Hikers venturing into BC’s subalpine areas will inevitably encounter the whiskey jack, Canada’s beloved, cheeky jay. Unafraid of humans, they’re happy to land on an outstretched hand in search of food. These smiley, friendly, inquisitive little birds are irresistibly lovable, and the highlight of many a hike. It’s perhaps fitting that the whiskey jack was…
There is always chatter on the VHF radio up at the top of Johnstone Strait, off the northeast tip of Vancouver Island. The whale watching community in the area is a tight-knit one. If ever there was a whole lot of talk on the radio, it was a good indication that something was up. It…
The humpback whale’s breath reeked of dead and rotting fish. I wasn’t supposed to be that close, and I always taught my clients the same rules when it came to respecting whales. It was the summer of 2006, and I was working as a kayak guide off northern Vancouver Island. It was easy to follow…
My trail of choice isn’t necessarily my favourite, but it’s pretty, quiet, and convenient, shared only with a couple of other regulars and the birds and squirrels. Unless, of course, it’s New Year’s resolution season or mushroom foraging season. In the autumn, this area is a favourite of mushroom pickers. I took up mushroom foraging…
