British Columbia Magazine

It began 100 years ago, with a few Japanese pioneers who came to Vancouver Island to fish and work the forests. Later, they sent for “picture brides” to start their families in their new land. My father was born in Port Alberni, my mother in Mayo, near Lake Cowichan, in the 1930s. After resettling in Ontario after the war, my parents met and married in 1959 and raised their four children. In 1993, I moved to Victoria with my wife and son to resettle in B.C. This summer, I will fulfill my dream when the whole family converges on Vancouver Island for a week before taking an Alaskan cruise to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary. My dad, and his dad before him, instilled a love of fishing in me. While the others go whale watching, beachcombing, and even snorkelling with the salmon, I will take my dad to the mouth of the Campbell River in Discovery Passage, between Seymour Narrows and Cape Mudge. We’ll be in a rowboat with 20-pound test line, single hooks, and artificial lures in a quest to land a 30-pound Chinook salmon and earn a coveted membership into the exclusive “Tyee Club.” (collapse)

My best experience in B.C. happened in Whistler. I wanted to try something “out of the box,” so I signed up for a ziplining excursion. This was very out of character, as I have a morbid fear of heights! As our guides explained the process, I pushed to the front of the line. I knew if I had to wait, I would chicken out and head back down the mountain. First, there was a 40-foot drop. I was scared, but I made it (phew). Then we headed up to the next level—a 200-foot drop, on a line about 1,500 feet long. While I was clasping the harness and looking over the edge, I decided to let my feet go. I felt free, and I set off from the platform stretched out flat, overlooking the river and treetops. I laughed the whole 10 seconds it took me to get to the other side. I learned something that day. You can let go of your fears and gain a new perspective on life. I could have stayed up there all day. It was the best thing I have ever done! (collapse)

I love Tofino’s Long Beach and Cox Bay. It’s so wild and so beautiful there, with power that stirs my soul! With constant rolling waves and plenty of room, both of these beaches are ideal for rest and relaxation. (collapse)

There is nothing like a hike on the Coast Trail of East Sooke Park from Aylard Farm to Cabin Point. At a medium pace, and with a break for lunch, it will take you four to five hours, so it’s a good sturdy day hike. Bring a lunch, lots of water, and a good pair of hiking boots. It’s gorgeous in any weather. Don’t forget your camera—there are great opportunities for taking photos! (collapse)

The number one place to visit and explore in British Columbia is Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island. The magic of Nootka lives in its pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife that is steadily disappearing from coastal British Columbia. The immense variation of landscape gives a surprise at every turn. The colossal rainforest is broken up by perfect white-sand beaches, rocky tidal flats, and inland saltwater lakes so full of different coloured sea stars that you can hardly see the sand. This island is steadily becoming a popular destination for hikers, kayakers, and surfers. The only way to get there is by floatplane or boat, which keeps the traffic down, but the secret of Nootka Island is getting out. It would be impossible to erase Nootka’s beauty, but as it becomes more popular and populated it will no longer be the same place that it is now—wet, wild, and breathtaking. (collapse)