Salt magazine

S P R I NG / S U M M E R 2 015

REAL ESTATE

LUXURY LIFESTYLE LIVING

WEST COAST STYLE DEFINED

Making the dream a reality

BOATING

The de Havilland Beaver

YOUR TAXI INTO THE WILD

ON THE

WATER

+

Coastal marine adventures

PERFECT GETAWAY

April Point Resort & Spa

ISLAND HOMES:

Bringing the Outdoors In

LI F E STYLE | R EAL E STATE | H O M E S | FO O D | TRAVE L

Telegraph Cove. dIScoveR the beSt kept SecRet on noRtheRn vancouveR ISland.

Nature Calls See a whale. In the wIld.

rated “excellent”

ReSeRvatIonS 1-800-665-3066

www.stubbs-island.com

Scan here for Your excluSive tour Sneak peek!

W

LISA WILLIAMS Consistently Victoria’s Top Selling Agent . . .

uPlaNds

North saaNich

North saaNich

3150 tarN Place

955 KaNishay rd

480 duNMora ct

$2,495,000

$6,480,000

$6,388,000 iNcredible WaterfroNt estate located on a private cul-de-sac in the ‘Uplands’, Victoria’s most exclusive neighbourhood! The 7800 sq.ft. home has been beautifully renovated & upgraded with 4-5 bedrms, 6 bths, expansive living, dining, kitchen, family & entertaining areas, plus seaside ‘tea house/ cabana’, gated & manicured property & incredible low-bank frontage w/amazing views & sun all day!

stuNNiNG 7.27 acre property with luxurious brand new 3400 sq.ft. one-level west coast home!

Gorgeous finishing w/open & airy design, beautiful HW flrs, top quality fixtures/appliances & tons of natural light! Extremely private, sunny property includes 275’ x 150’ all-weather riding ring, jumping field, paddocks, 5-stall barn w/tack rm & bath, huge workshop, heated garage, storage areas, green houses & more!

sPectacular WaterfroNt estate on 5.8 pristine acres complete with private 50’ DEEPWATER DOCK! Gracious & elegant 9300 sq.ft. main res. boasts world-class views from all main rooms, w/luxurious custom features, elevator, sunroom, games/media rms, library & more, PLUS guest cottage, barn & paddock, with WORLD-CLASS BOATING & FISHING right at your fingertips!

coMiNG this sPriNG!

North saaNich 1825 MariNa Way

$1,588,000 GorGeous 5 bed/5 bth, 5800 sq.ft. custom home on upscale Marina Way! Dramatic hi-ceilings, oversized rms, huge windows, incredible master suite w/gorgeous ocean/ marina views. Beautifully manicured s-facing .5 acre property totally private . . . moor your boat at the adjacent marina! Just 5 mins from Sidney & 30 mins to downtown Victoria!

3 New uplands listings from $1,948,000 contact lisa for info package

oaK bay 518 beach drive

$1,548,000 chic & luxurious ‘as new’ 3-4 bedrm PLUS office home showcasing incredible ocean & Olympic Mt. views from all main rooms! Massive great rm, gourmet kitchen, luxurious master suite, HW & marble flrs, 850 sq.ft. deck & so much more! Sunny s-facing property adjoins Anderson Hill park & across the street from beach; just 5 mins from downtown!

Lisa Williams offers professional & personalized service combined with the BEST INTERNATIONAL MARKETING STRATEGY and a commitment to achieving the BEST RESULTS FOR YOU

c: 250•514•1966 L I K E N O OT H E R sothebysrealty.ca

Lisa@lisawilliams.ca Independently Owned and Operated

www.LisaWilliams.ca

CONTENTS • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

36

On the Water There’s just no better way to explore the natural and cultural intricacies of the waters in and around Vancouver Island than by boat.

BY ALEX VAN TOL

12 Island Culture

Hand-crafted guitars, bird sanctuaries, bioluminescence in Parksville-Qualicum Beach, local gin, pottery and paintings, Mystic Beach, endless golf, and more.

12

42

Into the Wild Forty-some years since the last one was built, the de Havilland Beaver is still the taxi to the remote wilderness.

BY ANDREW FINDLAY

48 42 4 SALT

48

The Perfect Getaway April Point Resort and Spa: a fishing lodge, plus a whole lot more.

BY MIKE WICKS

.com

ING BETT ILD

O N VA

NC

OU

years VER

HOMES ER

BU

Find us on:

ISLAN

D

New Build: Mermaid Manor - Protection Island

WHAT DOES YOUR

VANCOUVER ISLAND PARADISE

LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

With our custom design service and talented team of craftsmen, we can help design and build your version of paradise. Our awardwinning energy efficient style will give you the peace of mind you deserve in your new home, cottage, or renovation.

Isn’t it time that you had yours?

Pheasant Hill Homes

www.BuildBetterHomes.ca CUSTOM HOMES • RENOVATIONS • FULL DESIGN SERVICE

Ltd.

Call us to discuss your next project.

250 618 6880

CONTENTS • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

28

Island Homes The Eagles Aerie home in Courtenay is all about light and air and bringing the outdoors in.

BY DAVID LENNAM

DEPARTMENTS 22

ON THE M ENU Food re-imagined

BY SHELORA SHELDAN

24

22

LOCAL FL AVOURS Charcuterie

BY DAVID LENNAM

52

HOM E DESIGN The essence of West Coast style

BY ADRIENNE DYER

56

RE AL ESTATE Lifestyle living

BY SHANNON MONEO

60

60

BOATING Making it reality

BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI

62

SPECIAL PL ACES Sidney by the sea

BY DANIELLE POPE

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 YOUR VIEW

62 6 SALT

12 ISLAND CULTURE 66 LOCAL FAVOURITE

EDITOR’S NOTE

BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI

THE FIRST TIME I WENT FISHING for salmon, I wasn’t even in a boat. I had crawled out onto the rocks at the east end of French Beach on a sunny August morning and was casting with my new rod and reel.

I was just learning to cast and was more concerned with practising the technique than with the fishing itself. That made it all the more surprising when I felt a sudden tug on the line. I assumed I was just caught on something (again) and hoped I wasn’t going to lose (another) lure.

But then the whole rod started moving — I actually had a fish on!

The feeling of a salmon on a fishing line is something that has to be experienced.

Salmon are stronger and more acrobatic than you might think, especially coho, which is what I had on my line that day. It was just the first of many fishing adventures that followed and not just for salmon, but also for halibut, crab, oysters, spot prawns, steelhead, bass, trout, and even lingcod.

I learned to read and understand the regulations and spent hours looking at maps of fishing areas. I studied the fish — the various species, how to identify them, and their life cycles. It was information that certainly came in handy when I became editor of a fishing guide a couple of years later. But besides learning to fish, I gained a deep appreciation for the fish themselves and for the environment they live in, whether it is the Pacific or an Island lake or river. I liked sport fishing, but I also supported the measures taken to protect the species and the waterways.

When the Vancouver Aquarium initiated the Ocean Wise program a decade ago, I was impressed. Ocean Wise was created to educate everyone toward making sustainable seafood choices to help prevent overfishing. It started small in Vancouver and Victoria, with a few restaurants and shops participating — a symbol that allowed people shopping or dining to identify ocean-friendly, sustainable options. A cookbook was available to help people turn less familiar species into dinner.

Now, Ocean Wise is a Canada-wide program with more than 525 participating businesses in more than 2,000 locations. It is the official stamp of approval for conservation-minded seafood fans like me, who want to keep eating fish and supporting the fisheries without endangering the species and the waterways that make recreational fishing so much fun.

This spring, the Vancouver Aquarium launched a new edition of their cookbook.

The Ocean Wise Cookbook 2: More Seafood Recipes that are Good for the Planet continues where the first one left off and includes an updated, comprehensive list of sustainable fish, marked by region so you can pick out B.C. products.

The best part is that some of the recipes come from Island culinary stars like Kunal Ghose of Red Fish Blue Fish and Morgan Wilson of The Fairmont Empress.

And you can even link to videos that show you how to shuck an oyster or prepare a live crab — sure signs that you know your way around B.C. seafood.

Carolyn Camilleri editor@saltmagazine.ca

Connect with Salt magazine on Facebook!

Facebook.com/SaltMag

8 SALT

Visit our website at saltmagazine.ca

PUBLISHERS Lise Gyorkos, Georgina Camilleri EDITORIAL

EDITOR Carolyn Camilleri

CREATIVE-TECHNICAL MANAGER Jeffrey Bosdet

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Kuhtz

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Janice Hildybrant, Jo-Ann Loro

MANAGING EDITOR Kerry Slavens

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Athena McKenzie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adrienne Dyer, Andrew Findlay, David Lennam, Shannon Moneo, Danielle Pope, Shelora Sheldan, Alex Van Tol, Mike Wicks

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dan Anthon, Lisa Bettany, Jeffrey Bosdet, Derek Ford, Andrea Johnson, Jeremy Koreski, Joshua Lawrence, Jo-Ann Loro, Bruce Wilkin

CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES ThinkStock p.14, 18, 26, 50, 64

All Canada Photos p.18, 37, 38

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Vicki Clark, Cynthia Hanischuk, Charlsey Sperl

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jennifer Kuhtz

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Bev Madden-Knight

TO CONTACT SALT info@saltmagazine.ca

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@saltmagazine.ca

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES sales@saltmagazine.ca

SUBSCRIPTIONS subs@saltmagazine.ca

ONLINE saltmagazine.ca

COVER

he dream of a marine lifestyle T becomes a reality with marine craft like this flybridge model by Riviera. Photo by Riviera Yachts.

Salt is published by Page One Publishing 580 Ardersier Road Victoria, BC V8Z 1C7 Tel 250-595-7243 Fax 250-595-1626 pageonepublishing.ca Salt magazine is distributed twice a year.

Subscribe at saltmagazine.ca Printed in Canada by Transcontinental Printing.

Ideas and opinions expressed within this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Page One Publishing Inc. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in all or part, in any form — printed or electronic — without the express written permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #41295544 Undeliverable mail should be directed to Page One Publishing Inc. 580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, BC V8Z 1C7. Salt magazine is a registered trademark of Page One Publishing Inc.

Extraordinary Properties!

Unrivalled Experience and Expertise

spEctacuLar shoaL point pEnthousE! Offering luxury living and presented with the upmost luxurious taste; this incredible penthouse offers two master suites with a spectacular view of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Enjoy an idyllic lifestyle with concierge, indoor pool and fitness studio, guest suites, and secure parking.

Offered at $2,595,000 MLS 344428

ExEcutivE Living in upLands!

A quintessential family executive Uplands home, completely refurbished from top to bottom with grand gourmet kitchen, feature hardwood flooring, indoor pool and two master suites!

Situated on Ripon one of Uplands most gracious streets, this is a very welcoming home.

Offered at 2,395,000 MLS 346726

1928 charactEr cottagE with ocEan viEw! Come to view this magical one acre parcel, with a one level character cottage, separate coach house with suite, and nearby beach access. Truly enchanting and unique.

Offered at $1,619,000 MLS 346987

MacdOnaLd ReaLty Ltd. 755 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC | t 250.388.5882 | tF 1.877.388.5882

leslee@lesleefarrell.com | www.lesleefarrell.com

Call Leslee Farrell at 250.388.5882 for assistance with your local and global real estate needs.

YOURVIEW

Island Vineyards

DESTINATION BC/ANDREA JOHNSON

Local wines are so much a part of life now, that it seems incredible to think that, before 1992, there were none. The most recent count shows about 80 vineyards and more than 40 wineries, including Morning Bay Vineyard and Estate Winery on Pender Island. Turns out, the climate is perfect for grapes and their sometimes eccentric winemakers.

10 SALT

SALT 11

CULTURE

Residents at Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community in Comox face a difficult decision every day — golf or kayak, golf or cycle, golf or fish, and sometimes even golf or ski.

No wonder they have learned to multi-sport on a daily basis.

12 SALT

CROWN ISLE RESORT & GOLF COMMUNITY

ISL AND

FOOD DRINK MUSIC ART OUTDOORS HISTORY ACTIVITIES

WIN A TWo-NIghT

VACATION PRIZE PACKAGE IN beAuTIful VICToRIA, bC!

SALT mAgAzine presents the Spring/Summer Prize Package! in partnership with the Hotel zed and The Butchart gardens

in order to win, correctly name three locations on Vancouver island and enter at saltmagazine.ca/ contests

EntEr for thE chancE to win A two-night stay at Hotel Zed Located centrally between downtown and uptown, this eclectic hotel is like nothing you’ve ever seen before: vintage Vw shuttles; typewriter stations; high tech media hubs; a pool, hot tub and “Zedinator” waterslide; a fun ping pong lounge and wii terminals; complimentary Keurig coffee in our lobby; free rental bikes; pet-friendly rooms; comic books in the bathroom; and more!

Entrance and Afternoon tea at The Butchart Gardens Step into the Dining room restaurant located in the former residence of the Butcharts and enjoy the English tradition of afternoon tea, during the warmer weather, or high tea with its hot delicacies during the cooler months. they also have a Vegetarian, a Gluten free and a child’s version. at any time of the year the traditional delicacies, savoury tea sandwiches and house-made sweets are marvelous as an afternoon indulgence, or as lunch.

Some restrictions may apply. no purchase necessary. Visit www.saltmagazine.ca/contests for eligibility and contest rules. there is one (1) grand prize available to be won. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. approximate prize value $375. cDn

M a g a z i n e

 Enter to win at www.saltmagazine.ca/contests

ONLY HERE ISL AND CULTURE THE RAPTORS

BIRDS OF A FEATHER Take a Hawk Walk on the wild side or find out how it feels to have an owl rest on your (gloved) hand. You can at The Raptors, a conservation centre in Duncan for birds of prey that was founded in 2002 with the goal of changing the way we think about the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. Courses range from 20 minutes to a couple of hours to a week, as well as activities and camps for kids. pnwraptors.com

The World Parrot Refuge has a special place in the hearts of bird lovers. Located in Coombs (about a half kilometre before you get to the Old Country Market with the goats on the roof), this is home for about 800 “previously owned” parrots who fly freely in a flockoriented environment inside a 23,000-square-foot building.

Some of these birds are more than 60 years old!

Handler Robyn with great horned owl, Gandalf

worldparrotrefuge.org

100% Organic B.C. Gin

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

The local distilling industry has really taken off over the last few years and now Ampersand Distilling has taken it up a notch by using organic local wheat. Ampersand Gin — handcrafted with juniper, coriander, lemon, and angelica — is available in some liquor stores and in drinks at places like Clive’s and Little Jumbo in Victoria. Vodka is coming soon. ampersanddistilling.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Some of the world’s most magnificent yachts are designed by naval architects right here on Vancouver Island.

Check out gregmarshalldesign.com.

14 SALT

LET’S GLOW Night Snorkeling

Imagine swimming among the stars, your every movement leaving fairy trails of light and the view from your goggles looking like you are travelling at light speed through the universe. That’s bioluminescent snorkelling and it’s the newest activity on a long list of fun things to do in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area.

Food Network Fame Little Vienna Bakery in Sooke is where recent Chopped Canada competitor, pastry chef Carol Christie, works her magic, making luscious pies and European-style pastries, like cinnamon schnecken — a streuseltopped butter croissant filled with cinnamon cream.

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

littleviennabakery.com

Open Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm

ART IN MUSIC Dylan Rovere has been designing and building custom acoustic steel-string and resonator guitars in Victoria for 15 years. He works alone, building three instruments at a time from top-quality, hand-selected materials — nothing is plastic, synthetic, or laminated. Each component is hand-crafted and because he is not restricted to the limitations of a production line, each instrument is unique. rovereguitars.com

Life size bronze foal

by Heather Jansch

Painting Drawing Sculpture Mixed Media Basketry Jewellery

1010 Broad St., Victoria BC | 778.432.4777 | info@couchartgallery.com | couchartgallery.com SALT 15

CREATIVE WORKS

Twist of Fate Christina Hilborne’s Spiral into Lightness lamps and pendants were born out of an abundance of material and the rough idea of a light. At the time, the Victoria furniture maker was using bourbon barrels sourced from local craft brewers to create her stunning wooden serving platters.

“I had all these metal barrel bands left over,” Hilborne says, and so the idea for these handcrafted lamps and pendants was born, fitting nicely with the eco-friendly trend to adaptive reuse.

“I’ve always been mesmerized by spirals,” she says. “I find them hypnotic.” christinahilborne.com

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

ISL AND CULTURE

MUST GO!

Bill Boyd Ceramics When Bill Boyd started using zinc-silicate crystal glazes on his pottery back in 2002, it became an obsession — one with stunning results. Crystalline glazes are a relatively new phenomenon made possible with programmable, automatic kilns that fire pottery at temperatures of 2,340˚F and allow for a slow cooling time, which is when crystals form, creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Boyd’s work is available at several galleries in Canada, including The Avenue Gallery in Victoria and Stephen Lowe Art Gallery in Calgary or by appointment at his Galiano Island studio. billboydceramics.com

Moss Street Paint-In Join the crowds for the 28th annual TD Art Gallery Paint-In on July 18 from 11a.m.

More than 150 artists are expected this year, lining Moss Street from the Gallery to the ocean.

The party in the Art Gallery parking lot usually starts about 5 p.m. and is always fun.

Eclectic Gallery Early work and Raku pieces by acclaimed ceramic artist Walter Dexter are available at Eclectic Gallery in Victoria.

Dexter’s bold innovative techniques, highfired stoneware, and Torso Vases gained him an international following and by 1957, he became a pioneer of the Japanese Raku process. eclecticgallery.ca

Chosin Pottery Internationally renowned pottery couple, Robbin Hopper and Judi Dyelle, have been at home in Metchosin since 1984. The 2.5-acre Japanese garden on their six-acre property is another reason to check out Chosin Pottery. chosinpottery.ca

COUCH GALLERY Couch Art Gallery in Victoria has become the very comfortable home for some amazing art, including the brilliantly colourful work of Glasgow-import Blythe Scott, as well as Michelle Miller, Emerson Schreiner, Eyan Higgins Jones, and David Rifat.

Above: Michelle Miller, Past and Present, 30" x 30", acrylic and mixed media

couchartgallery.com SALT 17

ON THE GO ISL AND CULTURE

FIND YOUR BEACH LISA BETTANY

While Long Beach, Rathtrevor Beach, Willows Beach, Miracle Beach, and French Beach will always be the big favourites, this summer make it your mission to expand your beach horizons.

Mystic Beach (pictured above) and its rock arch (at low tide) is the reward at the end of a 45-minute hike in the forest beyond Sooke. • Point No Point Beach near Shirley in the Sooke area is another serene choice. Check into the beautiful resort and turn it into a weekend escape. • Wildly rugged Sombrio Beach is an ultra-popular surf hang out in the winter, but tends to be quieter in the summer.

Whole families grew up here in beach shacks when it was a hippie community. • Bring a picnic and a good book to the beach in Coles Bay Park on the Saanich Peninsula. • Buccaneer Beach in Bowser, north of Nanaimo, is small and rocky but has a beautiful view. • The blue water and warmerthan-average water at Tribune Bay on Hornby Island will make you think you are in Hawaii.

• Raft Cove on the Island’s north end is a dazzling hike-to beach, worth the bumpy trip via logging road.

ISLAND BLACK BEARS

CHRIS CHEADLE/ALL CANADA PHOTOS

Alberni Pacific Steam Train

18 SALT

What is it about trains that turn any kind of travel into a romantic adventure?

The No. 7, a 1929 Baldwin locomotive, has retired from the logging industry and now takes trainloads of passengers chugging through the forests of the Alberni Valley to McLean Mill National Historic Site. On summer Saturdays, you can get off the train at the Chase and Warren Winery and sample wines in the tasting room. alberniheritage.com

Indications are that Ursus Americanus Vancouveri have been living on the Island for more than 10,000 years. Larger and darker in colour than their Mainland cousins, Island bears range in size from 180 kg (female) to 275 kg (male). Best places to see them: Cape Scott Park, Pacific Rim National Park, Sooke, and Gold River.

FISH FACTS (Before you don your chef’s hat) Pacific salmon isn’t just salmon. Each of the five species has different characteristics of flavour, texture, and fat content. The richer the fish is in fat, the more flavourful it is and the more suitable it is for drier cooking methods like grilling and broiling. Lower-fat species are milder in flavour and benefit from moist-heat cooking methods, like steaming, poaching, and braising, or well wrapped in foil and baked or barbecued. As a general rule, higher-fat salmon are best enhanced with more subtle flavours like fresh herbs, while lower-fat salmon do well with bolder spices and sauces.

Chinook (King or Spring) Richly flavoured flesh ranging from ivory to orange red. Perfect for the barbecue. This is the biggest of the five (average 20 pounds). > Season: May and June

“why would you care ThaT i rode my bike January 4Th?” It matters because Victoria is the number one spot for retirement in Western Canada. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing nor do they ever typically exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Add in a strong cultural community and opulent natural beauty — Victoria is simply the best place to find yourself in the best years of your life.

The righT realTor® makes all The difference beTween an experience ThaT’s excepTional, and one ThaT’s … well, you know.

• MLS® Gold Award Winner every year since 2006 • Team Leader for #1 Team in Victoria and Vancouver Island ** • Leader of one of Top 100 Teams in Canada ** • Extensive experience in high-end sales

**based on RE/MAX Teams 2009-2010

Coho Rich, meaty, deep orange flesh and another barbecue favourite. Second largest at an average of 12 pounds. > Season: August and September

®

®

Pink Rosy, mild-flavoured flesh often canned or smoked or cooked using moist heat. Average weight is five pounds. > Season: Mid-June to mid-September

Chum Light, mild, low-fat orange-pink flesh often smoked or canned or cooked using moist heat. The eggs are popular for sushi.

Average weight is eight pounds. > Season: June to September

Sockeye Strong, rich taste and firm red flesh. Best grilled or broiled. Average weight is six pounds. > Season: mid-May to late July

SALT 19

South Island

Sidney , BC Sidney Sidney The Shortest The Shortest Distance Distance to Far Away to Far Away

S

idney offers the perfect getaway for a day, a week or longer. Enjoy delicious culinary offerings, unique accommodations, outdoor recreation, and a diverse shopping district with over 300 shops and services. As the gateway to Vancouver Island, Sidney is located only five minutes from the Victoria International Airport and the Washington State and BC Ferry terminals.

Outdoor adventure is our specialty — just about year ‘round. Whether you enjoy kayaking, whale watching, bike riding, fishing, crabbing, boating or simply walking at the water’s edge, Sidney has it all. Sidney offers other adventures too. The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre provides year round unforgettable opportunities to enjoy the wonders of the Salish Sea. The Sidney Museum brings local history to life with interactive displays. Sidney’s unique shops offer quality goods and service with a smile: from the latest in fashion and books to delightful baked goods and flowers; from gift shops to pet stores to supermarkets, liquor stores and all that’s in between!

In addition, Sidney is rich in arts and culture and offers a wide variety of special events.

With something for everyone, Sidney is the ideal vacation destination!

distinctlysidney.ca

Sidney Festivals Events &

March:

• Lego Exhibit, Sidney Museum • Spring Art Show & Sale

May:

• Sidney Street Market (Thursday, May to August)

June:

• World Oceans Day • Spring Studio Tour

July:

• Sidney Days, Canada Day Celebrations • Summer Sounds Outdoor Concerts (July & August)

August:

• Torque Masters Car Show Extravaganza • First Nations, Inuit & Metis Art Show

September: • Sidney Shakespeare Festival October:

: December:

• Sidney Fine Art Show • ArtSea Festival • Fall Studio Tour • Literary Festival • Christmas in Sidney • New Year’s Eve Gala

distinctlysidney.ca/section-events

info@distinctlysidney.ca

Excellent Service.

Comfortable Accommodation.

Exciting Vacation Packages.

EmErAld ISlE motor Inn

2306 Beacon Ave., Sidney, BC V8L 1X2 250-656-4441 or 1-800-315-3377 Sidney Pier Ad - Salt Mag 2015 frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com | www.bwemeraldisle.com

Size: 3.75” (w) x 3.3” (h) • Rev 3 • Feb 19/15

YOUR ISLAND ESCAPE

Discover the perfect blend of contemporary style and comfort at our oceanfront 55 room boutique hotel in the charming town of Sidney. Haro’s Restaurant & Bar renowned for great local food and tranquility is ever present at Haven Spa. Explore nearby Butchart Gardens, Shaw Ocean Discovery Aquarium, wineries and marine adventures. Just minutes from the BC Ferries to Vancouver and the Gulf Islands and Victoria International Airport.

www.sidneypier.com

Call toll free 1.866.659.9445 • reservations@sidneypier.com

facebook.com/DistinctlySidney

Picture yourself living here...

5

Realize your Vancouver Island adventure dreams with the expertise of Ian Heath and Marilyn Ball, your Saanich Peninsula Oceanside Real Estate consultants.

Contact us today to view this property or others like it!

250-655-7653 | www.ianheath-marilynball.com

@MySidneyBC

distinctly_sidney

22

ON THE MENU

BY SHELORA SHELDAN

FOOD RE-IMAGINED

Veneto’s The Vieux Carré, the quintessential drink of New Orleans, with rye whisky, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, angostura and peychaud’s bitters.

ON-TREND ISLAND MENUS THAT TAKE DELICIOUS UP A NOTCH

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

VICTORIA

COCKTAIL CRAWL Victoria’s hip cocktail scene will leave you stirred, never shaken. And they’re all within walking distance!

Sherry finally gets its due at two new rooms celebrating Spain. Begin with Bodega Bar’s sherry flight, a series of three-ounce pours from dry to medium, each served with a paired tapa.

Upstairs from Ferris’ Oyster Bar at Perro Negro, sherry steps in for creative cocktails with authentic pintxos to match.

North 48 updates Polynesian Tiki culture with innovative cocktails using housemade tinctures, infusions, fresh juices, and mallet-smashed ice, served in vintage mugs. Perfect with 22 SALT

a plate of star anise salted dry ribs.

At the end of a non-descript hallway for that speakeasy vibe, Little Jumbo awaits. Pull up a bar stool at this cozy hideaway for Nate Caudle’s creative and ever-changing cocktail list from classic to whimsical.

Bonus points for an award-winning wine list, too!

Veneto at the Hotel Rialto’s claim to fame is “Spin the Wheel.”

Simply name your base spirit preference and a flavour profile, and the talented bar team sets to work creating an original cocktail to your personal taste.

The Guild Freehouse Chef Sam Benedetto adds culinary swagger to the classics at this British-style gastropub, housed in a gorgeous heritage building.

Order a flight of the latest craft brews on tap and kick back with starters such as housemade scotch egg, curry and handcut chips, or Welsh rarebit (cheese on toast).

Bigger appetites prefer the flaky pastrytopped pot pies, black pudding, or the ubiquitous fish and chips served with house mushy peas. Sticky toffee pudding makes for a sweet finish. theguildfreehouse.com Fish Hook Partner Steve Kerr catches the fish and chef Kunal Ghose creates magic with a menu of tartines (open-faced sandwiches), daily Pondicherry fish curries, and chunky chowders. Start with the pickle plate, a colourful collection of organic, lightly pickled vegetables served with a creamy tuna tonnato sauce. Best tartine picks: oyster po boy, tuna melt with smoked cheddar, and devilled egg with harissa emulsion and candied salmon. Smoked fish and curries available to take home. fishhookvic.com

Part and Parcel Enjoy the bright, charming interior and the menu drawn from organic, sustainable, ethically raised ingredients with a big dose of creativity. Order at the counter for nutritious salads of quinoa, seasonal vegetables, feta, almonds, and herbs tossed in house citrus or carrot vinaigrettes.

The buttermilk-marinated, seed-crusted chicken sandwich is the bomb served with housemade bacon, signature bread-andbutter pickles, and slaw, or try the lamb ragu with house gnocchi. Don’t miss the

fries tossed in North African spices with harissa mayo for dipping. Dessert is a fun mix of doughnuts, caneles de Bordeaux, and chocolate chip cookies. partandparcel.ca Meat & Bread The sandwich is king and the roast porchetta reigns at this popular eatery housed in a refurbished downtown heritage location. Greeters direct the flow of customers to order at the counter for sliced-to-order juicy pork, redolent with fennel and chile and crispy crackling, gathered up and slathered with salsa verde in a custom bun. Daily specials include citrus-fennel braised pork shoulder with candied orange peel and Jamaican jerk chicken. Desserts include customcreated, chipotle-salted caramel ice cream. meatandbread.ca

NANAIMO Hilltop Bistro Chef Ryan Zuvich’s popular North Nanaimo eatery offers a small but finely tuned menu that changes weekly. From housemade charcuterie to pasta to bread and preserves, the cooking is refined and sings the praises of local farms and fishers.

Humboldt calamari with grilled shishito peppers makes for a great starter, as does the housemade paté du jour. Mains of wild salmon or sesame-crusted albacore tuna with organic vegetables and arancini are all exceptional. The undecided choose the three-course prix-fixe menu. Closer to town, Zuvich’s new La Stella Trattoria boasts the city’s first wood-fired oven for Napoli-style thin crust pizzas and a menu of re-imagined Italian classics of housemade pastas, cured meats, and antipasti, with cocktails and wines by the glass. hilltopbistro.ca

WOLF IN THE FOG

It’s because of dishes like Charred Humboldt Squid that Wolf in the Fog has been getting international attention.

Led by Chef Nick Nutting, this Tofino dining spot was named best new restaurant in Canada on EnRoute’s annual top ten list.

TOFINO Wolf in the Fog The vibe is laidback elegance for this new room that’s drawn raves from across Canada.

Chef Nick Nutting serves a hyper-local menu with global accents, big on seafood, served on whimsical mismatched china.

Start with oysters wrapped in crispy potato, followed by steak tartare with North African spices and crunchy peanuts. Sharing plates guarantee delicious convivial fun, categorized thematically from barbecue to “hog wild” to a Szechuan surf and turf. Amazing cocktail list incorporates the terroir with forest and seasonal-fruit

infusions, or order the sharing punch bowls created for two to six friends. Mornings start at the main floor “den” with local-roast caffeine and house-baked treats, perfect for surfing the net. wolfinthefog.com

COMOX Avenue Bistro From salads, pizzas, and burgers to steaks and pastas, this modern room showcases the bounty of the Comox Valley from farmer to fisher with a something-for-everyone menu.

The curry bowl finds vegetables and seafood in a Thai red curry sauce. Bouillabaisse redolent with preserved lemon, fennel, and ginger

is expertly wrought. Wine list is curated to match the food. Weekend brunches on the patio are a going concern. avenuebistro.ca Martine’s Bistro A music and art-filled room welcomes for the dinner hour, providing gorgeous sunset and mountain views on the patio. Start with seared prawns with lime and jalapeño aioli, or a hearty bowl of mussels and clams with frites.

Popular mains like turkey schnitzel, baby back ribs, and duck à l’orange sound old school but are perfectly executed. Wine list offers many Island choices with global picks and friendly service throughout. martinesbistro.com S SALT 23

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

Curing meat process (we will shoot, this is just a placement photo) earioremolor re, venis doluptatem facimodit volut la quis et repediae culparit ea iusaper eperatio vollecto tempore porroresenis si sunt molum dolor sapis volorum harchil latempo reperis quiandi simporae mod modis.

CHARCUTERIE

More than cold cooked meats If you’ve been anticipating that scene where some strapping, barechested Hercules flexes his ripply torso and bellows, “Now bring me your finest meats and cheeses!” — then let the bellowing begin.

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W

ord’s out about Vancouver Island’s homegrown bounty of farm-fresh produce, cheese, meats, and wines, cultivated in a gentle, temperate climate and prepared by chefs and butchers sticking to the credo that if it’s fresh, sustainable, locally grown and raised, organic — even an ethically raised heritage breed — it must be worth serving to the gods.

And we Islanders have a connectedness to the food system that’s given us an implicit trust about what we’re making and what we’re sourcing.

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LO CA L FL AVO U R S

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

BY DAVID LENNAM

Left: Cure’s owner Brad Boisvert turns heritage pork into two types of bacon, one with preserved lemon and the other, classic smoked. The bacon is cured for eight to 10 days before smoking.

Above: Here, Boisvert is making knackwurst, a classic German-style sausage.

Locavores. The 100-Mile Diet. Farm-totable — a paean to sustainable gastronomy to which we’ve added the whole snout-to-tail mania, rekindling an old European tradition of charcuterie or the more southern salumi.

More than cold cooked meats, the new artisanal dried and cured meats are lovingly created by a dozen cottage industries, producing house-made paté, sausage, and cured meat from locally farmed beef, pork, veal, lamb, duck, and turkey — free of hormones, antibiotics, and animal byproducts.

The labour-intensive approach puts the

artist’s touch on gourmet specialties, such as smoked pork cheek (loaded with fat, like fat with a little strip of meat running through it), and double-smoked bacon that fills a room with that maddeningly irresistible aroma.

Not exotic enough? How about the nuanced and complex taste of rabbit terrine, the big fat flavour blast of duck confit, or salty and spiced pancetta sliced so thin you can read the label on the wine bottle through it.

“It’s been kind of a lost art,” explains Don Genova, the CBC Radio food columnist whose book, Food Artisans of Vancouver Island

& the Gulf Islands, is a love letter to their passion and craft. “Recently, it’s become very hip to go into a restaurant and order a charcuterie plate. There’s that whole going back to using all the parts of the animal.

When we didn’t have refrigeration, you’d slaughter one or two pigs in the fall and eat the loin, but then you’d make the sausages and prosciutto and hang the meat in your cold room throughout the winter.”

Or several winters.

“A lot of the stuff we do takes time,” notes Chef Brad Boisvert, who opened Cure SALT 25

Artisan Meat and Cheese in Cobble Hill in November. “Dry cures take a few months and with prosciutto, you’re talking years.”

Boisvert agrees that there’s an artist’s sensibility driving the exotica of charcuterie.

“When you have that whole animal in front of you, it really helps you push your envelope of creativity.”

One of his favourites is the simple but classic French pork rillettes — a pork shoulder cured for two days and cooked for 14 hours in duck and pork fat, then shredded while some of the fat is mixed back in.

“It’s almost creamy like a paté, but it’s pure meat. And rich.”

Serve on a crispy baguette with really good mustard so there’s some acidity to cut through the fat.

Cory Pelan, chef and owner of Victoria’s The Whole Beast Artisan Salumeria, suggests we’ve become willing to engage with our food once again, looking to be wiser about what we’re eating and where it comes from, meat in particular. There’s no escaping the big box grocer and aisles of over-processed, additiveaddled factory farm cuts. But knowledge, he says, means you’re going to be a little more careful where you shop.

As the name suggests, The Whole Beast Artisan Salumeria specializes in nose-to-tail cuisine created using old-world techniques. Some nice bread and accompaniments with crunch, and you’ve got a feast.

Pelan has been described as a meat nerd and that’s all right with him.

“If nerd means you’re passionate about it and you know a fair amount about what you’re doing, that’s OK.” He’s part of a DIY movement bent on revisiting old-world techniques and eschewing the assembly line stuff. The Whole Beast is what its name suggests, with seven varieties of salami, chorizo, bacon, coppa

(also called capicola, slowly aged and eaten raw), pepperoni, patés, and hard-to-find noseto-tail cuisine like blood sausage, liverwurst, head cheese, cotechino (like salami, but boiled at low temperatures), and corned lamb or pork tongue.

What gets Pelan’s juices going? Making the popular prosciutto di Parma, with pork from nearby Still Meadow Farm in Metchosin.

It’s a dry-cured ham that spends 18 months

MAY 13 – OCT 31, 2015 Explore the gold rush from Bogota to British Columbia through dazzling displays and artifacts, including the only North American showing of over 100 Colombian treasures.

Get tickets at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/gold IN COLLABORATION WITH EN COLLABORATION AVEC

Gold Rush: El Dorado in British Columbia is organized by the Royal BC Museum, Victoria, BC, Canada; in collaboration with Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, QC, Canada Ruée vers l’or! El Dorado en Colombie-Britannique est organisé par le Royal BC Museum, Victoria, BC, Canada; en collaboration avec le Musée canadien de l’histoire, Gatineau, QC, Canada.

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Client: Royal BC Museum Publication: Salt Magazine

to two years hanging, encrusted in Vancouver Island Sea Salt.

“We don’t make much of it and it’s incredible.”

David Quist has been working the family farm just south of Duncan all his life. He slaughters his own livestock and makes his own dried and cured meats, including 50 varieties of fresh sausage and 18 salamis. But it’s the 14 different kinds of bacon that he can’t keep in stock.

“If you don’t keep your counter full, [customers] think you’re running out and they start buying it by the armful.

It’s almost like a panic sets in and they’re scooping it all up.”

Quist says the recent swell of popularity for artisanal cured meats comes, in part, from television.

“Whenever they have one of those Food, Inc. programs on TV, it gets people asking a lot more questions. They want to know that they’re getting happy animals and how they’re fed and how they’re raised.”

Ultimately, says Genova, it’s about searching out the highest quality ingredients.

“I think that people who want to work with those products know where to get them because the Island’s small. The guy down the street has the milk. The farmer up on Denman has the free range, grassfed beef. And the guy out in Metchosin is raising heritage-breed pigs. And they talk to each other.”

We talked to Boisvert and asked what the perfect charcuterie plate would include. His response? “How big can the plate be?”

It would have to be pretty big.

“I always look for texture; that’s the chef in me. So, something creamy like duck liver paté, mousse even would work well. I would have to put rillettes on there and make it out of rabbit because I would want to showcase a variety of meats. Then some dry meats: wild boar, venison, braciole [slices of meat that are pan-fried or grilled, often in their own juice or in a small amount of light olive oil]. Fresh sausage. We make a really good lamb merguez, Moroccan-style with smoked paprika and locally grown chilies.

We push it. I like flavour and heat and it’s really rounded out with coriander and maybe some cilantro.”

Think of Hercules and start looking for the biggest plate you can find. S

Rebels against the ordinary.

Victoria BC’s Newest Experience!

hotelzed.com SALT 27

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ISL AND HOMES

BY DAVID LENNAM PHOTOS BY JOSHUA LAWRENCE

EAGLES AERIE 28 SALT

IT’S ALL THOSE ANGLES VYING FOR ATTENTION THAT CAPTURE THE IMAGINATION AS YOU APPROACH THIS COURTENAY-AREA, OCEAN-SIDE STUNNER.

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A

t first glance, it could be a number of modest houses jumbled together. Or thrusting prows of a small armada coming into port. But the roofing elements, like the folded wings of a bird, play with perspective and invite the eye to roam.

The key rooms are all corner rooms and each, framed with walls of glass and timber, engages two view aspects rather than just one.

Light is caught from more than one side. And it is light and air, bringing indoors the surround of nature that the Eagles Aerie house is all about.

“I like homes that, even though they might be quite complex to build, though not necessarily complex to look at, are visually interesting,” explains celebrated West Coast architectural designer Etienne de Villiers. “No matter where you are in the home, you’re

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always discovering new things to look at.”

That’s exactly what the homeowner wanted with this brand new, custom, 4,135-square-foot timber-frame structure.

“We set out to design this thing so it looks great from every angle,” he says. “Wherever you walk, I want you to keep looking at the endless detail.”

Set in a forested acreage on a bluff above the Pacific, with unobstructed views of the close-enough-to-touch Coastal mountain range and the endless wash of the tides, this fourbedroom, six-bathroom eye-catcher is all about light and air — and bringing the natural splendour of the setting right into the rooms. Walls open to allow the outdoors in. Landscaping flows into the forest and down to the sea.

Wary of all that old growth Douglas fir in the interior, the owner

Deedrie Ballard wants to open doors for you. ‌and show you stunning west coast views.

Your west coast dream home is only a click away: www.deedrieballard.com

At dusk (previous page), the Eagles Aerie home seems to float on water with the pond providing light. LED uplighting the ceilings and downlighting those big timber posts create shadow and drama already in play with the thrusting angles of roofing.

The alluring curve of the staircase (this page), floating like it defies gravity with its light cherry wood treads, was assembled by a craftsman brought in from Montana. The slightly wider landing onto heated flagstone flooring makes a welcoming approach from the kitchen.

Expect Excellence DeeDrie ALLArD

B

camosun 250.744.3301 www.deedrieballard.com

MLS Gold Award 100% Club Hall of Fame Platinum Award Lifetime Achievement SALT 31

was specific that he didn’t want a rustic, hunting-lodge feel. Instead, the cabin-y warmth of 350 timber beams is enhanced by the addition of 145 windows. It’s truly West Coast modern with all the expected amenities: state-of-the-art media room, steam shower, infrared sauna, acid-stained concrete decking, in-floor heating, outdoor gas fireplace, and a triple-bay garage with its own carriage house.

“It’s a showpiece that blends with the environment,” notes Carl Tessmann of Island Timber Frame, the local firm whose European craftsmanship is evident throughout.

“We get excited as soon as we see a design like this. You might think that too much wood would be a bad thing, but Douglas fir looks warm like home. And when you approach the place it looks like it’s just meant to be there.”

And meant to be there for a long, long time, assures Tessmann.

“To me, quality, longevity, and building something for generations that will still be there in 200 years — that’s green construction. Building with timber is just that.” S

It’s a marriage of wood and stone in the kitchen featuring Brazilian hardwood and granite countertops.

Discreetly nestled in all that kitchen storage space are Wolf appliances with touches like a warming drawer under the gas range and a full-height wine cooler.

L i v e He r e . L i ve Mo re.

Set within beautiful landscapes, vistas, and an abundance of wildlife, Fairwinds oceanfront golf community offers an unforgettable active west coast lifestyle experience, year-round.

To find out more, contact us today.

Just north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in Nanoose Bay.

1.866.468.5957 | livehere@fairwinds.ca | www.fairwinds.ca/salt

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Designed to seal in freshness, offer a higher release of antioxidants and deliver superior flavour.

Enjoy the convenience of a teabag without compromise.

The only things that should be in your tea are fresh, organic and all natural ingredients.

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faccabo ribusciis doloritasita ime nita et voluptatatis et. Verume aut et arum reperrunte vellabo. Ihil inum rehendebis erum quam fugia as aces inimoluptae corescium quo temporemped Acimus, conecep erovid magnihi lluptat isquis ilias alicid qui cus quuntest,

In the master bath, a 500-lb. natural stone bathtub (lifted into place by crane) is curved like a seashell you might find on the 400 feet of beach a few steps away. Fixtures throughout are by Hansgrohe. Beyond the folding wooden doors is a generously sized master suite, perched high in the forest canopy with a wall, in four panels, that opens wide to the sound of eagles and sea lions.

First-growth Island Timber beams crisscross 20 feet above an enormous great room, framed by a Douglas fir curtain wall system, milled by Island Timber Frame’s Swiss journeymen. The vaulted yellow cedar ceiling complements the 100-year-old fir flooring, reclaimed from an old warehouse. A large, iron, Hubbardton Forge chandelier hangs above a custom-made fir dining table, while a 12-foot tall black quartz granite fireplace, bookmatched with the kitchen countertops, punctuates a sunken living room.

34 SALT

Under a star-filled night sky or enshrouded by mists creeping in from the ocean just below, the intimate hot tub hangs out on one of the decks over the steep, forested embankment. From there, it’s nothing but mountains, trees, and waves.

RESOURCES Home Builder Brad Jefferson, Luc Trepanier Home Designer Etienne DeVilliers, Etienne Design Timber Work Island Timber Frame Structural Engineer Hiedema Engineering Curved Staircase Zane Smith, Montana Landscaping Brad Jefferson, Deborah Bishop, and Etienne DeVilliers Lighting Fixtures Hubbardton Forge Lighting and Accessories Millwork/Cabinetry Luc Trepanier Bathroom Fixtures Splashes Roofing Imperial Cedar Products; flat work and flashings by Nelson Roofing Iron Work Les Colville Welding

Isn’t it time you built your dream home?

ERINAN ESTATES — A rare and exceptional opportunity to build your dream home amidst the stunning backdrop of West Coast ocean, mountains and sky. Located 37 km (23 miles) from Victoria, this master planned neighbourhood in the seaside District of Sooke is just minutes from fishing, beaches and parks. Be part of nature and country living, while still enjoying access to urban amenities.

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Contact Tim Ayres, REALTOR® for more info about this jewel of the West Coast!

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36 FROM SIMPLE TO SUMPTUOUS, THESE MARINE

EXCURSIONS ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE WEST COAST

By Alex Van Tol

ON THE

WATER

36 SALT

THERE’S JUST NO BETTER WAY TO EXPLORE THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL INTRICACIES OF THE WATERS IN AND AROUND VANCOUVER ISLAND THAN

BY BOAT. THIS SEASON, SALT OFFERS UP A FEW DIFFERENT WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE WEST COAST MARINE ENVIRONMENT.

WILDERNESS ADVENTURE

RON WATTS/ALL CANADA PHOTOS

How about climbing aboard a restored WWII minesweeper for a spot of excitement? Based in Gold River, Get West Adventure’s 136-foot MV Uchuck III is a working vessel that makes stops at logging camps and settlements all along Nootka Sound, one of the most storied and beautiful marine environments on the planet.

Accommodating up to 100 passengers and 100 tons of freight, the boat holds a deep and interesting history that will delight maritime buffs. If you’re a day tripper, hop on board the busy Wednesday or Saturday delivery run to Friendly Cove, a summertime out-andback trip that lets you see the vessel in action and provides a brief stopover for you to check out the old lighthouse.

Once a week, year round, the Kyuquot Adventure cruise takes a maximum of 32 passengers up Nootka Sound to the coastal community of Kyuquot, where they spend the night in a coastal B&B. Surrounded by some of the world’s best

< Built in Oregon as a minesweeper in 1942, MV Uchuck III was later refitted to accommodate people and cargo and has been serving Vancouver Island for over 50 years. If you want, you can even be right up front in the wheelhouse and watch the crew in action.

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“ONCE YOU HOP ON THIS SHIP, YOU STEP BACK IN TIME. AS SOON AS YOU GET OFF THE DOCK, EVERYTHING SLOWS DOWN. THE SAILING IS NICE AND FLAT, WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE.” MIKE SURRELL, OWNER, MV FRANCES BARKLEY

A passenger on board the Pacific Yellowfin snaps a closeup of a humpback whale — moments like this make these marine voyages unforgettable.

fishing, you’ll want your rod close by. On this award-winning trip, the Uchuck leaves at 7 a.m. on a Thursday and winds its way up the sound, making stops at logging camps and fish farms before finishing up at Kyuquot. The boat leaves the dock at 8 a.m. Friday for the return trip home.

Since the boat is in service all day, and passengers remain aboard, it’s the perfect trip for “guys who love to see how the boat works,” says Julie Schimunek, head of

reservations for Get West Adventures. Guests can also bring their kayaks, disembarking via a dramatic and fun “wet launch” in Kyuquot and paddling off for a week of Nootka Sound camping before returning on the Uchuck the following week. “People come from all over the world to do the Kyuquot trip,” says Schimunek, noting that many of them come to experience the story of Luna, the orca who lived in Nootka Sound for five years between 2001 and 2006.

A third and very popular trip aboard the Uchuck is the Esperanza Cruise, a twonight trip that follows the Kyuquot run and continues north toward Tahsis and sometimes even Zeballos. Offered only twice a year, the Esperanza Cruise sells out quickly.

Check www.getwest.ca for rates and trips at the beginning of the year, and for breathtaking video of the Nootka Sound area.

WEST COAST WORKING BOAT

Named for the first woman to sail the world without hiding the fact that she was female,

PACIFIC YELLOWFIN

IAN McALLISTER/ALL CANADA PHOTOS

< Maple Leaf Adventures is named after one of its ships, a classic 92-foot schooner built in Vancouver in 1904 and billed as the most expensive pleasure craft on the Pacific Coast. She was fully restored in 19801986 to new condition.

the Port Alberni-based MV Frances Barkley makes two different runs through the week, stopping at points along the Alberni Inlet and beyond, into wild Barkley Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Trips take a full day and connect to Bamfield, Ucluelet, the Broken Group Islands, and, on overnighters, Sechart Lodge. The lodge is on the beautiful, sheltered site of an old whaling station and offers home-cooked meals in its ocean-view dining room.

Built in Norway in 1958, the Frances Barkley served in Norwegian waters before coming to Canada in the 1990s to work the Alberni route. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays she’s a packet freighter, delivering groceries, furniture, beer, and more up and down the Alberni canal enroute to Bamfield. On this run, passengers have an hour or so to disembark and poke around this quaint coastal town before returning to Port Alberni.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in summer, she leaves Port Alberni at 8 a.m., dropping the inbound lot of overnight passengers at the Sechart Lodge and picking up the outbound lot. Then she passes through the Broken Islands group and heads up to Ucluelet before turning back to Port Alberni.

“Once you hop on this ship, you step back in time,” says owner Mike Surrell. “As soon as you get off the dock, everything slows down. The sailing is nice and flat, with an abundance of wildlife.”

Bears, deer, eagles, and otters are all on view, and sometimes whales come up right beside the ship.

Visit www.ladyrosemarine.com for pricing and schedules.

UPSCALE EXPLORATION

Offering customized, luxury-tinged, nature-centric experiences, Maple Leaf Adventures’ fully restored sailing ships, the MV Maple Leaf and the ultra highend MV Swell, offer upscale culinary and exploration trips around Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and Alaska’s Inside Passage. Delivering on its commitment to sustainability, the company channels a percentage of its profits back into conservation efforts.

Farther trips, such as the Frommersranked Trip of A Lifetime to the Great Bear Rainforest, are seven-10 nights. Gulf Islands

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trips range from four to five days and feature natural and cultural history, including the very popular craft beer cruise that takes guests around the Gulf Islands, tasting up to 55 B.C. craftbrewed beers. Wildlife viewing and beautiful walks and beaches are par for the course. All ships can be fully chartered, or trips can be done on a per-cabin basis.

The guides at Maple Leaf Adventures are genuine wildlife experts.

“You’re travelling with locals who are in love with the place, who have expertise to share, and who can help you experience it,” says Maureen

Gordon, co-owner and marketing and sales manager. “People say over and over again, after the trips, how amazing the crew were as hosts and guides — very knowledgeable, thoughtful, fun, and skilled.”

The ships themselves are extraordinary, being coastal from their birth. Built in Vancouver over 100 years ago, they have been fully restored to resplendency. But what really sticks with you is the experience. “We’ve had guests who have had spiritual experiences on our trips,” says Gordon. “We’ve had people decide they were going to buy an electric car

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“IT’S COMPLETELY CUSTOM. WE DON’T EVEN DESIGN THE ROUTE UNTIL WE SEE YOU.” COLIN GRIFFINSON, CAPTAIN-OWNER, PACIFIC YELLOWFIN

afterwards, because they’re so moved by the parts of the planet that are still functioning and beautiful.”

A true testament to the power of the coast.

BESPOKE BOATING

The numbers are in. Come and see why everyone is talking about Victoria’s Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

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40 SALT

When talk turns to true luxury on the water, the Pacific Yellowfin’s name never fails to come up. Built in World War II and brought back into shape after long (and mysterious) use in Cuban waters and a subsequent 20-odd years as a houseboat on the Sacramento River, the Pacific Yellowfin offers experiential culinary and wildlife small-ship cruising.

You can book the entire boat for a

< Deluxe travel on board the fully crewed Pacific Yellowfin includes a chef who takes care of all the meals, with gourmet offerings like freshly shucked oysters.

week-long excursion in summer, or – since the summer tours are often booked well in advance – you can sign on for one of the Yellowfin’s per-cabin tours, available during May, June, and September.

Itineraries are bespoke for chartered trips; upon your arrival, Captain-owner Colin Griffinson sits down with you, and together, you figure out what you want your trip to cover.

“It’s completely custom,” says Griffinson. “We don’t even design the route until we see you.”

The Yellowfin cruises in protected coves and places like the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, and the Great Bear Rainforest. Guests can be as involved as they like, from reading the tides to tying knots to driving the boat. With two staterooms and two deluxe cabins (all with ensuites), four couples can enjoy a cruise of several days.

A crew of five, including a specialist guide and an executive chef who prepares the day’s fresh-caught crab for your evening meal, tends to all your needs. The Yellowfin travels with a hold full of toys, such as motorbikes, kayaks, mountain bikes, fishing rods, and even an inflatable slide.

Trips can be as extreme or soft-core as you like and use local guides where possible. Think bonfires on deserted beaches, up-close wildlife viewing, cutting trees with a local logger, and shooting the breeze with oyster farmers.

“After a week aboard the Yellowfin, even though it’s a high-priced trip, people say we don’t charge enough for all that they’ve experienced,” says Griffinson.

“They’re coming back for another trip, and bringing their kids back again once they’re older.” www.pacificyellowfin.ca Whether you spend your time nerding out in the engine room, fishing off the sweep deck, or ogling grizzlies along the shoreline, you’re sure to return renewed and refreshed — in a word, changed. And pack your binoculars, camera, and aweinspired exclamations because you’ll be using them a lot. S

Andy Stephenson REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE

Victoria offers diverse choices of where to hang your hat and it is my interest to make sure you choose the right location to suit your lifestyle.

You can count on me to present and discuss your options in all price ranges. I am dual licensed in Victoria and Calgary and I want to be your go-to Realtor.®. Whether a part time or full time resident, the Victoria area is nature’s paradise.

There is world focus on this jewel city for a reason - you will be very content here.

752 Douglas Street Victoria

c. 250-532-0888 290, 815 17th Ave S.W. Calgary

c. 403-850-8282 andystephenson.com astephenson@sothebysrealty.ca

victoria · calgary · los angeles · palm springs Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal.

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All those business people travelling between downtown Victoria and downtown Vancouver on Harbour Air float plane flights have this as their vista! Besides offering stellar views of the coastline and Gulf Islands (Salt Spring Island is pictured here), these planes are a fast, easy way to get to several destinations and can be chartered as well.

Forty-some years since the last one was built, the 450-horsepower, nine-cylinder, radial engine-powered, singlepropped de Havilland Beaver is still the taxi to the remote wilderness.

by Andrew Findlay

INTO THE WILD

PATRICK KUSCHFELD/HARBOUR AIR

I

dangled my aching feet in the glacierfed waters of Laura Lake and I daydreamed about burgers, fries, and beers. Then I heard it, at first a dull drone that ebbed and flowed on the wind, possibly a figment of my imagination.

After all, I had spent nearly two weeks traversing the frozen alpine of the Coast Mountains between Bute and Knight inlets with four friends.

My world had been reduced to simple parameters without technology or workplace worries. Just a heavy pack, an ocean of summits to ski, and a down bag and nylon tent walls to keep me warm at night. The only signs of the world beyond were the occasional brief passing of Canadian Forces CF-18s doing training laps above the Franklin Glacier and the other massive flowing avenues of ice that wrap around the Mount Waddington massif. The jets would arrive with a sudden supersonic roar, first shattering then returning the mountains to silence as quickly as a finger snap.

The roar I heard now was different and equally distinct. The sound grew louder and quickly went from an aural hallucination to something real — the telltale roar of the de Havilland Beaver’s radial engine imposing upon the wilderness calm of the Klinaklini River valley. Our taxi cab ride back to civilization had arrived as scheduled.

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32 original stained glass windows.

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The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver belonging to another bush pilot legend, Max Ward, at Yellowknife Bay, NWT.

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Anyone who has spent time adventuring in the wilderness, working in a remote logging camp, or shuttling back and forth to a water-locked coastal village is intimately familiar with the sound of this plane. In some ways, it’s as evocative of the frontier Canadian hinterland spirit as the sound of a loon call echoing across a dead flat lake at sunset.

“Most aviation enthusiasts can name a Beaver just by the sound of its roaring radial engine, and I haven’t come across anyone yet that hasn’t dreamed of adventure in this iconic aircraft,” says Angie Murray, head of marketing and business development for Viking Air, the Victoria-based company that has been maintaining, pulling part, and rebuilding the Beaver since the 1970s.

The Beaver has a storied history. The first one rolled out of an Ontario manufacturing plant after being test flown in 1947 by World War II flying ace Russell Bannock in the skies over Downsview. Two decades later, in 1967, No. 1657, the last Beaver ever built, took to the skies. However, this robust, powerful, and rugged little aircraft has left an enduring impact on West Coast life and aviation — and elsewhere in the world. A

2015-02-06 12:29 PM

majority of them are still flying today.

When de Havilland engineers put pencils to draft paper and set out to design the plan, the newly appointed director of sales, legendary bush pilot Punch Dickins, turned to fellow pilots who earned their livings flying and working in remote regions often under difficult weather conditions. The question was simple: if they could build their dream bush plane, what would it look like? Overwhelmingly, the responses were consistent: bush pilots wanted a powerful plane with plenty of luggage space and short take-off and landing capability, or STOL. When the engineers responded that such design parameters would make for disappointingly sluggish aircraft, one pilot famously countered that with: “You only have to be faster than a dog sled.”

It’s an apt metaphor. The Beaver is like the dog sled of the sky — hardworking and resilient. Or why even stray from the metaphorical implication of the plane’s name?

The Beaver, always working, industrious, determined. Choose your adjective.

Few aviation aficionados get misty-eyed pondering the last time they slumbered on a trans-Atlantic Boeing 747 Jumbo flight.

However, bring up the time they sat next to the pilot of a Beaver while skimming above the clouds over a coastal fjord, and they’ll get animated.

Harrison Ford has one in his private fleet of aircraft. A Royal New Zealand Airforce Beaver flew support for Mount Everest legend Sir Edmund Hillary during his 1957-58 South Pole expedition. And I, too, have had my share of adventures in the Beaver, working in the silviculture sector or exploring the wilderness.

It’s for this reason, the 450-horsepower, nine-cylinder, radial engine-powered, single-propped plane has garnered widespread praise and a few official honours. It’s been recognized by engineers as one of Canada’s top 10 engineering achievements of the 20th century, right up alongside that outer space appendage known as Canadarm. In 1994, the Royal Canadian Mint commemorated the Beaver with a special edition quarter.

“The Beaver is a Canadian legend and was instrumental in opening up remote areas of the Canadian wilderness,” says Viking Air’s Angie Murray.

end then touched down on the water as gently as a feather falling on snow. A minute later, the pilot had tied up to the wooden dock and had stepped out of the cockpit, eyeing up our unshaven, sunburned, and generally unkempt crew with a laugh. After cramming skis, poles, and backpacks into the Beaver’s luggage holds, we strapped into seats. I claimed shot-gun next to the pilot.

We powered up, then taxied along Laura Lake, its surface rippled by a slight wind.

I examined the cramped and somewhat disconcertingly weathered looking cockpit,

as rugged and functional looking as a Massey Ferguson farm tractor. The pilot’s yoke, and various levers and controls on the instrument panel, looked worn and well used, fitting for a post-World War II vintage aircraft.

With headphones on, I listened as the pilot radioed in the flight plan to air traffic control in Campbell River. The pilot checked the directional gyro, turn coordinator, and artificial horizon, then set the radios and avionics. As he pushed on the throttle, the engine thundered to full life for take-off. The plane felt sluggish at first, like it was plowing rather than planing.

THE BEAVER IS A “ CANADIAN LEGEND AND

WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN OPENING UP REMOTE AREAS OF THE CANADIAN WILDERNESS.

”

The company has a long history with this aircraft. After solidifying its maintenance reputation with Beaver owners, in 1983, Viking scored a contract as the exclusive parts manufacturer and distributor for the aircraft. In 1988, Viking developed a Turbine Conversion for the Beaver, allowing modification of the original stock radial-piston engine.

The aircraft is deconstructed and rebuilt using new manufactured parts and all new components, including engine, propeller, and avionic instruments.

Then, in 2006, Viking acquired the design rights to the Beaver along with six other de Havilland designs, among them the Twin Otter, though the company hasn’t yet tooled up a plant for manufacturing a modern incarnation of the Beaver.

I pondered this legendary aircraft as it roared above Laura Lake, circled at the far SALT 45

BEAVER REALLY IS LIKE “A THE TAXI CAB, AND AS A TOOL FOR TOURISM — THESE ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE PREVALENT ROLES FOR THIS AIRCRAFT.

PATRICK KUSHFELD/HARBOUR AIR

”

Above: A Beaver can get you just about anywhere there is water to land on. Harbour Air offers scheduled service to a number of destinations, as well as charter flights to coastal wilderness areas and fishing lodges.

VIKING AIR

This archival photo of a Beaver from Viking Air demonstrates one of the primary functions of the Beaver: delivering much-needed supplies to remote communities.

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Then it gathered speed, and the pontoons soon skipped along the water, bringing the nose down so I could see the dark green wall of conifers at the other end of the lake rushing up to meet us. With one final skip, we took to the air and climbed steeply.

The view was breathtaking. Below us the Klinaklini River spilled through an estuary that was almost luminescent green then out into Knight Inlet in a plume of glacier-green water, milky with silt that contrasted sharply with the seawater that, in this light, was almost black. I looked to the south and spotted the ice-encrusted twin granite towers of Mount Waddington; less than a week earlier, we skied in the shadows of this mountain that is easily visible from high points on Vancouver Island on a clear day.

This is the type of situation that the Beaver was built for — short landings and take-offs in remote places — and this is the sort of flying Dale Douglas, another seasoned Beaver pilot

also loves. Mountain flying in beautiful places, was the reason he first got behind the controls of a Beaver 16 years ago. Douglas, owner of Tyax Adventures, flies a 1961 Beaver that was originally built for the British Army. It’s the backbone of his business, shuttling hikers and mountain bikers into some of the spectacular backcountry lakes of the Southern Chilcotin north of Pemberton, as well as doing glacier drops for skiers and climbers.

“I can’t think of another plane that can do what the Beaver does. It might not be the fastest plane in the skies, but it’s the most fun to fly,” Douglas says over the phone from Whistler.

Mike Farrell, operations manager at Campbell River-based Corilair, has been flying Beavers for almost 30 years. He believes the beauty of the aircraft lies in its simplicity and likens the Beaver, when it first arrived in the aviation world, to a three-quarter tonne pickup truck — not the most gorgeous thing ever

KENMORE AIR

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Want to go fishing at a remote North Island lodge or hiking in the wilderness? Perhaps skip the drive to Tofino?

There are lots of float plane options, whether on scheduled flights or chartered for special trips and tours.

Tyax Adventures, Corilair, Harbour Air, Kenmore Air, Seair Seaplanes, Tofino Air, and Vancouver Island Air are just a few of the companies that can get you just about anywhere you want to go.

engineered but a get-it-done machine that’s often the most cost-effective solution to a job.

These days he sees the Beaver’s role shifting away from industrial applications and more toward tourism, for flight-seeing and delivering travellers and adventurers to natural attractions many miles from the nearest highway or port that would otherwise cost a small fortune in helicopter or boat charter fees.

“The Beaver really is like a taxi cab and a tool for tourism — these are becoming more and more prevalent roles for this aircraft,” Farrell says.

With this in mind, Corilair has successfully blended conventional contract flying and tourism with its year-round, three-times-perweek Historic Mail Flight. This excursion allows passengers to tag along with pilots as they deliver mail to coastal outposts like Big Bay on Stuart Island at the head of Bute Inlet, and Refuge Cove and Blind Channel in the Discovery Islands that dot the waters between central Vancouver Island and the mainland.

The flight usually lasts 90 minutes and is a glimpse into a way of coastal living that seems from another era, when people’s lives ebbed and flowed with the arrival of the next plane load or ship load of groceries — or, in this case, mail.

“The routing depends on what stops we have that day. We go to each of the mail locations but also, since this is a working flight, we deliver people and freight to various other locales, like fishing resorts, private residences, and logging camps,” says Farrell.

Our flight from the head of Knight Inlet was quick. Before long, we were coming in for a landing in Seymour Narrows, busy with tugs pulling barges, the Quadra Island ferry, and recreational fishers heading out from the Campbell River dock to Cape Mudge to troll for salmon. Less than 20 minutes ago, the Coast Mountain wilderness seemed so vast that it could swallow your soul. However, the Beaver had delivered us to the creature comforts we inevitably craved: a cold beer, burger and fries, and strangers with whom to socialize.

The deafening roar of the Beaver’s engine still echoed in my brain. Most human inventions leave a technical legacy but few leave an emotional one as well. More than 40 years after the last one was built, pilots still love to fly the Beaver.

And passengers like me get a little wistful when they dream of the next time they’ll strap into the seat of one, even if it’s just to shuttle between the Inner Harbour in Victoria to Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver. S

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THE PERFECT GETAWAY AT AP R I L PO I NT R ES O RT AN D S PA

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DEREK FORD/OAK BAY MARINE GROUP

BY MIKE WICKS

A

sk a dozen people to describe April Point Resort and Spa and you will get as many answers.

It’s a fishing lodge pure and simple, an adventure tourism resort, a spa retreat, a spiritual place, somewhere to recharge your batteries, a romantic getaway, the perfect wedding location, an Island paradise.

Like a chameleon, it changes colour — its nuances, its raison d’être — to suit you. And somehow, it does so effortlessly. For me, this was a father-and-son bonding trip.

My adult son, Adam, and I both wanted some time away from the harsh realities of life...

Situated on a peninsula — April Point — on Quadra Island, the resort has a country-estate feel about it — private, quiet, secluded. Within minutes of checking in, we are drawn to the dock, a hive of activity, a central gathering place.

Even though we have arrived on the last weekend of the season (April Point opens from early May to mid-September), the sun is shining and it’s warm. The restaurant patio, overlooking Discovery Passage, is already busy with a pleasant street-café feel; people wander by, others play giant chess, a constant flotilla of boats arrives and leaves the marina.

Fishing rods and bait for jigging off the floats are offered and, within minutes, we’re catching (and releasing) small greenling and other denizens of the dock.

Something about this simple activity attracts people and soon we’re chatting about what we’ve caught, the stunning scenery, life in general. Standing there on the dock, I was transported back through the years to when my son was a child and we often fished together. Soon, another family with adult children begins fishing on the float opposite; excited screams of “fish on” are heard — even though, as we discover later, the father and son are experienced fishermen used to catching far larger fish.

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DEREK FORD/OAK BAY MARINE GROUP

outside the spa into silhouette. As darkness takes over, we see bats swooping in front of our window, energetically reducing the mosquito population. If life can be summed up by the value of one’s experiences, this trip with my son will rank highly, and we’ve only just begun.

Next morning, just before dawn, we grab a coffee and muffin and head down to the dock to await our fishing guide. It’s quiet, others waiting with us talk in hushed tones. Mist is eerily hanging heavy on the water, but the sun is starting to rise and it cuts through it like someone with a flashlight searching for lost souls. It’s beautiful, the diffused light reflecting off water, wet dock, Adirondack chairs — the whole scene monochromatic save for a few flashes of kayak red.

The quiet is broken by the sound of a boat headed our way. Out of the mist, one of the resort’s 17-foot Boston Whalers materializes and pulls up to the dock. Dwayne, our guide for the morning, supervises the 23 guides and boats that operate out of April Point

and its sister property, Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River. A few minutes later, we head out into thick fog. It’s cold and I feel some trepidation at the limited visibility, but we’re in good hands.

Dwayne soon has us fishing between two fog banks with the sun shining down on us. We’re into fish almost immediately, small ones we release. As the fog dissipates around us, the fishing slows, but there’s plenty of other action: a sea lion having better luck than us is feasting on his

After a hard day of fishing, head to the spa. April Point’s Aveda spa is in a Japanese-inspired, watersurrounded building that seems to float. Treatments are available for men and women.

The dining room overlooks the water and has a wrap-around deck.

The specialty? Fresh seafood, of course.

OAK BAY MARINE GROUP

DEREK FORD/OAK BAY MARINE GROUP

After the excitement of catching fish just a few inches long, I take in my room. It’s oceanfront, with fabulous views across the water toward Campbell River. The Asianinspired spa is in the foreground and the large deck is the perfect spot to while away an hour or so with a cold beer. The room itself is not luxurious, a little dated in places (new flat screen televisions will be in place for 2015), but has a very welcoming feel: cozy, a sink-into sofa, a wet bar, a modern slate-tiled bathroom with a jetted tub, a spectacular view that changes by the minute.

Later, enjoying a beer with Adam, we see seals, otters, bald eagles, a small pod of orcas, and everything from small fishing boats to cruise ships passing by. This is a WestCoast-on-steroids experience. Before dinner, I wander down to where I can see several couples relaxing in Adirondack chairs facing the ocean, under a copse of tall fir trees. I ask a few of them what they like best about the resort. They all talk about it being a magical place, the atmosphere, the views, the wildlife, friendly staff, a sense of well-being. I feel it too — this place has a way of taking you out of yourself, to a place where the stresses of your other life seem distant and irrelevant.

In the restaurant, a huge room with windows looking out across Discovery Passage, Adam and I enjoy a dinner that is neither fine dining nor overly casual. Like the rest of the resort, the menu is all things to all people — the amazing thing is that it succeeds as well as it does!

It’s hard to focus on the food when the views are so spectacular. Looking toward Campbell River, the sky is still blue, but the sun is reflecting a burning orange-red off a few high cirrus clouds throwing the pagoda

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Quathiaski Cove April Point Lodge

Quadra Island

❂

Campbell River

43 min.

Comox Airport (Only 1.5 hours by plane from Calgary)

Vancouver Parksville Island Nanaimo

April Point is on Quadra Island, the largest of the Discovery Islands, an easy 10-minute car-ferry ride from Campbell River.

There’s a free water shuttle for guests from the resort’s sister property, Painter’s Lodge (where you can leave your car), on the other side of the channel, offering

a fun and dramatic way to arrive at the resort. Quadra is the central community of the Discovery Islands and home to just 2,700 people. It’s 35 kilometres long and varies in width from 15 kilometres to just two at its narrowest. Victoria is 250 kilometres by road; Vancouver 200 kilometres by float plane.

breakfast, transient orcas cruise the shoreline not far from our boat, and bald eagles fly above us. Then it’s fish on and I’ve got a Chinook that puts up a tougher fight than its 10 pounds would suggest. A little later, while reflecting that some of the largest salmon ever caught on B.C.’s West Coast have been caught off Quadra Island, I hook a far bigger fish. Dwayne says, “This is a good one, keep your tip up … reel, reel … let him run … reel, reel,” but this goliath, 30 pounds and as long as my outstretched arms — honest — throws the hook and I am left with just the tale.

Back at the dock, we learn the morning’s biggest salmon was 15 pounds, so I’m not too disappointed with my effort. The biggest fish of the day was an amazing 40-pound lingcod.

After a tough morning battling fog and fish, Adam and I wander down to the Aveda spa for some pampering. Stacy, my masseuse, tells me more and more men are visiting the spa after a hard day fighting the Chinooks. After one of the best massages I’ve ever had, we decide to take a couple of

motor scooters and investigate the Island.

The only disappointment for me was arriving so late in the season — we missed out on traditional Tyee fishing. Tyee fishing has made it to my must-do experience list because it’s the purest and toughest form of fishing for salmon. Carried out from a rowboat — no motors allowed — expert rowers slip the boat into the currents and eddies of the Tyee Pools at the mouth of the Campbell River. The goal is to catch a Chinook over 30 pounds and battle the monster into the boat single-handedly. Only then do you become a member of the Tyee Club — founded in 1925.

I’m planning a completely different trip soon to see if my impression of April Point as a chameleon hotel is true. I’m going to return with my wife in the summer to absorb some of the magic of the place, relax on the deck outside our room and watch the whales, wander down to those Adirondack chairs, listen to the water lapping the shore, and watch the sun go down after dinner. And, of course, see if I can catch the one that got away! S

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HOME DESIGN

BY ADRIENNE DYER

The Essence of West Coast Style WHAT IS WEST COAST STYLE? WE ASKED THREE PROMINENT LOCAL DESIGNERS TO DEFINE ITS ESSENCE AND SHARE HOW THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS INSPIRE AND SHAPE WHAT THEY CREATE.

JC SCOTT

> JC Scott Eco Design Associates Inc.

What do you consider to be the defining features of West Coast style?

As an architectural scholar, where did you focus your studies?

Appreciation of the natural world, Pacific Rim awareness, and enjoyment of life. I also see West Coast style as regional and moderate. Every cottage in B.C. is “West Coast.”

I’m a graduate architectural historian within an arts faculty. I focused on sacred natural building materials, sacred proportions, and architectural geometry worldwide.

Can you elaborate?

West Coast style is in the view. Whether situated in the forest or on the water, in a cottage — you’re in touch with nature.

West Coast style can be pretty darned humble. One of my favourite projects was a tiny writing shed for local author Marilyn Bowering. The studio sits on a hill, connected to the main house by a bridge element that you can walk or drive under.

From the studio, there is another bridge that leads to a hilltop lookout. That’s West Coast.

You specialize in light/colour therapy.

Can you talk about the importance of light as a design element?

Colour is psychology. I have studied that and use colour as a tool; for example, varying interior lighting throughout the day and the seasons to follow circadian rhythms.

Natural light, fresh air, and exercise are so important, especially in winter. Ample glass — windows, skylights, and walls — also allows what natural light there is to be enhanced.

You’re known as a huge proponent of vernacular design; what are your favourite local sources for sustainable building materials?

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> Bruce Wilkin Design

How does your background influence your work?

I was born in Victoria and have lived on the West Coast most of my life. The materials and colour palette that I use are directly informed by our climate and location. I think California post-war modernism has had the most influence on what we have come to know as West Coast style.

How is the use of colour, texture, and light influenced by our location?

White always plays a big role in my work.

I like shades of off white that lean to grey.

Outside, I like grey browns, charcoal, and greyed whites. Texture is the magic ingredient that breaks up surfaces and lets light transform both inside and outside spaces. White is never really white as it continually changes as the light changes.

Because our natural amenities are so beautiful, we don’t need much décor to make our spaces spectacular. Built-ins help to stow “stuff ” away and lots of wood, white walls, and glass and concrete/ stone will do the rest. And, of course, the perfect piece of art on the white wall.

Do you note any particular West Coast design trends?

JOSHUA LAWRENCE

Woodland Wide Plank for incredibly beautiful local woods that are sustainably sourced yet competitively priced. Matrix Marble for Vancouver Island marble and granite. And K2 Stone for natural stone products quarried from B.C. and Montana.

BRUCE WILKIN

Large format tile is certainly a trend, as is tile that looks like wood. I have seen tile planks as long as 60 inches.

Again, beautiful durability. My favourite combination right now is traditional architecture on the outside and very clean modern interiors on the inside.

JOSHUA LAWRENCE

A signature JC Scott home is an environmentally healthy home, right down to furnishings that exemplify West Coast contemporary style. This custom WestCoast Eco Home trestle table

by Fred Savage uses recycled 120-yearold Eastern white pine and natural oil and wax, while the custom Live Edge Design Rainforest dining chairs have eco-leather and organic latex foam seats.

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Victoria is distinguished by its many historic homes. How do they exhibit West Coast style?

“West Coast design appreciates the natural talent of local artists, the stone that comes from the Island, the wood milled from and on the Island.”

How does West Coast style extend beyond the home?

We can see influences from native art both in our homes and in public areas. Artists such as Emily Carr created a distinct West Coast style that reflected native culture. Architects like Ron Thom, John Di Castri, Fred Hollingsworth, and Arthur Erickson put a very distinctive northwest spin on modernism. Their work had a deep connection to nature and, in some cases, were almost temple-like.

DAN ANTHON

BRUCE WILKIN

I live in a heritage Samuel Maclure Georgian Revival house that has a wonderful relationship to the land and nature. It is sited on a knoll to take advantage of the light through its many large windows. I can imagine the client of the day requesting easy access to the outside for garden parties and outdoor activities. At one time, the house had a pool and garden pavilion so we can see that our climate has influenced design back to early days of Victoria. I am currently working on 1930s Tudor Revival that will maintain the quaint Tudor details on the street side but will open to a large patio and outdoor kitchen at the rear. The design is respectful

to the original architecture, but the new design uses lots of glass to bring the outside in. On another project, we are transforming a ‘90s stucco box by using weathered cedar shingles, charcoal metal windows, concrete, and other natural materials.

ANTONIETA D’INTRONO > D’introno Interior Design

Would you say that blending interior and exterior spaces distinguishes coastal design?

Being part of nature is what I think a good majority of West Coasters appreciate. Walking on the beach, through the forest, enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape that we are surrounded by.

The native flora of the West Coast is lush and thick and green; it’s almost a waxy, glossy habitat. It feels alive and vibrant and being part of it makes you feel full and whole. So allowing as much of the view to the outside inside is a huge part of building a West Coast design and living on the West Coast. Enjoying nature and being as close to it as possible is integral.

How does our natural environment dictate how we use and decorate our homes?

“Texture is the magic ingredient that breaks up surfaces and lets light transform both inside and outside spaces.”

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I think it is very important to use the building vernacular of where you live. So when I design a home that will be on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean, I must keep in mind the beauty as well as the power of how nature will participate with the house. And it’s important to consider all elements: the sun, wind, heat, frost, shade, moisture. When you decorate, all of these same principles come into play

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What building materials do you favour for your projects?

Wood. Wood has this amazing ability to warm a space, give texture, create depth, and richness while keeping everything elegant. And stone. You can use stone anywhere, for flooring, for countertops, for fireplace surrounds, for patios. It has endless uses and is incredibly beautiful to explore.

In summary, then, what defines West Coast style for you?

West Coast style has everything to do with its environment; it’s all based on an appreciation for nature and being surrounded and part of the nature you’re closely tied to. West Coast design appreciates the natural talent of local artists, the stone that comes from the Island, the wood milled from and on the Island. West Coast design uses texture, colour, light, and creative space planning to give you small nooks to cuddle into and larger spaces to move around in freely. West Coast design feels like it is embracing you and keeping you safe. S SALT 55

56

R E A L E S TAT E

BY SHANNON MONEO

Lifestyle Living Getting exactly what you want in a home

SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPERS AND DESIGNERS MAKE A POINT OF KNOWING WHAT THEIR CUSTOMERS WANT. THESE DAYS, THEY’RE BUILDING SECURE AND HIGH-QUALITY HOMES IN EITHER WALKABLE URBAN NEIGHBOURHOODS OR CLOSE-TO-THE-CITY COUNTRYSIDE.

THE SOVEREIGN RISES IN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Known for building well-crafted, sensible condominiums, Chard Development has upped its game and built 36 luxury residences in the 11-storey Sovereign.

What had been a 10,000-square-foot parking lot in Victoria’s downtown, now hosts a classic brick and stone building that was designed to seamlessly fit with the many nearby heritage buildings.

“We’ve really made an effort to go over the top,” says Jeff Griffiths, Chard’s vicepresident of marketing.

Only two blocks from both Victoria’s Inner Harbour and the Empress Hotel, Chard “wanted to make the Sovereign a special, unique boutique building,” says Griffiths.

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The homes start at 564 square feet for a one-bedroom residence right up to the 3,235-square-foot penthouse, selling for almost $4 million.

Built to be a comfortable, yet almost glamorous living space, the Sovereign boasts touches like built-in pantries, granite slab countertops, under-cabinet LED lighting, high-end bathroom fixtures, and a top-ofthe-line security system.

Because the building site was relatively small, ramp parking wasn’t feasible. Instead, owners access 54 parking spots by driving their vehicle into an elevator which takes it to the correct floor, using tag-reader technology, Griffiths explains.

At the Sovereign’s crown is the Commons, a classy rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and comfy

seating that’s available to all residents.

Another feature is the Stirling Suite, a sumptuous guest suite for residents’ visitors.

Buyers of Sovereign homes have proven to be a mix of people, including those purchasing their first residence, downsizers with a taste for downtown living, and even upsizers who are moving from an older condo to an upscale home. “But most of all, they’re people who appreciate quality and location,” Griffiths says.

Kids and pets are welcome. Cyclists, too (there’s bike storage). And every suite has views that are “something else,” Griffiths says. When the annual Symphony Splash classical concert takes place each August at the Inner Harbour, watching from the Sovereign is “something to behold,” he says.

Located on Broughton Street, the Sovereign provides all the advantages of a downtown lifestyle. While it has been designed to blend with the heritage characteristics of the block, it is a very modern building complete with a vehicle elevator. The Sovereign residences feature open-concept floor plans and expansive windows to maximize the view. The wideplank hardwood flooring is a warm tribute to the heritage of the neighbourhood.

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ELEMENT: URBAN VILLAGE

When Mike Miller set out to build Element, a 14-unit condo in Saanich’s Cadboro Bay Village, he was likely influenced by his own recent move to a home where he can easily stroll to the services he needs.

Literally, “walking the walk,” Miller, president of Abstract Developments, says “walkability” is a key element of Element.

“It’s really about the way Victoria is going,” Miller says. “In some places, you have to get in your car to go everywhere.” Not at Element.

Element is a 1/2 kilometre from the University of Victoria, one block from Cadboro Bay’s Gyro Park Beach, and close to the many amenities in Cadboro Bay Village.

“It’s on a tree-lined street, a serene setting.

You’re not surrounded by concrete,” says Brandon Williams, Abstract’s marketing and communications manager.

Built on two residential lots, Element is a three-storey building, where the ground floor will have office/retail space, with the condos on floors two and three. Parking will be available behind the building.

Miller says he designed the commercial ground floor to project out onto the street while the two upper storeys were designed to be markedly distinct from the first floor, having 58 SALT

more of a heritage appearance that fits the natural surroundings. “We’ve found a balance of different materials that complement the outdoors,” Williams says.

Condos start at 737 square feet running to 1,009 square feet. Key was bringing the outdoors, indoors — achieved with big, floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings. The two interior design palettes, Wind (clean white, light grey, silver) and Earth (off-white, natural colours, dark grey) are also extended to the balconies.

Interiors at Element were designed by Sandy Nygaard and inspired by the textures and hues of the Pacific: clean whites, light greys, and silver finishes for the Wind palette and off-white and natural tones with velvety dark greys for the Earth palette. Kitchens feature quartz countertops and Whirlpool and Blomberg appliances.

“We want Element to feel like someone’s home,” says Miller, whose home designs consistently win awards.

All ages — and pets — are welcome.

Element’s units can be used as piedà-terres or rented. As Williams points out, Element is a very secure building.

So, hopping on a plane Friday night for a weekend stay and returning “home” Sunday becomes a tempting proposition.

CUSTOM HOME STYLES FOR COUNTRY AND CITY

Tim Rodier began designing homes in Cobble Hill, north of Victoria, in 2006.

His Outline Home Design focused on luxury homes or manor houses, but recent demand to design new homes on city lots, sometimes where existing houses had been demolished, led Rodier to open a second office in Victoria’s Oak Bay. In urban Victoria, often the land itself can be worth up to about 75 per cent of the property’s full cost. So, when it comes to renovating what could be a 1940s-built home versus building new, certain homeowners opt to knock down the existing house and rebuild, Rodier says.

It’s a different story if you drive 30 minutes north of Victoria, over the Malahat Summit. “You can get large acreages in Cobble Hill or Mill Bay for one-third of the price,” Rodier says. Land in Highlands, Metchosin, and the Sooke area is another rural option.

Rodier’s role begins when the client indicates that they have a lot in mind. Rodier checks out the land and determines with the client what sort of house should be built. Rodier has a stable of about six reputable builders he works with. He also helps the client navigate municipal regulations.

When it comes to the style of the home, Rodier works with three forms: modern, classic, and country.

Modern: It’s either loved or hated, says Rodier. Chosen by about half of his clients, the style ages well. The clean lines of the often geometric structures have open interiors that epitomize function over form. As Rodier explains, the building site determines the floor plan and, in turn, the floor plan determines the home’s exterior design.

Classic: Here’s where older European stylings, like French colonial, lend their elements. Columns, friezes, stucco, and

stone are hallmarks of a design that’s inspired by history. Typically, these showpiece homes are suited to lots of 1/2 acre of more.

Country: A mix of modern and traditional where steep gables, heavy timbers, and natural finishing are hallmarks. Some are the “Craftsman” style while others could almost be West Coast Contemporary. Cedar and stone are defining features. Good on larger lots or nestled into a nature landscape, these homes aren’t suited to small city lots.

Rodier notes that his out-of-town clients are usually ready to retire and have the funds

to build whatever style they want. Clients who choose to live in the city “want the Oak Bay lifestyle,” which is the great shopping, dining, and recreation, Rodier says. The horsey-set meanwhile, are looking for a rural home.

“Clients don’t see past Langford, but when I take them over the Malahat, they go ‘Ahhhhhh,’” says Rodier, referring to their surprised and pleased response.

Finding the perfect home means first choosing the lifestyle you want: a condo downtown or just a stroll from the beach, or a house in the city or on acerage in the country. S

Hello, I’m Margaret and I would love to help you move to the West Coast.

You’ve been thinking about it for a long time.

Let’s make this happen. Like many quality real estate agents, I understand the local market, our communities and property values here in Victoria, British Columbia. You’re not only looking to purchase a home, you want the West Coast lifestyle that comes with it.

Let’s talk.

Why choose me? www.margaretleck.com

M L

32 Years l A Tradition of Professionalism

Margaret Leck Fine Victoria Real Estate

CAMOSUN 4440 Chatterton Way Victoria BC mleck@shaw.ca 250.413.7171 margaretleck.com

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60

B OAT I N G

BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI

Making It Reality THOUGH BUYING A BOAT IS A BIG DECISION, WITH SCENERY THIS STUNNING, THE DREAM OF A MARINE LIFESTYLE IS VIRTUALLY IRRESISTIBLE

A

RIVIERA YACHTS

sk Don Prittie, general manager of Canoe Cove Marina in North Saanich and president of Boating BC, about boating on the West Coast and he chuckles.

“It’s a bit of a disease, but it’s a good one.”

Described by others in the marine community as being a “boating ambassador,” Prittie has lived on the West Coast all his life. But he has done his share of travelling to landlocked and much colder parts of the country, and he understands well the lure of the West Coast marine lifestyle. He names places like Poet’s Cove on Pender Island or the Saturday Market on Salt Spring Island for short trips and spending a week or two in dreamscapes like Princess Louisa Inlet or Desolation Sound.

“We could talk all day and we wouldn’t have hit all of them,” he says. “Those are a few that are very special to me.”

So what does it take to make the dream real?

Let’s start with a boat — one that will get

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you places like that comfortably, say a 45- to 60-foot cruiser that sleeps six people.

Greg Dickinson, vice-president of Van Isle Marina in Sidney, describes a boat of this size as “very comfortable for either a family or a few couples who would like to enjoy boating and have all the creature comforts of home.”

A boat of that size will most likely be equipped to go boating for more than a few days and even for several weeks of enjoyment, he adds.

As far as operating a boat of that size, Dickinson says boats are easier to operate now than ever before with technology allowing an operator to use a joystick or thrusters to manoeuvre the boat more comfortably.

“New technology has also created pod drives that allow operators to place the boat into spaces with ease, whether it’s sideways or backwards or rotating,” he says, adding that pod drives also provide better fuel economy and longer cruising ranges. Pre-owned boats

are also equipped with twin engines and bow or stern thrusters that also allow the operator to easily manoeuvre in any situation.

Speed is another matter; Dickinson describes it as a “lifestyle choice.”

“There are single or twin diesel powerboats that can cruise at seven knots or that can cruise at 25 knots,” he says. “Most boats in this size range can cruise the entire Pacific Northwest, around Vancouver Island, and even up to Alaska.”

Other technological advancements have made boating easier, too. For example, gyro stabilizers make cruising more comfortable in all weather.

“Chart plotters are easy to use and very intuitive for the boaters who are not IT savvy or familiar with the islands,” he says. “They clearly identify hazards on the chart and also communicate with the auto pilot for peace of mind and relaxation while cruising.”

Many manufacturers also provide touchscreen charts and radars that are compatible with a tablet.

“Most boats in this size range will be complete with the navigation electronics necessary to cruise knowledgeably,” says Dickinson.

Creature comforts on a model like this Belize 54 Daybridge typically include multiple cabins and lounging areas, full cooking amenities, separate sleeping cabins, and multiple heads.

The Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht

RIVIERA YACHTS

RIVIERA YACHTS

Whether cruising over to Pender or Salt Spring for the day, to Cowichan Bay or Nanaimo for a weekend, or to Desolation Sound for a longer trip, 45 to 60 feet is a very comfortable size for a boat.

YOUR HOMEWORK Safety and being confident on the water require training.

The first step is the Pleasure Craft Operators Card — a basic requirement — but Prittie says most people operating a boat in the 45- to 60-foot range want more training, adding that the Canadian Power Squadron is a good option. Other navigation and training schools offer beginner and advanced courses.

“While technology is great, you also need to know how to get from point A to point B without all that,” says Prittie. “For example, if your electrical system failed in the boat in some fog, you need to get home safely with a compass and a chart.”

Both Prittie and Dickinson recommend hiring a coach who can go out with you on your boat.

“They can show an owner everything from tying the boat to the dock, to manoeuvring into the dock space, to anchoring with ease,” says Dickinson.

“People who get into trouble, usually it is avoidable by doing their homework and having that kind of knowledge,” says Prittie.

With solid education, boating becomes what it is meant to be: fun.

And there’s more on the list.

“Fully equipped boats will also have a shore boat for exploring or getting the dog ashore,” says Dickinson. “Fully equipped usually means the boat includes safety gear, heating systems, navigational electronics, entertainment systems, tender/dinghy package, barbecue, anchor and chain, lines, and fenders.”

A realistic price range for a boat of this size depends largely on whether it’s new or pre-owned. The new models range from $1,000,000 to $2,500,000, while pre-owned, 10-year-old boats range from $400,000 to $1,500,000.

Maintenance is another consideration.

“Depending on the type of boat, there are different seasonal requirements and maintenance tasks recommended to boaters,” says Dickinson. “There are many service providers that can support or coach owners with this responsibility so that the boat is ready and turnkey when they choose to use it.”

Cost estimates for annual maintenance are approximately seven to 10 per cent of the value of the boat and include everything from mechanical maintenance, wax and detail, moorage, insurance, and fuel.

So how do you find the information and resources you need? Prittie recommends talking to people.

“Find your marina and establish a relationship,” says Prittie. “Get information

on services and care. You build relationships and you get that comfort with people. There is also just a lot of free knowledge at a marina or a yacht club. People like talking about boats. You don’t have to go very far to find someone who will know what to do or who to talk to.”

As for finding a marina, both Prittie and Dickinson favour Sidney because it is close to the airport and ferries. But there are other aspects to consider — amenities like the fuel dock, maintenance and repair facilities, restaurant, car parking, haul-outs, good electricity supply, dock crew for assistance, and a marina chandlery.

Even something like dock carts — the first thing owners use when they get to the marina — should be considered. Typically, moorage is available annually, monthly, and nightly.

Another consideration is how or where to store a boat when it isn’t in use for a period of time. For a boat in the 45-to-60-foot range, there are two options. Keep the boat moored and ask a friend or hire a service to check on the boat three times a week to ensure the lines are good, the canvas is in place, it is plugged in properly, and there is no water in the bilge, says Prittie.

“The other option is to lift the boat out of the water and, even though the climate is fairly comfortable here, we recommend strongly that the boat be winterized,” says Prittie.

Dry-land storage in a secure yard is available at some marinas and provides peace of mind no matter what time of year it is, says Dickinson.

Some boaters tie up at one marina in the summer and then move it into another marina with storage for the winter, says Prittie, adding maintenance and project-type work is commonly done when the boat is out of the water.

So while buying a boat is a big decision, one that deserves thought and a certain amount of homework, it is undeniably a dream that is hard to let go.

Prittie talks about a friend who once told him that the decision to buy a boat comes down to this: coffins don’t have pockets in them.

And that’s probably enough to push a potential but hesitating boat owner into the yacht broker’s office. S SALT 61

62

S P EC I A L P L AC E S

BY DANIELLE POPE

C R E AT I V E WO R K S WRITTEN BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

SIDNEY

BY THE SEA

BY DANIELLE POPE

I

t’s no coincidence Sidney is known as Canada’s Booktown.

Back in the day, travel was all very well for those steering the ships into this lively port town, but their passengers were bored stiff, says Clive Tanner, who, with his wife Christine owns two of Sidney’s bookstores. Books were the most sought-after commodity as soon as the vessels docked.

Today, this town of 11,000 residents lays claim to seven bookstores — more

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independent bookstores per capita than any other community in Canada — hence, its legendary title and the reason bookworms like me like to visit.

Other South Islanders envy Sidney residents for their close proximity to key transportation hubs, including the ferries to the Gulf Islands, Mainland B.C., and the American San Juan Islands. The airport is just five minutes away and then there are the four nearby marinas.

But there are other reasons people admire Sidney. Over the decades, it has blossomed into one of the most charming townships on the Island, with a plethora of shops and restaurants, gorgeous water views, and neighbourhoods that are, if not right on the water, an easy stroll away. And on an Island already notable for friendliness, Sidney stands out as exceptionally welcoming, as evidenced by the casual chit chat between customers and shop staff, among café patrons

JO-ANN LORO/SALT MAGAZINE

< With its pretty brickwork walkways, outdoor cafés, and relaxed pace, Sidney looks and feels like a resort town, but one where everyone seems to know each other, exchanging nods and hellos as they stroll along. A waterside stroll offers a photogenic mix of hotels, condos, and restaurant patios on the land side and, on the water side, views of Sidney Island and, at low tide, Sidney Spit.

DON’T MISS

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

Sidney Shops It may be a small town, but the quality and calibre of the shops here are anything but. Fashion, home décor, jewellery, and art mingle very nicely with book shops.

Libations Just minutes from Sidney, you have some great options for sampling a variety of vintages. Muse Winery, Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse (their traditional Wild English cider is pictured above), De Vine Vineyards, Victoria Spirits, and Symphony Vineyards are a few. Stop in for a tasting — or get married!

People do that at these beautiful places.

FROM ITS ARTISTIC BOARDWALK TO ITS NATIONAL CLAIM TO FAME, THIS BOOKTOWN IS WORTH A READ. at neighbouring tables, and in the greetings of people passing each other on the street.

As I meander along the brickwork sidewalks of Beacon Avenue, Sidney’s main street, I see the bronzed statues are still reading on their benches and the concrete planter boxes are full of colour as usual. Marked on one end by the Mary Winspear Centre, a much-loved venue for concerts, community events, and art shows and, on the other end, by the oftenphotographed blue and white Fish Market and

dock, Beacon Avenue is a true “main street.”

Extending from the Pat Bay Highway all the way to the water, this stretch of roughly eight blocks is the backbone of the community and the commercial centre of the action.

Pedestrians skirt by, a few on smartphones, with shopping bags full of books, gifts, and groceries. Water dishes placed outside stores welcome four-legged companions. Patios get busier as hungry diners choose between seats in the sun or the shade.

Butchart Gardens and Victoria Butterfly Gardens These two lovely diversions are side by side and just down the road from Sidney.

And when you are this close to places like Butchart Gardens, an annual pass makes it easy to admire the ongoing flower show as the seasons change.

The Sidney Fine Art Show A highly respected event held every October, this juried show draws about 6,000 people to see about 1,200 works of fine art over three days.

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JO-ANN LORO/SALT MAGAZINE

Just like a page out of a Brontë novel, Sidney is alive with characters. On this Sunday afternoon, Amy Miller is designing arrangements at Brown’s The Florist off Beacon Avenue. She doesn’t stop working as she tells me about her day, snipping leaves and pressing roses into a bunch as she recalls a particular perusing woman or the man who asked for an especially complex arrangement.

“There’s a different vibe here,” she says with a smile. “A real community. Everyone knows each other — and everyone knows everyone’s business.”

Around the corner, Fish on Fifth’s business is as busy as ever. I hear laughter floating out the windows, and the sizzle of a deep fryer welcomes me as I walk through the door. People come here for real homemade fish and chips, but Chelsey Minter, the owner’s daughter, laughs about some of the bizarre desserts they’ve been asked to create — desserts like deep-fried bubblegum. Since the take-away stand of 1997 expanded into a full restaurant in 2004, locals know the shop aims to please. Minter’s favourite dish doesn’t have anything to do with sweets or fish: it’s the Hayden Wrap, a chicken strip phenomenon loaded with veggies and perfect for my lunch.

Fish on Fifth is just one of Sidney’s many eateries. Especially in the summer

JO-ANN LORO/SALT MAGAZINE

SEASIDE STORIES

KEVIN OKE

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WATER

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The water influences everything here, whether it’s the views from a patio or options on a menu. Probably the most photographed sight, the blue-and-white Fish Market has been marking the end of Beacon Avenue — main street — for as long as anyone remembers. This dock is also a great place to drop a crab trap for tasty but hard-shelled rock crab. If you want the deluxe (and easier to crack) Dungeness, your best bet is hiring a boat charter to take you out to deeper water. Or just buy it at the Fish Market.

Sidney Spit (left), is just offshore and accessible by boat or passenger ferry from the Beacon Ave dock. At low tide, the beach is wonderful.

BOB ORCHARD

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is Sidney’s dedication to connecting residents with the ocean’s ecosystem.

This waterfront aquarium and marine education centre offers a brilliant balance of family fun and serious learning with lots of activities, games, workshops, and classes for all ages.

Kids love Mineral World — where they can sift through bins and bowls of shiny coloured stones. And while they are busy with their little bags of treasure, you can peruse the displays of jewellery and gifts.

months, restaurants bustle with local regulars, as well as visitors who tie up at the marinas. This little town is so well loved by visiting boaters from south of the border, that the fourth of July is enthusiastically celebrated every year.

And with the marinas so close and the shorelines edged by a paved walkway that grants some of the most stunning views on the South Island, it is no surprise that Sidney’s neighbourhoods have become so highly valued among homebuyers.

SIDNEY’S SECRET SUBPLOT

Sidney’s relaxed pace is a little bit deceptive: there is another side to this enclave of seaside peace and quiet, one that has earned it a place in the hearts and minds of the outdoor adventurer.

Boating and sailing are obviously big activities here, especially with so many islands within easy reach, but kayaking is another big favourite with paddlers launching from spots up and down the shoreline.

At the end of Bevan Avenue, parallel to Beacon Avenue, a glance at the 420-foot fishing pier will not reveal the artificial reef

below. Since 1991, Sidney has hosted one of the first reefs of its kind to boost marine life and scuba exploration.

And yet another side of Sidney is revealed at the many events held throughout the year, such as the weekend of festivities celebrating Canada Day, the Matinee Concert Series, the Summer Street Market, the ArtSea Festival, the Lighted Boat Sail Past, and the Santa Parade. Tourists drift through an array of parks, walking trails, and beaches to glimpse the Seaside Sculpture Walk, the Sidney Museum and Archives, Heritage Acres, and Mineral World. Some even float out for a whale watching or marine wildlife tour.

Out along the oceanside walkway, a jogger huffs past a Pomeranian and her walker, seagulls swoop at the occasional find, and a seal pops its head out from the water a safe distance away. Mount Baker glows white in the distance, and the ocean is starting to turn pink against the twilight.

Now too dark to read, I look back toward town from my bench and see lights are beginning to sparkle in the hotels and restaurants and on the patios. Yes, Sidney looks like a scene made for a book. S

SALT 65

LOCAL FAVOURITE

BY DANIELLE POPE

66 SALT

the Irish Times pub, yet he aims to keep that authentic, personal feel when he’s playing.

“You have to perform for the pure enjoyment of it and not get caught up trying to look as cool as everyone else,” he says.

The Metchosin native had been a relatively behindclosed-doors musician until age 27. After playing solo for

a time, he turned his focus to The Roper Show, his band with bassist Matt Reid and drummer Steve Ling, and the rock and blues-based trio went into high gear, releasing two albums in two years.

Roper, now 32, describes Red Bird, the third album, released this year, as “much more personally written than the previous two.”

JEFFREY BOSDET/SALT MAGAZINE

It might seem paradoxical given his stage presence, but Jesse Roper confesses to being an introvert.

“There’s a real mental shift that happens when you realize people are here to see you,” he says. “You feel like you really have to put on a show.”

His shows have come a long way from when he was playing alone to a small audience in

SCHOOL LESS ORDINARY.

What are you doing this weekend? Boarding students at SMUS are kayaking among the Gulf Islands, taking their scuba dive certification, eating dinner in downtown Victoria with their friends,

volunteering in the local community and studying for one (or more) of 26 AP courses. Discover SMUS for yourself by visiting our beautiful campus next time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on Vancouver Island: www.smus.ca/visit

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