HELIJET CHARTERS
From the moment you step on board, Helijet’s luxurious Citation X business jet is ready to go. This roomy jet can whisk up to 8 passengers in quiet luxury anywhere in North and Central America nonstop... including Hawaii. Your time is valuable, and the Citation X is one of the fastest corporate jets in the sky, with a spacious cabin and amenities that allow you to work smart en route...or just lie back, relax, and recharge.
• Full phone wi-fi, internet and streaming movie service at each seat
• Ample temperature-controlled luggage and cargo compartment
• Private washroom and lavatory facilities
• Up to 8 club-style cabin passenger seating
• Arrive fast, refreshed, and ready for whatever the day (or night) has to offer
• Helijet’s Citation X can also take you from Vancouver to anywhere in Europe with a single fuel stop on the way
Contact Helijet’s Charter Services and let us know where you need to be and when you need to be there, then leave the rest to us.
Publisher
Jim Schneider | jim@ifr-helijet.com
Editor
Stacie Gaetz | editor@islandparent.ca
Graphic Design
Brent Foote
Account Executives:
Garth Eichel | garth@ifr-helijet.com
Kristine Wickheim | kristine@ifr-helijet.com
Raeleigh Buchanan | raeleigh@ifr-helijet.com
Distribution:
Distribution in all scheduled Helijet aircraft and passenger terminals, including Vancouver Harbour, Victoria, Nanaimo and YVR Airport. Also available at local hotels.
Published by:
Island Parent Magazine
518 Caselton Place
Victoria BC V8Z 7Y5
Tel 250.388.6905
publisher@islandparent.ca
ISSN 1916-5080
In-Flight Review
SPRING 2025 Vol. 18 No. 1
In-Flight Review (IFR) is a quarterly magazine published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., for Helijet International Inc. All published material is the copyright of Island Parent Group. No part of this publication, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The written and photographic material published in In-Flight Review does not necessarily reflect the views of the air carrier or the publisher. Information and images produced in the magazine are believed to be accurate and truthful, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors.
Advertising in In-Flight Review magazine does not indicate an endorsement by Helijet International Inc. or Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd.
Cover Photo: Courtesy of RoozenGaarde
HELIJET FLEET
SIKORSKY S-76A
LEARJET
SIKORSKY
NEW IN 2024
COMING
Swan Song
“What we look for is often hiding in plain sight”
By Garth Eichel
Whether you believe in free will or fate, it’s hard to deny a web of timing, people, circumstances and serendipity play a role in shaping one’s life.
In early 2008, I was the managing editor of a commercial helicopter magazine. The work was interesting, and the pay respectable, but I couldn’t shake the feeling I was meant to do something else—something more fulfilling. I didn’t know what that might look like, but the feeling was inescapable.
One day, I got a call from my publisher asking me to do a feature profile on Helijet. My boss wanted a story that would tell how this unique Canadian company had succeeded operating scheduled rotary-wing service where all other helicopter airlines in the world had failed.
A week later, I flew from Victoria to Vancouver on Helijet and met with the company’s President and CEO Daniel (Danny) Sitnam. We sat down in his modest corner office at Helijet’s head office at YVR for what I expected to be just another routine company piece.
Was I in for a surprise!
Instead of the typical rushed interview marked by stock questions and pat answers, Danny indulged me with a candid two-hour conversation. He explained how the company evolved from a germ of an idea into a reality — the first flight lifting off on November 27, 1986, with only one advance booking. He filled in the blanks about how Helijet survived its difficult fledgling years to become a sizeable company with a fleet of 19 aircraft and 175-plus employees.
I was versed in writing corporate origin stories, but Helijet’s tale was distinct from everything I had encountered before. It was a remarkable narrative about how the right people came together in the right place, at the right time, under the right circumstances.
Inspired by the interview, I reflected on my own future on the flight home to Victoria. I asked myself, ‘What is it I really want to do in my career as a writer, editor and photographer?’
And then it came to me: ‘I want to tell stories about this beautiful part of the world.’
The thought had barely crystallized when I noticed the aircraft seatback pocket in front of me was empty. I knew I was just the person to fill it.
I contacted Danny a couple weeks later to pitch the concept of Helijet having its own dedicated passenger magazine. He liked the idea and asked me to discuss with Rick Hill, Vice President, Commercial and Business Programs, and Jay Minter, Director of Marketing.
Not long after the three of us shook hands and Helijet’s IFR Magazine took flight—literally—on March 1, 2008.
I was pleasantly surprised when the first edition broke even. Ad sales soon started pouring in. By the time the third publication went to print, I was trying to decide between a Mercedes or an Audi. Who knew magazine publishing could be so lucrative?
The fifth edition was released in October 2008, during the midst of the Global Financial Crisis. Advertisers cancelled marketing campaigns, and print bills started piling up. I soon found myself trying to decide between Kraft Dinner and Hamburger Helper. I spent the next several months working 12-hour days, six days a week, to keep the mag going, but to no avail.
I made an appointment with Danny and informed him the magazine was no longer viable. I was crestfallen, but glad the bleeding was finally going to stop.
Danny didn’t let me off so easy. Never one to raise the white flag in the face of adversity, he offered to backstop the magazine with some advertising, and then provided a motivational speech worthy of Tony Robbins.
I left his office fired up with grit and determination, but also wondering, ‘What the hell just happened in there?’
Advertisers steadily returned as the economy recovered, and within a few years, the magazine climbed out of the red and into the black. Since then, Helijet’s IFR magazine has enjoyed more highs than lows.
Now that my wife is retired, and our adult son has flown the nest, I feel ready for a new challenge. I passed the baton to Jim Schneider at Island Parent Group last year. Jim and his team have the expertise and resources to take IFR to the next level, providing informative and entertaining articles for Helijet’s unique passenger clientele.
It is bitter-sweet penning my last column in IFR after 17 years. The magazine has been a big part of my professional life, affording me the opportunity to publish hundreds of fascinating stories, and work with many remarkable people. I am grateful to Danny, Rick, Jay and the entire crew at Helijet for their inspiration and support, which turned a flicker of an idea into a successful reality.
I’m not yet sure how the next chapter unfolds, but if I’ve learned anything from the book of life, it’s to embrace serendipity whenever and wherever it appears.
HELIJET DONATES MEDICALLY EQUIPPED HELICOPTER TO UKRAINE
Helijet International has donated a fully operational, medically equipped helicopter from its fleet to be used for missions of mercy in Ukraine. Helijet has signed an agreement with a consortium of Canadian and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations, Maple Hope Foundation, the Ukrainian World Congress, and Initiative E+, to accept the delivery and title of a Sikorsky S-76A air ambulance helicopter.
Helijet President Danny Sitnam and his family opened their home in April of 2022 and supported a family of three, fleeing from the Ukraine.
“We’ve since become great friends with this family,” said Sitnam. “Supporting them was just the start of a commitment we made at Helijet to help Maple Hope Foundation as the unrelenting struggle with Russia continues for the people of Ukraine.”
The Sikorsky S-76A is a fully equipped air medical helicopter that Helijet previously provided under contract to the Ministry of Health for patient transport in BC.
“The incredible donation of the Sikorsky S-76A medevac helicopter by Helijet is a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond and unwavering support from Ukraine’s allies in Canada,” said Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress.
To assist in the shipment of the helicopter, the Maple Hope Foundation also launched a national online crowdfunding campaign that allowed Ukrainians from across Canada join the mission of delivering this life-saving helicopter. The campaign raised $101,530 in three weeks from more than 730 donors.
PHOTO: Danny Sitnam (left) Helijet CEO, Svitlana Kominko, Co-Founder and CEO of Maple Hope Foundation, Andrew Potichnyj, Director, Unite With Ukraine with Sikorsky S76.
In Full Bloom SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL
Each spring, the fields of Skagit Valley Washington come alive in a kaleidoscope of colours as rows and rows of vibrant tulips burst forth from their winter slumber.
Washington State is the largest producer of tulips in the United States, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from across the world to witness its fields in bloom.
Photos Courtesy of Tulip Town
…an extraordinary new option for immersing yourself in the beauty of spring.” “
FFor more than 40 years, Skagit Valley’s annual tulip festival has attracted an estimated 300,000 visitors and $65 million in revenue to the region each April, according to the Washington State University Skagit County Extension.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival hosts a month-long celebration throughout the valley that features fields of tulips, display gardens, experiences, and events.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival features five farms: RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, Skagit Acres, and Garden Rosalyn. Skagit Valley bulb growers invite visitors to take a scenic drive through the valley and experience the art of farming during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and throughout the year.
“Tulip Town has been the jewel of Skagit Valley since 1984, when it was founded by Dutch immigrants who passed the torch to us in 2019,” said Tulip Town Owner Rachael Sparwasser.
“Tulip Town features six acres of pristine Skagit farmland brimming with over 55 varieties of vibrant tulips. We’re family- and dog-friendly and proud to carry on the Tulip Town tradition for decades to come.”
Skagit Acres, a sister property of the renowned Tulip Town and the newest addition to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, is an all-new, three-acre tulip field making its inaugural debut in Spring 2025.
Offering sweeping vistas of Mount Baker to the north, Skagit Acres tulip field will provide a picturesque setting with a stunning mountain view.
Nestled amidst 25 acres of beautiful farmland, Skagit Acres is also home to a premier nursery, garden centre, home décor gift shop, and café serving local fare, espresso, beer, and wine
In addition to the new field filled with hundreds of thousands of tulips this spring, guests to Skagit Acres will enjoy food trucks, a beer and wine garden, live music, and a greenhouse and nursery.
“Unveiling the first-ever tulip farm in South Mount Vernon is incredibly exciting,” said Skagit Acres
Owner Rachael Sparwasser, who grew up near the tulip fields on the west side of Mount Vernon.
“To be able to offer folks an extraordinary new option for immersing themselves in the beauty of spring, as we spread the tulip love to this part of the valley, is truly special. We can’t wait to welcome tulip lovers to our farm.”
What to Expect From a Visit to the Festival
• The Tulip Festival Parade – A lively community parade featuring a new KidZone with games, face painting, and family activities.
• Field walks among the rows and rows of tulips soaking in the vibrant sea of colour.
• Display gardens brimming with thousands of blooms.
• Local shopping at boutiques featuring artisan wares, goods, and gifts.
• Browse the flower stands and nurseries for plants, pottery, and more.
• Enjoy ice cream, coffee, and treats from local cafés and restaurants.
• Beer and wine gardens where you can sip hyperlocal beer, wine, and cider.
• Purchase bulbs to grow your own gorgeous garden.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is more than just flowers—it’s a celebration of the region’s rich culture, vibrant communities, and local flavours. Beyond the breathtaking tulip fields, visitors can explore historic towns, browse quaint shops, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and experience live music and family-friendly activities. From charming boutiques to craft breweries and seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Learn more about immersing yourself in the beauty and splendor of millions of vibrant tulip blooms at tulipfestival.org.
ROYAL BC MUSEUM WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
February 14 to April 27
This renowned exhibition showcases powerful images of wildlife and landscapes, capturing the beauty and fragility of our planet. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY PRESENTS: NUXALK STRONG: DANCING DOWN THE EYELASHES OF THE SUN
February 21 to January 5, 2026
This exhibition will showcase the rich culture and worldview of the Nuxalk Nation and how the community is taking actions to strengthen and create robust futures for itself. mpmgarts.com
JELLY ROLL - THE BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN GREAT NORTHERN TOUR
Victoria – March 6
Vancouver – March 8
Rising country-rap star Jelly Roll brings his Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour to Victoria and Vancouver, delivering raw, heartfelt lyrics and genre-blending hits in an unforgettable live performance. jellyroll615.com
BC HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
March 13 to 16
Get inspired at the BC Home and Garden Show at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. bchomeandgardenshow.com
THE BEACH BOYS – ENDLESS SUMMER GOLD TOUR
March 22
Experience the legendary harmonies of the Beach Boys as they bring their Endless Summer Gold Tour to BC at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. sofmc.com
TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
March 25 to 30
The inspiring life story of Tina Turner comes to the stage in Broadway Across Canada’s TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Experience her legendary hits and the journey of a music icon at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. vancouver.broadway.com
PSF SOUTH ISLAND AND VANCOUVER 2025 GALAS
Victoria – March 8
Vancouver – May 1
Support wild salmon conservation at the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s South Island and Vancouver galas. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, exclusive auctions, and inspiring stories that highlight crucial restoration efforts. psf.ca
JUNO AWARDS
March 30
Celebrate the best of Canadian music at the Juno Awards! With incredible performances and prestigious awards, it’s a big night for Canadian music lovers at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. junoawards.ca
POWER TO BE - HAVE A GO DAYS!
April 5 (and select dates throughout the year)
Discover adaptive recreation at Power to Be’s Have a Go Days! These free, inclusive events invite people of all abilities to experience outdoor activities that build confidence and community. powertobe.ca
PACIFIC FC SEASON
Starts April 13
Pacific FC returns to the field on April 13! Join the excitement at Starlight Stadium in Victoria and cheer on Vancouver Island’s professional soccer team in a brand-new season. pacificfc.canpl.ca
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
April 17 to 26
Jane Austen’s beloved novel comes to life at Gateway Theatre in Richmond. gatewaytheatre.com
ODE TO NATURE
April 26
The Vancouver Island Symphony’s Ode to Nature takes audiences on a musical journey inspired by the beauty of the natural world at The Port Theatre in Nanaimo. vancouverislandsymphony.com
JERRY SEINFELD LIVE
April 26
Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld brings his iconic observational humour to Victoria for one night only. Expect razor-sharp wit and hilarious takes on everyday life at SaveOn-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. sofmc.com
April 26 to May 3
Experience the timeless beauty of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly as Vancouver Opera brings this tragic love story to the stage, Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.
secure.vancouveropera.ca
YO-YO MA
May 4
World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins the Victoria Symphony for an unforgettable evening of musical mastery at the Royal Theatre in Victoria. rmts.bc.ca
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CRYSTAL
Victoria – May 8 to 18
Vancouver – June 4 to 8
Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal reimagines circus performance with breathtaking acrobatics on ice. cirquedusoleil.com
SIX
May 13 to 18
History gets a modern pop twist in Broadway Across Canada’s SIX, the electrifying musical about Henry VIII’s six wives, Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. vancouver.broadway.com
THRIFTY FOODS 125TH
ANNUAL VICTORIA DAY PARADE
May 19
Celebrate 125 years of tradition at the Victoria Day Parade! Enjoy a dazzling display of colourful floats and community spirit in this beloved annual event. gvfs.ca
A SIMPLE SPACE
May 21
The Port Theatre in Nanaimo presents A Simple Space Gravity and Other Myths. This awe-inspiring acrobatic show blends raw strength, artistry, and storytelling. porttheatre.com
POWER TO BE — POWER TO SUMMIT FUNDRAISING CLIMB
May 23-25
Challenge yourself while making a difference! The Power to Be Summit Fundraising Climb supports inclusive outdoor adventures, helping individuals of all abilities connect with nature through empowering experiences. powertobe.ca
BY GREG MILLER
Surfski Paddling: The Nordic Skiing of the Water
SSurfski paddling has long been a beloved sport in countries like South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, where the combination of open water and a strong paddling culture has fueled its popularity. Originating from surf lifesaving in these regions, surfskis were initially designed to help lifeguards punch through the surf to reach surfers or swimmers in distress.
Over time, the craft evolved from a lifesaving tool into a high-performance water sport, attracting endurance athletes and adventure seekers alike. In recent years, surfski paddling has been gaining momentum in pockets of North America as well, with vibrant surfski communities emerging in places like Deep Cove in North Vancouver and Bellingham, Washington.
Look out the window during your flight at the stunning Salish Sea. This body of water offers prime conditions for open-water paddling, with its mix of calm bays
and inlets, and dynamic wind and tidal-wave action. Surfski paddlers in this region can take in breathtaking scenery while benefiting from some of the best paddling conditions in the world.
With its unique combination of cardio workout, core strength development, and an endless path to mastery, surfski paddling has something for everyone. It provides solitude and a connection to the water that is both refreshing and invigorating. With the right gear, the sport can be enjoyed year-round. As both an avid road and gravel cyclist and a year-round surfski paddler, I find it easier to keep my hands and feet warm paddling in cold, rainy conditions than while cycling.
Surfski paddling is often compared to Nordic skiing due to its full-body engagement, cardiovascular demands, and technical movement. The more you refine your technique, the more rewarding and efficient your paddling becomes. And just as mogul skiing turns from daunting to exhilarating with practice, navigating waves—whether small wind waves or large ocean swells—adds a layer of challenge and satisfaction that only grows with proficiency.
A Sport for Everyone
Surfski paddling may look intimidating at first, with its long, sleek design and high-performance reputation. But it welcomes all skill levels. Modern surfski designs offer excellent stability and control, making it easier than ever to get started. The roster at the Gorge Downwind Championships held annually in Columbia River Gorge is proof that it is a sport for all ages. Notably, the age brackets with the largest numbers is 50-plus for both men and women.
The Ultimate Full-Body Workout
Much like Nordic skiing, surfski paddling engages nearly every muscle group. Each stroke works your core, shoulders, back, and legs, requiring a seamless blend of power and finesse. It’s a cardiovascular powerhouse, improving endurance and overall fitness while remaining low impact, making it great for long-term health. The constant adjustments needed to balance on water further enhance muscle activation and coordination.
Dynamic and Rewarding
Just as skiing in moguls demands skillful adaptation to changing terrain, paddling in waves requires reading the water, adjusting strokes, and harnessing the energy of moving swells. The interplay between paddler and water transforms each outing into an exciting, everchanging challenge. With experience, catching and linking waves becomes second nature, creating an unmatched sense of flow and exhilaration.
Nature’s Zen Zone
There’s something undeniably soothing about being on the water. Science backs this up—spending time near water reduces stress and improves overall well-being. The sport’s ability to put you in a state of flow, where you’re fully immersed in the moment, makes it as much a meditation as it is a workout.
Safety and Accessibility
With the right equipment and proper technique, surfskis can be among the safest watercrafts. Unlike sea kayaks, a surfski is self-bailing, meaning water drains out automatically. Remounting is much easier than performing a self-rescue in a sea kayak, though it does require practice. Another key consideration, especially in our year-round cold waters, is to dress for immersion.
A Global Community
One of the best things about surfski paddling is its community. From local paddling clubs to international races in stunning locations like Hawaii, Spain, South Africa, and Australia, the sport connects people from all walks of life. Paddlers are known for their camaraderie, always eager to share tips, help beginners, and swap stories of epic downwind runs.
Why You Should Try It
Surfski paddling is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about pushing your limits, finding your rhythm, and embracing the elements. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a way to stay fit, or simply a reason to spend more time on the water, surfski paddling delivers. So, the next time you find yourself near the ocean, a river, or a lake, consider hopping in a surfski. You might just find your new favourite obsession. Ready to paddle? The water is calling.
Compañia Rafaela Carrasco
Compañia Rafaela Carrasco in Nocturna Photo: Beatrix Mexi Molnar
SPAIN // CONTEMPORARY FLAMENCO
is a Virtual Assistant right for you?
By Alexis Santacruz of OpenWorks
Do you spend more time than you would like on tasks you could delegate?
Many professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives work long hours, respond to emails late into the night, and juggle endless to-do lists. Despite their busyness, they often don’t achieve their desired outcomes. The core issue? They’re spending too much time on tasks that, while necessary, don’t significantly advance their goals.
Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, famously said, “Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” If your time is consumed by tasks that someone else could handle, you’re limiting your potential. If you’re overwhelmed with tasks, stretched thin, and unable to focus on what truly matters, it might be time to consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA).
What Can a Virtual Assistant Do?
A VA can help you offload repetitive, time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Here are five key areas where they can assist:
Administrative Tasks
Scheduling meetings, organizing files, and managing documents are essential but can be delegated. A VA can handle these responsibilities, freeing you to concentrate on higher-priority activities.
Email & Calendar Management
Do you spend hours sorting through emails? A VA can filter messages, respond to routine inquiries, and ensure you never miss an important one. They can also manage your schedule, ensuring efficient time management. I share my inbox with my VA and now I only have three folders to check:
1. Review immediately
2. Review by the end of the week
3. Review when time is available I also get a message when there is something urgent I need to work on now.
Research & Data Analysis
Need to gather market insights or analyze reports? A VA can compile and summarize information, providing you with key takeaways without overwhelming you with details.
Social Media & Content Management
Maintaining a strong online presence is important but time-consuming. A VA can handle posting, engagement, and even content creation, keeping you visible without diverting your focus.
Customer Support & Communication
Answering inquiries, handling service issues, and engaging with customers are crucial but don’t always require your direct attention. A VA can manage these interactions, ensuring clients receive timely responses while you focus on strategic initiatives.
Are you ready to explore the possibility of a Virtual Assistant?
Use this five-step process to hire a VA:
1. Conduct a Time Audit: Track your activities for a week. Identify repetitive or low-value tasks that don’t require your expertise.
2. List Tasks You Can Delegate: What tasks am I doing that someone else could handle? What tasks am I not doing that only I can do?
3. Measure the Impact of Delegation: Would outsourcing these tasks free up time for higher-value work? Could you focus on business growth, strategy, or personal well-being instead?
4. Calculate the Cost vs. Benefit: Hiring a VA costs money, but what’s the cost of not delegating? If your time is worth $100 per hour and you’re spending 10 hours a week on administrative tasks, that’s $1,000 of lost value. A VA at $15 to $30 per hour could save you money and free up the time you want.
5. Start Small & Test: Define the role clearly and create a list of tasks you want to delegate. Try hiring a VA for a short period (three months) and track the results. If it saves you time and increases productivity, you’ll know you made the right choice.
Is It Time to Get Help?
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, working long hours but not making real progress, a virtual assistant might be the solution you need. The goal isn’t just to be busy; it’s to be effective. By outsourcing low-value tasks, you free yourself to focus on what truly matters.
REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS
Determining whether it’s time to hire a Virtual Assistant can significantly impact your productivity and work-life balance.
Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions to assess your current situation.
• Do you often feel overwhelmed by your workload?
• Are there tasks you regularly postpone because they are time-consuming or tedious?
• Do administrative duties consume a significant portion of your day, limiting time for strategic activities?
• Have you identified tasks that, if delegated, would allow you to focus on higherpriority projects?
• Is maintaining a work-life balance challenging due to your current workload?
If you answer yes to four or more, it might be time to consider exploring the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant.
Spacation, The Ultimate Getaway
By Erika Palmer, Staff Writer
What’s better than a vacation—a “spacation!”
You don’t need to go far to leave your stress behind you. As a tourist destination, Vancouver Island has an abundance of luxury hotels, many of which house award-winning spas.
Whether you need a day away to be pampered, or you’re looking to take the ultimate weekend with a loved one or a group of friends, here is a selection of hotel spas on Vancouver Island for you to enjoy this summer.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel & Spa
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel & Spa in Victoria is an elegant retreat where luxury meets coastal charm. Their renowned oceanfront spa offers a range of indulgent face and body treatments, all designed to pamper and rejuvenate. After your treatment, unwind in the hotel’s seaside mineral pools, jacuzzis and eucalyptus-infused sauna, where panoramic views of the Salish Sea provide a serene backdrop for relaxation. oakbaybeachhotel.com
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Located in the core of downtown Victoria, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa has been rated Victoria’s top boutique hotel. Tucked away beside their elegant lobby is their luxurious spa, which offers an integrated holistic approach to health. Using all-natural products, their curated selection of face and body treatment, along with their relaxation lounge, ensure you will be leaving there rested and rejuvenated. magnoliahotel.com
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Overlooking the beautiful Saanich Inlet, the Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa offers a tranquil space to rest and relax, just 30 minutes outside of Victoria. Experience ultimate pampering with your personalized body and/or face treatment and allow yourself to be guided to relaxation. Spa and hotel guests are free to enjoy the heated pools, jacuzzi and serene garden. brentwoodbayresort.com
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
This rustic meets luxurious spa resort is located right on the beach mid-island in Parksville. The Grotto spa has recently undergone renovation and now offers cedar barrel saunas in addition to the mineral pool, whirlpool and cascading waterfalls. Enhance your relaxation with one of their body and facial treatments. Make sure you leave time to dine in your robe and slippers while overlooking the surrounding forest at the Treetop Tapas & Grill on site. tigh-na-mara.com
The Wickaninnish Inn & Ancient Cedars Spa
Nestled between the ancient rainforest and the sea, The Wickaninnish Inn & Ancient Cedars Spa is located in Vancouver Island’s west coast gem of Tofino. The serene treatment areas offer tranquil views of both the forest and the ocean while you receive customized treatments to restore a healthy mind, body and spirit. Before or after your treatment, participate in a yoga class, visit the steam cave or relax on the oceanfront patio. wickinn.com
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
Nestled along the shores of Comox Harbour in Courtenay, the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa takes inspiration from nature to offer guests an experience they will not soon forget. Their unique standout feature is the hour-long Pacific Mist Hydropath, a water therapy journey to relax the body and mind. Add other feature spa treatments such as a facial or pedicure to enhance your pampering even more. All hotel and spa guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, infrared sauna and steam cave. kingfisherresort.ca
Poets Cove Resort & Spa
Just a short boat ride from Victoria, Poets Cove Resort & Spa is a premier luxury boutique hotel located on Pender Island. Enjoy the Arts & Crafts style architecture of the resort, fine dining and picturesque walking trails before heading to the Healing Spa. Pick out one of the incredible treatments for your face and body, then venture into the Eucalyptus Steam Cave and hot tub to reawaken your senses. poetscove.com
Hastings House Country House Hotel & Spa
Enjoy the enchanting charm and casual elegance of the Hastings House Country House Hotel & Spa, located on Salt Spring Island—just a short boat ride away from Vancouver Island. Natural beauty abounds at this serene country hotel to provide you with a tranquil experience. Visit the spa in the cedar-clad barn nestled in the gardens to continue your relaxation with a variety of customized massage, body and facial treatment options. hastingshouse.com
Photos (clockwise from far left): panoramic views Oak Bay Beach Hotel & Spa; water therapy Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa; aromatic massage Wickaninnish Inn & Ancient Cedars Spa and; a gold facial at Hastings House Country House Hotel & Spa.
Managing Financial Stress in Retirement:
Emotional Impact and Practical Solutions
By George Bielay of Waypoint Counselling Network
Many people look forward to their retirement years, perceived as a relaxing and carefree period after decades of hard work. For others, this time may be a period of financial anxiety and stress. Matters such as unexpected medical expenses, the increasing cost of living and inflationary pressures can conspire and create challenging emotional headwinds. While these financial pressures are real, there are ways to manage the stress and protect your mental well-being.
The Emotional Impact of Financial Stress
Financial stress when retired can include numerous emotional experiences, such as:
• Anxiety and Worry: Fears of not having enough saved to sustain one’s lifestyle, outliving one’s savings or not being able to afford rising costs can result in anxiety, poor sleep and appetite.
• Loss of Identity and Purpose: The transition to a fixed income may feel like losing control, particularly if this transition necessitates a marked lifestyle shift.
• Guilt and Frustration: If retirement is less comfortable than anticipated, feelings of guilt and frustration may occur, especially if downsizing or pulling back on fun leisure activities is required.
• Fear of the Future: Worrying about future expenses, such as healthcare, may result in feeling hopeless and fearful.
Managing Financial Stress
Here are five practical steps to counteract the impact of stress:
1. Plan a Budget: Start by assessing your current financial situation. Develop a budget that covers your essential expenses, such as housing, food and
Are you striving to live not just a longer life, but a more vibrant and energetic one?
Longevity nutrition could be the key.
In the 30 years I’ve been in the field, I’ve seen a lot of nutritional advice come and go, but longevity nutrition holds the promise of something truly transformative.
In this article, I’ll briefly touch on the science behind longevity nutrition, outline the different styles and share simple things that you can do so your nutrition supports maximizing your vibrant years.
How Do Our Bodies Age?
Science is increasingly understanding how our bodies age. Within each of our bodies’ cells are chromosomes. Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes.
Science has discovered that telomeres are a major determinant of longevity. The shorter your telomeres, the faster you age.
Sample Day:
Here’s what a day of longevity eating might look like:
Breakfast at 7am: Oatmeal topped with walnuts & blueberries.
Lunch at 12pm: Black bean and quinoa salad bowl with lots of veggies, dressed in an olive oilbased vinaigrette.
By Kristen Yarker, MSc, RD of Kristen Yarker Nutrition Agency
Fuelling Your Future
LONGEVITY NUTRITION FOR A VIBRANT LIFE
Mediterranean Diet, Blue Zones and Longevity Nutrition
There’s still work to be done to determine exactly how to eat to support long telomeres with nutrition. But the leading avenues of research have found many factors in common. They have also found differences.
The diet that has, by far, the most research behind it is the Mediterranean Diet. Another avenue of research is looking at regions around the world where people have longer than expected lifespans. Especially, extended years of good quality of life. These regions have been named “blue zones.” The five blue zones are: Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Cost Rica; and, members of the Seventh Day Adventist religious group living in Loma Linda, California.
Note that two of the five blue zone locations are in the Mediterranean. So, while the Mediterranean Diet and blue zones are separate areas of research, there is considerable overlap.
Snack at 3pm: Apple
Dinner at 6:30pm: Salmon served with brown rice, bok choy, and mushrooms.
Don’t eat after dinner to create a 12-hour fasting window.
A third avenue of research was conducted by Valter Longo, PhD director of the University of Southern California’s Longevity Institute. He reviewed the scientific literature and created an eating style, which he captured in his popular book called The Longevity Diet. He studied the blue zones, the Mediterranean Diet and other nutrition research.
What to Eat (and What to Avoid) for Longevity
Here’s a list of what nutrition recommendations can agree upon:
• Eat a lot of vegetables and fruit: I’m talking a lot! One way to think about it is having vegetables and fruit make up half of what you eat.
• Eat high fibre foods: Foods rich in fibre include vegetables and fruit; whole grains such as wholegrain wheat, steel-cut oats, brown rice and quinoa; nuts and seeds; and legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas and soy foods.
• Incorporate legumes: The blue zones all include legumes at least multiple times per week. The type of legume varies amongst the regions. For example, in the Mediterranean, people eat beans, lentils and chickpeas whereas in Okinawa, soy foods such as tofu are more common.
• Have minimal sugar: While the Mediterranean Diet and blue zones don’t eliminate sugar completely, it’s eaten minimally.
• Drink low or no alcohol: Two to four glasses of wine per week fits in the Mediterranean Diet but the Seventh Day Adventists do not drink alcohol. So, while there isn’t a specific amount recommended, I recommend keeping alcohol to a minimum.
• Don’t overeat: Take time to eat (don’t eat while driving, while working, etc), tune in and be mindful to not overeat. Take inspiration from the Okinawan concept of “hara hachi bu” meaning to stop eating when your stomach is 80 percent full.
Even with all this agreement, there’s some aspects for which these longevity nutrition avenues differ. These areas are:
• Role of animal products (poultry, dairy).
• The amount of protein needed.
• Whether fasting is necessary.
When my busy clients incorporate more vegetables, more legumes and tackle their cravings to successfully stop overeating sugar, they can’t believe how much more energy they have. Embrace these eating habits and enjoy extending your longevity through healthy eating!
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Books to get you more out of life
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With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your
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Imagine if by the time you died, you did everything you were told to. You worked hard, saved your money, and looked forward to financial freedom when you retired. The only thing you wasted along the way was… your life. Die with Zero presents a startling new and provocative philosophy as well as practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s socalled Golden Years.
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
The idea is simple: You don’t have to choose between being a pushover and a jerk. Using Radical Candor —avoiding the perils of Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy—you can be kind and clear at the same time. Radical Candor is about caring personally and challenging directly, about soliciting criticism to improve your leadership and providing guidance that helps others grow. It focuses on praise but doesn’t shy away from criticism—to help you love your work and the people you work with.
10x Is Easier than 2x: How WorldClass Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Tap into the mindsets of renowned entrepreneur Dan Sullivan and organizational psychologist Ben Hardy as they share a simple strategy for achieving more by doing less. 10x is not the outcome; it’s a counterintuitive process you can apply every time you want exponential growth in your life and business. To make 10x possible, you must focus on expanding what Sullivan defines as your four most important freedoms—time, money, relationship, and purpose. 10x is fundamentally about quality vs quantity, and the quality of your freedoms determines the results you achieve.
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