Outdoors and Recreation

OW cover

Enjoy the great outdoors this winter with Outdoors West!

Magazine shares the how-to and where-to of exploring Western Canada’s natural spaces

 

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

 

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)

South Island’s first remote-control car dirt racetrack eyed for Sooke

Track will be constructed on West Coast Road farmland

 

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)
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.
A number of property owners with riverside homes along the Cowichan River are raising concerns about the growth of tubing on the water. Pictured, from left, are Joe Saysell, Rosemary Danaher, and Chris Morley. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Tubing issues on the Cowichan River raising the ire of riverside residents

Public drinking and pollution tops the concerns

A number of property owners with riverside homes along the Cowichan River are raising concerns about the growth of tubing on the water. Pictured, from left, are Joe Saysell, Rosemary Danaher, and Chris Morley. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
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.
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)
One person with a killer 90-second video will walk away with a $62.50 an hour job this summer – camping across Canada for 40 days. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Canada’s Best Summer Job comes with $20,000 payment for 40 days of camping

Contest relies on entrants’ social media savvy, Canadian vote

One person with a killer 90-second video will walk away with a $62.50 an hour job this summer – camping across Canada for 40 days. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
(Metro Creative photo)

Youth summer fishing challenge: Go fishing, take a photo, then enter to win!

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s contest returns this summer

(Metro Creative photo)
B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend is coming up June 18 to 20.

BC’s Family Fishing Weekend returns June 18 to 20

Get ready with a free Family Fishing Webinar Series June 12

B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend is coming up June 18 to 20.
Repairs had to be made to this culvert and a section of the Cowichan Valley Trail after a sinkhole and washout. (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)

Cowichan Valley Trail gets upgrades

Trail significantly damaged after culvert failure in 2020

Repairs had to be made to this culvert and a section of the Cowichan Valley Trail after a sinkhole and washout. (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)
Dogs on duty: Avalanche rescue dog in training Sadie (above) learning about obedience with her owner and handler, Steve Morrison at the Fernie Alpine Resort, and Drift (right) who is FAR’s newest CARDA-certified dog. More pictures, story on page 8.

PHOTOS: Meet Fernie’s team of avalanche rescue dogs

There are five avalance rescue dogs at Fernie Alpine Resort

Dogs on duty: Avalanche rescue dog in training Sadie (above) learning about obedience with her owner and handler, Steve Morrison at the Fernie Alpine Resort, and Drift (right) who is FAR’s newest CARDA-certified dog. More pictures, story on page 8.
Three-year-old Adia Leidums skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort. (Image courtesy of Erich Leidums)

Fernie toddler wins hearts with adorable skiing pep-talks

Three-year-old Adia Leidums is world-famous after being mic’d-up by her dad as she skis Fernie Alpine Resort

Three-year-old Adia Leidums skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort. (Image courtesy of Erich Leidums)
A locked gate prevents access to a logging road on Mosaic Forests land in 2017. (ELENA RARDON/ Alberni Valley News)

Pilot project aimed at keeping access open to Vancouver Island back country

Trial access plan in Alberni could provide template for other Mosiac forestry roads and properties

A locked gate prevents access to a logging road on Mosaic Forests land in 2017. (ELENA RARDON/ Alberni Valley News)
CVRD to apply for a grant to improve a 4.85-kilometre section of the Cowichan Valley Trail near Shawnigan Lake. (File photo)

CVRD looks to improve section of Cowichan Valley Trail

District applies for $250,000 grant to widen, upgrade 4.8-kilometre section in Shawnigan Lake

CVRD to apply for a grant to improve a 4.85-kilometre section of the Cowichan Valley Trail near Shawnigan Lake. (File photo)
Eric Hjorliefson, Mark Abma and Chris Rubens climb for their powder on Mount Cain. Matchstick Productions image.

VIDEO: New Mt. Cain ski documentary eye-candy for powder lovers

A freeskiing documentary set at Vancouver Island’s Mount Cain is making waves…

Eric Hjorliefson, Mark Abma and Chris Rubens climb for their powder on Mount Cain. Matchstick Productions image.
Construction is underway on Chilliwack’s new pump track, seen here on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 beside the Chilliwack Curling Club. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

B.C. city set to become home of the largest pump track facility in North America

Custom designed pump track with crossover tunnel will be geared to riders of all abilities

Construction is underway on Chilliwack’s new pump track, seen here on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 beside the Chilliwack Curling Club. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Mosaic and the province have come to an agreement that will see 15 small lakes on Vancouver Island stocked with fish this year. (File photo)

Mosaic, province come to agreement to stock 3 small Cowichan lakes with fish

Province and Mosaic are increasing local angling opportunities on 15 popular fishing lakes in 2020

  • Jun 19, 2020
Mosaic and the province have come to an agreement that will see 15 small lakes on Vancouver Island stocked with fish this year. (File photo)
The next chapter of your summer adventure begins here

The next chapter of your summer adventure begins here

All the amenities, none of the crowds: Discover Sugar Lake

  • Jun 8, 2020
The next chapter of your summer adventure begins here