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Make the most of your stay BY Ian Pullan, General ManaGer, The Fa I rMonT WaTerFronT
a bove: There are encouraging signs that wild Pacific salmon are poised for recovery on the West c oast. Kevin h ouse illustration.
Publisher/Editor Garth Eichel
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Contributors Garth Eichel
Sue Kernaghan Bob Loblaw Ian Pullan
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In-Flight review (IFR) is a quarterly magazine published by Archipelago Media Ltd. for Helijet International Inc. All published material is the copyright of Archipelago Media Ltd. 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 Archipelago Media Ltd. ISSN 1916-5080
a bove: h elijet’s Bell 206 l 3 l ong r anger hovers over the Downtown Vancouver h arbour h eliport. h elijet offers a variety of flight-seeing tours of Vancouver and environs. Garth e ichel photo.
Make the Most of Your Stay
The Fairmont Waterfront and Helijet partner on a summer of spectacular experiences
A S AN AVID RuNNER and marathoner, I must admit that I wake up every morning and truly appreciate living in Vancouver. It’s not every day you find yourself in a city that offers the sweet ocean air, snow-capped mountains, and encompasses a vibrant and growing culinary scene focused on local, sustainable ingredients.
I understand how you can quickly be faced with a dilemma determining which activities you should opt for to ensure you don’t miss a thing while visiting this magnificent metropolis.
Being in the travel and leisure business, I can relate that organizing travel activities can be somewhat of a hassle, and for that reason, The Fairmont Waterfront has proudly teamed up with Helijet to offer guests an awe-inspiring indulgence, combining an urban retreat with high-flying adventure. We pride ourselves in being experts on our local community, knowing all the hotspots and contrastively, the off-the-beaten road, exclusive activities that not every tourist or Vancouverite gets to experience. Our teams have collaborated and designed a partnership that brings The Fairmont Waterfront hotel guests the option of exploring the city in a truly unique manner.
Fairmont President’s Club, the hotels loyalty program, offers its members an exclusive discount at Helijet while staying at The Fairmont Waterfront, providing an attractive incentive to adventure on a picturesque helicopter flight over the harbour and through the mountain peaks.
Travelling via helicopter makes anyone feel like royalty, and the experience boasts Vancouver’s top sights in an unforgettable way. Specifically, a guest favourite, is Helijet’s West Coast Spectacular. This 20-minute breath-taking local flight goes above Lions Gate Bridge, past Stanley Park and along the rugged West Vancouver coastline to Horseshoe Bay at the mouth of Howe Sound, up to the twin peaks of The Lions, before returning to Vancouver via Capilano Lake. Guests can also enjoy this specific flight option as part of a VIP Package at The Fairmont Waterfront, ‘The ultimate 48 Hours’.
Guests are naturally intrigued by the close proximity of Vancouver to Victoria, and being able to offer a reduced price to fly harbour-to-harbour in just 35 minutes is an exceptional benefit. Likewise, for our business clientele who require travel to Victoria,
providing the personalized service and option to count on quick and convenient flights between Vancouver and Victoria is something that makes the daunting task of work travel, a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. What’s more, Fairmont President’s Club members can reserve the hotel BMW car and be escorted to the Helijet Pad in style and with ease.
For a family friendly day trip, I encourage you to try something different. Fly from Vancouver to Victoria, stroll the majestic Inner Harbour, and complete the afternoon at The Fairmont Empress with the classic tradition of high tea. Our aim is to provide service that allows stressfree travel whilst staying with us. Our Concierge Team can finalize your Helijet itinerary, so all you have to do is show up and you are guaranteed a breathtaking quintessential West Coast experience.
Ian Pullan, General Manager of The Fairmont Waterfront, disembarks from a helijet Sikorsky S76 a helicopter after a smooth and scenic ride from Victoria. Fairmont hotels Photo.
FROM SEA TO SKY HIGH.
Enjoy Vancouver’s breathtaking beauty the Helijet way… an unforgettable experience.
FALSE CREEK PANORAMIC* 10 minutes
Watch mountain, sea, and sky nestle against the urban landscape as you take off from Vancouver Harbour Heliport. Bearing west, you’ll fly the tree-lined coast from Stanley Park to English Bay before soaring above some of Vancouver’s most visually-arresting architecture−BC Place Stadium and the Telus World of Science. On your return you’ll have a dramatic view of the bustling port and an unforgettable vista of the North Shore Mountains. $99 (min. 3
WEST COAST SPECTACULAR* 20 minutes
Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular natural scenes just outside Vancouver. Taking off from Vancouver Harbour Heliport, fly along the rugged West Vancouver coastline to Horseshoe Bay at the mouth of Howe Sound. Gently climb 1600 m, passing between the twin peaks of The Lions to find valleys and canyons carved deep into the North Shore Mountains. You’ll pass over sparkling Capilano Lake and on to Vancouver, spread out before you along the waters of Burrard Inlet.
*tour routes may vary depending on weather & air traffic conditions GREATER VANCOUVER SCENIC* 30 minutes
You’ll see why Vancouver is considered one of the world’s ‘best places to live’ on this all-encompassing aerial tour of the city. Combining the best sights of the False Creek Panoramic and West Coast Spectacular, you’ll tour Vancouver before passing over the mouth of Howe Sound for a view of Stawamus Chief Mountain. Hover among the peaks of the North Shore Mountains to gaze across Vancouver’s urban expanse toward the Salish Sea, with Vancouver Island on the distant horizon, before returning to the Vancouver Harbour Heliport.
P ORTABLE POSES
Shouldn’t your yoga mat be as flexible as you are? The YoFoMat, from yoga gear maker Khataland, folds down small enough to toss in your carry-on or gym bag. Available in 68-inch regular and 72-inch-long sizes, and a myriad of trendy colours, the mat folds to about the size of a large book. The concept is as simple as a downward dog; the only question is, what took so long? khataland.com
T HE CHILL WAy TO CHILL
Prepping the Chablis for a summer picnic just got a lot easier. Corkcicle, a re-useable tube that you freeze and slip into a wine bottle, chills wine from the inside, making it easier to achieve the right temperature. It cools whites, takes the edge off reds, frees up fridge space, and may just make ice buckets obsolete. corkcicle.com
L ASSIE PHONE HOME
If your pet is the roaming type, Pet Hub’s high tech tags can offer some peace of mind. Just sign on to www.pethub.com and order a laser-etched tag encrypted with details about your dog or cat. If Rover or Fluffy wanders off, finders can scan the tag with a smart phone and access your contact details, the animal’s medical history, and any other information you choose to include (favourite scratch spots or treats, for example). Meanwhile, a scanned tag will send a missing pet alert to local shelters and forward the GPS co-ordinates to you. The tags are also a handy way to share information with pet sitters, kennel staff and vets. pethub.com
BREATHE EAS y
Letting wine breathe? Who’s got time for that? Sensis Plus, a line of German-made breathable glassware, has the effect of aerating wine; just a few minutes in the glass has, according to the makers, the same effect as an hour or two in the decanter. Made from lead-free crystal glass, the stemware is break-resistant and dishwasher proof. www.eisch.de
LOSE THE SNOOzE
Sometimes it’s just too easy to hit the snooze button. Nanda Home’s clever (or sinister) little clocks put an end to snooze abuse by leaping off the bedside table and scooting away, beeping all the while. Almost as effective as a puppy or a small child, these clocks leave you (or your loved one) no choice but to get out of bed and deal with it. You’ll wake up all right, although how you’ll feel about it is another matter. nandahome.com
P ORTABLE GREEN POWER
Camping this summer? Consider adding a Pharox Solar Kit in your gear. Complete with an LED lamp, this little gizmo provides hours of light (eight to 45 hours, depending on the intensity level). It even comes with a uSB port, so you can keep your other gadgets charged too, no matter how far you are from an electrical outlet. At just $40, you may want one for the emergency kit as well. pharox-led.com
NORTHERN BC
Heading north this summer? Pack this app along with your bear spray. Sponsored by a group of regional tourism boards, it details what to do, where to eat, and where to stay — plus where to fish, hike, bike, kayak and spot wildlife — in this vast and underexplored part of the province. Whether you’re looking to trek in the Rockies or party in Prince George, this free GPS-enabled app will get you there.
SHOP W ISE C ANADA
Attention shoppers: this free app mobilizes the vast resources of the Yellow Pages to help you find the best deals fast. It’ll alert you to sales in your area and let you know which stores nearby have the products or services you want. Best of all, it’ll tell you when the things you need go on sale. ShopWise covers most major retailers (including on-line shopping) and many independent shops across Canada; and, since it’s aimed at bargain hunters, the price ($0.00) can’t be beat.
FOODSPOTTING
Looking for the best tiramisu in Victoria? The best pad thai in Bangkok? Restaurant rating apps can help, but when you have a specific dish in mind Food-spotting is the way to go. This innovative app reveals not just where to eat, but what. Based on user ratings, Foodspotting’s million-plate, worldwide database — with photos — lets diners know which dish a particular restaurant does best and where to find what they’re craving right now.
ON T HEG O K IDS
School’s out again. Fortunately, this year there’s an app for that. This sanity-saving service by Vancouver mom Anne Marie Tempelman-Kluit offers detailed co-ordinates for kid-friendly events and activities around the Lower Mainland. Listings, which include everything from free events to festivals, live theatre to science workshops, come complete with maps and transit directions. They can be browsed off-line too, which is handy when there’s no Wi-Fi at the playground. Event details, which continue year-round, are also available on TempelmanKluit’s website, yoyomama.ca.
S WIM G UIDE
It’s time to hit the beach, but where? The Swim Guide app will find a sandy strand near you and throw in photos, descriptions and real-time water quality ratings as well. So far, it covers ocean and lake beaches in most of B.C., Alberta, and southern Ontario; beaches elsewhere in Canada, including those on Vancouver Island, are coming soon. The app is designed by Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a non-profit organization working to protect water quality.
IE XIT INTERSTATE
E XIT G UIDE
Are we there yet? If your summer plans include a stateside road trip, consider this handy travel app. It goes beyond the anonymous gas-food-lodging signs to reveal exactly what you’ll find at any given u.S. freeway exit. The free lite version provides all the information, while the $1.99 premium option adds some useful features, including offline access.
Stay Fit
Stay Healthy Stay Productive
Aloyd Fitness has the largest selection of fitness equipment in Western Canada, offering everything from entry-level equipment to high-performance training machines for the home and the workplace.
Visit our website at www.aloyd.com or visit any one of our three locations to learn what we can provide you and your employees. Langford
Victoria 7-415 Dunedin St.
250.480.0222 victoria@aloyd.com Langford
ManlY Makeover
Changing attitudes towards male grooming
by bOb LObL aw
W E ALL HAVE ONE favourite photo of ourselves. Mine shows me as a 19-year-old youth, backpacking through Turkey in 1989. I’m standing in a waterfall in Cappadocia, water cascading over my long hair, muscular shoulders, and flat, rippled belly. I look happy and without a care in the world.
880 Atree Road (Next to Wal-Mart) 250.478.0225 westshore@aloyd.com
880 Atree Road (Next to Wal-Mart) 250.478.0225 westshore@aloyd.com
Nanaimo 101 - 6560 North Island Hwy 250.390.1200 aloydfitness@shaw.ca
101 - 6560 North Island Hwy 250.390.1200 aloydfitness@shaw.ca
Now I’m a 42-year-old professional with greying wisps of hair, atrophied muscles, a few more pounds and a few more wrinkles. Well, that’s life and I am under no illusion that I’ll ever again look like I did in that photo, but I also have no desire to ever be 19 again. Still, I feel younger than the middle-age man I see in the mirror each morning. It would be nice to do something about the sun damage I’ve inflicted on my skin over the years, and then there is all that unsightly and unruly body hair to speak of. (One of my buddies referred to me as a “fire hazard”.) And like 99 per cent of the population, I wish I could shed just 10 pounds and one pant size. None of the above makes me exceptional as far as most men go. Problem is, like most males, I attach a certain metrosexual stigma to male grooming. I instinctively regard anything beyond showering and shaving as effeminate and insecure, if not unnatural. Making matters worse, I’d die of humiliation if any of my buddies ever found out I was getting cosmetic work done. (Yes, I’m penning this under a pseudonym.)
My hang-ups aren’t going to make my problems go away, though. What I need is an excuse. Specifically, a psychological pass that will validate getting work done.
Fortunately, I have several worthy justifications. First, male grooming is socially much more acceptable now than it was even a couple years ago. Media stories abound on the subject (this article, for example) and with that attitudes have changed. Second, my job entails regularly meeting with other professionals where impressions count. I can’t afford to show up looking worn and haggard. Third, I’m getting married this summer and want to look my best for my bride and myself. I am surely going to have a wedding photo to forever remind me how I looked on the day. But perhaps the best reason I have for doing some so-called ‘man-tenance’ is that I just want to look as good as I feel. I don’t want to look younger; I want to look healthier.
I’ve taken a few tentative first steps on the road to vitality, losing 10 pounds through a combination of exercise and diet. I’ve also purchased a small trimmer for clipping unsightly ear, nose, and eyebrow hair, as well as an industrial strength trimmer for “fire hazard” hair. Moreover, I’m getting dental work and teeth whitening done to improve my smile. Still, a few stubborn areas remain where I need professional help, but I just don’t want to tell anyone.
HEAD TO TOE
“It is socially more acceptable for men to take care of themselves and lose the machismo of not taking care.” says Doug Janczyn, manager and skin therapist at Manscape Spa. “They have to take care of their appearance if they want to feel more attractive to themselves and their partner.” He adds, “professionally, men want to look more vibrant and handsome. The world treats you differently when you look good and feel good. We all know beautiful people win.”
Janczyn says professionals who have to be on and look good — dentists, doctors, lawyers and realtors, for example — have long recognized the importance of personal appearance. But he notes more and more men from all walks of life are paying attention to how they look. Or at least their partners do: he says Manscape Spa gets a lot of calls from wives and girlfriends wanting to book appointments for their guy.
“Women share treatment information with each other; guys don’t. A man will never tell his buddies about the great back waxing he had over the water cooler,” says Janczyn. He notes that women play a valuable role in finding information about treatments for men and encouraging them to go, even if it means booking the appointment.
Botox® - Now a household name and in use for over 20 years, Botox® is ideal for softening frown lines, crow’s feet and lifting the corners of the mouth. When administered by a properly trained and experienced physician, treatments are quick, safe and require no downtime.
4 Cornerstone non-surgical anti-aging treatments:
Cornerstone non-surgical anti-aging treatments:
4 Cornerstone non-surgical anti-aging treatments:
Looking Great – for MEN
Botox® - Now a household name and in use for over 20 years, Botox® is ideal for softening frown lines, crow’s feet and lifting
Great advances in facial and body aesthetic treatments have opened the doors to more men who wish to look better but without anyone knowing that they did anything. No downtime, no surgery, immediate results and a natural look are in. Here are 4 of the most popular treatments for men:
Botox® - Now a household name and in use for over 20 years, Botox® is ideal for softening frown lines, crow’s feet and lifting the corners of the mouth.
Dermal Fillers – like Restylane® and Juvederm®
- These naturally derived hyaluronan-based dermal fillers (hyaluronan is a normal component of our skin) gently lift and fill cheeks, temples, lips and lines to restore a more youthful appearance.
• Laser hair removal — A revolutionary new laser called the “LightSheer DUET” is very effective for most skin types and large body areas –like the back, upper arms, neck or chest. Show off your chest, back and abs with a smoother, hair-free feel.
Thermage CPT®
Fraxel DUAL®Healthy skin is happy skin. While Fraxel DUAL® laser treatments help improve the quality of the skin by treating brown spots, sun
Fraxel DUAL®Healthy skin is happy skin. While Fraxel DUAL® laser treatments help improve the quality of the skin by
ideal for softening frown lines, crow’s feet and lifting the corners of the mouth. treatments help improve the quality of the skin by treating brown spots, sun
clinically proven to permanently remove fat that just won’t go despite a healthy diet and good exercise. Shrink your tummy or love handles — and enjoy your summerready body.
Fraxel DUAL®Healthy skin is happy skin. While Fraxel DUAL® laser treatments help improve the quality of the skin by treating brown spots, sun damage and scars, this laser has also been shown to reduce precancerous lesions, leading to healthier and more radiant skin.
• Tattoo removal — Okay — they might look great when they first go on, but many people are tired of their old tattoos and want them removed. The Revlite® and Accolade® are two great lasers specifically intended to remove tattoos — one of the most popular treatments.
- A single treatment with this newest version of Thermage® gently and naturally stimulates new collagen with no downtime and minimal discomfort. Tightening lax skin of the face and neck, as well as firming up the tummy are common areas that can benefit.
• Softlift® — For a no downtime, non-surgical facelift and overall more youthful appearance in a matter of minutes, this combination of Botox® to relax that stern look and Juvederm® dermal filler for restoring lost volume, helps you look less tired and more confident.
• Body contouring — Liposonix®and UltraShape® are two non-invasive focused ultrasound treatments
Visit www.cosmedica.ca/men for further details or to request a private consultation.
These four fundamental treatments are synergistic. Botox® and dermal fillers work hand-in-hand to restore lost volume while lifting and supporting the skin. Thermage® and Fraxel DUAL® treatments help to rebuild collagen and improve the skin’s quality and tone. Healthier, happier, more radiant skin.
Dr. Mark Lupin, MD FRCPC DABD Dermatology
“Women often have issues they are reluctant to raise with their male partners — back hair, calloused feet, ugly toenails, unruly pubic hair, sagging and red skin . . . Addressing it through treatment is going to enhance the relationship for both men and women.”
To that end, Janczyn says men should pay particular attention to improving the health of their facial skin: “The face is the most overlooked part of the body for most men. They tend to neglect the overall tone and texture of their skin. They don’t realize that it can be greatly improved with non-surgical treatment and skin products.”
CHANGING WITH TIME
Yana Taylor, a registered nurse working at Clinic 805, has over 10 years experience in the medical aesthetics field. She says she sees a significant increase in men seeking ways to improve and enhance their presentation: “Men are starting to take more interest in their appearance. Younger men are in tune with being fashionable and don’t attach any stigma to getting work done… while men in their late thirties to midfifties are coming around to refreshing their appearance a bit.
“The outside is changing quicker than the inside. By their early forties, men become aware they are not getting any younger and have to take steps for a more refreshed, relaxed
and healthy appearance. There is a lot of facial aging that occurs through sun damage over time, accumulating in the way of crows feet, leathery skin, redness and sagging skin.”
Taylor notes that photos in the business section of any newspaper suggest professionals appreciate the importance of looking vibrant and healthy: “There is a huge emergence of upwardly mobile men and women who recognize the importance of looking refreshed. It’s not so much that people want to look younger — they want to look good for their age.”
To that end, she says greater numbers of men are getting Botox® injections to soften upper forehead lines and crows feet, photo-rejuvenation (intense pulse light) treatment to reduce signs of sun damage and rejuvenate the skin, dermal filler to smooth facial features to help restore volume, and eMatrix™ to stimulate collagen and elastin growth in the skin, which is good for wrinkles and fine lines.
“Everybody feels better when they look better,” says Taylor. “We paint our houses, fix our cars, and maintain a lot of things in our lives. Why would our bodies not be part of that? You need to give yourself permission to do a positive thing, caring for your appearance and how you feel about yourself and present yourself.” She adds, “there is this mentality that men are immune to the psychological effects of aging. They’re not. A lot of men would like to do a little something,
The Manscape Challenge — 30 days. That's all we need. Curious about skin care? Do you have questions or concerns about your skin? Want to navigate through the quagmire of products, promises and hype? First time face treatment clients are invited to take The Manscape Challenge. In one hour we'll show you what skin type you have, address any conditions that may be affecting your skin's health and teach you how to care for your skin. We'll send you home with samples of our recommendations; getting you on the road to the healthiest skin possible!
TREATMENTS INCLUDE: FACIAL TREATMENTS, WAXING, HAIR & FAT REMOVAL, MASSAGE, BODY TREATMENTS. WE ALSO OFFER RELAXATION, TARGETED MASSAGE TREATMENTS - 30 MIN/60 MIN/90 MIN/120 MIN
748 DOUGLAS STREET VICTORIA BRITISH COLUMBIA V8W 3M6
T 250.590.8656 // info@manscape.co // www.manscape.co
2 AEROPLAN MILES FOR EVERY $1.00 YOU SPEND AT MANSCAPE SPA. OFFER EXCLUSIVE FOR HELIJET PASSENGERS.
but they’re afraid to ask and don’t know where to go. A lot of guys get work done but don’t tell friends because they’re afraid of getting ridden about it. We’re just at the beginning of the cultural acceptance of aesthetic options for men.”
Tara Carere, patient care coordinator at Cosmedica Laser Centre, concurs. She says attitudes towards male grooming are changing: “Society and media are big contributing factors in the evolving trend where it is socially acceptable for men to keep themselves up for personal and professional reasons. There are more treatment options that are safe and require less downtime.” She adds, “the biggest concern is that no man wants to look like he’s having work done. They want a youthful, refreshed look that is low maintenance. It isn’t about looking 20 or 30 years younger — it’s about looking great for their age.”
Carere says Cosmedica sees a growing male clientele, particularly for laser hair removal, non-surgical facelift, tattoo removal and body contouring using focussed ultrasound to remove stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet or exercise.
BU y ER BEWARE
While many of these elective procedures are simple and not particularly painful, Carere is careful to note they should not be administered by just anyone: “Every new patient wants a natural look. To achieve a natural look you have to consider the experience of the provider because not all practitioners are created equal. It’s a buyer beware market out there.”
In keeping with that, she encourages both men and women considering cosmetic treatment to do some research and ask questions about the practitioner’s credentials, how many treatments they have performed, and ask to see some before-and-after photos of other clients. At the same time, she suggests taking a close look at staff members as they will likely be receiving treatment and will be a good indication of what to expect in the way of results.
“This is so new to many men, but by and large there is a growing comfort for men considering self maintenance,” says Carere.
I can relate. After one-too-many ribbings from buddies about my back being a “flammable fur coat” I decided to do something about it. It was tough screwing up the courage to go for laser hair removal, and the cost was not insignificant at $2,500, but the end result is that I now have a permanently smooth back my fiancé definitely appreciates. And it was worth every penny to rob my mates of a favourite taunt. More importantly, I feel better about my overall appearance. I may not be as svelte as that teenager in the photo anymore, but I still feel damn good for my age. Now it’s starting to show.
Non Surgical Procedures
Botox Cosmetic™
Dermal fillers
Skin rejuvenation programs eMatrix™ IPL
Skincare products
Surgical Procedures
Facial surgery
Rhinoplasty
Breast surgery
Tummy tuck
Liposuction/body contouring
Dr. Kenneth A. Smith
CERTiFiEd PL aSTiC SuRgEOn
5 minute walk from the harbour 805 Fairfield Rd., Victoria 250-595-3888 www.clinic805.ca
Facing page: c live l ane examines salmon fry at the h oward e nglish Fish h atchery on the Goldstream r iver near Victoria. h eath Moffat Photo. Illustrations on this page by a imée van Drimmeien
StateofSalmon
Encouraging signs for Pacific salmon
by g a RTH EiCHEL
“ALL I KNOW is what I read in the papers.” So said humourist Will Rogers, making a tongue-in-cheek observation on how the public relies too much on the media for information. What Rogers appreciated is that “the news” is not always an accurate reflection of reality because it is shaped by various influences, not least of which is the need to attract consumers with dramatic stories. Mediatypes have a chilling saying for this: “If it bleeds it leads.”
Not surprisingly, media coverage of Pacific salmon tends to be overgeneralized, often dwelling on apocalyptic scenarios while overlooking or underreporting positive news stories. As such, many British Columbians are under the impression that Pacific salmon are on the verge of imminent collapse.
That perception is wrong. While there are valid concerns about the health of specific salmon populations in the province, there are also several indicators suggesting British Columbians should be cautiously optimistic that many Pacific salmon populations are stable and, in some cases, their abundance is increasing.
For example, the last couple of years have seen good Sockeye and Pink salmon returns to the Fraser River, and the summer Chinook returns to the Thompson River is the largest Chinook population in the Pacific northeast coast. At the same time, there is also strong Coho production along the central and north coast of B.C., and healthy abundance of Steelhead trout in many of these streams and rivers.
Credit for this should be attributed to a range of factors beyond human control; but on those issues where people can make a difference there has been significant progress during the past 30 years towards halting and reversing the decline of Pacific salmon populations on the West Coast of North America. In particular, a sustained publicinvolvement program has generated awareness about the vital importance of conserving, restoring and creating salmon habitat, as well as increasing production in fish hatcheries.
Facing page: Volunteers pitch in on habitat clean-up on the Goldstream r iver on Vancouver Island. h eath Moffatt photo.
This page, clockwise from top left: Volunteers at the h oward e nglish Fish h atchery tend to thousands of salmon fry, readying them for release into the Goldstream r iver on Vancouver Island. h eath Moffatt photos.
Bottom: a Sockeye salmon returns to its spawning grounds on the a dams r iver.Photo by Karamysh.
At the same time, advancements in water management and agriculture are improving prospects for salmon habitat. What is more, in 2005 and after a decade of public discussion, Canada established a unique policy to conserve Pacific salmon, their habitats and ecosystems. No other resource policy is as comprehensive as the Wild Salmon
Policy. The policy is particularly noteworthy because it evolved through the collaboration of technical advisors and community input.
For its part, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has played a key role in raising funds and providing support for community projects that are improving freshwater habitat, working to sustain the abundance of Pacific salmon, and
improving watershed planning. Since its inception 25 years ago, the Foundation has engaged 35,000 volunteers who are part of more than 300 community watershed organizations throughout the province, and granted more than $34 million to 1,900 projects, resulting in some 1 million-square-metres of rehabilitated streams and estuaries and the produc-
Acheive maximum fishing success.
Oak Bay Marine Group resorts have everything you need for the trip of a lifetime. Our oceanfront resorts are minutes from some of the best salmon and halibut in the world. Top quality equipment and a skillful crew ensure your fishing success.
illustration by Kevin House
tion of 11-million hatchery salmon. Notwithstanding such successes, the extent of urban development over the past 150 years is such that salmon populations are not likely to recover to their original numbers. Furthermore, the frequency of news media reports about issues with salmon certainly indicate continued concerns for specific groups of salmon and
regions. In general, the returns of salmon to British Columbia are more inconsistent between years. In the Strait of Georgia, the abundance of Coho and Chinook are currently about one tenth of their numbers 20 years ago. And some salmon groups are simply not showing evidence of recovery, such as the Interior B.C. Coho or Rivers Inlet Sockeye salmon,
l eft: School children help raise awareness about salmon habitat. Pacific Salmon Foundation photo
r ight: a young grizzly bear closes in on a c hum salmon near Stewart B.c . More than 130 species in ecosystems throughout the province depend on Pacific salmon for survival. l isa Paradis photo.
World famous salmon fishing & wildlife adventures in British Columbia’s remote Haida Gwaii. Trips all-inclusive from Vancouver. Visit Langara.com or call 1.800.668.7544 to learn more.
l eft: locals and tourists flock to the a dams r iver for the quadrennial return of sockeye salmon. l eah r amsey photo.
even after major reductions in fishing. The troubling thing is that no one knows for sure what causes low production and perennial peaks and valleys in different salmon populations. Whatever the case, the overall lack of stability clearly indicates the need for continued vigilance and work to protect their habitats. Concerns persist to salmon habitat, such as urban development, estuary and shoreline development, increasing demands for freshwater, and constant pressure for economic growth.
With contracting government budgets, the best hope for holding the line and reversing the decline of Pacific salmon comes down to this: to create a sustainable future for Pacific salmon, there needs to be an increase in support for communitybased efforts to restore salmon habitat, maintain volunteer hatcheries and to protect watersheds.
To be sure, the task is daunting, requiring a lot of time and money; but all evidence suggests that when citizens care about their community and get involved there is every reason to hope for positive outcomes. Just don’t expect to see it in the news when it becomes a reality.
Best of Both Worlds
Flight-seeing pilot Erin Johnstone enjoys everything the job offers
by g aRTH EiCHEL
E VERY SuMMER Helijet positions a Bell 206L3 LongRanger helicopter at the Downtown Vancouver Harbour Heliport, from which the company offers a range of flight-seeing tours of the city and environs. And every summer one lucky Helijet employee is selected to be that aircraft’s primary pilot. This year that pilot is Erin Johnstone, a dynamic young woman whose diverse interests make her ideally suited for the job.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there and doing the flight-seeing tours this summer,” says Johnstone. “You get to see everything, from the city and local landmarks to ocean and snow-peaked mountains, all in the span of 20 or 30 minutes. There are not many places in the world where you can see so much in such a short time.”
Johnstone says much of what she now flies over is what drew her to the West Coast in the first place. Hailing from London, Ontario, she moved to Vancouver in pursuit of a career and lifestyle in keeping with her aspirations. An avid snowboarder, horseback rider and motorcyclist, Johnstone says she joined Helijet in May 2008 because the company offered one of the few flying jobs in Canada that provided career prospects, superior training, as well as the ability to make the most of the city and nearby mountains, ocean and backcountry on her days off.
“I always knew I wanted to fly helicopters,” she says. “They have the ability to go anywhere and land anywhere, showing you the world in a way you can’t see in any other manner.” She adds, “I also like that there are lots of other female pilots
e rin Johnstone is h elijet’s tour pilot for the summer 2012 flight-seeing season.
Photo by Garth e ichel.
at Helijet. There are plenty of career opportunities here.”
I recently went for a ride with Johnstone to see first-hand what one of Helijet’s flight-seeing tours combines. Climbing into the comfortable and roomy cabin of the B206L3 LongRanger, I was impressed by how much legroom and window space every seat has. What’s more, each passenger has their own headset so they can listen to what’s going on and speak directly with Johnstone during the flight.
After a thorough safety briefing and pre-flight, Johnstone lights up the helicopter’s turbine engine, gradually turning its rotor blades ever faster until we’re ready to take flight. Cleared for takeoff by Harbour air traffic control, we lift into a shallow hover before transitioning forward and upwards over the water, ascending past the iconic white sails of Canada Place towards Stanley Park and over the Lions Gate Bridge.
From here, the first tour Johnstone takes me on is the West Coast Spectacular, a 20-minute flight that proceeds along the rugged coastline to Horseshoe Bay, up to the twin peaks of the Lions and on to Horseshoe Bay at the mouth of Howe Sound, before returning to Vancouver via Capilano Lake. To give me a sense of what the slightly longer 30-minute Greater Vancouver Scenic tour is like, Johnstone steers the helicopter north up Howe Sound, pointing to sights along the way such as the majestic Stawamus Chief standing sentinel high above the town of Squamish. The flight is remarkable for its expansive mountain vistas and aerial views of West Coast rainforest.
Returning to Vancouver, we fly the new False Creek Panoramic tour, a quick 10-minute flight around the city that passes along the Stanley Park Seawall with a view of the downtown core on one side and an array of ocean-going freighters at anchor in English Bay on the other. We then rise high above the city for an all-encompassing view of the bustling urban core before descending over Burrard Inlet and its fleet of tugs, ferries and other working vessels. Returning to base, Johnstone gracefully swoops the helicopter past bright orange gantry cranes unloading ships at Port Metro before setting the skids down once again at the Heliport.
When the rotor blades stop turning Johnstone opens the passenger door with a smile and asks me what I liked most. With so many impressions formed in such a short time, it’s hard to compare the natural beauty of the ocean and Coast Mountains with the awe-inspiring views of Vancouver and all its landmarks, but what seems plain is that Erin Johnstone is evidently one of those rare souls in this world who is fortunate enough to enjoy the best of both worlds, both on and off the job.
editor’s note: weather permitting, downtown heliport flight-seeing tours operate seven days a week, May to o ctober. reservations are recommended. For more information, please call helijet charters at 1.800.987.4354.
ELI j ET F LEET
For information on aircraft fleet specifications and capabilities, please visit helijet.com/charter
Sikorsky S76A
Bell 206L3 LongRanger
Sikorsky S76C+ (BC Ambulance Service)
Learjet 31A
EXCURSIONS
West Coast CheCklist
Essential outdoor experiences for summer
By Su E K Ernag H an
IT ’S SuMMERTIME and the living is busy — especially on the West Coast, where long lazy days quickly fill with beachcombing, wilderness hikes, scuba diving, wine touring and even zipping across treetops at unnatural speeds. The trick is not what to do, but how to fit it all in. Indeed, there’s more outdoor adventure to be had between June and September on the Coast than most people could fit into a lifetime of summers.
Where to start? The options are seemingly limitless, but here is a checklist of 10 activities for a fabulous summer on the Coast.
1. Hit the Beach Bucket and spade, surfboard, or juicy paperback? Whatever your style, there is a beach somewhere perfect for you.
Classics include Long Beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this 16-kilometre (10-mile) long, surftossed, driftwood-strewn strand is popular, but even in peak season beachcombers can usually find a private spot to watch the big waves roll in from Japan.
On Van Isle’s flip-side, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville is one of B.C.’s most family-friendly beaches, with a long stretch of sand (the tide recedes almost a kilometre), a seaside campsite, and some of the warmest ocean water in the province.
Even office-bound Vancouverites have plenty of places to lay their towels: top in-town choices include the picnic-ready lawns at Spanish Banks, Stanley Park’s off-the-radar Third Beach, and the endless people-watching action at English Bay.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit.aspx Rathtrevor Provincial Park : env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rathtrevor/ Vancouver Parks Board: vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/
tourism vancouver/Jo H n
2. Where the Wild Things Are
Humans aren’t the only creatures emerging in nature this time of year. Summer is also the best time to see orca, dolphins, bears and other critters in their natural habitats.
Some of those habitats are closer than you might think. About 85 orca, or killer whales, live year-round in Georgia Strait and are easily seen on day trips from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Another 250 individuals reside in Johnstone Strait, off Vancouver Island’s northeast coast; you can visit them by boat or even kayak from Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill or Alert Bay.
Spring is the time to see grey whales migrate in their thousands along the Pacific Rim, but resident greys can be seen in the Tofino and ucluelet area all summer. Black bears are also easily spotted in the area; Remote Passages Marine Excursions and Jamie’s Whaling Station in Tofino both offer whale and bear watching tours. Like all responsible wildlife watching operators, they keep a safe distance so as not to disturb the animals. The Pacific Whale Watch Association: pacificwhalewatch.org Remote Passages Marine Excursions: remotepassages.com jamie’s Whaling Station: jamies.com
3. zip It
Flying over forests at 80 klicks an hour, strapped to a metal cable? If that sounds like fun, you’re in the right place. You can try ziplining at Grouse Mountain, where a five-line circuit sends you sailing over the treetops, or in Sooke, where Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours offers a range of experiences, including zipping by moonlight. WildPlay Parks have six locations around the province, offering zipping, aerial obstacle courses and even — at the Nanaimo location — bungee jumping. North America’s longest zipline network is at Whistler, where Ziptrek Ecotours’ 10 lines add up to almost two-and-a-half kilometres of canopy sailing; the longest line drops more than 20 stories from start to finish.
B.C.’s West Coast is one of North America’s best places to cast a line. Fishing charters leave from Campbell River, the self-proclaimed Salmon Capital of the World, on the east coast and from Tofino, ucluelet, Port Alberni and Bamfield on the west.
Victoria-based Oak Bay Marine Group operates several of B.C.’s more storied fishing lodges on Vancouver Island, including the Canadian Princess Resort in ucluelet, where fishers can bunk down in a 1932 hydrographic survey ship. Around the Lower Mainland, Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay or the Ocean Adventure Center at the Westin Bayshore Hotel on Vancouver’s Coal Harbour can have you out on the water in no time. But for amazing world-class salmon fishing, few places can compete with Haida Gwaii (formerly, the Queen Charlotte Islands). Helijet serves several sport-fishing lodges in the islands, including Langara Lodges, West Coast Resorts, Queen Charlotte Lodge, Peregrine Lodge and West Coast Fishing Club. obmg.com
sewellsmarina.com
oceanadventurecenter.com
langara.com
westcoastresorts.com
queencharlottelodge.com
peregrinelodge.com
westcoastfishingclub.com
tourism bc / tom ryan tourism b ritis H columbia
G art H eic H el PH oto
5. Tour Wine Country
Sipping and sampling your way from vineyard to winery patio is one of the more pleasant ways to spend a summer’s day. In the Okanagan Valley, where more than 100 vineyards soak up the lakeside sun, wine touring is big business with restaurants, cellar tours and offbeat architecture all tempting travellers. Top hits include Mission Hill Family Estate Winery with its outdoor amphitheatre and clock tower, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery, where organic wines are aged in a replica Egyptian pyramid. Catch, if you can, the Summer Okanagan Wine Festival, which brings more than 30 events to the valley in mid-July.
B.C.’s smaller wine regions: southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, the Similkameen Valley just west of the Okanagan, and the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, all offer a more low key, farm-gate, meet-the-grower kind of wine touring experience. Several wineries, meaderies and cideries have their own on-site bistros with vineyard-view dining patios.
winebc.org winetrails.ca thewinefestivals.com
6. Catch a Wave
Open ocean, big waves and miles of sandy beach: no wonder the west coast of Vancouver Island is Canada’s top surf spot. Granted, the look is more head-to-toe neoprene than floral board shorts, but ocean temperature aside the conditions are excellent.
Tofino and ucluelet are B.C.’s two top surf towns, with several outfitters ready to show newbies the ropes. Try Surf Sister Surf School or Pacific Surf School.
For something a little wilder, book a surfing safari to Nootka Island with Tatchu Adventures. They operate Canada’s only wilderness surf camp, complete with funky treehouse accommodation, lessons, gear, and all the deserted beach breaks you can handle. surfsister.com pacificsurfschool.com tatchuadventures.com
7. Cruise the Inside Passage
Who needs a cruise ship?
To explore the fabled Inside Passage just hop on a ferry. BC Ferries’ northern e xpedition regularly sails among coastal fjords and islands between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert. There’s no ballroom or casino, but the vessel does boast staterooms, a restaurant, and access to some of the best scenery on the planet. Summer sailings run alternate days in each direction and take about 15 hours — all in daylight.
BC Ferries’ Discovery Coast Passage is an even more adventurous route. From Port Hardy, the Queen of chilliwack sails to such remote mid-coast outports as Klemtu, Bella Bella and Shearwater before heading up a deep fjord to Bella Coola.
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, dial up the thrills with a small boat voyage: Bluewater Adventures and Maple Leaf Adventures both offer small group sailing journeys along the coast and onward to Haida Gwaii, and Mothership Adventures offers sea kayaking and eco cruise tours from the comfort of a classic 68-foot wooden boat.
bcferries.ca
mapleleafadventures.com
bluewateradventures.ca
mothershipadventures.com
8. Walk on the Wild Side
If you’ve got six days to spare for your bucket list, maybe this is the year for the West Coast Trail. This iconic coastal trek ranks as one of the world’s more rewarding multi-day hikes, but it is not for the faint of heart. Winding along 75 km of rugged coastline, the trail requires considerable planning, stamina and resilience.
A less taxing option is the lesser known, but equally scenic, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, just west of Sooke on the island’s southwest shore. This 47-km (29-mile) trail has all the driftwood, sea stacks and tidal pools of its more famous neighbour but, with several trailheads, it can be tackled in day-sized bites.
On the mainland, classic hikes include the 42-kilometre (25-mile) Baden-Powell Trail, which runs across the North Shore from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove, and, of course, that Vancouver rite of passage: the Grouse Grind. Just half an hour from downtown, this stairmaster-like trek (hikers climb 853 meters over a scant three klicks) does bring rewards: a pint at the peak, 360 degree views over the city, and a gondola ride back down.
West Coast Trail: pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/ activ6a/v.aspx
juan de Fuca Marine Trail: env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ Vancouvertrails.com Grousemountain.com
9. Explore the Emerald Sea
If you’re a scuba diver you probably know that B.C. is one of the world’s top dive destinations, home to some of the clearest water and richest submarine habitats on the planet.
If you’re not, maybe it’s time to find out what all the fuss is about; a short course can have you underwater, exploring sponge gardens and face to face with wolf eels in no time.
Ocean Quest Dive Centre in Vancouver can get you started with a two-weekend PADI Open Water Diver program. In Victoria, Ogden Point Dive Centre offers brief introductory classes and full PADI courses. Rockfish Divers runs courses and charters from both Victoria’s Adventure Centre and the Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa on the Saanich Peninsula. diveoceanquest.com divevictoria.com rockfishdivers.com
10. Hug a tree
To hug a tree in B.C. you may need half a dozen friends to help — some of our bigger firs and spruces measure several metres around.
One of the easiest places to see some truly ancient specimens is at Cathedral Grove in Vancouver Island’s MacMillan Provincial Park. These Douglas firs, some more than 800 years old, create a cathedral-like effect as they tower overhead. Also on Vancouver Island is the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, a wilderness park reached only by logging roads in the island’s southwest corner. This relatively new park protects some of the biggest and oldest spruce trees in the world; between 800 and 1,000 years old, they reach up to 95 meters into the forest canopy.
BC Parks: env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/
s cott s tevenson PH oto
Delicate Delicacy
T HuRSDAY NIGHT is date night for my fiancé and I. Each week we try to find some place new that suits our palate and purse strings, but that can sometimes be a struggle in Victoria during the summer months when local restaurants change their menus (and their prices) to cash in on visiting tourists. As such, it was nice to discover that Chef Colin Davidson at the Oswego Hotel’s O Bistro had developed a new summer menu that combines exotic variety with down-to-earth affordability. As you might expect, my partner is starving herself to perfection in the lead up to our summer wedding. She is in perpetual search for the perfect
O Bistro delivers smoked tuna salad for summer
summer salad that will leave her satisfied without guilt or consequence. No surprise then that she was delighted to see Chef Davidson’s new creation on the menu, an elegant and artistic smoked tuna salad with artisan greens, avocado vinaigrette, cucumber, citrus wasabi pearls and tortilla crisps. What is more, at $12 it was well within our (my) budget. We ordered two.
When our meal arrived we were impressed by the colour and visual pre-sentation. Pink slices of smoked tuna are layered between cucumber slices, and adorned with a ribbon of transluscent yellow citrus wasabi pearls, juxtaposed by a mound of purple and green artisan greens, glistening with avocado vinaigrette. Framed by cherry tomatoes, the whole creation is topped with a nest of golden tortilla crisps.
Digging into the tuna and pearls I was impressed by how delicate the fish was. Cold smoked, it had the texture of fine sashimi and delicate flavour without overpowering smokiness, thus allowing the pearls to dissolve, into a zingy mélange of sweet and citrus tart freshness. The salad compliments the fish nicely with tender greens coated in a velvety sweet avocado vinaigrette that has just a hint of fresh herb and spice.
“The albacore tuna is super light on smoke, which lets the natural flavor of the fish come out . . . and the vinaigrette is almost like a pureed gazpacho,” says Davidson, adding, “I just love the food, the freshness, and the range of seafood we have to work with here on the West Coast.”
As for a wine pairing, Davidson recommended a Mt. Boucherie Estate 2010 Riesling. The citrus aromas, tropical fruitiness and slight minerality of this B.C. wine make it an agile partner for the delicate flavours of the cold-smoked tuna and pearls, as well as the vinaigrette dressing.
Picking the last of the citrus wasabi pearls off my plate, I resolved to try something different on the menu next time (the duck confit perogies spoke to me), but some times it’s hard to part with a menu item you just know to be a winner.
new on the menu at o Bistro this summer is chef colin Davidson’s smoked albacore tuna salad with citrus wasabi pearls and artisan greens.
CGA-more.org
Rich Harvey, CGA Hockey Finance Manager Bauer Canada
At Royal Roads University, students are challenged to question everything, including themselves. During intensive small group on-campus residencies, personal growth runs parallel with academic achievement. At the end of their programs, students are not only surprised at how much they’ve learned and accomplished, but also at how much they’ve changed and grown as individuals.
