Bald Eagles in Residence

Bald eagles are such a common sight around Campbell River that you are likely to see at least one on any given day. Many days, especially if you drive along the water, you will see more than one. Thanks to the same fish that bring people to our area the eagles live here year round, nesting in the trees and feeding in the local rivers and on the local beaches. Most of Vancouver Island, and certainly the central and northern parts including the smaller islands, have similar experiences when it comes to bald eagles - they are a regular part of the daily ecosystem.

People who are visitors to the area and not as familiar with the eagles often think there is another variety of eagle around, but it is usually the juvenile bald eagles they are seeing. These are a mottled brown colour and slightly larger than the adults. They are often seen in trees along the beaches and rivers where they are hoping to scavenge a free meal.

Eagles can and do fish for themselves of course, and it is quite something to watch. This one was on the west coast of the island.

So wherever you are on the island, or the smaller islands, make sure you keep an eye out for these magnificent birds. Once you start to spot them you'll be amazed at how common they really are out here.

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It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Transformations on the Shore 2019

Every year on the shores of Campbell River chainsaw carvers gather for a four day competition. Spectators are welcome and there is always a good crowd. Between the location - Frank James Park in Willow Point - and the time of year - late June - this event is a great one to attend.

If you visit more than one day you can really see the artists' visions come to life. Going from a rough piece of wood to a finished carving in just four days is an impressive feat! There are a number of categories and prizes are awarded in each.

While some of the carvings are already spoken for and so leave right after the competition ends, a number of them remain in Frank James Park for a good part of the summer, allowing locals and tourists to get a good look at them.

Transformations on the Shore is definitely one of the things that heralds the start of summer in Campbell River!

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Quinsam River Salmon Hatchery

Vancouver Island is home to a number of salmon hatchery programs where the public is welcome to view the ongoing efforts to enhance and encourage the wild salmon populations of the west coast.

Quinsam River Hatchery is our local hatchery and is a common field trip destination for the local schools. It is also a great place to walk, especially in the fall when the salmon are running upstream. It is not uncommon to see bears, eagles and lots of seagulls on the banks of the river, feasting on the salmon swimming upstream.

The hatchery itself is also an interesting place to walk around and look into all the pens, troughs, etc. From one week to the next you never quite know what you'll see!

Salmon are such an integral part of the coast, both from a fishing view point and also as a common topic in our news and political arenas. The hatcheries provide a valuable look for the general public, through their educational programs and displays, into the importance of salmon in our local waters and within our coastal culture.

The hatcheries also happen to be on rivers which provide beautiful walking trails, making them the perfect place for a Sunday walk.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

The Delights of Vancouver Island

Conde Naste released its top 20 islands (outside the US) of 2016 and Vancouver Island was #6 on the list. What makes that even more impressive is that Vancouver Island is the only temperate climate on the list. (While the Greek Islands do have a mild and wet winter, their summers are on average much hotter than ours.)

Why does Vancouver Island attract and interest travelers? The reasons are much the same as what appeals to those of us who live here, and what makes travelers look to buy recreational property in the region.

Cape Scott, north end of Vancouver Island

Natural Beauty: Miles of sand beaches, stunning rock beaches, mountains, waterfalls, large rivers and towering rainforests. There is so much nature on this island that just exploring it can keep one occupied for a lifetime, let alone a one week visit.

Mild Temperatures: While some people love to lie in the hot sun (as evidenced by the many tropical islands on the list), others enjoy our temperate summers which allow you to still be active even on the hottest days. Plus the evenings generally cool off nicely. Our fall and spring are lengthy and even our winters, with wild rain and wind storms, appeals to those looking to experience nature's ferocity.

Walking by the Quinsam River in November

Urban Amenities and Services: Victoria, Nanaimo and to a smaller extent Campbell River, the Comox Valley and the Cowichan Valley, offer almost all the amenities of the big mainland cities. Concerts, plays, sports, art galleries and world class museums as well as a large variety of shopping and dining attract those looking to see nature from a more sophisticated setting.

Wildlife Viewing: Whale watching seems to be number one on many travelers' lists and there is lots of opportunity to do that around Vancouver Island. In addition seals, sea lions, bears, eagles and much more wildlife are easily viewed. Being so close to the mainland and having a number of smaller islands off its east coast means Vancouver Island is easily accessible for shore animals as well as ocean dwellers. It's cooler waters are rich in sealife and food sources, encouraging many local populations as well as putting it on migration routes for many species.

Orca, Malcolm Island

Fishing: Salmon species, halibut, cod species - Vancouver Island waters have them all and the fishermen come in droves to experience pulling them in. Plus the numerous lakes and rivers on the island are a mecca for fly fishermen and other freshwater fishermen.

Shelley fishing

Ease of Access: Vancouver Island is easily accessed by plane or ferry and once on the island all the main communities have good road access. So both getting to the island and getting around the majority of the island are easy. It is possible to drive from one of the island to the other in a day, which makes it possible to visit a number of communities and regions in a week or two.

central mountains of Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, and the surrounding coastal islands, is a unique place in the world that offers something to everyone. It is majestic, breath-taking, beautiful and exciting. We are privileged to call it home.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

BCO Adventures: Alder Bay

One of the joys of living on the coast is exploring the many different areas where one can enjoy the outdoors. Over the Canada Day long week-end Shelley and her family had the opportunity to go experience the delights of Alder Bay and the waters of Broughton Strait.

 

Alder Bay Resort is just south of Port McNeill outside Telegraph Cove on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The resort has 90 sites, including some tent sites, and has all the amenities one would like to find at a private RV resort. It also has a marina with fish cleaning facilities, perfect for the family up fishing!

The waters around Alder Bay provide ever changing opportunities for exploration as well as some excellent fishing.

 

Another week-end adventure, just one of the many, many benefits of living on the BC coast and proof that we really do live by our slogan:

 

It's a Coastal Lifestyle .... Pass It On!

 

Campbell River Carvings 2014

Campbell River's Transformations on the Shore, commonly known as the Carving Competition, has wrapped up for another year. Every year the Campbell River Shoreline Arts Society hosts this popular event, where carvers spend five days creating art with a chainsaw from a very large chunk of cedar or fir.

 

The carvers are a mix of amateur and professional from both the island and the mainland. This year there was even one from the east coast of Canada.

 

Some of the carvings are traditional in nature, while others are whimsical. There are even modern art style pieces once in a while.





Nature themes are strong, but sometimes imagination takes over and myth and magic emerge. Some carvings have a simple varnish, while others are painted.

 
 

At the end of the five days prizes are awarded in various categories. The tools and tents are put away and the sawdust piles disappear. Select carvings move from the site quickly - ones that already have a home or intended destination. Others sit down at the park along the ocean for a week or more, allowing locals and tourists to visit and admire them at leisure. The event draws big crowds every year, and never fails to impress. The carvings which live around Campbell River, at various businesses, parks and private residences, serve as a connection to art and community with a west coast flair.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

Campbell River Carvings

One of the things Campbell River is known for, aside from fishing, is its many carvings around town. Most of these have come from the Transformations on the Shore competition, which this year got underway yesterday (June 26).

 This event brings carvers from across North America to Campbell River, where they compete in a number of categories over a five day period. It draws a great many people to Frank James Park, along the water in Willow Point, to watch the carvers as they take a massive trunk and turn it into a work of art.

At the end of the event some carvings are sold, some are kept in private collections, and the majority are distributed around town. To date there are more than 300 carvings decorating the landscape of Campbell River.

If you have the opportunity, take the time to visit the carvers over the week-end and watch the amazing Transformations!

(Carvings shown are from the 2012 competition.)

 

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!

Eagles on Vancouver Island

Bald eagles are such a common sight around Campbell River that you are likely to see at least one on any given day. Many days, especially if you drive along the water, you will see more than one. Thanks to the same fish that bring people to our area the eagles live here year round, nesting in the trees and feeding in the local rivers and on the local beaches. Most of Vancouver Island, and certainly the central and northern parts including the smaller islands, have similar experiences when it comes to bald eagles - they are a regular part of the daily ecosystem.

People who are visitors to the area and not as familiar with the eagles often think there is another variety of eagle around, but it is usually the juvenile bald eagles they are seeing. These are a mottled brown colour and slightly larger than the adults. They are often seen in trees along the beaches and rivers where they are hoping to scavenge a free meal.

 

Eagles can and do fish for themselves of course, and it is quite something to watch. This one was on the west coast of the island.

So wherever you are on the island, or the smaller islands, make sure you keep an eye out for these magnificent birds. Once you start to spot them you'll be amazed at how common they really are out here.

 



It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!