A trip to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate-do
Members of a Courtenay dōjō experience the culture of their traditional martial art
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ALL Summer
The watery history of Lewis Park
The struggle for a beloved gathering place
The Dirt on Biochar
Black Gold
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A single lady at Maple Lake ponders life and the one that got away
Lonely Sam
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Illustration by
Featured Poet: Naveena Gill
Mysterious orange sky: a poem about a sunset over Goose Spit
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Just keep moving
Meet me in the park. We’ve got some walking to do
Words by
Photos by
Featured Artist: Judit Szilvasi
Featured Photographer: Damian Chudzinski, Comox Valley Landscape Artist
NIC Student Housing, tul’al’txw: Alive with Indigenous Culture
A house—and home—of learning
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Draw Together Strangers
How a global art initiative creates human connection
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Sandy Island Marine Park (Tree Island BC): Remote—and Right Next Door
Trees and sand
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How Ramona Gregory’s Slip Cast Porcelain Lamps Combine Form and Function
CRAFTING LIGHT
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Gwyn Sproule: Guardian of the forest and Cumberland history
A very engaging life
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The 1946 Vancouver Island Earthquake and Landslide Lake
When “bedlam” let loose
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It’s not true BBQ until you add low heat, live fire, and flavourful smoke
The art of Smoke
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Sandra Viney of Courtenay’s Atlas Cafe
Thirty years of cuisine and community
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Summer skin, simplified
Beneath the surface
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A Young Author on Writing and Self-Discovery
Creating her own story
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Creativity and collaboration rule the world of Live Action Role Play (LARP)
Join the quest!
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Understanding food flows in the Comox Valley
Planning for a resilient, sustainable, edible future
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Compass Adventures: A Comox Valley water sports legacy
Riding the waves for 30 years
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Comox Valley paragliding offers pure, joyous flight
Frontier flying
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Easy from the outside
An Introduction to Vol. 42
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Featured Artist: Bryn Ball
A creative journey in France
Une grande aventure
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The Ocean Waves Square Dance Club celebrates 70 years
Get on the floor!
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A 160-KM SOLO SUP ADVENTURE
Exploring Vancouver Island’s rugged northwestern coast
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ART AS AN INCUBATOR FOR RESILIENCE, EMPATHY, AND COMMUNITY
Why do we love pencils?
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THIRTY YEARS OF TIN TOWN
The Comox Valley’s distinctive live/work enclave is also a tightly bonded community
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THE VIETNAM WAR
War resisters: Stories of courage and compassion
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HOOKED ON THE SONORA LIFE
How one summer job became a lifelong vocation
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PICKLEBALL: MORE THAN A GAME
For its many enthusiasts, plckleball is a way of life
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Featured Photographer: Tom Powell
COLLABORATIVE MICRO-FARMING
Growing food and community, one yard at a time
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CUMBERLAND ADULT SOCIAL CLUB
Cumberland seniors make new connections—and some even find love
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AN UPDATE ON STORIES FROM VOLUME 3
See them again
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Illustrations by
AN ISLAND-TO-ISLAND SWIM BECOMES A TRADITION
Taking the plunge
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Illustration by
COMOX VALLEY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
Working together in support of local seniors
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CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN THE COMOX VALLEY
Alive with pride
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SUSTAINING A 60-YEAR COMMERCIAL FISHING TRADITION
A fishy family affair
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ELDER VALLEY: PLAY FOR A PURPOSE
Reflections from an older Comox Valley resident
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LITTLE VALLEY: LIGHT AND HAPPY
Our young Comox Valley residents reflect on the home they're growing up in
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MS. MIXER REMINISCES
A KitchenAid's life of sweet delights
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PARSLEY PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Don’t underestimate parsley. It’s the perfect wingman.
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AXÉ CAPOEIRA AND KUMUGWE DANCERS
Warrior spirit in the Bighouse
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THE RISK OF FIRE TO THE COMOX LAKE WATERSHED
Fire is the number-one risk to our watershed. We need to talk about it now.
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CUMBERLAND CAMPGROUND’S NEW SLEEPING BARRELS
Cozy 16-foot sleeping barrels nestled in the forest overlooking Comox Lake
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&
THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
Celebrating 100 years of aviation
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DISCOVER THE HEALING POWER OF LABYRINTHS
Spiral into the centre
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EMBRACING FRIVOLITY
Designer's introduction to Vol. 38
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A PLAN FOR HOME-GROWN DOCTORS
A new program at NIC helps Island students pursue professions in health care.
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REMARKABLY UNSINKABLE
Denman Island’s Hilda Slayter Lacon was a stalwart survivor of multiple disasters.
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Opening photo by
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Paige Whitehead is going beyond glow sticks to disrupt an entire toxic industry.
Photos courtesy of
BRIDGING THE ART/TECH GAP
The Comox Valley Digital Creation Hub: a new resource for local creatives.
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ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT
There’s not much you have to do to a summer cucumber to render it delicious.
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ELDER VALLEY: PIQUANCY AND JOY
Reflections from an older resident.
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Photo by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: REM SKOLNEY
FEATURED ARTIST: JULIAN BARKER
LITTLE VALLEY: DELLA AND WINTER PODMORE-GOGGINS
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
By
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NOT A BIKE SHOP
Everyone’s welcome at Gravity MTB’s new Cumberland clubhouse.
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BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL
The CVCF is pioneering an innovative trust-based approach to grants. It's helping community funds get to where they're needed, faster.
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A 4,200-KM JOURNEY
Reflections on my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike.
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Opening photo by
SAFE AND SOUND
For modern festivals, harm reduction services are part of the game plan.
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Opening photo by
RECOMMITTING TO FILM
Pick up a manual camera and see what develops.
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EQUINE ENJOYMENT
The NVIHA—local riders with unique ways to have fun on a horse.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT DAY
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LISTENING TO PLANTS
In tending to the land, we can restore diversity—and restore ourselves.
Words & Gallery Photos by
Opening photo by
A TRUE COMOX GEM YOU’LL LOVE
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park.
MARMOTS IN FOCUS
The world’s rarest marmot lives on Vancouver Island. Photographer Catherine Babault wants to share its story with the world.
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THE POWER OF KEEPING DANCE ALIVE IN ADULTHOOD
Art in motion
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COME AS YOU ARE
Conscious dance requires no skills or substances. And it’s remarkably freeing.
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WE CAN DANCE IF WE WANT TO
Two stories exploring different perspectives on this passionate, beautiful art form.
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LIVING YOUR ZEST LIFE
As Bill Nye said, “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” So keep an open mind..
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LITTLE VALLEY: MAX WARD
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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ALL IN THE SAME BOAT
Connected by water—reflections after an afternoon on Comox Lake.
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CHEERS TO THE LAZO BARREL COLLECTIVE
Three self-proclaimed beer geeks are crafting unique, tasty brews.
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BRANCHING OUT
As a planner, Pieter Rutgers helped shape Vancouver’s parks. Now in semi-retirement, he shapes wood into beautiful furniture.
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GET THEE TO A GALLERY
Each of these galleries features a wide selection of locally made artwork at a variety of price points. You’ll find no pressure to buy, just creativity and brilliance aplenty to admire, and a warm welcome from people who love to talk about art.
LITTLE VALLEY: DARRAGH TORMEY
Reflections from a younger resident.
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CREATING A CANOE
K’ómoks First Nation members combine ancient methods and modern tools to bring a new vessel to life.
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SUPER TROUPERS
After five decades and counting, the show goes on for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre.
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THE RISE OF MODERN GLEANING
This ancient practice may be getting a rebrand, but it’s still about using our food resources wisely.
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WILD SPACES BELONG TO EVERYONE
Recreation in the great outdoors hasn’t always been an option for people of colour in Canada. Erica Keen reflects on her family's history and the importance of nature.
Words & featured photo by
FEATURED ARTIST: MARIANNE ENHÖRNING
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK THORNTON
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ELDER VALLEY: A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
Reflections from an older resident.
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T’AAM LAAN, STEERSMAN OF THE CANOE
A SUP adventurer’s trajectory through the mist.
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SAVING PLACE
Managing gentrification to protect the communities we love.
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TRUE FACTS ABOUT FAKE BIRDS
They’re among our most plentiful bird species, but seagulls don’t actually exist.
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A COMMUNITY’S HEART IS IN ITS FORESTS
The importance of knowing what you’ve got—before it’s gone.
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FRIENDS OF FELINES
The Kitty Cat P.A.L. Society cares for the Comox Valley’s under-loved cats.
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A PASSION FOR CLAY
After thirty years, The Potters Place Gallery continues to flourish.
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DENMAN ISLAND READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL IS BACK
Authors and book lovers rejoice at the return of the big literary festival on a small island.
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SHARING THE LAND
We can’t fix the past for our forests and watersheds, but we have to get the future right.
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FROM CLEARCUTS TO COMMUNITIES
The Valley’s community halls have stories to tell.
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THE POWER OF GROWING THINGS
Ode to a Comox yarden (yes, that’s yard + garden).
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THE NOSE KNOWS
Raising a Search and Rescue dog.
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WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW
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FEATURED WORDS: GENIUS LOCI
Poem by
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANCOISE GERVAIS
FEATURED ARTIST: BRIAN JESSOP
RAFTING THE ALSEK
A remote journey in search of scenery and self.
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PROTECTING PERSEVERANCE
Racing against time to protect a vital piece of nature.
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Featured photo by
BRINGING BACK THE BYGONE
By restoring vintage furniture, we pay homage to the craftsperson, and to the forest which provided the raw material.
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THE MCLOUGHLIN GARDENS
A summer cottage becomes a place to dream and create.
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TOWARD A MORE LIVABLE VALLEY
Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness combines compassion and action.
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REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION
Four local governments working together for better parks and recreation management? It could be a reality very soon.
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LEARNING LANGUAGE; BUILDING COMMUNITY
NIC’s Indigenous language courses help students bring Kwak’wala into their day-to-day lives.
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LIFTING THE FOG
How a Valley-based program is helping people overcome anxiety and depression.
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FREE THE LAWNS!
The front lines of food production, coming to a neighbourhood near you.
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Featured photo by
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
At SOS Gear, every sale helps save lives.
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GETTING HIGH ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Singing the praises of our unique alpine environment.
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SAILING FORTH
A thirst for adventure, a boat of her own, and the Salish Sea as her playground.
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Featured photo by
WELCOME TO HISTORIC CUMBERLAND
The newly renovated Cumberland Museum offers more stories and more points of view.
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GET AWAY TO GOLD RIVER
Sure, it’s the gateway to Nootka Sound. But for outdoor lovers, Gold River is a treasure in its own right.
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SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LAZY RIVER
Floating down the Puntledge is the ultimate summer vibe.
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BEYOND FARMING FOOD
How one local’s getting creative with her land.
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CUMBERLAND, A TINY-TOAD SUPERHIGHWAY
Small but mighty western toads have places to go, and we need to help them get there.
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THE FUTURE LOOKS TASTY
Deep Bay’s new Centre For Seafood Innovation connects local seafood producers with greater markets.
Words by
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RECHARGED AND READY
Words by
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COVID DISCOVERIES
COVID MOMENTS
Reflections on going with the flow with a young family in this unusual time
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COMOX VALLEY SCHOOLS AND CORONAVIRUS
Pivoting with compassion
COLLABORATING AGAINST COVID-19
FILM FOR THE FUTURE
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FASHION FORWARD
How one small business is making an environmental sea change with thoughtfully crafted swimwear.
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ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
With the Federal Government on the verge of legalizing recreational marijuana use, Comox Valley municipalities drag their heels on implementing non-medicinal dispensaries while consumers find out-of-town alternatives.
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THE BRIGHTEST PATH
A serendipitous trip to New Zealand provides soothing reprieve from the west coast winter.
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MARKINGS OF THE MIND
A designer and artist utilizes his craft to break down the barriers of schizophrenia.
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STOLEN MOMENTS
Time slows and memories collect and blur together while climbing amongst the Valley’s age-old terrain.
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LITTLE VALLEY: ARLO FLEENOR
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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FEATURED ARTIST: AVA LUNA
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVE INGRAM
DEEP BLUE
One of our community’s most crucial water sources is right under our feet.
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FORTUNE FLAVOURS THE BOLD
Add depth and novelty to the summer season by branching out from your standard wine selection.
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GENERATION GAP
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WHEREVER HELP IS NEEDED
Celebrating 10 years in the Valley, the Comox Bay Care Society’s mobile Care-A-Van continues to drive forth positive values in our community.
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ADAPT OR DIE
Boomer Jerritt’s long history with photography represents the unique combination of skills needed to succeed in a saturated industry.
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REMARKABLE SOFTNESS
Yarn bombing, the spontaneous act of applying textiles in public spaces, liberates both artist and observer from expectation.
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AN ISLAND OF SOUND
Now 38 years in, the team behind the Hornby Festival continues to do world-class their own way.
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BENEATH THE HIGH
Microdosing has become popular in places like Silicon Valley to increase productivity and creativity. Can taking a hit expand our thinking, or will it just mess with our minds?
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GROWING CONSCIOUSNESS
Whether for our health, our planet, or the simple joy of food, the benefits of plant-based eating have become impossible to ignore.
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IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK
The economic boom of the early 20th century brought more than coal to the surface. This is the tight-lipped history of the Comox Valley sex trade.
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IN THE FIELD
HIDDEN RICHES
Long before it became a popular tourist destination, two adventurers stumbled upon the unexpected while exploring the Upana Caves.
Words & Painting
ON A WING AND A PRAYER
The misunderstood sport of speed flying requires practiced skill and careful calibration. It can also take a leap of faith.
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BREAKING THE SURFACE
Vol. 20 Intro by
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SPINNING GOLD
A search for wilderness, adventure, and single track in the land of the midnight sun.
Words & Photos by
THE GREAT INDOORS
Blurring the lines between woods and water, comfort and camping, Brown’s Bay Resort is a charming getaway for Vancouver Island travellers./h2>
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LITTLE VALLEY: NAOMI CHARETTE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.
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GIRL ON FIRE
The quiet dirt road in Merville where Arcade Fire violinist Sarah Neufeld was raised led her loudly around the globe.
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OPPRESSION AND RESILIENCE
134 years ago, the Canadian Government introduced legislation to ban the P'a_sa, or Potlach, in an attempt to disassemble the culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. An exhibit at the Comox Valley Art Gallery aims to educate the public about this section of Canadian history, and the impact that continues to reverberate today.
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SMOOTHING A DIFFICULT PATH
Today ‘N’ Tomorrow provides guidance through teenage pregnancy, allowing parents to finish school and plan for the future.
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PIONEERS AND BROKEN DREAMS
Exploring northern Vancouver Island’s San Josef Bay with Cove Adventures.
Words & Photos by
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Cycling opportunities in the Valley are growing, combining the best of the area’s food, wine, and scenery into a selection of man-powered packages.
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GROWING CALM
Local businesses team up to provide a resort sanctuary that naturally soothes and inspires.
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A SELFLESS PROTECTOR OF ALL THINGS WILD
Remembering the legacy of Ruth Masters and the priceless gifts—both physical and intangible—that she bestowed on our community.
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FAMILY FRAMEWORK
Through strong vision and tireless effort, an easily dismissed property in Union Bay becomes a unique and envious west coast gem.
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THE DIRECTION OF DISCOMFORT
How moving outside of your regular patterns can help you manage fear and map your own future.
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RACING THE LIGHT
A team of Comox Valley runners road trips to the Alberta/BC border to test themselves with the Sinister 7 Ultra Marathon.
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THE PLACES WE MAKE
The Cumberland Community Forest Society reflects deep-rooted passions to map out a flourishing future.
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FLOATING ON
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AS YOU LIKE IT
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FLY TYING 101
The joy of making a DIY fly.
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MY FIRST XTERRA
Why not?
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MATERIAL CREATIVE
Creating beauty on the cutting edge.
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DENMAN ISLAND
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AT JOURNEY’S END
The radiant compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha and the grace and forbearance of the Japanese who once lived here.
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A VOYAGE FROM SEA TO SEE
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COMPASS ADVENTURE
All points to the water
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MAKING AN IMPACT
Building blocks of sustainability.
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PARADISE MEADOWS
The name says it all.
Words & photos by
CASTING LIGHT
The Process of Illumination at the Fanny Bay Candle Company.
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KEEPING NOTES
An interview with Delores Broten.
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UP, UP, AND AWAY FROM IT ALL
Comox Glacier bike and hike.
Words & photos by
PADDLE TO THE SEA
Exploring the Puntledge Hatchery.
Words & photos by
ON THE ROAD TO HEALING
The Importance of Introspection.
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MOUNTAINAIRE AVIAN RESCUE SOCIETY
Giving hope and care to orphaned wildlife.
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A PRETTY LITTLE SATURDAY
The twisting road to Tofino.
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TRIBAL JOURNEYS
Connecting coastal communities with dugout canoes.
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FULL OF LIFE
Clam Gardens in the Salish Sea.
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SMALL SPACES, BIG TASTE
Food Trucks in the Comox Valley.
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CODY ‘BEAVER’ LAFRANCE
The evolution of A visionary carver.
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25 YEARS OF FRESHNESS AND CARE
Confessions of a Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Junkie.
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JOURNEY
Vol. 11 Intro by
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ESTEVAN TUNA
A deliciously sustainable Comox Valley product.
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CANNING 101
Learn safe food preservation methods and essential techniques from four decades of family canning experience
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WILD NEIGHBOURS
Sharing your community with wildlife
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LOCAL TOURISM’S LURE
Island residents will deepen their social, environmental, and cultural connections by vacationing close to home.
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A CAUTIONARY TALE
Keeping up with the 3D printing Industry, or not.
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VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSEUM OF NATURE
Trucking around the forest with filmmaker Marek Zaleski.
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VILLAGE OF ALERT BAY
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ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Art and music provide space to explore, heal, and transform.
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RAW REVELATION
A personal encounter with the raw food lifestyle.
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THE KUMUGWE BIGHOUSE
Revitalizing culture in the K’omoks Valley.
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WATER-PROOFED PIONEERS
'Wet-Coast' inspired waterproof solutions for world travels and backward adventures.
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THE MAN, THE LEGEND
An interview with William 'Bronco' Moncrief.
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NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Tribune Bay Outdoor Centre summer camp is now for adults too.
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COMOX VALLEY SOAP ARTISTS
A look at Hornby Island Soap Company and Royston Soapworks.
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PEACEFUL PADDLING
The joy of kayaking in Baynes Sound.
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LITTLE VALLEY: BHODI LAPERRIERE
Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in
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BRICK BY BRICK
Habitat for Humanity: helping to build the foundation for happier, healthier lives.
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ABANDON LAND THIS SUMMER
Historical boat cruises at the Museum at Campbell River.
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LOST IN THE WILDERNESS
A close encounter with the Cumberland Lake Wilderness Society.
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THE ULTIMATE SINGLETRACK EXPERIENCE
Discovering new limits racing the BC Bike Race.
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BLENDING MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA
How the practice of two disciplines nurtures three local martial artists and yogis.
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HAPPY TO GROW
A look at the Comox Valley hop scene.
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STAYING THE COURSE
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COMOX VALLEY UNCORKED
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BOULDERING AT COMOX LAKE
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POWER
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SHARED SOURCE
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MCCLINTOCK’S BUFFALO YOGURT
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SUSPENDED OVER ELK FALLS
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BEE KEEPING 101
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THE FILBERG EVOLUTION
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GIDDY UP
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GALIANO ISLAND
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FUTURE PERFECT
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CUMBERLANDIA
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GOOSE SPIT
Comox, Vancouver Island
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NAKED BICYCLES
The naked truth
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UNVEILING STORIES
An interview with Daniel Kooman.
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AN OCEAN PLAYGROUND
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SWEET SUMMERTIME
Local’s guide to beat the heat.
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BLOWN AWAY
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ISOLATED CIRCUMSTANCES
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