Every Easter we would pack up the station wagon and drive 2 hours to my Baba's. Funny how as a child that 2 hour drive seemed like an eternity. It really wasn't far but the journey over the Creston Salmo summit seemed to last forever especially with the pungent fragrance of the traditional hard

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 1 Apr 2010 12:00:52 GMT White Fawn Lily (Erythronium Oregonum) can be also called Easter Lily, but it is a misnomer. With fewer & fewer places to see a spring display of wild white fawn lilies, it becomes increasingly more important to save places where this outstandingly beautiful native plant can still exist.

With a nodding white flower, delicate thin stems and glossy base of broad, ripple-edged mottled l

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:08:10 GMT Every tide pool walk is exciting because there is always something different to discover. Today’s highlight was the Ring-spotted Doris. Found in the lower intertidal zone and subtidal waters on rocky shores and crevices, the Ring-spotted Doris is a Nudibranch belonging to the Mollusk group, and is classed a Gastropod.

The Ring-spotted Doris (Discodoris Sandiegensis) varies in appearan

- READ MORE]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:26:17 GMT The herring spawn is unusually large this year, and a frenzy of wildlife activity makes for exciting viewing at this time of year. A multitude of ducks, brant geese, eagles, sea lions and other wildlife has gathered to enjoy this event which only lasts a few weeks. Herring are a small fish that gather to spawn on seaweed and rocks. They are an essential forage fish for seabirds, salmon, whales

- READ MORE]]> Sun, 7 Mar 2010 21:52:59 GMT Wine and food, they are magic are they not? Well, they are when they are made with quality ingredients and prepared by talented artists. Yes, both food and wine improve with the quality of the grape, ingredients of food, winemaker and chef.

Come and taste the quality at the 2nd Annual Parksville Uncorked - Wine and Food Festival Feb. 26-28, 2010. Guests will be treated to the best

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:37:51 GMT I was looking at our lawn today and realized the grass is growing and it could use a mow. It's February 3rd, it’s Canada and my lawn needs cutting - how perfect is that!

Yes, we on the west coast have bragging rights and we like to share them every now and then. Last year, the rest of Canada was laughing at us when we had three feet of snow for over a month but not a flake to date.

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:47:03 GMT
- READ MORE]]> Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:56:50 GMT Eagles are congregating on the rivers edge to feed on the spawned out Pacific Salmon presenting a very good opportunity for eagle observations.

At this time of year, we see resident territorial Bald eagles are back in the Oceanside locale. Many immature eagles at various age stages are also along the rivers edge to feed on remainders of salmon carcasses thus distributing the rich

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:59:22 GMT There's something special about being outdoors during the Holiday Season. The air is crisp and everyone's bundled up in their winter woolies to enjoy nature with their friends and loved ones. It's even more special when our festive time outdoors can be spent in the company of furry friends on the farm.

This weekend offers the best of the season with festive family farm fun for every

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:17:26 GMT Step back in time with the Bethlehem Walk. For 17 years the Parksville Baptist Church has worked tirelessly creating the village of Bethlehem for everyone to experience this special Christmas event.

Over 300 volunteers dress in period costume as shop keepers, shepards, guards,

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 9 Dec 2009 08:58:46 GMT Do you believe in magic? How about in Santa? My favourite memory of Santa takes me back to about age 4 or 5. There is nothing like that exhilarating feeling of believing in something you know to be true and it really doesn't matter what that belief is, it just is.

I love that children have the ability to believe in magic. Does it cause them harm down the road? No, I truly don't thi

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:42:45 GMT The coho and chum salmon are now in many local rivers, but they can be hard to see when the rivers are running high with silt.

The best places to see them are in the smaller side channels that have less flow and shallow water, such as the Big Qualicum River. Some of the trails are also flooded, but the wildlife viewing is fantastic right now with eagles, otter, bear, seals and sea l

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:04:44 GMT Is it beginning to feel a lot like Christmas? I always need to get out to a few Christmas craft markets with all the beautiful lights, garland, decorations, Christmas tunes, and the sweet smell pine trees and of course cinnamon and chocolate to round out the senses.

I get that warm fuzzy feeling around this time of year due in part to the frenzy of Christmas Craft Fairs taking plac

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:26:52 GMT The tart clustered berries were an important food for Pacific Northwest peoples. Boxes of highbush-cranberries were considered a prestigious gift and the berries were often served at important feasts.

Highbush cranberry fruits remain on the bush into winter so can be obtained after the first frost.

Ruffed grouse, cedar waxwings, thrushes, robins, and grosbeaks are among th

- READ MORE]]> Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:05:41 GMT VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com has added some neat Twitter feeds to keep you up on deals and what's happening in the region.

Starting with the left column of our home page, you'll see all the most recent VisitParksville tweets. We've also added a feed that displays all the newest tweets that mention Parksville and Qualicum Be

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:06:37 GMT Getting up at 4:30am has never been my favourite time to start the day however, today was a little different, well a lot different.

I was asked to participate in welcoming media and guests to Qualicum Beach as part of the Olympic Torch Relay. I truly didn't know what to expect from people at this hour of the morning but once I entered the town centre it was an energy like no other.

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:05:40 GMT I truly can't remember the last time Halloween fell on a Saturday night. Either my memory is short or it's been a very very long time.

When we were kids Halloween was a big deal. We would get our pillow cases meet up with our buddies and hit the neighbourhood collecting candy for hours. We were good kids but I will make a confession - one time we decided to write "I Love You" on a

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:33:13 GMT I was surprised to find unexpected visitors when I arrived home from work this week. It was 5pm and two very large bucks were strolling happily through my garden. I don't know if you have noticed an incredible amount of deer out and about this year? I certainly have and it's not good for them or us.

After yelling at the two trespassers to leave I noticed one had a pretty bad limp,

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:06:41 GMT There is great wildlife viewing right in the Parksville area, as the salmon feast brings plenty of guests to the banquet.

River otter can be seen all year and are always fun to watch as they are so playful and curious. We came across a group of 7 otters frolicking within 10 minutes of the tour starting.

The photos were taken by one of 10 wildlife photographers on a tour w

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:58:42 GMT Dull Oregon grape is common in Oceanside’s second growth closed canopy forests 50-100 years old. Dull Oregon-grape are low shrubs with leathery holly-like compound leaves, elongated clusters of bright yellow flowers, and long clusters of round, deep-blue berries that have a greyish waxy coating.

The tart, purple berries were eaten by aboriginal people, usually not in great quantity b

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:41:03 GMT VIU organizes a bunch of outdoor activities each semesters, and the trip to Mt. Arrowsmith was one of them (known as Mountain Hiking).

I am from Quebec and love hiking. I basically have done it the whole summer, so I was really pumped to do that trip. I had a lot of fun and just want to go back.

We started hiking around 10h00, had lunch there, and a few other breaks along

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:57:39 GMT The VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com team loves getting guest posts to our Travel Tips Blog. Please remember that this blog is about sharing positive experiences about your visit and what to see/do here.

VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com is not a commercial review site so, if you've had a bad experience with a business listed here, please direct it to a site like READ MORE]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:05:36 GMT On Friday September 18, 2009 we met people at Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach. People boarded passenger vehicles for the shuttle over the “Hump” then up Cameron Vally logging roads to Mt. Cokely. The cavalcade of people from Oceanside were joined by Hupacasath First Nations and others coming from Port Alberni.

pAround a 100 people gathered at the old Mount Arrowsmith Ski L

- READ MORE]]> Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:26:11 GMT Have you heard Cameron Lake may have a cryptid - an unknown creature lurking beneath the surface? There are lots of people like me who are very interested in cryptids, those elusive creatures like the Ogopogo, Loch Ness, and Sasquatch.

Some friends think it's funny that I grew up in Creston, home of the Labatts Brewing Company, yes, the same people who make Kokanee Beer, home of th

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:39:06 GMT The blueberries are ripe up on Mount Arrowsmith and you can drive up to blue berry patches. The berry leaves are already showing their red fall colour. The black huckleberries are very tasty too. There are still flowers up at the saddle if you enjoy hiking uphill for two hours. The view is worth it! There are alpine lakes and you can see the ocean on both sides of the island as well as mountai

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 8 Sep 2009 10:59:06 GMT No one really knows why phytoplankton light up. For zooplankton and larger animals there are more theories about communication, mating and luring prey. It certainly helps diving ducks hunt at night. More theories are detailed in this video.

For the best viewing choose a moonless night and dark area away from city

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 3 Sep 2009 16:56:20 GMT The small pink salmon and the huge chinook salmon are returning up local rivers and the viewing season has begun in earnest. The best spots are the smaller creeks at constriction points where the fish are forced to jump or wiggle through shallow water. They migrate the most under cover of darkness and after a good rain when the water levels are higher.

By mid September the Big Qualic

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 3 Sep 2009 16:36:14 GMT Can you believe the summer we have had? I think it's the best weather we've had in years. I am keeping my fingers crossed for an Indian Summer.

This coming weekend is Labour Day and I don't know what the weather will bring but there will be plenty of sunshine and smiling faces at the 39th Annual Lighthouse Community Fair!

This year's theme is "How Green Is Your Garden?"

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 3 Sep 2009 15:43:35 GMT Black Huckleberry, Vaccinium membranaceum fruit is amongst the largest and best flavoured of all the wild berries.

These juicy tasty berries were gathered by various First nations peoples from mid summer to fall and eaten fresh, cooked, mashed, and dried into cakes. The Kwakwaka’wakw cooked the berries with salmon roe. Vaccinium membranaceum requires cross-pollination in order to bea

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 1 Sep 2009 18:12:54 GMT Do you ever wonder how bands ever got their start? Was it in the garage, church, band practice or all of the above?

This weekend is the 3rd Annual Battle Of The Bands at the Frontiersman Pub in Coombs. By all reports it will be the best and biggest yet. All types of genres of music will be on stage pleasing the crowd. It looks like they will have up to 10 bands playing 30 minute

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:34:24 GMT Are you an art lover or appreciate creativity? I know I do and I am always impressed by the huge number of talented people who call this area home.

Do you have any idea how many talented artist actually live within the 12 small communities that make up the Oceanside region? There are tons and there are more antique, collectible, studios and galleries per capita in the Coombs & Hilli

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:15:10 GMT I have family in the area and once a year we travel 13 hrs. to Parksville to "make a memory". This summer I had the opportunity to bring my three daughters. We celebrated all our birthdays (the big 50 for me) by spending the day at the Tigh-Na-Mara Spa. Talk about "rolling out the red carpet" and giving us the "royal treatment". The staff was amazing. We were queens for the day. The "Expose

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:54:22 GMT When we moved to the region 12 years ago, my 2 year old daughter and I would spend hours in the Parksville Community Park complete with the fantastic Lion's Venture Land and Waterpark. Actually, it was pretty much a routine for a few years. It's an amazing place for the community and for visitors to the area.

The popularity of this gem certainly was evident yesterday when I was check

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:06:11 GMT One of the highlights of visiting Parksville during August has got to be checking out the waterfront display of art and architecture created by master sculptors during the Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition, August 7 - 30, 2009.

I just returned home after a two week vacation touring through BC and was so looking forward to going down to the Parksville Beach to see what the scu

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:11:08 GMT The Sunflower Star is the largest sea star in the world and is found on our Oceanside shores in the lower intertidal and subtidal zones. An array of up to 24 arms distinguishes this magnificent sunflower star from other sea stars. Juvenile sunflower stars start life with five arms—by maturity they sport up to 24 arms.

For a sea star, this animal is a voracious predator and Sunflower

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:29:48 GMT
- READ MORE]]> Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:00:22 GMT The logging roads leading up to Mount Arrowsmith are currently closed due to the fire hazard. However, you can still enjoy a hike up the mountain starting at Cameron Lake and hiking up for a couple of hours to the plateau.

There is a nice 4-5 hour loop with some meadows and ponds up there and some fine views. If you want to go further you can ascend Mount Cockley and go down to the

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 6 Aug 2009 17:01:11 GMT The red thimbleberries are another member of the raspberry family and the leaf is maple like. They have a refreshing tangy flavour but don't store well unless you dry them as the first nations did. They mixed dried berries with smoked clams or made muli-berry cakes (Pojar and Mackinnon). They also ate the fresh shoots in early spring.

Dark blue salal berries are one of the sweetest

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 3 Aug 2009 16:13:07 GMT During 1992, I had the pleasure of working with actor John Travolta. I was a camera assistant on the film "Look Who's Talking Now." We worked on the film for three months and during that time I got a pretty good sense of the cast and you may wonder what's John really like? I know everyone on set would agree, Johns a real prince.

Throughout my six years in the industry, John Travolt

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:45:15 GMT Everybody ropes everybody rides! Well, okay maybe not everyone just those that actually know what their doing on a horse.

Me - well, I am not a great rider. I liked riding horses but was always a little intimidated by their size and strength and it probably doesn't help that when we went on trail rides I always seemed to get the one that wanted to leave the pack and head up river, th

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:39:33 GMT One of the largest and longest running fairs on Vancouver Island the St. Mark's Fair is a real Qualicum Beach event favourite for those looking for something special. Thousands will be celebrating the fair's 37th successful year of quality crafts, collectibles, antiques, baked goods, specia

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:08:11 GMT This is the 20th anniversary of the fantastic Oceanside Overdrive summer show and shine.

Kicking of with the car cruise on Saturday August 1st, cruise leaves at 6pm, so show up early to get a good spot. Leaves from A&W in Parksville. We will be revising the route this year, to make it more inviting for spe

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:24:09 GMT The red huckleberries are ripe and it's time to enjoy their fine tart, tangy flavour. They are related to blueberries, but less sweet and are great fresh or made into pies.

First Nations dried them like raisons, or fruit leather or stored them in grease. The leaves and bark were used medicinally for sore throats and the juice was used as a mouth wash (Plants of Coastal BC, Pojar an

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:21:15 GMT The giant moss draped trees are so impressive and captivating it's easy to miss the secretive creatures of the rainforest.

The Golden Jewel Beetle with its sparkling, irridescent green and gold is one of the most beautiful insects we have. They are not that hard to find in the summer if you look at sunlit conifers closely. Their larvae bore into conifers. Salamanders, newts, frogs

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:22:07 GMT Vancouver Island has a succession of beautiful blooming wildflowers and now it is the Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum).

Tiger lily sometimes called Columbia lily is golden orange with recurved petals and spots in the centre. This native lily is found in a variety of habitats—from sub-alpine heights to sea level. Tiger lily grows in forests, thickets and meadows.

It’s a fine

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 9 Jul 2009 11:58:05 GMT Looking for something to do this July 17 - 19? That weekend is so packed with spectacular choices you would think it was too good to be true, but, it is true!

The weekend begins with the Qualicum Beach Artisan Market on Friday from 4pm - 9pm showcasing a number of talented artists.

Bard To Broadw

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 9 Jul 2009 11:21:06 GMT Parksville's Tigh-Na-Mara Resort is giving away a night's stay, mineral pool passes, and breakfast for two on July 12. How do you win?

You must be a twitter user and "retweet" (RT) the following:

The winner will be selected and notified tomorrow (July 8) af

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 8 Jul 2009 15:05:44 GMT How many of you remember going to the Drive-In theatre?

This was a big deal when I was a kid. Creston BC is a small town in the Kootenays but it had a fantastic Drive-in. And who rememembers the yard long popcorn bag for - I don't know maybe 50 cents? Actually, I think the whole town looked forward to the Drive-In being open for the season.

I know me and my buddies loved

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 7 Jul 2009 14:48:07 GMT Spring lasts all summer in the mountains as the snow recedes and wave after wave of flowers climb the mountain into September. Now is the time to get up into Vancouver Island alpine.

Mount Arrowsmith is one of the easiest routes to get up into the nice alpine flowers meadows, stunning vistas, and emerald lakes. You can drive quite a ways up the mountain and get to the top of the sadd

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 6 Jul 2009 09:35:56 GMT This Wednesday is a special day - it's Canada Day!

I know communities around the country will be proudly waving their red & white flags celebrating with family and friends this July 1st.

Parksville celebrates Canada Day big time with one of the largest parades on Vancouver Island followed by fantastic activities taking place down in the community park.

Come and e

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:34:20 GMT Growing up on Kootenay Lake meant fresh fish whenever we wanted it. Fishing as a kid was great fun especially creek fishing but you couldn't beat the angling action in August. The Kokanee would run and oh my, did we catch a lot of fish.

I still love fish and I buy it from the freshest place I can. So, last week when I was at French Creek Seafood and asked when the Sockeye were due,

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:05:18 GMT An orange-like fragrance wafts from the showy and aromatic blossoms of one of our most beautiful native shrubs, Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii).

Loose, elongate clusters of snow-white flowers appear at the end of the branches from late May to July, depending on the location. The leaves and flowers foam into a lather when rubbed with the hands.

British Columbia's First Na

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:04:56 GMT Mentioned on Oprah as one of the Top Ten Things to do on Fathers Day, some say the Seaside Cruizers Fathers Day Show & Shine is the best show on wheels!

Come and see for yourself as over 600 classic, custom, hotrod cars and trucks will show off their stuff this weekend in Parksvill

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:10:34 GMT Tonight is the kick off to Parksville's Summer By The Sea Street Market.

I know Craig Street will be packed with smiling faces from over 100 vendors and from hundreds of visitors. There are now 3 farmers markets and that to me marks the beginning of summer. The market tonight runs from 6pm - 9pm every Tuesday until Augu

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:45:45 GMT The beautiful irridescent singing fish are spawning under rocks and can be found at low tide and even heard as they sing. Their low grunt is part of their spawning ritual. They also have a series of dots that glow in the dark.

Females stick their bright yellow eggs to the underside of rocks and guard them. They can survive short periods out of water as long as their rock remains in

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:30:10 GMT The salmon berries are ripe! These orange berries are part of the raspberry family and thrive in moist areas with some sun, particularly along streams. They are our earliest ripening fruit, and my kids and I find them delcious.

They have a distinct flavour and are more watery and soft than raspberries. While you are enjoying this tasty wild edible, you will be joined by many bird

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:10:32 GMT I love strolling through outdoor markets buying the freshest of the season and looking for a special one of a kind gift and supporting those making a living in the community.

Tuesday, June 16th will make the hat trick of Oceanside region Farmers Markets this summer. The Summer By The Sea Street Market runs June 16th - August 18th every Tuesday evening 6pm - 9pm on Craig Street in Pa

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:21:09 GMT I envy people who are musically inclined. Reading and being able to play an instrument is having a second language, don't you think? Some are better than others that is for sure, someone like Phil Dwyer is definitely one of the best!

Congratulations to Phil Dwyer for his recent win of another Juno and National Jazz Award for saxaphonist of the year. An internationally recognized j

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:25:47 GMT The sky overhead will be buzzing with the Fraser Blues flying Second World War Navions, AT6 Harvard, T-28 Trojan, War Birds, the Steen Skybolt biplane to name a few.

This Saturday, June 13, Qualicum Beach celebrates Airport Appreciation Day. Also a huge milestone in the aviation world this is also the 100th anniversary of the first flight in Canada.

Everyone is invited t

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:59:28 GMT Remember those mechanical bulls from the 80's? I never tried to ride one of those but as a kid I did get bucked off our neighbour's horse more than once. Never much cared for that adrenalin rush of being catapulted into the air wondering which part of me was going to hit first.

Hey, but that's just me. There are others who thrive on this adrenalin and well, they are trained cowbo

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:07:52 GMT "We are beyond thrilled to have won this amazing prize," said Jennifer, adding, "With over 30 years of vacationing in Parksville we would never want to miss one summer. The people, the community and the spectacular surroundings would keep anyone returni

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 1 Jun 2009 13:08:38 GMT Welcome to the first Artisan Market in Qualicum Beach this Friday June 5th from 4pm - 9pm.

Over 400 artists expressed interest in participating in this quality open air marketplace and with that enthusiasm visitors can check out and chat with over 20 different artists working in a variety of media every Friday until September 4th.

The marketplace is located right beside

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:36:35 GMT It’s a place people have heard about but many people have never been there to see the Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), a rare plant in British Columbia.

Its BC range is restricted to a few localities in and near Manning Park and two locations on Vancouver Island. Our stand of these wild, beautiful rhododendrons are believed by botanists to belong to a strain that sur

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 29 May 2009 20:01:03 GMT What are your plans for Tourism Week? In Parksville you can check out the outdoor mini-trade show featuring all there is to See, Do, Experience & Explore in the region. The mini-trade show will showcase attractions, accommodation, tour companies, retailers etc from June 2 - 8, 10am - 5pm. They are located at 1275 East Island Hwy, Parksville. For more info contact the Parksville Chamber of C

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 27 May 2009 14:54:46 GMT It's Showtime! Prepare to widen your eyes this weekend in Parksville & Errington with the burlesque show - Bitts of Tease Cabaret on Friday night, May 22 and Bard To Broadway's Showtime Pr

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 13:14:07 GMT In May, we are treated to the wonderful display of flowers in the Garry Oak meadows along the coast. On a sunny day, these patches of vibrant colour, cheerful bird song and wonderful aromas are a little escape to paradise.

When some of the European explorers first came, the meadows of blue camas flowers were so extensive they looked like lakes from a distance. First Nations gathered

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 14 May 2009 15:16:29 GMT Parksville & Qualicum Beach go dog wild!

This weekend is the first annual Oceanside Doggy Dayz Festival, May 15 - 17. You can expect to see smiling faces and tails wagging all weekend long starting off with Friday's photos with Santa and pet horoscopes from 10 am - 8pm. Saturday is for pet lovers - it's the Pet Fair at Parksville Community & Conference Centre with over 50 exhibitors

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 14 May 2009 14:15:26 GMT We recently had a wonderful experience with a pair of Varied Thrushes in Cathedral Grove. The male Thrush had moss in his beak and was likely on his way to the nest. The Varied Thrush is a strikingly handsome forest bird and known to be extremely shy, so we and our guests were delighted to good views while we listened to its most fascinating melancholic, eerie song.

Cathedral Grove F

- READ MORE]]> Sun, 10 May 2009 13:37:36 GMT It doesn't get much better than Parksville and Qualicum Beach for Sunday brunches in the central Vancouver Island area. There's Herons at the Quality Resort Bayside, Dee'z Bar & Grill in Qualicum Beach, and

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 7 May 2009 16:31:50 GMT This great horned owl chick recently fledged from the nest and you can still see its fluffy appearance and a smudge from its last meal on its feathers.

The chick was as curious about me as I was about it. Both parents were nearby and working as a team to lure and chase away the ravens which could attack the chicks.

Their nest was nearby in a very large snag with a broken

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 7 May 2009 11:53:24 GMT What are you doing to celebrate Mothers Day? When I think of Mother's Day, I like so many of you, go to a florist to purchase a beautiful bouquet to say thank you "mom."

Do you suppose that's one of the reasons the Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society decided years ago to host their Garden Tour over the Mother's Day weekend? Well the timing couldn't be better because May is the be

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 4 May 2009 13:40:34 GMT Our sources say it’s Oceanside Gold! Sources say that a highly scientific extraction process took place in the chemistry lab at Vancouver Island University last week and involved local Olympic gold medalist Penny

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:18:53 GMT Yesterday I was mixing up the soil to prep for planting some potatoes and guess what I found? Beautiful fingerlings that I missed in the fall. Guess what? I steamed them added a little butter and dill - so fresh and tasty!

Of course, not everyo

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:13:08 GMT Taste the fire at dozens of chili booths and feel the ice cold 300 blocks of ice at the Fire & Ice Street Festival this May 2nd in Qualicum Beach. The streets will become curbside studios with over 20 carvers working their magical chainsaws to create cool pieces of art.

Thousands will stroll the streets sampling dozens of chili booths all vying for the

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:46:50 GMT There is no shortage of events taking place this weekend including the Oceanside Garden Show April 25 & 26 at the Coombs Fair Grounds. Enjoy the beauty and bounty with: seeds, plants, exhibits, experts, music, artists, refreshments and more.

Another treat is out at

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:28:50 GMT My timing was perfect as Joan Mercer (owner) filled up baby bottles and was getting ready to teach a group of grade one students how to feed the baby goats.

Tiger Lily Farm prides itself on offering youngsters the chance to learn

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:44:54 GMT If what you’re doing is planning a trip to the Parksville & Qualicum Beach region of Vancouver Island, or just looking for cool places and happenings around the area, you should follow @VisitParksville or its mirror READ MORE]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:55:59 GMT Click here for the post that announced the contest and for more details.

I'll let you in on a little secret. There are only 3 entries so far. Seeing the winning entry will be drawn randomly, that means you have an incredible chance to win!

Remember, we

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:27:42 GMT With the increased interest in food and wine, people are looking for events that are pleasing to their palate and pocketbook.

This Saturday you can experience a Taste of Oceanside as 17 restaurants set up their culinary stations ready to service guests at the Parksville Community & Confer

- READ MORE]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:10:06 GMT The berries were eaten fresh, but not dried by the Saanich

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:58:46 GMT I know my siblings and I were all pretty pumped about finding treats hidden throughout the acre wood. Looking back, I actually think it's much more fun to watch the excitement on little kids' faces when they see that hidden treasure of treats - it's like they just won the lottery!

Parents have

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2009 11:32:58 GMT While most of them were waiting for a little more warmth, the skunk cabbage can generate its own heat and melt its way through the snow. The heat also helps volatize the skunky odour which attracts pollinating insects and keeps them warm so they can be more active pollinators.

Their huge brilliant yellow flowers

- READ MORE]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2009 09:14:21 GMT What a treat, the view from our balcony was amazing, I think it helped that the weather was sunny and the tide was out first thing in the morning. I slept like a baby on the cloud like beds (no kids or dog), and we had our own little kitchen to keep and prepare snacks. It was perfect.

The conference room was gr

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 7 Apr 2009 14:31:23 GMT It was warm, sunny and I was itching to get out in the yard and clean up the mess from winter. I could hear neighbours lawn mowers and whipper snippers out in full force giving lawns a much needed new spring hair cut. Don't you love the smell of fresh cut grass?

My weekend efforts paid off, the front yard looks great - the back

- READ MORE]]> Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:16:31 GMT Stinging nettle makes a great spinach substitute - just remember to pick it with gloves. Once it is steamed, it becomes harmless. In fact it is very nutritious and is especially high in minerals like calcium and iron. My favourite is a nettle soup, similar to cream of spinach soup. I also use

- READ MORE]]> Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:58:40 GMT Milner Gardens & Woodland opens for the season this Thursday April 2nd. I share that enthusiasm myself.

I love visiting Milner Garden. It's a magical place that combines an ancient forest with an artist's garden oasis - it's a place you can imagine fairies frolicking!

Th

- READ MORE]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:13:57 GMT Island Moments.

The blogger doesn't say much about him/herself but has posted lots of photos and insider tips about Central Vancouver Island attractions such as Rathtrevor Beach, Milner Gardens, and Cormie Farm.