Boulevard Magazine Victoria, 2024 ISSUE 5

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

soul strength&

building design.

custom homes and additions.

duplex, triplex, fourplex or sixplex housing design. bringing light into your home. connecting the inside with the outside. designing outdoor rooms and extending your living space. inspration for your home. for spaces that matter

building design interior design landscape design feasibility studies

Welcome home

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Your personal oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation Barbecues & Grills Gallery

Premium options for exceptional outdoor grilling

Hot Tubs, Swim Spas & Saunas Gallery

Why teatime should be your

B y Ellie Shortt

B

B

B

On the Cover

Photo by Lia Crowe

Boulevard food writer Ellie Shortt demonstrates the soothing power of afternoon tea, stressing the adage: "A cup of tea is a cup of peace."

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B

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contributors

NATALIE BRUCKNER

WRITER

FIRE AND ICE

PAGE 32

“Aaron’s story is one that deeply touches my heart. He embodies resilience in every aspect of his life. As a Canucks fan and a firm believer in the power of the mind, Aaron’s transformation from tragedy and loss to becoming an NHL player and now a cognitive performance coach resonates profoundly with me, and I’m certain it will inspire others.” Natalie, an award-winning writer and author, possesses a remarkable talent for delving deep into the lives of her subjects and bringing their stories to life. When she’s not immersed in writing, you’ll find her mountain biking, hiking and renovating her old log cabin, which is nestled in the woods.

LIA CROWE

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER

BECOMING A WARRIOR

PAGE 78

“For the feature lifestyle story in this issue of Boulevard, I attended a wilderness retreat, with my new-ish boyfriend. It had a personal growth workshop as one of the activities, but it turned out the entire journey became a personal growth experience, particularly as I witnessed the relationship of the long-time couple who own and run the lodge. Even after being together for many years, they have a beautiful, affectionate, head-over-heels, love-filled relationship. So, near the end of the trip, I asked them their secret. One of the responses was: ‘We hold each other in the highest esteem—every day.’ I’m going to hold on to that nugget!” Lia is a photographer and writer based in Victoria, BC.

KAISHA SCOFIELD

WRITER

HOW TO SPORT: FOR ADULTS

PAGE 18

BOULEVARD GROUP Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER 250.891.5627

info@blvdmag.ca

MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Nel Pallay

Tammy Robinson

Crea Zhang

ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke

Vicki Clark

CONTRIBUTING Natalie Bruckner

WRITERS Angela M. Cowan

Lia Crowe

Jen Evans

Lauren Kramer

Janice Louise

Susan Lundy

Joanne Peters

Kaisha Scofield

Ellie Shortt

Chloe Sjuberg

Tess van Straaten

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lia Crowe

James Dittiger

Susan Lundy

CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411

“I have several adults and youth in my life who play sports. In researching this piece, I found that many ‘senior’ teams play in leagues that intentionally emphasize community, connection and fun. It had me wondering if perhaps this is sport in its purest form, stripped of the sometimes-intense competition and showboating that younger athletes can experience.” Kaisha is a nutritional therapist (FNTP) and strength trainer (PT) with Well + Strong Health. She works with folks from all walks of life and has a specialty in size-inclusive and trauma-informed training. Kaisha has never been a member of a sports team but has, over the years, belonged to a dance troupe, kickboxing club, yoga group, CrossFit family, and is currently forging a coven of weightlifting strongwomen.

2024 ISSUE 5 Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

It must have been 15 years ago that my husband Bruce and I drove off the ferry onto Cormorant Island, making our first visit to the village of Alert Bay, located in traditional Kwakwakaʼwakw territory, on the northeast side of Vancouver Island. Since then, we have travelled to Alert Bay on several occasions and each time magic unfolds.

On our first visit, the island’s massive red-brick residential school still dominated the waterfront, and we drove in its direction, parking and exploring the exterior of what was a truly foreboding structure. Eventually, we were beckoned inside by an Indigenous carver, who had transformed a downstairs room into a studio. He walked us through his craft, showing us his carving techniques and weaving stories about his masks that hung on the walls. It was ironic, this explosion of art and culture in the basement of a building that had housed so much despair. It felt otherworldly.

Nearby, we visited the tallest totem in the world, stunned that it wasn’t roped off and we could stand next to it, craning our necks skyward and touching its weathered surface with our fingertips. Once, as we drove down a hill, we rounded a corner and a humpback whale breached directly in front of us. Later that day, we were introduced to the chief of the Namgis First Nation, who invited us to a totem raising, followed by a potlatch in the Namgis’ traditional big house.

We have camped beachside in a deserted campground on Cormorant Island, walked lush forest trails, and come close to circumnavigating the entire island on our many shoreline hikes.

I recalled these stories of Alert Bay as this past spring Bruce and I explored another magical spot, Haida Gwaii, and then spent our 10th wedding anniversary in a place of personal magic—Point No Point Resort, a collection of rustic cabins near Sooke. Cell phones rarely work at Point No Point, and days are spent hiking nearby beaches and exploring groves of old-growth trees. This is where about a dozen years ago we decided, “We should get married!”

BY LIA CROWE

magical places

This issue of Boulevard has been built around a theme of “personal growth”—a moving target for most of us, since personal growth is something that needs constant nurturing. Self-care. Mindful living. Gratitude. Fostering lasting relationships. Stepping outside of the box. But in addition to participating in the act of personal growth, one needs to take the time to reflect on it. And the best spots to do this are magical places where you can exhale and unclutter your mind.

When I think of such places, my thoughts always go to nature; areas where days unfold hiking a shoreline or forested trail, and evenings are spent quietly watching the glowing embers of a campfire. Spots where time is guided by the rising and setting of the sun—not a watch.

My story about Haida Gwaii—found in this edition of Boulevard—is called “Go for your soul” because here you can slow down, exhale and reconnect with yourself. As it happened, it was also the perfect spot for us to travel in our 10th-anniversary year.

For our wedding, we commissioned a Kwakwakaʼwakw artist from Alert Bay to create our wedding bands. The chance to mark 10 years with rings from Haida Gwaii seemed serendipitous, and it didn’t take long for Bruce to find a thick silver orca ring at a little gem store near our accommodation. But despite actively searching, I just couldn’t find the right ring for me.

As we awaited our flight home inside the tiny airport at Masset, I saw a face that had become familiar over the course of our time on Haida Gwaii. Robert Davidson—a renowned Haida artist and a leading figure in the renaissance of Haida art and culture—was chatting with a clerk in what I suddenly realized was an outlet store of the gem shop where Bruce found his ring.

At the sight of such an auspicious Haida figure, I felt an invisible tug draw me into that tiny jewellery store…and straight to a beautiful silver raven ring that fit me in every way possible.

It was a magical moment in a magical place.

Susan Lundy Managing Editor

Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as an editor, author and freelance writer. Her latest book on humour columns, Home on the Strange, was published in 2021 via Heritage House Publishing.

PHOTO

The season has turned into fall, but the golden hour—that softer light that emerges shortly after sunrise or just before sunset—remains. The twilight feels magical, with long shadows and aspirations of cosiness. Clever shapes and a soft autumn glow abound in this month’s collection.

Fjords Bravo Chair Standard Furniture *prices vary by materials/finishes

Beni Ourain Moroccan Rug by Surya Home Interiors *prices vary by size

Kate Harness Boot in Banana by Frye Footloose Shoes

$628

Luke Coffee Table

Moe’s Home Collection

*contact for pricing

Eileen Fisher Motorcycle Jacket Hughes Clothing $525

Half Round Band with Diamonds and Granules by Ruth Tomlinson Bernstein & Gold

$1,940

Handmade

These

Embroidered

Pillow

Sweet Dreams Boutique

$55

Baby Borca

Acrylic on Canvas by Luke Ramsey Madrona Gallery

$1,750

Old Fashioned Glass with Tulips Luna Collective $28

Diego Pouf Muse & Merchant

Eros Vase

The Shoppe Furniture & Decor

$158

life.style.etc.

SOPHIA BRIGGS, REALTOR AND TEAM LEAD OF COASTAL LIVING COLLECTIVE AT THE AGENCY WORDS SUSAN LUNDY X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOT ON LOCATION AT:

1307 Transit Road

Listed by Jason Binab with The Agency

Built by Coast Prestige Homes

Designed by Java Designs and Jenny Martin

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I was born in Comox, BC and moved to Victoria when I was a couple of weeks old. I grew up mainly in Oak Bay; however, I have lived in many areas of Victoria. We have so many great communities.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?

I got into real estate at a young age and started when I was 21 years old in 2007—and I’ve never looked back. It’s been a fun and rewarding career, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

WHAT IS THE ONE ASPECT OF YOUR WORK THAT REALLY GETS YOU FIRED UP?

I love meeting new people and hearing their stories and getting to know them. Plus there is nothing better than the look on a client’s face when you find them the perfect home.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Currently, when I’m not working, my main focus is my son, Oscar, who is two years old and very active. I do love to travel and see the world. I have travelled a lot and I cannot wait to start travelling with Oscar. Some of my favorite places have been so unexpected such as Cartagena, Colombia and Cappadocia in Turkey, as they were unplanned stops on my travels. I truly believe going with the flow and not being too over-planned when traveling brings you unexpected gems. It’s amazing experiencing new places and cultures, but nothing beats coming home to Victoria.

HOBBIES:

Road cycling, a renovation project, thrifting, board games, travel.

WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

I have learned a few; however, some of the standouts include always trusting your gut and never being afraid to shake up your life for happiness. Being happy sounds so cliché, but as adults I think we lose sight of what we truly love and what makes us happy as we get too busy with life.

WHICH OF YOUR INNATE QUALITIES OR DAILY PRACTICES HAS LED TO YOUR SUCCESS?

Consistently showing up and being willing to do the work.

WHAT IS GOOD STYLE TO YOU?

It’s not so much about what people wear or “who” people wear, it’s when someone is confident and comfortable in what they are wearing.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

I love being a woman. I love having all these different styles for different occasions. I love to dress up just as much as I love a good pair of ripped jeans and a T-shirt. My style tends towards timeless and classic—always with hints of strong femininity.

STYLE, INSPIRATIONS & LIFE

Favourite fashion designer or brand: I don’t have a favourite. I love everything from bargains at the Bay to Jimmy Choo and local gems.

Favourite musician: Growing up I loved Janet Jackson, and she is still one of my favourites. However, my current favorite right now is Morgan Wallen.

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Emily in Paris—I love her feminine style.

Favourite cocktail or wine: I love a good glass of red wine. Some of my favorites are Stags’ Leap Winery’s Petite Sirah and Vanessa Vineyard's Syrah.

Album on current rotation: Anything country at the moment.

Favourite flower: Pale pink or white peonies or hydrangeas.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: Spending time over a good meal with family and friends. I love a good family Sunday dinner with lots of laughs.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Uniform: You can find me in a dress and heels or skinny jeans and blazer, paired with small gold hoops earrings and a gold necklace. However, if you catch me at the playground with my son, I am in jeans and a T-shirt with sneakers trying to keep up!

All-time favourite piece: My Prada Cahier bag that I bought in Paris on my first solo trip.

Favourite pair of shoes: Jimmy Choo Flaca mules—I just love the bows.

Favourite day-bag: Saint Laurent tote bag—it’s my lady briefcase.

Favourite work tool: My iPhone.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: My late mother’s diamond ring

that has been in my family for a few generations. Fashion obsession: Dresses or anything with a good bow!

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Good skincare; currently I am obsessed with the ZO Skin Health line.

Scent: CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle has been my key scent for over 15 years now.

READING MATERIAL

Fave book: Any book my two-year-old son wants to read.

Fave magazine: Boulevard

Last great read: With a busy work life and a two-year-old son, I don’t have time to read. If I’m reading, it’s with my little guy.

Book currently reading: Oscar’s current fave is Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, by Sherri Duskey Rinker, and The Snail and the Whale, by Julia Donaldson, on repeat.

How to sport: for adults

WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

There is a near universal memory of playing sports or participating in something active as a kid. Maybe you have nostalgia around the crush of new cleats on soccer turf or the smell of your hockey gear mid-season. For me, it was dance classes at the dance studio downtown. I remember the sound of creaking wood floors and the smell of new ballet shoes.

Aside from attending school, playing sports is the second most universal activity that is experienced primarily by chil dren, only to be discontinued in adulthood. In fact, more than 70 per cent of kids drop out of sports by the time they’re 13 to 15. It’s that remaining 30 per cent of kids that continue to play after their teens that make up most of the people who continue to play sports into adulthood.

As adults, we do a decent enough job of maintaining an active lifestyle, but typically we limit it to solo activities, like running, gym training, cycling, et cetera. While these are all excellent ways to maintain fitness and health, they lack the great benefits of sports-specific movement and team member ship. Team sports build endurance, unpredictable movement, camaraderie, healthy competition, grit and commitment in ways that solo sports often lack. One of the most unexpected benefits of team sports is the boost it offers to mental health, in the form of stress relief, community building, confidence enhancement and social emotional support.

It’s clear that playing sports is beneficial but starting a new sport as an adult is tough, and can be an overwhelming endeavour. We adults can struggle to admit when we feel challenged, especially when it involves new physical and social adaptations. Not to mention, we must contend with the usual fears of judgment and inclusion that we had to endure as kids, while also having to worry about injury, fitness levels and time commitments.

The best way to get over barriers is to take the first step. In this case, the first step is figuring out what you’re interested in and then signing up for a trial class or session. There are introductory or information sessions for nearly every sport, including some programs like adult recess that offer a variety of activities and movement styles.

Starting off with a mini commitment, like a beginner session, can be a great stepping stone toward joining a full program. Once you have decided on what sport you would like to join, you can face other potential barriers head on to avoid obstacles arising post- commitment. Some examples of barriers for adults are: fear of judgment, injury, lack of performance, fitness levels, cost, and time or family commitments.

VICTORIA’S DIAMOND DESTINATION

Something we must contend with more as adults than we did as children is the likelihood of injury. Unfortunately, aging bodies need to be looked after, so it is important to acknowledge we won’t bounce back from as injury as quickly as we used to. This can be mitigated by doing our best to take it easy and know that we aren’t expected to perform as we would when we were kids. Your body is older and so are the bodies of your teammates—and that’s okay.

Caring for injury is crucial and can be hastened by having a

great support team. Know who the best physiotherapists, massage therapists and athletic therapists are in your area. Always keep Epsom salts on hand and consider investing in a foam roller. Be sure to familiarize yourself with effective warm-ups, stretches and cool-downs and perform them liberally. Finally, don’t let injuries linger. If a mild injury doesn’t feel better after 24 hours, seek out professional help from a doctor and/or those listed above. If you have a major injury, get it treated right away.

Performance is important and in order to take sport even semi-seriously, you want to think like an athlete, which means fuelling like one. Even weekend warriors need to ensure that they are eating enough nutrient-dense foods, like fruits, veggies and quality

Ensure you are also committing to excellent hydration practices. This means drinking water consistently throughout the day and adding electrolytes, especially when sweating. Maintaining hydration will help prevent injury, cramping and fatigue, while improving energy levels, mental clarity and nutrient absorption. Consider adding some magnesium for muscle support, calcium for bone health and amino acids to help tissue repair.

Contending with the decrease in fitness levels can be challenging. Just know that with regular movement, your body will adapt and improve with time. If you find you are really enjoying your sport, try to add in some stretching and strength training on your off days and avoid sedentary rest days. Every day should include some form of movement, be it walking or cycling or yoga. Even a gruelling training day should be followed by movement the following day; humans are not meant to be sedentary.

Time commitments and other life commitments are likely to be the most challenging to navigate. Try to remember that movement is self-care. Intentional movement will never leave you feeling worse than when you started. Movement is essential to life and should be prioritized over a lot of other activities. Movement that makes you feel healthy and improves your wellbeing should be encouraged by those who care about you. If joining a soccer team that plays once a week makes you feel amazing, then it’s worth having take-out food on those nights or putting off grocery shopping for one more day.

If family and work priorities are an overwhelming issue, try to join a sport that takes this into consideration. Many adult leagues have schedules built to accommodate families. For example, many senior hockey teams play later in the evening, allowing players to attend after kids are put to bed, and some cycling groups train at dawn, ending with enough time to get ready for work.

The final and often least navigable barrier is cost, and depending on the sport, things can get pricey. However, equipment can be purchased second hand or even borrowed. Some sports require very little gear or have gear that is included. Almost every sports league will also have bursaries and financial assistance programs for those who need it. Sports programs will often go out of their way to help find solutions that will keep players playing. It can be tough to ask for help but one of the benefits of being part of a team is having people looking out for you.

Ultimately, belonging to a sport, as an adult, is much like playing as a kid, except perhaps being signed up by your mom and having your dad as the coach. Sports offer community, improve health, support physical adaptability and cognitive function, promote longevity, allow for teamwork, improve mental health—and more. If we can master our self-doubt enough to take that first step, the rest is easy. Now get out there and play ball! WAYS TO

GET STARTED IN BC

Victoria:

victoria.sportandsocialclub.ca

comoxvalleysports.ca

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The

beat goes on

Ron “Blondie Boy” Thaler’s symphony with Victoria

WORDS NATALIE BRUCKNER X PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES DITTIGER

Drummer and record producer

ie Boy” Thaler may be celebrated globally for his Grammy-winning rhythms and genre-defining productions, but when he talks about the city of Victoria his words unfold like a cherished melody.

Born in Tel Aviv, Ron’s childhood journey took him through Montreal and Toronto before he settled in Victoria, where he spent much of his youth. This city isn’t just a pin on his world map; it’s a rhythm that beats in sync with his own.

Ron is chatting with me via Zoom from Parachute Sound, a music studio in New Zealand. Our conversation shifts effortlessly to Bournemouth, my hometown, where Ron spent time producing 1000 Days of Rain by Darren Hodson, a winner at the British Coun try Music Awards. We bond over a shared passion for heritage snare drums. Despite his impressive accolades and extensive portfolio, Ron exudes a genuine, grounded warmth and an incredibly bright mind.

This authentic presence traces back to where it all began. Long before sharing studio and stage with legends like Alicia Keys, David Guetta, Debbie Gibson, Moby, Jewel, John Legend and Willie Nelson, or crafting tracks that reverberate worldwide, Ron faced the ups and downs of the often-unforgiving music industry—with undeniable flair.

Ron’s love affair with drumming sparked in the most unassuming of settings—a local department store in Victoria.

“I was a young kid, and my mum had taken me underwear shop ping when I heard ‘Message in a Bottle’ by The Police playing. I made a sharp turn toward the sound, and right then, a switch went off in me. I felt it in my bones.”

He also credits his musical passion to his grandfather, a virtuoso violinist in wartime France, and his grandmother, who loved playing piano—proving that a love and talent for music can indeed skip a generation.

“From that moment in the department store, it was clear to me what I wanted to do. We bought those records, went back home, I got a drum kit, and that was it.”

The rhythmic pull was irresistible, and soon enough, Ron’s curi osity evolved into an all-consuming passion. However, he got into an area of contrary thinking early on.

“Most people think of drumming as a boom-bash, but one of the first books I studied was on Latin rhythms, designed for various percussion instruments. When I played some of these rhythms, I felt like three people simultaneously at one moment. Each component was a voice, part of a conversation, a language, the interplay, and the thoughtfulness of the counterpoint, in a way.”

For a linguist like Ron, it made perfect sense.

While it’s easy to focus on his highly publicized successes (three Grammy-winning songs, 11 Billboard #1 singles, 450 albums with 46 billion streams, to name a few), it’s Ron’s approach to the music industry, as layered and complex as the rhythms he’s known for, that is even more fascinating.

It may come as a surprise that Ron attended the University of

Victoria and later the University of British Columbia, where he earned a degree in commerce with a specialization in transportation and logistics, along with a minor in political economy. This unexpected academic background provided him with a strategic edge—a practical toolkit that has served him well beyond the drum kit.

After university, Ron embarked on a cross-country journey to New York with his stepfather, arriving in the city where his career would start to truly take off.

“We drove all the way across the country and landed in this rooming house that was a crazy, weird place filled with characters, and I thought, ‘Wow, Dorothy, this isn’t Kansas anymore.’”

He navigated the cutthroat industry with unwavering determination, and it wasn’t long before his talent began turning heads. Invitations to play and tour with both renowned and unknown artists started rolling in.

But Ron saw another side of the industry: “It’s one thing to be a great instrumentalist. It’s another to understand the business environment. I learned some very valuable lessons early on. I learned that businesspeople in music care as much, by and large, as you do about your success."

He adds: “The reality of who I am is that I’ve been a part of bands; I’ve committed to that. But I’ve also been that hired gun, the problem-solver, the ‘replacement killer.’”

Ron’s reputation as a “replacement killer”—the go-to drummer who steps in to elevate recordings for artists in need—speaks to his versatility and expertise. It’s a role that demands not just musical skill but an acute sensitivity to the needs of others, a theme that permeates his work as a producer.

“The musical work is almost never the challenge,” he says. “The true challenge is integrating myself with the truths of other people and what they’re about. As a record producer, I bridge many things. I help people take philosophical ideas and make them concrete.

To do that, I have to interpret their language, their words, what they’re feeling and thinking.”

Today, after years of honing his well-rounded skills, Ron wears many hats: record producer, drummer, songwriter, entrepreneur and innovator. His professional landscape extends beyond producing records to steering several tech firms he’s founded (SoundSphere Immersive, Lysten360), a music micro-sharing venture (DCIBL), and collaborating with the next generation of creatives at Victoria’s Haus of Owl and the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB).

360 Spatial Sound Studios and Immersive Sound Technology, a company he hopes to establish in Victoria’s arts and innovation district, is already underway in Barcelona and Christchurch, and is a testament to his forward-thinking approach. This spatial sound and 4D music creation project blends cutting-edge audio techniques, pushing the boundaries of how we experience music today as the world’s first fully immersive spatial recording studio and 360-degree sound technology hub—if he can overcome city hurdles that often face new ideas.

In Victoria, Ron sees a reflection of his mission. The city’s music scene, while still emerging, holds the promise of untapped authenticity.

“Victoria has some of the most amazing musicians,” he says. “But it’s a city that’s starving to catch up to its fellow Canadian cities that have an abundant and diverse music industry.”

His vision is to contribute to, and amplify, Victoria’s unique voice with this sound that’s waiting to be discovered.

“In life, we don’t just hear sound around our heads; we hear it from the sky and through our feet,” he explains.

And where better to champion this than in Victoria, where the natural acoustics of the landscape already provide a perfect backdrop?

Photos: Lance Sullivan | Concept Photography

WORDS LAUREN KRAMER

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TOURISME MONTRÉAL

PHOTO BY DAMIEN LIGIARDI.

Montreal is a city bursting with flavour, one where history seeps from the pores of its ancient stone buildings. Its vibrant cultural life is always in celebration, through festivals, music, dance and theatre. And its food scene is spectacular, whether you hunger for poutine, smoked meat, buttery croissants or a bagel with lox.

With its strong French influence, this sophisticated city is charmingly seductive, and so vastly different from a western Canadian city that it feels like you’re in an entirely different country. And with new, daily direct flights from Vancouver, it’s an easy four-and-a-half-hour commute, making it a perfect destination for a long weekend.

There’s so much to do in Montreal, it’s hard to know where to begin. We selected our top highlights for unique ways to experience the city and explore its radiant personality in just three nights.

BIKE THE BOULEVARDS

Walking tours can get stale pretty quickly, but a bike tour is physically exhilarating and fast-paced and fits in many more sights and landmarks. We joined Fitz Montreal on a 15-kilometre pedal through Montreal’s green alleyways and busy boulevards and along the Lachine Canal. The three-hour tour delivered a broad overview of Montreal’s history, with some great views of street murals, residential neighbourhoods and Old Montreal.

We followed the Lachine Canal past factories and warehouses reincarnated into swanky apartments, saw the strong currents of the Saint Lawrence River at the Port, puffed up the hill to the base of Mount Royal and zipped back down past the austere, stone buildings of McGill University.

Don’t miss: The statue of the The English Pug and the French Poodle, also known as The Two Snobs at Place d’Armes in Old Montreal. On one side a Francophone woman holds her poodle, looking with contempt at the head office of the Bank of Montreal, a symbol of English power. On the other, an Anglophone holds his pug, looking with similar disdain at the Notre-Dame Basilica, a symbol of the Catholic Church in Quebec. The Two Snobs delivers a comedic stab at the enduring, simmering tensions between English and French in Montreal.

fitzmontreal.com

BAGELS AND MORE

Montrealers take their bagels seriously and everyone has their preference for one of two classic bagel makers—St-Viateur or Fairmount. On the Beyond the Bagel tour, you get to try both, along with other gastronomic treats like babka, cheese crowns and smoked meat.

This three-hour walking tour delivers a fascinating glimpse into the Jewish history of Montreal, from its small shop owners

Where Ideas Come To

to the celebrity singer, songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, whose grey-stoned house just off Saint-Laurent Boulevard is one of the stops. The grand finale of the tour is Schwartz’s Deli, a charcuterie that dates back to 1928 and has a well-earned reputation for its unforgettable, bulging, smoked-meat sandwiches.

museemontrealjuif.ca/beyond-the-bagel

MUSEUM OF MEMORIES

A far cry from a dusty, old-school museum, Museum of Memories (MEM) is dedicated to the recollections and oral histories of living Montrealers from different neighbourhoods and backgrounds. What makes it truly different is that this museum delivers these stories in the people’s voices and their words. Visitors listen to stories using headphones and watching screens, and they’re spoken to directly by Montrealers from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities. Some of the stories address racism, abuse and hardship, while others celebrate the diversity of Montreal’s arts scene, its natural beauty and its athletes.

In one exhibit, titled “In My Shoes,” visitors swap their shoes for another pair of the same size on a shelf. Each pair belongs to a different Montrealer, and as you slip your feet into someone else’s shoes, you hear their voice on an MP3 player, telling the story of their life in all its triumphs and tribulations. All the stories at MEM are deeply personal, striking and meaningful. (memmtl.ca)

Work with an Advisory Team that listens, understands and offers clear solutions.

Dwayne Dyson, B.Sc. Econ, FCSI®, Senior Wealth Advisor Tel.: 250-361-2413 | dwayne.dyson@nbpcd.com

Austin Louden, B. Sc, Senior Wealth Associate Tel.: 250-361-2483 | austin.louden@nbpcd.com

Fiona MacDonald, B.Comm., Senior Client Service Associate Tel.: 250-361-2436 | fiona1.macdonald@nbpcd.com

PHOTO BY EVA BLUE.

NORDIC THERMOTHERAPY

For a serene break from the bustle of sightseeing, head to Nuns’ Island, 20 minutes from downtown. Here, Strøm Nordic Spa offers thermotherapy in a blissfully peaceful setting on the banks of a large pond.

Visitors strip down to swimsuits and white gowns and move quietly between hot experiences, like the eucalyptus steam bath, the Finnish sauna and the Nordic bath, and brief cold plunges. Each session culminates in a restful period in the spa’s many relaxation rooms or outdoor spaces, all featuring comfy loungers, beautiful views and a respectful silence.

With just wind and birdsong filling the air, this is a space of pure rest, meditation, comfort and recuperation. The spa also offers a restaurant with heart-stoppingly superb fare. With no time limit to a stay, visitors can take as long as they like to re-energize. (boutique.stromspa.com/en/ collections/thermal-experience-nuns-island)

DINE

For Montreal’s best salads, head straight to Mandy’s Salades Gourmandes, the brainchild of two sisters who started with a “create-yourown salad bar” in the back of a women’s clothing store. Today, they have eight locations in Montreal and three in Toronto, and their salads are nothing short of legendary. Forget boring oldies like Caesar, Greek and garden. At Mandy’s, each salad is a tantalizing mix of innovative vegetables, nuts, seeds and protein toppings that will revolutionize your understanding of the humble salad and leave you craving more. (mandys.ca)

Arthurs Nosh Bar is a cosy, casual eatery in St-Henri that’s a neighbourhood hangout and an exceptional place to try Jewish classics like crispy chicken on thick slices of challah, latkes and gravlax. Afterwards, take a walk around this eclectic urban village, or book a tour with local guide Daniel Bromberg to learn more about St-Henri’s architecture, its

PHOTO BY ALISON SLATTERY.

With its strong French influence, this sophisticated city is charmingly seductive, and so vastly different from a western Canadian city that it feels like you’re in an entirely different country. And with new, daily direct flights from Vancouver, it’s an easy four-and-a-halfhour commute, making it a perfect destination for a long weekend.

Designed in House & Made in Canada Since 1 972

industrial past and its vibrant present. (arthursmtl.com / danielbromberg.co)

CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS DRAPERIES, CLOSETS & MORE

Victoria: 2745 Bridge St

Nanaimo: 103-2520 Bowen Rd

Sidney (Satellite Showroom): 101-9818 Third St

Foxy, a fine-dining tapas restaurant in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood, shines brightly, especially for its vegetables. Each small plate that emerges from its wood-fired kitchen is a piece of art brimming with sumptuous flavour, and though the menu changes seasonally, this is an eatery where you simply can’t go wrong. Nothing, but nothing, is ordinary here. foxy.restaurant

SLEEP

Opened in 2021, Humaniti Hotel Montreal is a modern, sexy hotel in the heart of the city, steps from Old Montreal, the Palais des congrès and the Quartier des Spectacles. Here, sophisticated but deeply comfortable accommodation meets fastidious environmental standards, with interesting art and sculpture sprinkled throughout the hotel. We loved the hotel’s clean lines, its abundance of natural light and its gallery-like interior. H3, the hotel’s restaurant, is an exceptional food destination that will humble anyone who thought they knew hotel food. humanitihotel.com

COMMUTE

Porter Airlines launched its daily roundtrip service between Vancouver and Montreal in April, with a super comfortable 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft that is entirely devoid of the dreaded middle seat. Onboard service includes free, fast wifi, and its business-class-like PorterReserve comes with fresh, healthy meals and seats with extra legroom. The new route makes the fourand-a-half-hour flight to Montreal an easy, convenient commute. (flyporter.com)

AWNINGS, PATIO COVERS, LOUVERED PERGOLAS, RETRACTABLE SCREENS & MORE

PHOTO COURTESY HUMANITI HOTEL MONTREAL.

Nantucket™ with SoftTouch®

©2024 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

Fire and ice

Aaron Volpatti’s remarkable journey to NHL warrior and mindset maestro

WORDS NATALIE BRUCKNER X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

As Aaron Volpatti prepared to step onto the ice for his debut as a National Hockey League (NHL) player, he paused, closing his eyes for a moment. It was a scene he had envisioned thousands of times before—the emotions, the sights, the sounds. Only this time, when he reopened his eyes, the image was a reality.

Aaron’s career in the NHL is well documented: three years with the Vancouver Canucks and two with the Washington Capitals before he was forced to retire due to injury. What is lesser known is that he has one of the most inspirational comeback stories in professional sports, one that ultimately led him on the path to where he is today.

Aaron credits his success to three things: hard work, adversity and visualization (or what he calls “cinematic mind mapping”). To better understand his journey and this concept we need to step back to when Aaron was just 19 years old.

It all began with one foolish mistake. In 2005, Revelstoke-local Aaron was making a name for himself as an enforcer playing for the Vernon Vipers of the BC Hockey League (BCHL). However, disaster struck during a team camping trip. Known for his daring antics, Aaron orchestrated what he describes as a “pyro show” with gasoline and fire. However, this time, disaster struck when the bottles broke, soaking his clothes. “I threw my sweater into the fire, unaware of the danger of vapours. It was like lighting a dynamite fuse.”

With his body engulfed in flames, the fight-or-flight response kicked in.

“I just bolted. That was probably the worst thing I could have done because I was pretty fast, and no one could initially catch me. The screams that came from my body on my way to the hospital were sounds I never knew I could make,” he says.

When Aaron woke up in the ICU burn unit at Vancouver General Hospital, it felt as though his world had come crashing down. He’d harboured ambitious dreams—to play National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) hockey, and then pursue a career in sports medicine.

Lying in the hospital bed, with second- and third-degree burns covering 40 per cent of his body, the doctor’s words hit him hard: “He said I wouldn’t be attending hockey camp in three months. On the one hand, I was fortunate to be alive, but on the other, it felt like my dreams had done up in flames,” he reflects.

In that moment, Aaron discovered an unexpected “superpower” of visualization.

“Two weeks into my hospital stay, Mike Vandekamp, my coach from Vernon, informed me a coach from Brown University, an NCAA division college, had been in touch and mentioned they needed a player who could ‘instill fear in the defensemen of the Ivy League,’ a role I excelled at. I reached out to the Brown coach and our conversation left things open-ended. I was overcome with emotion—I had dedicated my life to just having the opportunity to speak with someone like him.”

That’s when a light bulb went on. “I began questioning why I wouldn’t be able to play. There were valid reasons of course, such as the risk of infection and the pain involved. However, I couldn’t accept that simply because it might hurt, I should give up on my dream.”

Hidden at the end of a long driveway in Oak Bay, there is perhaps one of the most beautiful examples of infill housing in Victoria. With rows of charcoal-framed windows set against a pale grey exterior, an elegantly squared-off roof line and expertly crafted rock work, the house brings together elements of modern and classic architecture.

FULL STRENGTH

The new beauty is strong with a healthy side of fierceness. With Olympic Games fever just starting to cool off, fashion continues to heat up with pieces that are not only stylish but call attention to strength. Game on!

PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

STYLING BY JEN EVANS

MAKEUP AND HAIR BY JEN CLARK

ATHLETES AMELIA

Photographed on location at Windsor Park. A huge thank you to Oak Bay Parks and Recreation for graciously hosting our team for the day.

MODELS:

WOODLEY, SIMONE NAGASAKI, DELLA MULLANE AND MICAH MULLANE

Necklaces, right to left: on Amelia, Eye of the Serpent Necklace, $460; on Simone, Infinite Compass Necklace, $430; on Della, Gate of Mazeus Necklace, $335; on Micah, The Trompe L'oeil Necklace, $430, all by Pamela Card, and all from Bernstein & Gold. All clothing, model's own, except pink sweatpants, $90, by Lucas Emily Louie from Turnabout.

On Simone: Let's Go Running Legging in Sand Speckle Leopard, $175, and Let's Go Elsie Bra in Sand Speckle Leopard, $110, both by Varley, Silayah Earrings in Shell, $400, by Ulla Johnson, Skyline Organza Bomber Jacket in black (around waist), $185, by Sanctuary, all from Bernstein & Gold.

On Della: Gabriel Cardigan in Sweet Peach, $199, by John + Jenn, from Bernstein & Gold; pink and white sneaker, $90, by Equipment from Turnabout; socks, stylist’s own.

On Micah: plaid skirt, $50, by Wilfred, black satin bra top, $30, by Sunday Best, both from Turnabout; green dorset cardigan, $235, by Varley from Bernstein & Gold; socks, stylist’s own.

On Micah: pink and black bra tank, $25, by Lululemon, Saturn Bomber Jacket, $230, by Ksubi, gold and blue Nike sneakers, all from Turnabout; shorts, model’s own; socks, stylist’s own.

On Della: grey herringbone bra tank, $23, by Lululemon, vintage white and black chiffon skirt, $60, gold and orange Nike Air sneakers, all from Turnabout; Masculin/Feminin sweatshirt in grey, $255, by Clare V, Ridge Cuff in Persimmon, $175, by Lizzie Fortunato, both from Bernstein & Gold; headband and socks, stylist’s own.

Janet Docherty has an attention-grabbing job title on her email signature: not only is she the owner of Merridale Cidery & Distillery, she’s also the “chief disruptor.” Having owned the cidery since 1999, she has always been one to shake things up.

“I don’t go with the status quo,” Janet says. “I’m always looking for something new to do or something we can improve upon. It’s not about sitting still; there’s always something new we can invent or create or have some fun with. It’s always good to explore.”

Located in the heart of Cobble Hill near Duncan, Merridale creates handcrafted ciders and spirits sustainably with “integrity, curiosity and care” at a beautiful 20-acre family farm. The area includes a farmhouse, cidery, distillery, eatery, farm store and yurts, all located amid grassy knolls, a sun-dappled apple orchard and a beautiful wooden building. Visitors can sample and purchase cider and spirits, walk the grounds, eat in the restaurant or partake in special music events, long-table meals, guided tastings or pond-side “red wagon picnics.” The setting produces an immediate exhale.

Going into business in the hospitality and tourism sectors is a lot of hard work, Janet says, but what’s at the core of Merridale’s success, she adds, are the people.

“My goal has always been to make people feel happy, to make them feel comfortable and at home,” Janet says. “We purposely put in a windy path that makes people slow down. That’s what gives me great joy. Other jobs I’ve had in my life were more lucrative but this one brings a lot of joy. And there’s diversity—lots of things that occupy my time.

“There’s the personal drive of my family,” she adds. “It means a lot to myself and my son, and the community is super important to us both. I do have a business degree and I’m very focused on busi ness; I always pay attention to the bottom line, I never lose sight of that. But I believe that we are a for-profit social enterprise because I believe you can do business and make money and still be a good entity for the community. You can take care of your team really well and that’s what I love to do.”

Revenue has been up six to 10 per cent this year from the previ ous year—a testament to its ongoing success. Some of this success is due to Janet’s habit of listening to customers’ wants and needs. For example, after the team built the farmhouse where they sell cider, visitors told them they wanted to be able to enjoy something to eat while sipping on beverages. And so, Merridale added an eatery. Visitors wanted to experience food and cider pairings, so a pairings program was launched. They wanted comfortable places to sit in a family-friendly environment, so picnic tables were added. Visitors wanted to be able to walk around the orchard, so a winding path was installed.

And throughout the years, Janet has made a point of focusing on sustainability, long before environmentalism became a mainstream concept. And with sustainable business practices at the heart of Merridale’s philosophy, it is now a sustainable tourism destination.

“We want to make sure that tourism is part of a bigger picture and make sure tourism remains a force for good forever.”

EXCELLENCE Showcasing

THE CARE AWARDS 2024: THE BEST OF VICTORIA HOME BUILDING

CARE Awards finalists are selected by a panel of award-winning industry professionals using criteria such as architectural design, quality workmanship, creative use of space, and energy efficiency.

These outstanding CARE Awards finalists are members of the Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA), representing Canada’s leaders in West Coast home design and construction, showcasing the very best in new homes and renovations.

PORTRAITS BY LIA CROWE + WORDS BY CHLOE SJUBERG

HARBOUR CITY KITCHENS, STEP ONE DESIGN & OAK BAY CONSTRUCTION

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Spec Home $800,000–$1,000,000 (Seascape)

Best Single Family Detached Home

$1,600,000–$2,000,000 (Twin Oaks Farm)

Best Outdoor Space Under $275,000 (Twin Oaks Farm)

Best New Home Design Under $1,000,000 (Seascape)

Best New Home Design

$1,000,000–$2,000,000 (Twin Oaks Farm)

Best Innovative Feature (Seascape)

Best Renovation Over $1,000,000 (Step One Design – Renaissance)

Best Traditional Kitchen Under $150,000 (Twin Oaks Farm)

Best Traditional Kitchen $150,000–$300,000 (Step One Design – Renaissance)

Best Contemporary Kitchen Under $100,000 (Seascape)

Best Bathroom Under $100,000 (Seascape)

Best Primary Suite Under $125,000 (Twin Oaks Farm)

Best Primary Suite Over $300,000 (Step One Design – Renaissance)

Best Interior – Homes Under $1,000,000 (Seascape)

Best Interior – Homes $1,000,000–$2,000,000 (Twin Oaks Farm)

Best Interior – Homes $1,000,000–$2,000,000 (Step One Design – Renaissance)

Best Custom Millwork Under $100,000 (Seascape, Twin Oaks Farm)

Best Home Design – Concept (Step One Design – Axis) Project of the Year (Seascape, Twin Oaks Farm)

Project: Twin Oaks Farm

>> Twin Oaks Farm is an authentic farmhouse design showcasing a central dormer framed in a 1.5-storey structure. The entry door and balanced windows on either side provide a symmetrical and inviting facade. Embracing classic farmhouse architecture, the design incorporates period details and features that enhance its charm. Inside, the vaulted ceilings are centred around the large dormer, creating a grand and spacious interior that complements the home’s timeless appeal. Inspired by the home’s open concept yet cosy feel, the elegant and functional kitchen seamlessly integrates colour, details and flow with the rest of the home, from the butler’s pantry to the 270-degree-view sunroom.

778.426.1287 / oakbayconstruction.com

778.433.1434 / 250.634.3729 / steponedesign.ca

250.652.5200 / harbourcitykitchens.com

Michael Dunsmuir, Residential Designer / Co-Owner, Step One Design

Ryan Breuker, Co-Owner / Project Manager, Oak Bay Construction

Tim Philipchalk, Co-Owner, Harbour City Kitchens

778.426.1287 / oakbayconstruction.com

778.433.1434 / 250.634.3729 / steponedesign.ca

250.652.5200 / harbourcitykitchens.com

Project: Seascape

>> Seascape is a compact, efficiently designed home with modern West Coast architecture, perfectly situated on an ocean-facing lot. Expansive windows offer dramatic ocean views from every room, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior is beautifully finished with quality materials and detailed millwork, enhancing both style and functionality. The open-concept kitchen layout allows for uninterrupted coastal views and large preparation, entertainment and eating areas, with sea-inspired elements like rift white oak cabinets and a “white linen” colour, reminiscent of sails. The home’s design maximizes space while complementing the stunning surroundings, providing a luxurious and comfortable living experience.

Award Nominations

Best Home Design – Concept (Artist’s Retreat, Precedence, Raven’s View)

Project: Raven’s View

>> Raven’s View is a light-filled home connected to nature featuring dramatic parabolic paraboloid curved roofs; a terraced lower patio with a fire pit, hot tub and plenty of covered and open seating to enjoy the sunrises and the stunning views of Salt Spring Island and Satellite Channel; vaulted ceilings in the great room and foyer area and the primary suite; a large view kitchen with a generous walk-in caterer’s pantry; an open riser staircase to the lower floor where you will find a four bedroom guest space a large rec room, wine room, a sauna and a gym. The self-contained one bedroom in-law cottage connects via the shared lower patio.

250.384.1550 / keithbakerdesign.com Keith Baker, Owner / Principal Designer

RANNALA FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home Over $4,000,000 (Arbour House)

Best Outdoor Space $275,000–$450,000 (Arbour House)

Best Contemporary Kitchen Over $250,000 (Arbour House)

Best Bathroom Over $100,000 (Arbour House)

Best Interior – Homes Over $3,000,000 (Arbour House)

Project of the Year (Arbour House)

Project: Arbour House

>> A highly unique and architecturally challenging build, designed by world-renowned Patkau Architects based out of Vancouver. The house is a livable art piece that is a play on light, with huge banks of skylights hidden above an intricate weaved wooden arbour detail inside and outside of the home. The house was also nominated as a finalist for a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award.

250.588.9730 / rannalafreeborn.ca

Dave Rannala , Partner / Project Manager

Troy Freeborn, Partner / Project Manager

GT MANN CONTRACTING LTD.

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home $2,000,000–$3,500,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Outdoor Space Under $275,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best New Home Design Over $2,000,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Traditional Kitchen $150,000–$300,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Primary Suite Over $300,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Interior – Homes Over $3,000,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Custom Millwork Over $200,000 (Sand Dollar)

Project of the Year (Sand Dollar)

Project: Sand Dollar

>> This French chateau-style home draws its warm driftwood tones and textures from the beach, and this is reflected in its cedar shingle siding. Expansive windows overlook the pool, while 10-foot ceilings flood the home with natural light. White oak millwork, coffered tongue-and-groove ceilings and Venetian plaster features highlight the harmony between the design and the beachfront landscape. The functional floor plan includes spaces for work and play—from elegant hisand-hers offices to a jewel-box-themed celebration room that encapsulates a boutique bar setting.

250.857.5349 / gtmann.com

Graeme Mann, Owner / President

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home $1,000,000–1,600,000 (Timbers, Willow, Crest, The Woods II)

Project: Timbers

>> This Queenswood-area property is within a Natural State Covenant to protect its forested land. This meant that the design and construction of this high-end, executive home had to consider the preservation of the natural landscape. Taking advantage of this, one of the key design features of the home is a beautiful outdoor living space that emphasizes the natural beauty of the surrounding forest, featuring a sauna, outdoor kitchen and living area all surrounded by trees.

250.217.3080 / patriothomes.ca Aman Gill, President / Owner

KIMBERLY LEWIS-MANNING DESIGN

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home

$2,000,000–$3,500,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best New Home Design Over $2,000,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Traditional Kitchen

$150,000–$300,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Primary Suite Over $300,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Interior – Homes Over $3,000,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Custom Millwork Over $200,000 (Sand Dollar)

Project of the Year (Sand Dollar)

Project: Sand Dollar

>> Capturing the essence of its seaside location, the finishes of this home were carefully curated to reflect the 180 degrees of tranquil-yetrugged views which surround it. Sun-bleached oak cabinets paired with a leathered quartzite counter mimic the driftwood and weathered beach stone found on the property. Layers of textural finishes include a tongue-and-groove coffered ceiling and reeded cabinetry details. Anchoring the kitchen is a 10-foot oak and Venetian plaster hood sitting above oversized traditional corbels.

250.896.5153 / klewismanning.com

Kimberly

Lewis-Manning , Principal

WHITE WOLF HOMES

Award Nominations

Best Custom Millwork

$100,000–$200,000 (Highborough)

Best Contemporary Kitchen

$100,000–$150,000 (Highborough)

Best Primary Suite

$125,000–$300,000 (Highborough)

Best Single Family Home

$1,600,000–$2,000,000 (Highborough)

Best Innovative Feature (Aurelia)

Best Renovation

$500,000–$1,000,000 (Verdant Charm)

Best Contemporary Kitchen

$150,000–$200,000 (Helios)

Best Outdoor Space

$275,000–$400,000 (Helios)

Best Single Family Home

Over $4,000,000 (Helios)

Project of the Year (Helios)

250.888.8209 / whitewolfhomes.ca

Kyle Velikovsky, Principal

Jeff Pollock, Site Supervisor

Elliot Mitrou, Junior Project Manager

Ashley Barry, Business Manager

James Higgins, Project Manager

Slade Pudetz , Site Supervisor

Highborourgh

Project: Helios

>> Helios is a stunning west-facing oceanfront home on the Saanich Peninsula, featuring exclusive beach access via a custom metal staircase that lifts at high tide. The moment you enter through the oversized wood front door, you’ll be greeted by panoramic ocean views. The open-concept living space boasts extraordinary ceiling heights, a spacious deck with frameless glass railings, and a nano wall door system. Amenities include an automated gate, fire pit, outdoor shower, custom sauna, infinity edge pool with spa, and a triple car garage with a games room above.

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home $2,000,000–$3,500,000 (Thistlewood)

Best New Home Design Over $2,000,000 (Thistlewood)

Best Renovation $500,000–$1,000,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Traditional Kitchen $150,000–$300,000 (Thistlewood)

Best Traditional Kitchen Over $300,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Contemporary Kitchen $150,000–$250,000 (Le Moulin)

Best Bathroom Under $100,000 (Le Moulin)

Best Interior – Homes Under $1,000,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Interior – Homes $1,000,000–$2,000,000 (Le Moulin)

Best Interior – Homes $2,000,000–$3,000,000 (Thistlewood)

Best Custom Millwork $100,000–$200,000 (Thistlewood)

Best Custom Millwork Over $200,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Heritage Project (Elmsgate)

Project of the Year (Thistlewood)

Project: Elmsgate

>> An iconic heritage home renovation, we aimed to integrate modern conveniences without compromising the home’s historic integrity. At the heart of the home, the open-concept kitchen showcases dramatic custom parquet flooring and rich burl walnut islands, reminiscent of oldworld charm. To let the historic details of the home have a moment on their own, we carefully selected polished nickel plumbing fixtures, artisanal fireclay sinks and unlacquered brass hardware to reflect Elmsgate’s period craftsmanship. To integrate modern conveniences, while still honouring the home’s traditional details, we concealed appliances behind custom millwork and worked closely with a skilled local millworker to develop unique storage solutions, hand-crafted to look original to the home.

250.383.8206 / jennymartindesign.com

Julia Estey, Principal Designer

GRIFFIN PROPERTIES

Award Nominations:

Best Renovation

$500,000–$1,000,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Traditional Kitchen Over $300,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Interior – Homes Under $1,000,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Custom Millwork Over $200,000 (Elmsgate)

Best Heritage Project (Elmsgate)

Project: Elmsgate

>> The interior of this 1928 heritage home has been thoughtfully reimagined and meticulously crafted. Yet it still speaks the vocabulary of Samuel Maclure’s original architectural presentation, while incorporating current technology, refined finishing and additional space with glamorous authenticity. The functional and elegant kitchen showcases unique furniture-grade cabinets with burl walnut, brass accents and inlaid parquet floors. A stunning adjacent gathering room with curved and leaded glass built-ins overlooks the magnificent vista of lush landscaping towards the ocean.

250.656.8621 / griffinproperties.ca

Mike Griffin, President

Award Nominations

Best Traditional Kitchen $150,000–$300,000 (Sand Dollar)

Best Contemporary Kitchen $100,000–$150,000 (Casa del Cielo)

Best Contemporary Kitchen Over $250,000 (Vista del Mare)

Best Primary Suite $125,000–$300,000 (Vista del Mare)

Best Custom Millwork Over $200,000 (Sand Dollar, Vista del Mare)

Project: Vista del Mare

>> This home boasts a contemporary yet warm design, offering a simple, elegant and welcoming ambiance. The quiet millwork features are thoughtfully integrated, allowing the home’s unique fixtures and breathtaking ocean view to take centre stage. Integrated millwork pulls enhance the overall aesthetic, while strategically placed, dark millwork accents frame the stunning ocean vista beautifully. Two meticulously crafted dark wood archways were expertly fabricated and finished on-site, showcasing exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Project: Sand Dollar

>> The cabinetry in this home achieved a seamless blend of styles and materials, with complex joinery requiring an impeccable attention to detail. The material was bleached and then stained for even colouration, and a specialty waterproof, formaldehyde-free acrylic finish was used throughout. Standout features include a nine-foot hood fan that intersects seamlessly with the Venetian plaster and coffered ceiling moldings above and the oak below; inset recessed light tracks on the insides and undersides of cabinetry; pantry cabinetry seamlessly integrated into arched openings; and bookcases with slatted panelling installed piece by piece on either side of the fireplace.

250.932.2004 / southshorecabinetry.com

Tara Sandsmark, Owner / Operator

Korey Sandsmark , Owner / Operator

Award Nominations

Best Renovation Under $500,000 (Haven) Best Renovation $500,000–$1,000,000 (The Ingrid)

Project: Haven

>> This disjointed 1985 house started out as a shelter. The homeowners knew there was a lot of potential, and if the work was approached properly, the home could transform into a haven. Functionally, the kitchen and the additions of a small office and a larger laundry room were achieved. Mechanical enhancements included the addition of gas, dual zone heat pumps, on-demand hot water, and a new electrical panel. New lighting schematics and insulation for occupant comfort were a focus.

250.516.1353 / carsaconstruction.ca

Christina

Arsens, Director

Cody Arsens, Principal

GREEN ISLAND BUILDERS

Award Nominations

Best Renovation Under $500,000 (Artisan Abode)

Best Renovation Over $1,000,000 (Nature’s Crest)

Best Traditional Kitchen Under $150,000 (Artisan Abode)

Best Contemporary Kitchen Under $100,000 (Skyline Sanctuary)

Best Bathroom Under $100,000 (Nature’s Crest)

Best Bathroom Over $100,000 (Coastal Elegance)

Best Interior – Homes Under $1,000,000 (Artisan Abode)

Best Custom Millwork $100,000–$200,000 (Artisan Abode)

Best Website

Green Builder of the Year – Small Volume

Project: Skyline Sanctuary

>> In Skyline Sanctuary, every inch of space in the small kitchen is maximized through smart design. Neutral materials were chosen for their timeless appeal, ensuring longevity for multiple users.

An unused wall now hosts extra pantry space, enhancing storage. The countertop extends to provide additional seating, seamlessly blending function with style. Warm wood open storage ties the kitchen into the open floor plan, harmonizing it with the living room for a cohesive, inviting space.

778.386.3738 / green-island-builders.com

Martin Scaia , Managing Director / Owner

TERRY JOHAL DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home

Best Single Family Detached Home

Best Outdoor Space

$1,600,000–$2,000,000 (Casa del Cielo)

$3,500,000–$4,000,000 (Vista del Mare)

$275,000–$450,000 (Vista del Mare)

Best Innovative Feature (Vista del Mare)

Best Contemporary Kitchen $100,000–$150,000 (Casa del Cielo)

Best Contemporary Kitchen Over $250,000 (Vista del Mare)

Best Primary Suite $125,000–$300,000 (Vista del Mare)

Best Interior – Homes Over $3,000,000 (Vista del Mare)

Best Custom Millwork Over $200,000 (Vista del Mare)

Project of the Year (Vista del Mare)

Project: Vista del Mare

>> The exterior design of this stunning West Coast waterfront retreat is a linear-shaped massing of glass, stucco and concrete with panoramic ocean vistas as the backdrop. The whimsical floating helical “Stairway to Heaven” is the feature of the home’s welcoming atrium; the curvature of the staircase along with custom arches throughout the interior bring a softness to the home’s rectilinear design. Modern white styling inside is warmed by the natural wood tones of the wire-brushed white oak floors and extensive millwork. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows are tinted to reduce the ocean’s glare and enhance the luxury-yacht feel of this home.

250.418.1660 / terryjohaldevelopments.ca

Terry Johal, Owner / President

Award Nominations

Best Single Family Detached Home

$1,600,000–$2,000,000 (The Muse)

Best Outdoor Space Under $275,000 (The Muse, Adagio)

Best New Home Design

$1,000,000–$2,000,000 (The Muse)

Best Innovative Feature (The Muse)

Best Renovation Under $500,000 (Adagio)

Best Traditional Kitchen Under $150,000 (Adagio)

Best Contemporary Kitchen $100,000–$150,000 (The Muse)

Best Bathroom Under $100,000 (The Muse)

Best Interior – Homes Under $1,000,000 (The Muse)

Best Custom Millwork Under $100,000 (Adagio)

Best Custom Millwork $100,000–$200,000 (The Muse)

Project: The Muse and Adagio

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lifestyles

Becoming a warrior

Surrender, reconnect and stand fiercely with love at this wilderness retreat

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

turn back.” But after a couple days at Liberty, the new me surrenders to the rhythm of nature and enjoys the sensation of floating and getting completely soaked.

Then, I’m struck by an idea.

“Base camp, it’s Lia, over,” I say into my walkie talkie.

I hear Trevin Muscat’s friendly voice: “This is base camp, what can I do for you?”

“Can you please fire up the sauna?”

“Roger that!”

Then I accept the rain with full surrender, arms out, face up, and allow this experience to let all my edges blur until I became part human, part sky and part lake.

The notion of surrender—a theme of this trip—was first introduced on our drive from Smithers, BC to the boat dock at Babine Lake. During the drive, we got to know Teara

Fraser and Trevin, the husband-and-wife team who owns and runs Liberty Wilderness Lodge and our hosts for the next three days.

In addition to serving up gourmet food, relaxation and outdoor activities, the lodge offers the option of participating in a “warriorship” workshop that’s steeped in Indigenous teachings. I like learning and growing and embarking on journeys that nourish the mind, body and soul. So, when the opportunity to visit Liberty Wilderness Lodge with a guest and participate in the warriorship work arose, I jumped on it. Also, being in a somewhat new relationship, I thought that being dropped off together in a remote, off-grid wilderness would be a fast-track to… getting to know each other.

SURRENDER

“Nature offers us an invitation to surrender,” says Teara, who, in addition to co-owning the lodge, is the founder and CEO of Iskwew Air, the first 100 per cent Indigenous woman-owned airline in Canada. She explains that we will arrive at the dock for the 45-minute boat ride to Liberty if nature cooperates and the winds aren’t up. If nature doesn’t cooperate, we will surrender and wait.

“There’s something really precious about surrender, to let go of control of things,” she adds.

Luckily, the winds are on our side and we’re soon motoring along, watching all signs of civilization fade away to nothing but aspen and cottonwood trees, leafy above the lodgepole pines and firs, until eventually the red roof of Liberty, nestled high up the hillside and deep in the wilderness, comes into view.

Originally a log homestead built in the 1970s, it was renovated into a guest lodge before Teara and Trevin purchased it.

Not simply a matter of style but an art of love, fashion should celebrate the marriage of a garment and a woman’s body.

Think elegance when choosing your next piece of clothing.

“Who is your target demographic?” I ask Teara, as our boat nears the little bay below the lodge.

“Liberty is for anyone who longs for adventure and a connection with simplicity.”

The lodge sits on the hillside, overlooking the lake, and it has a collection of lovely guest rooms, a cosy reading area and a large great room with high ceilings and a huge fireplace. On the property is a fully stocked boathouse and a wood-fired sauna and hot tub with stunning views. We opt to stay in the Trappers Cabin, a tiny, picture-perfect log house separate from the main lodge. It overlooks its own little bay, and we are immediately welcomed by a beaver that looks up at us and then disappears into the water with a saucy slap of its tail.

Touring this magical place, we learn that the lodge is powered by solar panels, has its own water system and high-speed internet (thanks to Starlink), and uses composting toilets.

SHIFT

The first morning we arrive at breakfast and after devouring fluffy pancakes and bacon with hot cups of coffee, I notice cards sitting face down beside everyone’s place setting. Teara invites us to flip over our cards, and mine reveals a drawing of a wolf in front of a full moon. The cards are from The Sacred Medicine Oracle by Indigenous medicine woman Asha Frost, and as we go around the table, Teara reads the cards, and we discuss what the teachings reveal. Each card offers wisdom for deeper reflection, a new perspective and even healing.

Back in our cabin, the conversation between my boyfriend and I takes on a new level of depth and intimacy following the openness at the breakfast card-reading, and then the four of us head out for a hike up Juniper Trail to Kinnikinnick Lookout.

Here, we savour a wide view in all directions—a view that, aside

“Our world desperately needs people to step into their warriorship, to stand fiercely for what matters...We have to start paying attention and hold those things that matter with fierceness and deep love, and be willing to show up—for racial justice, social justice and ecological justice. My hope is that people will connect with their own warriorship, witness it and inspire it in others.”

from us, contains no signs of humans at all, just wilderness.

Asked what he hopes people will take away from an experience here, Trevin says, “A sense of peace, a deep sense of connection to yourself and to what’s important to your life. There’s always a shift in priorities when you come here; things that seemed important are re-evaluated and sometimes shift entirely.”

Teara adds, “I want people to be able to take a breath, a full breath and remember what that feels like.”

WARRIORSHIP

Day two starts with another incredible breakfast, and after a soul-expanding kayak adventure, sauna and a gourmet picnic lunch, we are set to embark on the warriorship workshop with Teara.

She begins by introducing the nugget of the teaching—“to stand fiercely with love for what matters.” It’s about finding that sword inside yourself and learning to use it. We listen, we journal, we reflect and then we go out onto the land to meditate. I sit on the hillside with some tobacco in a shell that Teara has given me to make an offering to the land. As I meditate, I can smell the earth and feel the sun on my face.

Teara’s words come to my mind: “Our world desperately needs people to step into their warriorship, to stand fiercely for what matters. Our future generations need us to be fierce about the systems that are not serving us. We have to start paying attention and hold those things that matter with fierceness and deep love and be willing to show up—for racial justice, social justice and ecological justice. My hope is that people will connect with their own warriorship, witness it and inspire it in others.”

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She says we need to “re-member” those parts of us, and so I meditate on pulling the pieces inside myself together to form a warrior who will be there when I need her.

CONNECTION

After a time, my boyfriend comes and sits beside me, and we look out at the view in peaceful silence. Everything looks different. The trees seem a little greener, the air a little sweeter. I realize that we have gotten to know each other better—not in a typical dating way, where you ask about preferences and look for red flags—but I’ve gotten to know him as a fellow human being, and our connection has deepened.

On the boat ride back, we explore the Indigenous world view of “all my relations,” wherein we are all interconnected and need

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“A cup of tea is a cup of peace.”

Why teatime should be your new daily ritual

WORDS ELLIE SHORTT X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

For centuries, many cultures and groups have created rituals around tea. In places like India, Japan and China, tea is a sacred, ceremonial and essential part of life, offering a focused exercise of slowing down and sipping in the moment, while honouring the earth and cultivation practices that provide a simple yet transcendent cup.

“A cup of tea is a cup of peace,” says Sen Sōshitsu XV, the 15th-generation Grand Master of Urasenke, one of the most widely known schools of Japanese tea.

A designated time in the day for everyone to stop and take tea is perhaps now associated most with that unstoppable institution that is British “afternoon tea.” This is an arguably unifying and almost egalitarian routine that has historically seen aristocrats and factory workers pausing at roughly the same time of day, to rest and recharge with a hot hit of caffeine and something sweet to snack on. There are even tales of army generals taking a break from pressing battle plans and full-on wars to sit down for their afternoon sip.

There’s no question that culturally speaking, the tradition of afternoon tea in the United Kingdom is taken very seriously.

While the custom of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium BCE in China and was rising in popularity in the 1660s in England’s court of King Charles II, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the concept of “afternoon tea” as we know it now first appeared. It may have been introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840, when she regularly became hungry around four o’clock each afternoon (the evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock), and requested that a tray of tea and cake be brought to her room. This became a habit and she began inviting friends to join. It gradually evolved into a fashionable social event, and by the 1880s, upper-class society women would change into gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea—usually served in a drawing room—and enjoy traditional offerings such as dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and cakes and pastries, all accompanied by tea grown in India or Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups. Fancy presentations such as these are now mostly reserved for special occasions, and most day-to-day afternoon tea times in British households consist of one biscuit or cake and a single mug of black tea.

Whether engaging in an elaborate and upscale production or a more homey and humble ritual, there is an important takeaway from teatime. It’s a call to slow down, sit, sip and savour the moment. It’s a reminder that almost nothing is so important that it can’t be paused for a brief breath in time while you rest and recharge.

cup thinly

shallot

cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Tbsp Calabrian chili paste

cup white wine

28oz can San Marzano tomatoes, diced

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

½ cup chopped parsley

1 tsp kosher salt

¼ cup basil pesto (for garnish)

Method:

• Preheat oven to 450F.

• In a medium sauce pan on medium high heat, sautee fennel and shallots in olive oil until soft and translucent.

• Add garlic and chili paste and cook 1 minute longer.

• Deglaze the pan with white wine and reduce by half.

• Add diced tomatoes and salt and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Tuck the Sablefish in the pan with the sauce and place in the oven.

• Cook for 20-25 minutes or until fish begins to flake.

• Serve hot, garnished with parsley and pesto, over your favourite carbs. We love a squid ink pasta but this would also be great with roasted potatoes, polenta, gnocchi or grains.

The seasons of fall and winter naturally ask this of us, as the days get shorter and darker, the weather cools and encourages us to retreat indoors, wrap up in blankets, and take a rest from running around, getting things done, and checking off boxes. Yet for many, fall and winter mark the busiest times of year. The scramble of the start of the school year spills into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and then in January, burnt out from all the festivities, many feel the pressure to hit the gym or start new and often demanding routines in the new year. No wonder so many folks feel utterly spent come February.

So here, I offer a simple invitation to take up the art of afternoon tea, or at least something along those lines (really any time of day will do). See it as a forced pause in an otherwise unrelenting schedule. Sit with yourself, your thoughts, a good book, or a journal (just perhaps without your phone). Or maybe even invite a friend over and take the opportunity to facilitate deeper and more meaningful one-on-one connections, in contrast to the often flighty and superficial interactions of cocktail soirees and dinner parties.

Fall and winter are the perfect seasons to take on this tradition, not only with its offering of slowing down and introspection, but also with its comforting call to bake and cosy up with steamy beverages.

Philosopher Bernard Paul Heroux said, “There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea.” And while this might not be a universal truth, I do invite you to put that general concept to the test by starting your own rituals, routines and traditions around a designated “tea,” and see how time and space seem to stand still and even expand as you do.

“Bold and unexpected…sparkles and compels… does so with comedy.”

Roasted Butternut Squash Tea

Sandwiches with Walnut Kale Pesto and Chèvre

Prep time: about 20 minutes.

Assembly time: about 5 minutes. Makes about 20 tea sandwiches.

This is perhaps a stronger flavour profile than I’d usually suggest when accompanying a cup of tea and is certainly a heartier alternative to cucumber sandwiches. With that said, the combination of kale, butternut squash, walnut and chèvre is one of my favourites for fall and winter and is supported well with a more rustic bread such as sourdough. If, however, you’re wanting something more subdued for your afternoon tea spread, simply layer the butternut squash and the chèvre (and even a little sprinkling of cinnamon) and save the pesto for your lunch sandwich or pasta.

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash

1 cup soft chèvre (the softer and creamier the better)

1 loaf of rustic bread (I like using a sourdough baked into a loaf shape)

1 cup walnut kale pesto (see instructions below)

Sea salt

Olive oil

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve the squash, deseed it, slice it into thin sheets (about ¼-inch thick), trim off the skin and cut into square shapes the size of your bread slices.

Brush the squash slices with a small amount of olive oil, sprinkle with a bit of sea salt and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes until soft and slightly browning on the edges. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the sandwiches by spreading about a tablespoon of chèvre on one slice of bread, and about a tablespoon of pesto on the other piece. Place a square of baked butternut squash on top of the chèvre, and top with the pesto bread. Cut off the crusts. Slice diagonally in half and serve.

FOR THE PESTO

Ingredients:

3 cups baby kale

1-2 garlic cloves

½ cup walnut pieces (raw or toasted is fine)

¼ cup Parmesan, freshly grated

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 small lemon

Sea salt to taste

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a high-powered food processor or blender, and blend or pulse until desired consistency (I like it a bit chunky, but you might prefer it smoother).

Pumpkin Scones with Honey Cinnamon Yogurt Whip

Prep time: about 10 minutes. Bake time: about 20 minutes. Makes 8 large scones (or 16 smaller ones).

Fluffy yet moist from the pumpkin puree, these slightly spiced scones offer that muchloved taste of the fall season—but are perfect for deep winter as well. The yogurt whip is my version of a lazy clotted cream (which usually requires baking), providing a richer, more luxurious mouthfeel than whipped cream, and a complementary nuance with the honey and cinnamon flavourings.

FOR THE WHIP

Ingredients:

½ cup whipping cream

½ cup thick plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Using a high-powered mixer (hand-held or stand-up), whisk the cream until light and fluffy.

Fold in the yogurt and honey until well-integrated, followed by the cinnamon. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

FOR THE SCONES

Ingredients:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

2 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

⅛ tsp ground clove

½ tsp sea salt

½ cup unsalted butter, frozen

⅓ cup heavy cream

1 large egg

½ cup canned pumpkin puree

½ cup (100g) light brown sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

*Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top before baking— otherwise sprinkle with some powdered sugar afterwards

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, spices and salt. Grate the frozen butter (I use a box grater), add to the flour mixture, and combine it with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture comes together in pea-sized crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk the cream, egg, pumpkin, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the flour mixture and then stir it all together until everything appears moistened.

With floured hands, work the dough into a ball as best you can and transfer onto a floured work surface. Press into an even eight-inch disc and, with a very sharp knife, cut into eight equal wedges. If you prefer smaller, round scones, you can use a cookie cutter to form those.

Place scones at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

If you’re going to add the coarse sugar, pour a couple tablespoons more of the heavy cream into a bowl, and using a pastry brush, brush the scones with the cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Otherwise place in the oven as is.

Bake the larger scones for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned, or if you made smaller scones, bake for about 15 minutes.

*Scones are best served fresh out of the oven, but if you do have leftovers and want to preserve them, I suggest popping them in the freezer, thawing fully, and then reheating in the oven.

Maple Bourbon Butter Pecan Bars

Prep time: about 15 minutes.

Bake time: about 40 minutes total (plus cooking time). Makes about 20 bars.

These are one of my go-to fall-to-winter staples. Always a hit, they also just so happen to be both gluten-free and egg-free for anyone avoiding those ingredients. Make a big batch ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer to enjoy all season long.

Ingredients: FOR THE CRUST

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

½ cup cane sugar

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

2 cups (about 275g) oat flour

1 cup (about 100g) almond flour

½ tsp sea salt

FOR THE FILLING

1 cup unsalted butter

½ cup cane sugar

½ cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ cup heavy cream

3 tbsp bourbon

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

½ tsp ground cinnamon

2-3 cups raw pecan pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that some hangs over the edges a bit. Place the softened butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer, and whip until light and fluffy (about two or three minutes). Add the maple syrup and salt and mix to combine.

Combine the flours well and add to the whipped butter/sugar one cup at a time, integrating well after each addition. Continue mixing until the batter clings together in clumps. You may need to add a bit more flour if it’s not clumping. I suggest more oat flour, some all-purpose gluten-free flour, or regular flour if it doesn’t need to be gluten-free.

Press the dough into an even ¼-inch-thick layer in the prepared baking pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork and place in the freezer for 20 minutes until chilled, and then bake for 20 minutes and set aside to cool completely.

In a small-medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, maple syrup and sea salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to gently boil. Let it bubble for a few minutes until it thickens, and then turn down the heat to a simmer, add the vanilla, cream, bourbon and spices, give it a good mix, and then add the pecans so that they’re fully coated.

Pour the pecan mixture over the crust, spreading it out evenly, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is bubbling and thickened. Remove, let cool completely on a wire rack (this may take a while—you can also store in the fridge overnight).

Once fully cool, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift it out of the baking pan onto a cutting board, cut into squares and enjoy!

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Go for your soul

Reverence and magic in Haida Gwaii

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN LUNDY

Balance rock.

On the trail up Tow Hill, we stop at the first lookout to take in the scene: a sun-stroked expanse of sand, narrowing as it disappears into a soft mist. This is Rose Spit, and it is the perfect place to pause on our first day in Haida Gwaii because, according to legend, this is the birthplace of the Haida people.

“The raven, one of the most powerful creatures in Haida mythology, was lonely. As he wandered down the beach, he heard noises coming from a clamshell. As he looked in the clamshell, he saw many tiny little creatures hiding within. The raven convinced people to emerge from under the shell to enjoy the New World, and they became the first Haida people.” Magic abounds in Haida Gwaii, often referred to as “the

The landscapes are breathtaking, with old-growth forests, rocky coastlines, pristine lakes and beaches that go on forever. The cultural heritage of the Haida people imbues it all with sense of spirituality and a connection to the land.

PHOTO COURTESY MORESBY EXPLORERS.

edge of the world.” The landscapes are breathtaking, with oldgrowth forests, rocky coastlines, pristine lakes and beaches that go on forever. The cultural heritage of the Haida people imbues it all with a sense of spirituality and a connection to the land. And the very remoteness of these islands reveals a wilderness in its purest form. This is a place that demands reverence and respect: a place you go for your soul.

We land in Masset, at the north end of Graham Island, one day in mid-June, having flown from Vancouver via Pacific Coastal Airlines. A shuttle takes us to our car rental, and after a quick lunch, we head straight to Old Masset, jaws dropping as we witness the spectacular totems and art that reside around every corner.

Later, after our hike up Tow Hill—where, from the top, we can see Alaska—we drive the ocean-hugging main road south to Tlell and step into the stunning world of Haida Gwaii Glamping. So much care and thought have gone into creating this unique accommodation, where large canvas tents dot a brightly lit boardwalk above a short, forested path to the ocean. Here, you sleep under mosquito nets in cosy queen beds and spacious tents that have adjoining shower and toilet rooms on one side and balconies on the other. From our balcony we can see the ocean and we sit peacefully here for a period, listening to eagles calling overhead. Later, we stroll along the beach, absorbing the utter tranquility and calm of a wild and deserted stretch of rocks and sand.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served communally in a geodesic “social dome,” which has a long table, couches and lounging areas, toys for the kids, and all the plates, cutlery and cooking materials you need for either your breakfast here or a meal down at the “deck”—a beautifully designated eating and cooking area equipped with barbecues and oversized seafood cooking pots. During our stay, we have the honour of dining on the deck with Haida Gwaii-born Alana Husby, who, along with her sister, Nicole, created this luxury accommodation. Alana is a wonderful host and a

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Autumn weather reveals our need for new/gently used sweaters, scarfs & hats, it makes us want to buy candles, soaps & salts for our evening baths. It is a time to Shop, a time to indulge, in a new teapot, in some jams & jellies for late night charcuterie boards, soups in a new pottery mug. We have something for everyone at The Shop, thanks for supporting us and choosing local.

Meet Molly

Happy Hour

spectacular storyteller—with some riveting tales to share.

Just up the road from Haida Gwaii Glamping sits Haida House at Tllaal, where we dine on our first night. The room is awash in beautiful Haida art, and the menu offers a selection of regional tide- and farm-to-table cuisine. I absolutely swoon over what must be the best tuna I’ve ever tasted.

Haida House—which also offers accommodation in rooms above the restaurant and in 12 two-bedroom, Haida-inspired oceanside cabins—sits alongside the Tlell River, and across the water is the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail that we hope to hike tomorrow. The five-kilometre trail leads to the wreck of the vessel Pezuta (misspelled these days as Pesuta), which ran aground in 1928. Despite being on the beach for nearly 100 years, the bow is still there, jutting out from the sand. That day, however, we decide there are too many other must-sees nearby to hike the three-hour trail, so we settle for a much shorter beach walk that takes us to the mouth of the Tlell River, where we can see the shipwreck looming just across the way.

And then we set out to explore, driving first to nearby Crystal Cabin—a little gem store with big works of art—where we bask in the collection of vibrant Haida paintings, and drool over the jewellery before purchasing a pair of beautifully carved silver rings.

After admiring the totems in Skidegate and wandering around Daajing Giids, we settle in for a tour of the The Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay ‘Llnagaay. Driving the main road south from Tlell, you can’t miss this stunning 50,000-square-foot structure, designed in traditional long houses to resemble the oceanside Haida village that once stood here. The centre houses a museum, performance area, carving shed and canoe house, a teaching centre, classrooms, gift shop and bistro. According to the mission statement, the Haida Heritage Centre celebrates the living culture of the Haida: “Through our language, art and stories we

The social dome at Haida Gwaii Glamping.

share our relationship with the land and sea which shapes, nourishes and sustains us…. Ḵay ‘Llnagaay is a place for the Haida voice to be heard. This is our gift to the world.”

Touring this centre, it really hits home that the Haida people have undergone a cultural genocide in the last century and are now reclaiming their glorious culture. You can’t experience the present of Haida Gwaii without looking at its past, so making a visit to this centre should be an essential part of any travel here.

Our day continues with a hike on an easy trail that winds through a sun-dappled forest around the perimeter of Spirit Lakes. A sign at the trailhead—which, of course, features a beautiful carved archway—warns of bears, which probably makes us hike a little faster than normal. We also stop at the famous Balance Rock—a massive boulder that appears to be balancing precariously on the beach.

The rain is coming in sideways the next morning as we leave Haida Gwaii Glamping (flush with items from the gift shop) and head to an early morning ferry from Skidegate to Alliford Bay on Moresby Island. Today we’ll be on the water with Moresby Explorers, and we’re met by our guides, who load us into a van for an informative, hour-long backroads drive to the launch site. Moresby Explorers offers numerous tours and private boat charters, but we’re here for a daytrip that will circumnavigate Louise Island and visit the ancient Haida village of K’uuna Llnagaay Skedans.

Once on the Zodiac, wearing raingear and bright orange flotation suits, we see a Minke whale before even leaving the bay. During the excursion, we also stop to watch sealions braying on a rock, spot a bear on the shoreline and witness the beauty of this breathtaking wilderness. But it is the stop at Skedans that touches our souls. Usually, the tour’s lunch takes place on the beach, but with the driving rain, the Skendans’ “watchmen”—Haida people who live at significant sites over the summer and share

Building a Better Life

their knowledge—invite us into the welcome warmth of their home. We enjoy a delicious meal provided by our tour guides and an enlightening conversation with our watchmen hosts. After lunch, we tour the ancient village site, where buildings once stood and ancient poles are still visible. This is a day we’ll never forget.

Back at our car, we drive to the tip of Sandspit and find our cosy accommodation for the next two nights—a brandnew fairway cabin, located on the edge of The Willows Golf Course at Hekate’s Retreat. The rain has stopped and from the deck of our fully self-contained cabin, we can see the ocean across the fairway, and it feels as though we truly are at the edge of the world. In addition to the cabins, Hekate’s Retreat rents out the Homestead House (accommodating eight people), the Beach House (for six) and RVs, as well as sites for camping. The links-style golf course, with 18 tee boxes on nine greens, is a visual highlight of this wild and remote setting, and the newly renovated Clubhouse Restaurant offers thoughtfully curated, upscale meals. The chef puts his own creative touch on the food—and it works. The two meals we enjoy here are divine.

Hekate’s Retreat is located just minutes from the K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay airport, and we spend several hours on our last day walking a trail that leads from Hekate’s through a wildflower-strewn field, winding along a windswept beach all the way around the airport.

Like our other activities on Haida Gwaii it fosters a deep quiet within us, a sense of stillness and oneness with the land. It’s a huge exhale. It’s more moments of magic in a place that touches your soul.

PHOTO COURTESY MORESBY EXPLORERS.

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secrets and lives — AND THE 7 SINS with LAURA BOLSTER

WORDS JOANNE PETERS X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Laura Bolster remembers taking a high school typing class that led to work experience at an insurance office in Powell River. She loved it—everything about being in an office suited her personality. So, two years later she got a job at Megson FitzPatrick Insurance Services.

She’s been there ever since—a full 35 years—working her way up to CEO. The company has recently merged with Rogers and CapriCMW and is now part of Acera Insurance.

“I just really liked it,” Bolster says of her early days at the company. “I liked working, I liked the money, and I loved the paid vacations,” she adds with a laugh, noting that she got all of her levels of licensing in order to make a rewarding career out of it. “I was a hard worker so I was given a lot of opportunities.”

To this day, what Laura loves the most about her role is the people she gets to work and all the industry people she has met over the years.

“I enjoy the people,” she says. “I’m a people person, and I’ve met so many people over my career.”

Creating a positive work culture has been a priority for Laura, who is a former leader of the Vancouver Island Insurance Brokers Association. Watching her team members succeed in their own careers is fulfilling for her.

“I enjoy being around them,” Laura says. “I think my legacy when I retire will be the people and the culture. I’ve held almost every single position in the company so I understand what a day in the life is like for our team. I’m relatable. I don’t believe in hierarchy and sometimes I forget that I’m the leader. I treat everybody as equals, and I think I’m down to earth. Trust and respect are the two things that are the core to me.”

She adds: “There’s a culture of respect and having fun along the way and working hard; there’s a lot of collaboration. I believe in collaboration. I like asking people questions to make sure we’re making decisions together. Making work fun and putting people first—I take a lot of pride in that.”

There were 15 people at the company when Laura started; the company has since grown to 130 on the island and 1,200 across Acera.

Outside of work, she loves to play pickleball, enjoy Pvolve–a new fitness workout she’s recently discovered—and use her Peloton. She and her husband enjoy spending time on their powerboat.

“We spend almost every weekend for six months of the year on our boat, which is awesome,” Laura says. “I love spending time with my friends. We live a pretty nice life.”

The 7 Sins

ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

I wouldn’t say that I am a total “Swiftie,” but I admire and respect Taylor Swift and what she has accomplished in her career. I think walking a day or week in her shoes would be exciting and interesting to get a feel for what it’s like to be idolized and to be such an inspiration to so many young women all around the world. It would be pretty awesome to tag along on some NFL games too!

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Nachos. I rarely eat them and usually hate myself afterwards, but I do love them when I indulge.

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

It would be travel. I’d rent a 5-star villa in Greece for two to three months and have my friends and family come for alternating, all-expenses-paid visits, and I’d enjoy some time alone as well… oh, and my husband would join me too for part of it!

WRATH:

Pet peeves?

People with egos (know-it-alls), people who walk aimlessly through parking lots not paying any attention to vehicles, and hitting every single red light from Victoria to Nanaimo!

SLOTH:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

On our 59-foot powerboat

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of?

I don’t have children, but I have a lot of pride in my relationships with my nieces and nephews, who are all young adults now and who I consider my friends.

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster? Pickleball, Pvolve and my Peloton.

VICTORIA

islipped into the little powder room to hide, until I’d collected myself. This was the powder room that Victoria had created not many months before—before the cancer diagnosis.

In her usual high-spirited style, she had painted the tiny room a deep burgundy and had a lovely bowl sink mounted on an old bedside table. I’d been baffled by its impracticality, but in her pre-baby life she was an award-winning kitchen and bath designer, and vessel sinks were the fashion. It did look charming. She must have searched old junk shops for the little table, because she’d also found two very old, taxidermied ducklings, which she’d displayed on the shelf under the mirror. Their obvious age of many decades, combined with the surprise of seeing them there, made me laugh the first time I saw the finished powder room. I told her “I love the dead ducks!” Our off-beat humour may not have been shared by many of her friends, though, and once the surprise had worn off, the ducklings probably seemed sad, rather than funny. On this Sunday, when we arrived for the Easter party, the ducklings were gone.

I had run into the powder room immediately upon arriving to hide my panic. We’d been hearing generally upbeat reports on Victoria’s battle with the cancer, but it was obvious the optimism was a lie; she was losing the fight. Our precious, funny, amazing Victoria was dying. I had to get a grip on myself. Not only did I not want to cry in front of Victoria or the other guests, who were managing to put on a good show, but I didn’t dare indulge in a quiet cry; that would show. Struggling to regain my composure, I took deep breaths, flushed the toilet, washed my hands, practiced happy for the mirror, then rejoined the party.

Our mums-and-babies group would have “Mums’ Night Out” once a month, and one evening it was just three of us mums: Victoria, Beth and me. This was before the cancer.

I had just returned from a trip to South Carolina where we’d interred the ashes of my in-laws, who’d died weeks apart, like dominoes, two months earlier. It was stressful with my husband’s extended family: first cousins, second cousins, third cousins, cousins once removed, cousins twice removed. At one point, with a house full, and all the young cousins running around the house the way children do, the hostess, my late father-in-law’s first cousin, suddenly hooted that she’d forgotten all about the loaded handgun in the hall table upstairs.

At the airport, waiting for our flight home, I felt my compressed interior expanding in all directions. I could breathe again. The very next day was Mums’ Night Out. I bolted. Most of the mums couldn’t make it that day, so we three met at Spazzo, my all-time favourite restaurant, with its exuberant impressionistic décor and buzzy atmosphere.

Sitting at a window table, dark evening outside, my release from the funeral trip made me giddy. No talk of the funeral, just fun with friends. Victoria set the tone by taking a purple crayon from the jar provided and, with a grand flourish, she drew a sweeping curve right across the paper covering the table. Then using other colours, she designed all around the purple curve. Beth and I took up crayons too, but dabbled next to the master.

The restaurant wasn’t busy that Wednesday evening, and our waiter took very good care of us. Red wine and Retsina flowed. We

talked and laughed and when our glasses were empty, we held them aloft, and our smiling waiter obliged. With the restaurant fairly quiet, we talked and talked. Victoria told us about vivid dreams that she believed were of earlier lives.

In one, she was an older woman swimming alone in a small lake surrounded by woods. Wearing a blue seersucker bathing suit, she was swimming a gentle breaststroke through quiet, dark water. I could see her in the soft yellow light of late afternoon, pushing ripples ahead as she glided through the glass-like surface. Next, she was lying alone in a small bed against the wall in a wooden cabin by the lake. The grey-haired woman in the bed was, by choice, quietly dying alone. Victoria wasn’t upset by the vision, but was very clear-eyed about not dying alone in this life.

It was one of those wonderful times with friends that you long remember, with just the right combination of the simple joy in being together, laughing and heartfelt conversation.

And then the cancer came. There was a reprieve after six months or so of treatment. Maybe it was gone. But after several months of crossed fingers and held breaths, it was back. And it couldn’t be stopped. We didn’t really know how things were going. The “official” reports were always put in the most hopeful terms. When she wanted to host an Easter party, bringing together her friends and their children, we didn’t know what to expect.

She died in early July. Her large network of women friends, the mums-and-babies group and her kids’ school group, came together, channeling our collective grief into funeral arrangements. I’d been coming each week to tend Victoria’s large garden, bringing my boys to play with her son, whose age fell between my two. These visits were timed for Victoria’s treatments, so we never saw her. Because I’d been gardening, I was asked to organize flowers with a school-group mom.

We asked everyone in our two groups to bring any flowers they could from their gardens, coming the day before the funeral to arrange them. The church had many large vases and we used every one. While my partner and I left to get more flowers, those staying behind started arranging.

Upon returning we heard an extraordinary story. Sandy told us that while the flower arrangers were working just inside the doors that opened directly into the sanctuary, a butterfly had come inside. After flitting about, it landed on one of the bouquets. Sandy had gently picked up the vase with the butterfly and walked slowly out through the big open doors, the others trailing her. Once outside, the butterfly took to its wings. They watched as it flew up, up and was gone to the sky.

It seemed that Victoria, the believer in reincarnation, had come to visit this grief-stricken group, who had in turn released her, free to fly away. Visiting in the form of a butterfly was exactly what she would do.

The church was closed up overnight with all those flowers, so that next day the air inside was magnificently perfumed. It was the sort of detail Victoria would appreciate. ****

A week after the funeral, Victoria’s husband held the clam bake Victoria had ordered some months before. She loved gathering people at the house, so it was not a bit surprising that she had arranged this. But walking through the same house, sitting at the same picnic table on the same deck, looking at the same garden, it didn’t feel the same. I was overwhelmed; Victoria no longer was here. She had flown away.

behind the story

A couple of days into her time at Liberty Wilderness Lodge (see story in this edition of Boulevard), writer/photographer Lia Crowe noticed the word “Liberty” tattooed on lodge co-owner Teara Fraser’s foot, suggesting the name of the lodge echoed an important theme in her life. So, Lia asked for the story.

After buying the lodge, sight unseen, Teara and her husband Trevin Muscat began brainstorming names for the lodge.

“I asked Trevin, what does the place mean for you, what emotions come up?” Teara said. “And he just kept saying, ‘freedom.’”

“Being [at the lodge] is such a powerful way of being in the world—being so in-tune with nature and our surroundings,” Trevin said. “Rising with the sun, going to bed with it, having the time to take in the sights, smells and tastes, and the deep sense of restoration and calm. To me, those are all aspects of freedom. And then there is the obvious one, where

we’re free from all the established systems. Here, we can generate our own power; provide water and potentially food, and that to me is freedom.”

Teara, who already had the “liberty” tattoo, said, “So, I asked him if there was any other word, but he kept coming back to freedom. Eventually, I said, ‘Liberty?’ And Trevin said, ‘Yup!’ And we bought the domain right then and there.”

Having the word “wilderness” in the name was also important, as they wanted potential guests to understand its remoteness.

Having been a guest, Lia can attest to the deep sense of freedom she experienced there. She said, “It’s a freedom we all need once in a while: freedom to wake up when we feel rested or freedom to hop in a kayak and just go! Being so far from civilization, with every comfort you need at hand, does something to you—perhaps it can be described as liberating!”

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

Shoes by Hughes, taking Vancouver Island a step in the right direction.