Outdoors and Recreation

Birding can can be a great family activity in explore and develop our Natural Intelligence.

Birds of a feather discover together!

Introducing junior birders to the natural world all around Saanich

  • Sep 13, 2021

 

Victoria resident and accessibility consultant Steve Bertrand accesses the rocky beach off Dallas Road. (Photo courtesy of City of Victoria)

New accessible amenities unveiled along Victoria’s Dallas Road waterfront

City takes action to support residents with mobility challenges

 

Saanich boasts more than 170 parks, with an Official Community Plan policy of having five hectares of parkland for every 1,000 people, and having a park within walking distance of most homes within the urban area.

What’s in a park? Lots of community ideas!

Balancing needs for Saanich’s different parks … and different park users

  • Sep 6, 2021

 

While most tubers on the Cowichan River are respectful and just looking for some fun in the water, as those shown in the photo, a riverside business owner says a minority of rowdy tubers are driving away business. (File photo)

Lake Cowichan riverside business says rowdy tubers deterring customers

Long-time customers at Greendale Riverside Cabins say they won’t return

While most tubers on the Cowichan River are respectful and just looking for some fun in the water, as those shown in the photo, a riverside business owner says a minority of rowdy tubers are driving away business. (File photo)
One of the tallest peaks in the city, with an elevation of about 120 metres, Mount Tolmie offers moderate to challenging climbs with the reward of a 360-degree city view at the top.

Go vertical! 5 Saanich hikes that yield a big reward

Reflecting on our favourite hikes, we often think horizontal – maybe a…

  • Aug 30, 2021
One of the tallest peaks in the city, with an elevation of about 120 metres, Mount Tolmie offers moderate to challenging climbs with the reward of a 360-degree city view at the top.
North Shore Rescue quickly deployed rescue teams and Talon Helicopters thanks to the preparation of an overdue camper. (NSR photo)

B.C. search and rescue team commends ‘excellent’ preparation of overdue camper

North Shore Rescue says good planning from the camper greatly aided rescue efforts

North Shore Rescue quickly deployed rescue teams and Talon Helicopters thanks to the preparation of an overdue camper. (NSR photo)
Despite already appealing to many in Sooke, RC events and activities can only be put on with a proper track, says Vancouver Island RC Racers organizer Dan Pudwell. (Contributed - Dan Pudwell)

Remote-control car racetrack eyed for Sooke

Track will be constructed on West Coast Road farmland

Despite already appealing to many in Sooke, RC events and activities can only be put on with a proper track, says Vancouver Island RC Racers organizer Dan Pudwell. (Contributed - Dan Pudwell)
Proceeds from the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s second annual online auction will support conservation initiatives around the province. BCWF photo.

Online gift, gear and getaway auction boosts BC fish and wildlife conservation

B.C. Wildlife Federation online auction supports conservation projects across the province

Proceeds from the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s second annual online auction will support conservation initiatives around the province. BCWF photo.
Butterly on red osier dogwood. Jen Blyth photo

Be local + Bee happy: Incorporating native plants into the home garden

Blackberry picking is a late-summer tradition for many of us here in…

  • Aug 16, 2021
Butterly on red osier dogwood. Jen Blyth photo
The Sandowner Centre for Regenerative Agriculture is running nature walks on its property every Saturday this month. (Photo courtesy of the Sandown Centre)

Sandown Centre in North Saanich hosting nature-connecting walks this month

Experts are leading the Saturday strolls to give their perspective on the property’s lands

The Sandowner Centre for Regenerative Agriculture is running nature walks on its property every Saturday this month. (Photo courtesy of the Sandown Centre)
Free yoga is back at Willows Beach Park until Aug. 31. (Black Press Media file photo)

Free yoga back at the beach in Oak Bay

Residents turn out to practise safely at Willows Beach Park on Tuesday nights

Free yoga is back at Willows Beach Park until Aug. 31. (Black Press Media file photo)
Sport fisherman hunting predator fish. Outdoor fishing in river during sunrise. Hunting and hobby sport.

Head outdoors this summer with Outdoors West!

New magazine shares the how-to and where-to of exploring Western Canada’s great outdoors

Sport fisherman hunting predator fish. Outdoor fishing in river during sunrise. Hunting and hobby sport.
Through the practice known as forest bathing, we can still our mind from its regular chatter, see and experience what’s right before us, and deepen our Natural Intelligence, and with it our respect for the forest, and its flora and fauna.

Bathing the senses: Finding calm in a forest connection

As you step into the Mount Douglas forest, breathe deeply, touch the…

  • Aug 9, 2021
Through the practice known as forest bathing, we can still our mind from its regular chatter, see and experience what’s right before us, and deepen our Natural Intelligence, and with it our respect for the forest, and its flora and fauna.
Birder Geoffrey Newell, 25, spots and identifies birds flying overhead in a clearing around Uplands Park early on Saturday, July 31. (Evert Lindquist/News Staff)

Talented birder resumes immersive tours at Oak Bay’s Cattle Point

52 bird species spotted by dozens of attendees during first bird walk in months

Birder Geoffrey Newell, 25, spots and identifies birds flying overhead in a clearing around Uplands Park early on Saturday, July 31. (Evert Lindquist/News Staff)
Local artist Gillian Redwood and avid local pianist Carl Ivey pose with a painted piano at Turkey Head during a past summer. (Courtesy of Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture)

August to see return of community painted pianos in Oak Bay

Play your favourite tunes outdoors this summer, in five different locations

Local artist Gillian Redwood and avid local pianist Carl Ivey pose with a painted piano at Turkey Head during a past summer. (Courtesy of Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture)
A permanent good quality public disc golf course is currently nonexistent in Greater Victoria, advocates say, despite various courses being accessible elsewhere on the south Island. (Photo by Michael Kiesz)

Greater Victoria disc golf enthusiasts keen to create quality public course

Region lacks publicly accessible facility suitable for all levels: disc golf society president

A permanent good quality public disc golf course is currently nonexistent in Greater Victoria, advocates say, despite various courses being accessible elsewhere on the south Island. (Photo by Michael Kiesz)
Soul Shakers lead singer Joyce Allensen hits a high note while performing with guitarist Sean McCool before the public at Willows Park on July 22. (Evert Lindquist/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Oak Bay rocks at Willows Beach with Soul Shakers

With COVID-19 case numbers down locally, reassured residents come together to dance and celebrate

Soul Shakers lead singer Joyce Allensen hits a high note while performing with guitarist Sean McCool before the public at Willows Park on July 22. (Evert Lindquist/News Staff)
Sooke ATV Club members collected a dumpster load of garabhe, including an abandoned boat, while doing a cleanup along Anderson Road near Muir Creek on July 17. (Contributed - Sooke ATV Club)

Sooke ATV Club gives back by cleaning up

Derelict boat, household and construction waste part of cleanup effort

Sooke ATV Club members collected a dumpster load of garabhe, including an abandoned boat, while doing a cleanup along Anderson Road near Muir Creek on July 17. (Contributed - Sooke ATV Club)
The Habitat Acquisition Trust’s fundraising efforts to acquire the nearly-50-acre Mountain Road Forest, in partnership with the CRD, have accomplished their purpose. (Black Press Media file photo)

Late donations help HAT reach goal to buy Saanich’s Mountain Road Forest with CRD

Community bands together to protect wooded property; 1,400-plus donors contribute over $1 million

The Habitat Acquisition Trust’s fundraising efforts to acquire the nearly-50-acre Mountain Road Forest, in partnership with the CRD, have accomplished their purpose. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Tube Shack in Lake Cowichan is opening a second location this year. (File photo)

The Tube Shack opening second location in Lake Cowichan

Cowabunga Tubes will be on North Shore Road

The Tube Shack in Lake Cowichan is opening a second location this year. (File photo)