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In-Flight Review Magazine
Publisher: Garth Eichel
Editor: Jane Burgess
Graphic Design: Brent Foote
Contributors
Jane Burgess, Garth Eichel, Owen McClung-Sitnam
For information on display advertising opportunities, email: garth@archipelagomedia.com
Published by
Archipelago Media Ltd. 1248 Woodway Road Victoria BC V9A 6Y6 Tel 250.882.7878 archipelagomedia.com
Complimentary Copy ISSN 1916-5080
In-Flight Review Summer 2024 Vol. 17 No. 2
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.
HELIJET FLEET
SIKORSKY S-76A
SIKORSKY S-76C+
SIKORSKY S-76C++
EUROCOPTER AS350 B2
LEARJET 31A/ER
HeliHealthcare
Bridging the healthcare gap in remote and rural BC
By Owen McClung-Sitnam, CEO Helicopters Without Borders
Ihave been flying helicopters for 13 years, mostly in remote parts of Canada. Seven years ago, while supporting firefighting efforts in Northern Ontario, I stayed with a family in a 400-people fly-incommunity on the Nibinamik First Nation. It was an eye opener. I came to appreciate the resilience necessary to live in isolated communities.
Helicopters Without Borders (HWB) has been developed over several years: it is a way to honour Indigenous peoples in our province via aviation. Since 2021, we have been delivering health services to remote communities in British Columbia. The ultimate goal is to realize a province where everyone, regardless of location, has access to basic healthcare.
Many of the communities we work with have minimal or no road access. One of our goals with our partners — including the First Nations Health Authority and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council — is to ensure more healthcare workers can reach underserved communities. Currently, HWB transports approximately 270 healthcare staff annually, reaching nearly 3,000 people, with services ranging from primary care to food security programs. In the past year alone, we have conducted over 700 clinical sessions, providing care in BC’s most remote communities.
In February 2023 HWB launched a full scale, Fly-in Dental Clinic Program. This inaugural concept consisted of one helicopter, four dental professionals and an entire dental clinic setup. We were not sure
what to expect, but after three days we had seen 95% of the community and saved the province tens of thousands of dollars in transportation costs by providing in-community treatment. Today, this fly-in program serves five communities and includes optometry and audiology clinics.
We deliver these clinics right to our partner communities’ doorsteps, providing healthcare closer to home. The impact of getting your healthcare where you live, where you are comfortable and surrounded by friends and family, cannot be underestimated.
Our mobile fly-in clinics are increasingly requested in locations without clinical infrastructure. As a registered charity, our ability to scale up our air services is directly correlated to our ability to raise funds. As the HWB name gains visibility and understanding, we are building long-term partnerships with individuals and organizations that share our vision.
All of this is made possible thanks to invaluable mentorship from the communities we work with, the support of health authorities and the unwavering commitment of our staff, volunteers and donors, such as the Helijet team. The HWB community is working towards extending our model and programs province-wide, revolutionizing the delivery of health and wellness across British Columbia.
Visit helicopterswithoutborders.org for more information on how to ensure that every individual has access to basic healthcare, or inquire by phone at (604) 908-2980.
Owen McClung-Sitnam, CEO, Helicopters Without Borders (at left), with residents of the Wuikinuxv First Nation whose traditional territory is the shores of Rivers Inlet and Owikeno Lake in BC’s Central Coast region.
AGENDA
TWELFTH NIGHT
JUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 21: VANCOUVER
Disguises, laughs, adventure and self-discovery are at the heart of this topsy-turvy Shakespeare carnival romance, Twelfth Night. Original music from beloved Vancouver singer-songwriter Veda Hille heightens the mood. Under the big top, there are fireworks on stage, and even more outside during the Celebration of Light, July 20, 24 & 27. bardonthebeach.org
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
JUNE 21-23, 2024: COMOX VALLEY
Brunch seafood cookouts, oyster bar happy hour, chef masterclasses and seafood demos with fresh; local ingredients like crab, Pacific halibut, Fanny Bay oysters and Saltspring Island mussels. East Coast meets West at this three-day kitchen party and seafood bounty gala! bcseafoodfestival.com
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
JULY – AUGUST 2024: VANCOUVER
Can the irrepressible power of rock and roll compete with curious cats and feisty felines? To find out, visit Stanley Park to check out School of Rock and CATS, two classic Broadway musicals sure to inspire memories and some air guitar. tuts.ca
VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL JAZZFEST
JUNE 21-30, 2024: VICTORIA
Jazz, blues, funk, world and more: it’s 10 hot days and nights of the coolest music on Vancouver Island. Choose from free outdoor performances and workshops to ticketed shows featuring performances from the likes of Booker T.’s Stax Revue, Lakecia Benjamin, March Fourth and Blue Moon Marquee. jazzvictoria.ca
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
JUNE 21-30, 2024 : VANCOUVER
Grown out of the local jazz scene, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival is a week of free concerts, premium ticketed events and local, national and international musicians ready to set a cool vibe on hot summer days and nights. coastaljazz.ca
Bard on the Beach from above by Tim Matheson.
Malkin Bowl, Photo by Shawn Bukhari.
Veronica Swift, playing the Victoria and Vancouver Jazz festivals. Photo by Matt Baker.
Employee
We collaborate to create sustainable plans that employees value. hubinternational.com
Robert Taylor Executive Vice President Group Retirement Services (604) 714-4410 robert.taylor@hubinternational.com
VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
JULY – AUGUST 2024: VANCOUVER ISLAND
Celebrating its 29th season, VIS is keeping music alive across Vancouver Island this summer with 15 concerts in five beautiful gardens from Yellow Point and Cedar by the Sea to Nanaimo, Parksville and Comox. vancouverislandsymphony.com
ROLLING STONES’ HACKNEY DIAMONDS
JULY 5, 2024: VANCOUVER
Fan favourites Start Me Up, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Satisfaction and more are sure to feature with new tunes from The Stones’ latest album Hackney Diamonds, on their fifth visit to BC Place since 1989.
rollingstones.com
FVDED IN THE PARK SUMMER FESTIVAL
JULY 5-6, 2024: SURREY
Get your festival gear ready for two days of worldclass DJs and EDM in Surrey’s scenic Holland Park. Featured artists include Swedish House Mafia, Diplo, Coco & Breezy, Aluna and Nora En Pure. fvdedinthepark.com
PARKSVILLE BEER FESTIVAL
JULY 6, 2024: PARKSVILLE
This very first Parksville Beer Festival is showcasing 28 purveyors of the best local brews. From Ile Sauvage sours to Cherry Creek, Sea and Saltspring Wild ciders, Ucluelet and Fern + Cedar IPAs to Devil’s Bath bevies, you’ll be spoiled for choice. parksvillebeerfestival.com
47TH ANNUALVANCOUVER FOLK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
JULY 19 – 21, 2024: VANCOUVER
This festival is a Canadian institution. Celebrated at Jericho Beach Park, tickets go fast for the 40 local and international acts spreading good vibes with the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music. Not-to-be-missed acts include PIQSIQ, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Second Moon and Mel Parsons. thefestival.bc.ca
BATHTUB WEEKEND
JULY 26-28, 2024: NANAIMO
Every summer the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society hosts the main event: the World Championship Bathtub Race. Horse-powered tubs cross the finish line at Maffeo Sutton Park where the spectators and racers alike enjoy the beer garden and live music post-soak. bathtubbing.com
SUNFEST COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
AUGUST 1-4, 2024: LAKE COWICHAN
Saddle up, grab your hat and make your way to Laketown Ranch, home to BC’s largest country music festival! Keith Urban headlines with Lee Brice and The Washboard Union, with support from acoustic and electric up-and-comers against a backdrop of art installations and sun-kissed nature. sunfestconcerts.com
OLIVIA RODRIGO’S GUTS WORLD TOUR
AUGUST 9, 2024: VANCOUVER
American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo is on a 60date arena tour for her wildly popular sophomore album GUTS. Bangers include Bad idea, right?, Vampire, and I’m obsessed with your ex. Part of your ticket price will go to community-based non-profits supporting girls and women, so wear your merch with pride. oliviarodrigo.com
Twelfth Night Aidan Correia and Camille Legg
Photo: Emily Cooper
EXPLORE THE
Eat. Stay. . E .
Haida Gwaii’s North Beach
Finding the wild and supernatural at the edge of the world
According to Haida legend, it was at North Beach where Raven, the trickster, brought people into the world by coaxing them out of a clam shell.
It’s along the northernmost coast of Haida Gwaii, a collection of 150 islands off the far north coast of British Columbia, framing the Pacific Ocean, that you’ll find North Beach. And it lives up to its reputation as the origin of creation.
North Beach offers hiking, camping, fishing, boat tours and beachcombing. There’s worldclass birdwatching, golfing, biking, off-roading, fishing, kayaking, and if you’re brave enough, surfing. Food is fresh, foraged and wild; there are Dungeness crab boils, razor neck clams and wild salmon. If you need a rush, fresh air and a connection to nature, it’s here you’ll feel truly alive, maybe even reborn.
Walk on the wild side
Hike for minutes or pack your best gear and ramble for days. Follow boardwalks through moss-covered old growth to the top of Tow Hill. From this basalt tower you can see Graham Island’s coastline, endless ocean and even Alaska. At low tide, follow Rose Spit, a long finger of tidal sand on the northeast tip of the island, a windy, log-strewn landscape. With a flooding tide and strong swells, check out The Blow Hole, a natural fountain that can shoot sea spray up to 20 feet in the air. For a more meditative pace, beachcomb along Agate Beach for treasures like sperm whale teeth, sand dollars, agate and even Japanese glass fishing floats.
Conservation here is a way of life. Protected areas like Naikoon Provincial Park, Delkatla Wildlife Sanc-
tuary, Tow Hill Ecological Reserve host gray whales, sea lions and seals, black bears and over 140 migratory birds, like the rarely seen Cattle Egret, Tufted Duck, Bar-tailed Godwit and Wood Sandpiper. Book a tour or simply be still and wait: both guarantee remarkable encounters.
Know before you go
Be prepared! Bring clothing and gear for all weather, with the understanding you’ll get wet by sea, land or air. Check tidal tables before beach walks and the ocean currents before kayaking, and always let your hosts know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Getting there
There are direct flights to Masset and Sandspit from Vancouver and Prince Rupert. Commercial and charter float planes and helicopters are available at Sandspit, Daajing Giids (formerly Queen Charlotte City) and Masset. Tow Hill is a 30-minute drive east of Masset.
Gateway to Gwaii Haanas
SITUATED ON THE northeastern tip of Moresby Island, the village of Sandspit, (K’il Kun or K’il Llnagaay) is the southernmost community on Haida Gwaii and the only community on Moresby Island. Set on a spit extending out into Hecate Strait, the village is surrounded by old growth forests, clear rivers, gorgeous beaches and unique tidal systems.
Accommodations are limited in Sandspit, but Hekate’s Retreat is a new property offering a variety of amenities and restaurant dining.
Located near the point of entry into Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, the Retreat also makes for an ideal basecamp for adventurers venturing to and from the National Park Reserve.
There are several accommodations to choose from at Hekate’s Retreat, including: a restored 1908 homestead house that sleeps eight; cozy Fairway Cabins for two; or RV rentals, as well as serviced camping sites. Then stargaze from the warmth of your very own firepit.
To learn more about what’s on offer visit hekatesretreat.ca.
Explore Haida Gwaii with E-bikes from AdventureCo at Hekate’s Retreat.
Haida Heritage Centre, photo by Mary Helmer.
Pi CKS Parksville
The oceanside community of Parksville was once a sleepy seaside town where retirees went to live out their days. No more. This Vancouver Island community is fast becoming a major tourist destination with a wide range of year-round activities and attractions. To that end, consider the following when making your vacation plans.
11 Year-Round Activities & Attractions
1. Beachcombing
Considered by many to be “Canada’s Riviera”, Parksville is rimmed by numerous expansive beaches that are perfect for long nature walks. In some places, such as Rathtrevor Beach Park, the ocean recedes nearly a full kilometre at low tide. Here beachcombers can don a pair of rubber boots — or better still go barefoot — and explore the broad tidal flats, which host an abundance of curious marine critters, and those that feed on them.
You can also tour Parksville’s beachfront along the Waterfront Walkway. This 445-metre boardwalk is a popular stroll for visitors and locals alike.
The area’s beaches also provide the sand necessary for the popular Parksville Beach Festival, July 11 to August 18. Known by locals as “Beachfest”, this five-and-a-half week summer festival features sand-sculpting competitions, outdoor concerts and myriad markets and events. For more details visit parksvillebeachfest.ca
2. Seafood Fix
High on the list for any seafood lover is a visit to French Creek Harbour. This working marina provides safe haven to numerous commercial fishing vessels, some of which sell their catch right from the boat. Visitors can also stop in at French Creek Seafood’s store and choose from a wide selection of ocean delights. Alternatively, those wanting seafood on the spot can get their fishand-chips fix at French Creek Pub.
French Creek Harbour also offers regular whale watching tours, local fishing charters, and easy access to the Lasqueti Island Ferry. For more information check out frenchcreekharbour.ca
Photo courtesy of Tigh-Na-Mara Resort
3. Birds in Paradise
The broad beaches that draw thousands of visitors to Parksville each year also attract a wide range of birds, both resident and migratory.
Be sure to bring binoculars to get a better view of countless shorebirds that come to dine on the mud flats and river estuaries, including sandpipers, plovers, oystercatchers, and curlews, among others. The diversity of ecosystems and abundance of food here makes it ideal for other bird groups, including waterfowl, songbirds, forest birds, upland birds and raptors.
The habitat spanning Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island is an officially designated Important Bird Area (IBA) of global importance that draws bird watchers — or “birders” as they call themselves — from all over the world.
Birdwatching is popular throughout the year, but spring is the best time to see migratory birds, such as
the unique Brant Goose, which pit-stops in the area to feed during their annual migration from Mexico to the Arctic. The annual Brant Wildlife Festival in the first week of April pays special tribute to our feathered friends. Learn more at brantfestival.bc.ca.
4. Subterranean Discovery
It took a long time for the forces of nature to create the subterranean work of art known as the Horne Lake Caves. About 250 millions years, more or less. That’s when an ancient sea floor comprised of decomposed marine creatures compressed into sedimentary limestone, which tectonic forces eventually lifted to the surface in the shape of Vancouver Island.
Sedimentary limestone is a water-soluble rock. Over successive ice ages, large volumes of meltwater under high pressure passed through cracks in the rock eroding it and causing fissures to expand into caves. Some of the
5. DIP-N-DINE
The award-winning Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort has long been regarded one of the best wellness spas in North America for the past 20 years. More so now since the recent completion of a $2.5 million multifaceted renovation that includes fully renovated locker rooms, outdoor showers, and the introduction of four cedar-barrel saunas set beside an outdoor garden patio boasting lounge chairs and stone fire tables. Designed to emulate a natural stone grotto, the spa’s signature indoor environment is a warm-water pool infused with minerals and trace elements to detoxify the body and rejuvenate the spirit. Surrounding the mineral pool are invigorating cool-splash waterfalls, a relaxing whirlpool, and peaceful lounge areas. Many guests enjoy the mineral pool, saunas and outdoor patio as the focus of their stay, while others opt to customize their visit by adding a favourite spa treatment.
best — and most accessible — are found at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, about 35 km from Parksville. There are multiple caves to discover here. Two small caves can easily be investigated without a guide, but the larger and more challenging caves are best explored on guided tours offered by Horne Lake Caves.
The Centre provides a variety of tours ranging in duration and difficulty from an hour-and-a-half Family Cavern tour up to a five-hour Extreme Rappel tour involving climbing, cable ladders, crawling through narrow holes and rock passageways and a rappel down a seven-storey waterfall into the depths of a cave. For more information visit hornelake.com
BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE OCEAN
A distinctively iconic oceanfront Hotel and Restaurant in downtown Parksville.
CELEBRATE & COLLABORATE
The Bayside is an ideal venue for both corporate and private functions in one of our three dedicated banquet rooms. Enjoy an expansive catering menu with full service for your next event.
STAY WITH US
But for the ultimate Grotto experience one has to include a fine dining meal afterwards in the Spa’s upstairs Treetop Tapas & Grill. Here renowned Chef Lukas Exelby turns local ingredients into delicious works of art, each telling its own story.
No mystery why the Grotto was voted the Number 1 Spa in Canada this year by Spas of America! Find out the full range of offerings at grottospa.com
Experience West Coast luxury in our sophisticated rooms. The hotel amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, squash court and gym. Relax at The Ocean Blue Day Spa on site where you can choose from multiple spa treatments and unwind. We also have The Bay Cafe serving locally roasted coffee and house-made pastries and sandwiches to-go.
RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Our executive Chef’s focus is on fresh seasonal ingredients from light tapas to full entrees. Come dine with us and enjoy our amazing view of the Salish Sea with live music every weekend. Drop in to our lounge and enjoy local beers on tap, and our extensive menu of appetizers and entrees. Happy hour runs daily 3-5pm and 8-10pm.
Contact Sales - Marc Terrillon 250-905-0108 www.baysideresortparksville.com
6. Nurture in Nature
Parksville is surrounded by parks that are picture perfect for plugging back into nature. Rathtrevor Park extends into the sea by a full kilometre at low tide, revealing tidal pools and warm sand that extends along its five-kilometre coastline. Top Bridge Park has summer swimming holes, a suspension bridge and if you can find them on a ramble down the lazy Englishman River, petroglyphs. Further south in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are two mesmerizing waterfalls cascading alongside the trail into the canyons below, creating a misty, mossy forestscape.
7. Land o’ Links
Few places in BC boast a higher concentration of golf courses than Parksville and nearby Qualicum Beach. Here you can choose from six different 18-hole courses, two 9-hole options and for the extra fierce, two minigolf adventures. Public tee times are available at Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club, Eaglecrest, Fairwinds, Morningstar, and Crown Isle Golf and Community Resort. For a shorter game, try the 9-hole Qualicum Beach Memorial and Brigadoon Golf Courses. If you’ve forgotten your clubs and mini-golf is more your speed, head to Paradise Seaside Resort, or the Riptide Lagoon Adventure.
8. McMillan Arts Centre
McMillan Arts Centre is a great place to start your culture crawl. Inspire your natural creativity with one of their workshops or artists talks. From oil and watercolour-filled galleries to pottery studios and drama from the Echo Players, arts and culture are Parksville draws. More information available at mcmillanartscentre.com.
9. Coombs and Cathedral Grove
If nature is your religion, be sure to visit Cathedral Grove. Here you’ll see what Vancouver Island forests looked like centuries ago, populated by Grand Firs, Western Hemlocks, Western Red Cedars, and an 800-year-old giant Douglas Fir. Wander around the trails or simply gaze up at these massive evergreen miracles. On your way, stop at Coombs’ Old Country Market for picnic supplies and quickly reject the thought that the goats on their grass roof would be a great idea for keeping your own lawn trim. Plan your visit at bcparks.ca/macmillan-park
10. Blessed are the Cheesemakers
Artisan cheeses, made fresh from happy, field-fed cows is a local specialty. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks makes everything from simple to savoury, like Qualicum Spice and a soft-ripened, bloomy brie. After a guided tour of Morningstar Farm, head to BoMé Cheese near Coombs for a slice of their Arrowsmith Swiss and their Four Seasons cheeses, infused with spring herbs and sweet summer straw.
11. Lovely Libations
Craft brewing is attracting attention to Parksville. So much so that this summer marks the inaugural Parksville Beer Festival, July 6, with the best from the West. Farm-to-tap keep several local award-winning favourites hopping, like Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company’s Blonde, Sprut and IPA, and Loveshack Libations’ German Pils. For additional bites, pivot from nano brewing to gastro pubs, like Fern + Cedar and the Rusted Rake, both serving gourmet farm-to-table meals with their own fresh pints and rotating taps. Check out all the local brews at parksvillebeerfestival.com.
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