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill.

Map: Air Adventure Tours

It’s impossible to decide on the most beautiful aspect of Alert Bay. While the incredible cultural history of the area is something to be revered, the infinite wildlife around every corner is simply mind-blowing. It’s not unusual to see anything short of bald eagles, sea otters, humpback whales, grizzly bears, orca whales and the occasional sea lion.

Photo: ACCESS

Photo: Bluewater Adventures

Photo: Seasmoke Whale Watching

For longer than I can remember, I’ve felt a strong and unwavering connection to the people and history of the First Nations bands of British Columbia. Alert Bay is home to ‘Namgis First Nation, a sub-group of the Kwakwaka’wakw. 1999 proved to be an historical and harmonious year for the tiny island village as the band signed a document with the Village of Alert Bay, both agreeing to support civic and cultural matters impacting the community.

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Photo: oinegue on Flickr

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

Naturally, Alert Bay is also home to many phenomenal First Nations artists, including John Lancaster. A few summers ago, I purchased one of his orca whale rings for myself on the First Nation reserve in the Comox Valley.

Many First Nations tribes have powerful beliefs about what the orca whale represents, but it is particularly of importance to me because it symbolizes both family and strength.

Those who wish to visit Alert Bay will be treated to a truly unique experience in that, while it offers the modern-day eco-tourism staples of kayaking, hiking and mountain biking, it is also a place that remains unchanged after so many years. A delicate balance between history and cultural diversity is undoubtedly the key contributing factor to the sense of community in Alert Bay.

It hardly needs to be said that Alert Bay is a picture-perfect example of natural beauty.

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Photo: Chris Corrigan on Flickr

Because the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve is located only 22 kilometres south of Cormorant Island, some areas surrounding the Village of Alert Bay are part of a protected nature area that can be explored by boardwalk.

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

Photo: magnopere on Flickr

Photo: iGrrl on Flickr

Alert Bay is a vibrant community and a wonderful place to visit on your “staycation” within British Columbia this summer. As I stated, access to Cormorant Island is by way of BC Ferries with a number of accomodations available for hosting. This is in addition to various restaurants, museums and cultural destinations. For more information about Alert Bay, please visit the village’s website. To learn more about the First Nation culture of Alert Bay, please visit the ‘Ngamis First Nation online.

I was still in diapers when my family moved from Port Hardy to the Comox Valley in 1982. The Valley has always been and will always be home and, as such, has also always been an immense source of pride. Today I feel shame.

It’s a community comprised primarily of three towns – Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland – and is a community born out of a vibrant history. Though, like any community with deep roots, the stories are often marred. When Cumberland was a booming mining town in the late 1800s, it was also home to North America’s second largest Chinatown as well as a substantial Japanese population. These immigrant workers were brought in simply to risk their lives doing the most hazardous of mining jobs that others would not do. Countless immigrants died in doing so.

Much of Cumberland’s Chinatown was destroyed in a fire in 1936 that originated in a chop suey house; the area was never rebuilt. And further, in 1942 amongst the shadows of World War II, the entire local Japanese population was ordered to be shipped to internment camps in the interior of British Columbia.

Neither population recovered from these decimating events. One could say that these were the first examples of blatant racism in the Valley’s history.

As I grew up, the Comox Valley’s population was predominantly comprised of Caucasian people of European descent. Being that the Island is still home to many First Nations reserves, there has also always been a sizable native population. In junior high I had one girlfriend who had immigrated with her family from South Korea, and went to high school with a brother and sister from Pakistan. The number of black families in the community could be counted on one hand.

While the diversity of the Comox Valley has certainly increased over the last decade, what has always been apparent to me, however, is that none of this ever seemed to matter. We all had our respective backgrounds, history and ancestry, but that was just a matter of fact – not a matter for tact. The idea of any form of racism in the Comox Valley seemed entirely outlandish to me.

There are still numerous men who drive their trucks around the Valley with Confederate flags emblazoned in the front license plate holders, but I always assumed they were paying tribute to The Dukes of Hazzard rather than knowing what it symbolizes. It would seem that I am incorrect. A recent event in the parking lot across from the Courtenay McDonald’s restaurant has changed what I thought I knew in an instant.

Last Friday a 38-year-old landscape artist by the name of Jay Phillips was accosted, cornered and both verbally and physically attacked by three young men between the ages of 19 and 25. In broad daylight, Phillips was bombarded with fists, kicks, racial slurs and threats of lynching. What his cowardly attackers did not expect, however, was that the man well-versed in mixed martial arts was prepared to fight back – and he did.

“If nobody says anything or does anything, they’re going to do this again,” Phillips stated in a local news interview. The attack, which was caught entirely on video and subsequently posted on YouTube, was the silver lining. “Otherwise it would have been three or five guys’ word against mine,” he said. “I don’t want this shit to ever happen ever again.”

The three men have been identified, arrested and charged with assault. The RCMP are currently investigating and further charges of a hate crime are pending.

I applaud Jay Phillips for standing up, for using his voice and for fighting back against such a disgusting display of ignorance and hate. The kind of behavior perpetrated against Mr. Phillips simply cannot – and will not – be tolerated. It is my hope that by his brave example, more people will be strong enough to resist backing down and instead fight for love and acceptance.

During my training to teach pre-school, we were told a story of a group of 15 pre-schoolers that were engaged in a sharing circle together. Each child was instructed to say something about the other children that makes each of them different or unique. One child was permanently bound to a wheelchair, and when it came to his turn, his classmates took turns praising his artistic skills, his fun laugh, his willingness to share and exclaiming that he always had the best snacks. Not one single child noted that his wheelchair made him different or unique.

Perhaps we can all take take our cues from the uncorrupted.

Mostly famously known for the family of goats on the roof, the Old Country Market in the small community of Coombs is well known and loved by tourists and locals alike. It used to be a place I insisted on visiting at least yearly, but lately it’s become an itinerary staple every time I visit Vancouver Island.

Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr

Andrea and I stopped by en route back to the ferries this weekend to take in the sights, smells and sunshine.

Grabbing a generous portion of Island Farms ice cream is a must, and the Old Country Market’s Ice Cream Shack houses the entire collection of flavours! That makes this island girl very happy – aside from mint chocolate chip, banana fudge is my favourite and it’s tough to find.

While the ice cream is always a highlight, I can hardly ever get away without snagging a loaf or two of the Market’s rosemary and cheese bread. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have it for dinner tonight – toasted with fresh butter.

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Nestled onto a very special spot just off Highway 4, the Old Country Market at Coombs is a short drive from Parksville and about 40 minutes north of Nanaimo.

Photo: The Old Country Market at Coombs

Operating for over 30 years, the Market has always remained within one family and grows more and more each year. What started as essentially a roadside stand selling fresh and local produce, the Market now offer intriguing imports, local foods, international foods, souvenirs, an incredible selection of plants and flowers, handmade crafts from artists both local and abroad and nothing short of a few surprises.

Aside from the Market, there’s an entire community of stores run by local proprietors selling more than you can imagine. I’m endlessly drawn to all the pottery and can’t wait to add more to my collection.

Even after countless visits, there’s always something new to see, a new shop to explore or tantalizing foods to tempt your tongue with.

That’s a whole lotta Island Farms dairy products. What I wouldn’t do to find just one downtown Vancouver grocery store that carries such a top-notch line of truly flavourful (and humanely-produced) moo juice.

The Old Country Market at Coombs is also a fantastic place to stop before a trip to Englishman River Falls, Parksville Beach or even Tofino – it’s got everything you’d need for a unique picnic experience under one thatched roof. And yes, it’s open all year… even on blustery winter days.

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

The Old Country Market is located at 2326 Alberni Highway in Coombs, British Columbia and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, you can call the Market at (250) 248-6272 or visit their website.