Growing up, making the trip from the Comox Valley to Victoria was a tedious three-hour or more journey. Though highway expansion has cut the time down a bit, sometimes driving still takes longer than time allows for. Train travel and express bus are options, but as of September 5, 2010, flying will get you down south in a snap.

Photo: Island Express Air

Island Express Air has been making the trip between Victoria and Nanaimo for close to a year, but travelers wishing to connect up to the Comox Valley would have to be re-routed through Abbotsford. With the launch of this route, a quick 10-minute stopover in Nanaimo will have you between Victoria and the Comox Valley in a mere 45 minutes for only $99.

Adding the route only makes sense as the Comox Valley airport serves the entirety of the North Island and has become a hub for Mexico-bound flights in recent years. This scenic trip will be available between Victoria and the Comox Valley six days a week, Wednesday being the exception. Visit Island Express Air’s online for more information and to lock in your reservation.

In recent years, music festivals have seemingly and very quickly become a summer staple in British Columbia. The Live at Squamish festival is set to end this summer on a stellar note with two days of incredible music on three stages. The jam-packed roster includes new wave legends Devo, Tokyo Police Club, The Decemberists and the pride of Quadra Island, Mother Mother.

Photo: Nirazilla on Flickr

The fine folks at the JP Scion dealership are offering you, my readers, the chance to win a pair of passes, but you’ve got to act quick. I have two pairs of passes – valid for the entire weekend and valued at $300/pair – to give away to two lucky readers. You have two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment below and tell me which artist you’d be most thrilled to see live – a full listing of all artists can be found here. (1 entry)

2. Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)

RT to win a pair of passes to @LiveatSquamish from @myJPscion and @keiraanne http://bit.ly/cgCqWf

This one-day contest ends at 8 p.m. tonight with the winners to be announced shortly thereafter. Please note that the winners will be required to pick up their passes directly from the JP Scion dealership in North Vancouver.

The days are shorter, the mornings are cooler, leaves are crunchy underfoot and school starts in only one week. Though you may be begrudgingly heading back to college or getting younger ones ready to hit the playground once again, going back to school doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom.

Shopping for a back-to-school wardrobe is often a necessary part of the process and Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo wants to make it a breeze for a few lucky winners with one simple question:

What’s Your Island Style?

Between now and September 26th, show off your idea of style for a chance to win a weekly gift card worth $250, a style consultant session or the grand prize of a $2,500 shopping spree at Woodgrove Mall. To enter, simply upload a video and share your Island style*. You can also visit the Facebook Video Wall at Woodgrove Mall on Saturday, September 11th and they’ll film it for you!

Photo: Nanaimo Virtual Tours

For complete contest rules and to find out more information on how you can enter, visit Your Island Style online or check out the contest on Woodgrove Centre’s Facebook fan page.

*Under 18? You need permission from a parent or legal guardian to enter.

After a sunshine-filled hike through Stanley Park this weekend, a group of friends and I were already thinking about next summer. Someone mentioned the notion of spending a week on glassy lake waters, causing me to quickly turn my mind to one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved bodies of fresh water.

Photo: PrincessAshley on Flickr

A 20-minute drive due west of Duncan, Cowichan Lake is the indisputable anchor of the Cowichan Valley. Stretching more than 30 kilometres, the lake is a top draw for recreation enthusiasts and boasts fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, swimming and windsurfing.

Map: Google Maps

It’s not difficult to see why Cowichan Lake is a favourite escape for tourists and Island locals alike…

Photo: bmann on Flickr

Photo: nep on Flickr

Photos: thorinside on Flickr

Like most everywhere on Vancouver Island, Cowichan Lake is no stranger to wildlife and limitless flora and fauna. Of particular note are the bountiful brambles of blackberries. Each year on the Labour Day weekend the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market celebrates this juicy fruit with a blackberry festival, featuring jellies, jams vinegar and more pies than you can imagine. This year’s Honeymoon Bay Blackberry Festival will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2010 on the south shores of the lake.

Photo: Cowichan Valley Photos

Photo: ciboulette on Flickr

Photo: bmann on Flickr

Photo: D G Brown on Flickr

Dirt roads spider out from the west side of Cowichan Lake, connecting hikers and bikers with a straight shot to the West Coast Trail by way Bamfield and Port Renfrew. Those less ambitious can take advantage of the gentler trails that encircle various parts of the lake.

Photo: mrjonathanpotter on Flickr

Photo: ozzieguy on Flickr

Sometimes “getting away from it all” only requires a short drive down a country road.

Photo: D G Brown on Flickr

For more information on Cowichan Lake and the nearby town of Lake Cowichan, please visit the Lake Cowichan online.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Canadian community more passionate about fishing than Port Alberni, and right now they’re in a race to be named Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town.

Photo: water_sss on Flickr

The World Fishing Network is holding a nation-wide contest based on a voting system. The winning town will receive a $25,000 community donation to be used for enhancement initiatives. With steelhead, sockeye, chinook, coho salmon, halibut, ling cod and rock fish, there’s no shortage of abundance in the waters around Vancouver Island’s protected inlet town.

Voting ends in little more than five days, so get your vote in now and help bring some much-needed funds to the community of Port Alberni.

While there are times I resent my monthly cable bill, I have resigned myself to the fact that there are some channels I simply cannot live without. AMC gives me my Mad Men fix, RaptorsTV and TSN2 bring the Phoenix Suns into my living room during the NBA season and HGTV keeps my creative gears turning. I am positively obsessed with design and real estate shows, and if I’d known better when I was younger, I would have picked a different career path.

Canadian designer Sarah Richardson is the host of the wildly popular Sarah’s House, showcasing her energetic, elegant and inspired designs. With a punch from her savvy sidekick Tommy, Sarah transforms everyday homes into show-stoppers with a modest budget and a ton of talent. Her on-screen presence is infectious but even more enchanting are her creations. I recently had a peek at her online portfolio and thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you all.

Commence drooling.

All Photos © Sarah Richardson Design

To see Sarah’s design in motion, pop over to HGTV Canada’s website – complete episodes of all seasons of Sarah’s House and Sarah’s Cottage are available online.

The air is starting to get cooler, the days shorter and leaves are beginning to turn. The final days of August are winding down, ready to usher in the autumn and all the beauty that season holds. However, we’re not finished with our sun-drenched days quite yet and there’s still a lot of summer to pack in before Labour Day. Here’s a brief round-up of activities to keep you (or your family) smiling until the first school bell rings.

Rumble on the Runway

August 28-29, 2010 – Port McNeill Airport – Drag racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the North Island Timing Association’s premiere summer event that promises to provide a million thrills a minute. Time trials will be held on Saturday with the elimination round on Sunday. [website]

Big River… Almost Johnny Cash

September 5, 2010 – Spirit Square, Campbell River – This tribute to the Man in Black will rock the afternoon from noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Spirit Square at Tyee Plaza; admission is free for the whole family. [website]

Alpine Food Festival

September 3-5, 2010 – Mount Washington Alpine Resort – Challenge your culinary skill set with cooking classes, wine pairings, a gala dinner, “foodie” marketplace and special appearance from Anthony Sedlak of the Food Network. [website]

Comox Valley Exhibition

August 27-29, 2010 – Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds – Featuring crafters, artisans, zucchini races, chainsaw carving, lumberjack show and so much more! [website]

10th Annual Tofino Lantern Festival

August 29, 2010 – Tofino Botanical Gardens – This unique event is a fantasy land full of handcrafted lanterns gracing Tofino’s famed botanical jewel. Lantern-making workshops are being held August 24-28, 2010 with the grande finale on Sunday night. The event is car-free, so please walk or bicycle to the gardens. All proceeds will benefit the Raincoast Education Society. [website]

Lighthouse Country Fall Fair

September 4, 2010 – Qualicum Bay – Welcome a new season and celebrate the vibrant oceanside communities of Parksville, Qualicum and beyond with this event designed to entertain and educate. The fair features a bouncy castle, kids’ games, “freaky” vegetables, dancers, musicians and so much more. This year’s theme will highlight local farms and produce with its “Heritage Breeds and Seeds” theme. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. [website]

The Little Woodstock West Street Festival

September 3-4, 2010 – Nanaimo – Maffeo Sutton Park welcomes the community’s most notable and talented buskers in this whimsically delightful celebration of music and entertainment. Admission is free but please bring a donation for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. [website]

Ladysmith Arts On The Avenue

August 29, 2010 – First Avenue, Ladysmith – The stretch of First Avenue between Roberts Street and White Street is home to everything from pottery and jewelry to handmade food and entertainment. The fun gets underway at 10 a.m. and winds down by 4 p.m. [website]

Cobble Hill Fair

August 27-29, 2010 – Cobble Hill Fairgrounds – Celebrating 101 years, the fair includes a pancake breakfast, parade, kids’ games and even a Johnny Cash tribute band! [website]

Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival

August 26 – September 5, 2010 – Various locations in Victoria – More than 65 highly talented performing companies from around the globe will each be performing a handful of shows throughout the capital region – some of which are free! Attendees over the age of 13 must purchase a Visa button to access any and all shows. [website]

If you have an event you’d like featured here, send me an e-mail or feel free to leave a comment below!

If you were to ask me what I love most about blogging, it is the opportunity it provides to share information, invoke thought and open up lines of communication between people that otherwise might never interact with each other. I’m entirely grateful that I have a slice of the internet to call my own. Blogging can be a catalyst for discussion and forward-thinking ideas but it can also slide very quickly in the other direction.

A little more than a week ago, I published a post entitled “Numbers“, designed as a simple fact-blast. Several days later, I received the following comment on that post:

“What about all the children in the world that are homeless or mistreated? It’s seems very trendy these days to focus so much attention on the well-being and wardrobes of pets, dogs in particular. Sure, dogs are great, but why do people personify them to be more than they are, which is in fact animals. Seems rather self-indulgent, if you ask me.“

My instant reaction was to hit the delete button. The label of “self-indulgent” quickly stung like a bee and, on the whole, I felt discouraged. In truth, the comment caused me to question why I am even trying to raise funds for the BC-SPCA. I considered that perhaps my personal effort is a waste.

Something about the comment lingered with me for days after as it sat in my WordPress trash can. The author of that comment had a valid point: what about the children of the world? Yes, what about them? Do I feel that the welfare of animals is of greater importance than that of the children of the world? Absolutely not. So does that mean that the welfare of animals is unimportant? Again, absolutely not.

You and I are unalike. We are different people with different backgrounds, different passions, different families and different goals. We each have our personal and public beliefs and because we are each individual, we aren’t required to justify ourselves to the world around us. The dissimilar passions of people, in general, is what makes society work. Whether we advocate for the safety and well-being of children, aggressively push to end homelessness in our communities, raise funds for cancer research, promote green and sustainable living for the planet or speak for animals that have no voices, each of us is a crucial link in the chain of philanthropy. And though we may feel less fervor about one cause and more passionate about another, none of us has the right to judge that any one is unimportant.

My attempt to raise funds for the BC-SPCA is not fueled by self-indulgence. It isn’t my hope than animals will become especially personified or that we’ll adorn them in adorable wardrobes. The suffering, abuse and neglect of animals in British Columbia is far more rampant than the majority of people will ever realize. While it is certainly not at the top of the charity food chain, nor should it supersede the dire needs of humans, it is still a need nonetheless. Were it not for the BC-SPCA, and SPCA branches around North America, I fear to think what our society would look like.

Dogs don’t need chic jackets, cats don’t require shiny bells jingling around their necks and farm animals can do without luxe barns. However, they do require – and deserve – to live free from harm and violence, in care and in love. The BC-SPCA is not funded by the government that you voted for (or against). In fact, little more than 1% of taxpayer dollars cover shelter costs and abuse investigations. That, my friends, is why I am raising funds.

In less than three weeks, I’ll be walking with Jordy and Charley and standing up to declare that I believe our Province’s animals deserve to be treated in fairness and dignity. If your passion is for something other than animals, then I encourage you to donate to that charity and take a stand in what you believe is right. If you believe in the fair and dignified treatment of animals, then please consider donating to the BC-SPCA – even if it’s the change you scrounge from your couch cushions.

While it’s true I hope to see money poured into what I believe in, what I wish to see even more is people taking a stand for what is it they feel passion for and getting active within that passion.

The shores of Vancouver Island are home to many smaller gulf islands, each with their own unique character and beauty. Within the Comox Valley are Hornby Island and Denman Island. While most will only ever drive across Denman Island to reach the aquamarine waters of Hornby Island, Denman is one that should not be missed.

Photo: jdww on Flickr

Safe from the perils of being a top choice destination as its easterly neighbour, Denman Island has remained mostly untouched. Home to a few more than 1,000 year-round residents, it’s a haven for artists, retirees, potters, gardeners and those who simply wish a slower pace of life. Denman Island is roughly the same shape and size as the island of Manhattan.

Map: Google Maps

Photo: darkthirty on Flickr

The Denman Village, a short walk uphill from the ferry, is the heart of the community. Built in 1907, the General Store serves as the island’s flagship and is flanked by the near-century old community hall, bakery, art gallery and a handful of quaint shops begging to be explored. Don’t leave out a quick stop at Denman Island Chocolate for an indulgent treat!

Photo: BillFromSpokane on Flickr

Photo: J. Woodward | iconoco on Flickr

There’s certainly no shortage of ways to keep busy on Denman Island. Fillongley Provincial Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, beachcombers and campers alike. However, if you’re planning on camping on Denman Island, reserve well in advance as Fillongley is the only campground on the entire island.

Photo: Rob__ on Flickr

Photos: J. Woodward | iconoco on Flickr

Photo: Alex Ristea on Flickr

Photo: sal de mar on Flickr

Aside from the obvious farm animals, Denman Island is home to a number of wildlife, including seals, bald eagles, sea lions, herons and deer.

Photo: sal de mar on Flickr

Photo: TylerIngram on Flickr

Photo: DragonWoman on Flickr

Another intriguing place to see is Tree Island – also known as Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park – dancing on the northern tip of Denman Island. Camping is allowed but note that campfires are banned year round and there’s no source of fresh drinking water.

Photo: Oceanwood on Flickr

Photo: Marvilus on Flickr

Photo: ☞Ћę ®ə◗ ℘∀ℕĐ▲☜ on Flickr

Those wishing to visit Denman Island or who seek more information about planning a trip to see it should visit Denman Island Online. The island is accessible by a 25-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay, approximately a 20-minute drive south of Courtenay and 50 minutes north of Nanaimo.

There’s a party spreading across North America and it’s gearing up to hit Vancouver this September. The Emmy-nominated, chart-topping Yo Gabba Gabba has taken its hit show from the screen to the stage as DJ Lance Rock, Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex are making 60 stops from coast to coast. They’ll be visiting the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on September 11 and 12, 2010.

Yo Gabba Gabba has rapidly gained popularity with kids, adults and big kids alike with its retro throwbacks, fresh jams and inviting entertainment. A dance floor full of celebrity guests have been a part of Yo Gabba Gabba at one time or another, including Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Tony Hawk and The Roots.

Partnering with Child Find and proudly sponsored by Kia Motors, Yo Gabba Gabba Live: There’s A Party In My City! promises to be a fun-filled, family-friendly show with music, singing, dancing, animation – and even a few special guests. Biz Markie (best known for his appearances on a slew of Beastie Boys’ records) will be on hand to help you all with your beat boxing skills in an entirely interactive experience.

I’ve got tickets to give away to the September 12th show at 1:00 p.m. There will be two contest winners; each winner will receive two tickets. There are three ways to enter – complete all three and you’ve got three chances to win!

1. Leave a comment below and tell me who you’d bring to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live! (1 entry)

2. Post a link to this contest on your Facebook page and then leave a comment here telling me you’ve done so. (1 entry)

3. Tweet the following on Twitter (1 entry):

I want tickets to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live! in Vancouver thanks to @keiraanne http://bit.ly/cMgosz #YGGLIV

Good luck! The contest closes at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3 with the winners to be announced shortly thereafter.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live! There’s A Party In My City will be donating $1 from all ticket sales to Child Find in the Greater Vancouver area. To purchase tickets, please visit Ticketmaster.