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ALL Adventure & Sport
Featured Poet: If I had nine lives

Featured Poet: If I had nine lives

Words and Photo by

YOSUKE HASUMI

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MATHEW WANBON

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MATHEW WANBON

FALL RISE: THE COMOX VALLEY’S HIDDEN WHITEWATER

FALL RISE: THE COMOX VALLEY’S HIDDEN WHITEWATER

Cold November rains unveil epic whitewater adventures in the Valley

Words & Photo by

Dave Prothero

WINTER AT THE THELWOOD-MYRA DIVIDE

WINTER AT THE THELWOOD-MYRA DIVIDE

Recalling a wild adventure that gave Whiteout Dome its name

Words & photos by

Philip Stone

WESTCOAST TRIPLE PLANK

WESTCOAST TRIPLE PLANK

A fun weekend for a fishy cause

Words & photos by

Sara Kempner

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

WEST COAST EXPEDITIONS ON TLE:HOH

Building business and community on Spring Island

Words by

Marie Maccagno

Photo by

Erik Marks

40 YEARS OF VOLLY PATROL

40 YEARS OF VOLLY PATROL

Some dedicated folks who help keep the rest of us safe on the slopes.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Jess Cavanagh

A (SNOW) SHOE-IN

A (SNOW) SHOE-IN

Finding peace in the winter mountains.

Words & photos by

Joanne McElroy

GRIT AND GRACE

GRIT AND GRACE

Kayleen VanderRee and Tyler Turner might be more competitive than your average couple. But when they participated in The Amazing Race Canada, they had to go with the flow to stay in the game.

Words by

Kayleen Vanderee

Photo by

Amazing Race Canada

10,000 Volunteer Hours of Urban to Alpine

10,000 Volunteer Hours of Urban to Alpine

Campbell River’s Search and Rescue Society.

Words by

Tim Fairbank

Photo courtesy of

Daniel Gelson

ANODIZED DOWNHILL DAYS

ANODIZED DOWNHILL DAYS

Local downhill and enduro racers fit right into the Valley’s monster mountain bike heritage.

Words by

Mike B

Photo by

Liam Wallace

NOT A BIKE SHOP

NOT A BIKE SHOP

Everyone’s welcome at Gravity MTB’s new Cumberland clubhouse.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Luke Phillips

MOUNTAINS AND MOTHERHOOD

MOUNTAINS AND MOTHERHOOD

Not every new mom’s to-do list includes summiting 53 peaks over 6000 feet.

Words & featured photo by

Eryn Tombu Haigh

AN ICONIC TRAIL IN THE MAKING

AN ICONIC TRAIL IN THE MAKING

It’s time to get The Vancouver Island Trail across the finish line.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Featured photo by

Chris Istace

GOLD AT THE END OF THE ROUTE

GOLD AT THE END OF THE ROUTE

WHITE WATER KAYAKING IN GOLD RIVER.

Words & Photo By

Dave Prothero

INSPIRING RECOVERY

INSPIRING RECOVERY

Rediscovering the joy of sport and my own spirit at the Invictus Games.

Words by

Nick Holyome

Photos courtesy of

Soldier On

THE NIGHT RIDE

THE NIGHT RIDE

Moody, quiet, calm, serene. Wild, reflective eyes. Oh, how I love the secrets of the darkness.

Words by

Mical Dyck

Photo by

Lorenz Jimenez

ADVENTURES IN PADDLING

ADVENTURES IN PADDLING

Circumnavigating Vancouver Island by sea kayak.

Words & Photos by

Erica Keen

THE COOL OF CURLING

THE COOL OF CURLING

There’s a place for everyone within the quintessential Canadian game.

Words by

Keith Parry

Photos by

Sara Kempner

FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME

FOLLOW THE MOUNTAIN HOME

A journey to one of Strathcona Provincial Park’s most iconic peaks.

Words & photos by

Claire Gordon

WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE

WERE IT NOT FOR THE BIKE

Three days, two cyclists, and one island-sized mission.

Words & Featured Photo by

Dave Nowak

Gallery Photo by

Gary Egli

FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN

FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN

Spend a Monday night at the LINC.

Words & photos by

Kyle Hansen

RIDING DRAGONS ON THE SALISH SEA

RIDING DRAGONS ON THE SALISH SEA

Hope Afloat marks 20 years in the fight against cancer. Paddles up!

Words by

Anne Arseneau

Photos by

Sara Kempner

Special Olympics in Campbell River

Special Olympics in Campbell River

Opening doors that are unimaginable.

Words by

Kevin Yee

Words by

Lynne Macara

THE SNOWLINE

THE SNOWLINE

A tale of seeking adventure—and finding satisfaction—amid the unpredictable charm of the mountains.

Words & Photos by

Damien Jannet

Experience Tahsis

Experience Tahsis

Ample adventure, history, and nature on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Words & Photos by

Kira Marshall

Paddling Adventures

Paddling Adventures

A family explores Cortes Island by kayak

Words & Photos by

Lisa Levesque

MEET THE BOOT FITTER

MEET THE BOOT FITTER

When you’ve got happy feet, you just ski better.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photos by

Luc Antaya

DROP INTO A DEEP READ

DROP INTO A DEEP READ

Photographer Duncan Hague creates space to tell mountain biking’s unsung stories.

Words by

Dave Flawse

Photo by

Duncan Hague

ROCK BEATS WATER

ROCK BEATS WATER

For climbers, the attraction of Comox Lake has always been the cliffs.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Featured photo by

Sara Kempner

REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION

REIMAGINING REGIONAL RECREATION

Four local governments working together for better parks and recreation management? It could be a reality very soon.

Words by

Andrew Findlay

Photos by

Sara Kempner

SAILING FORTH

SAILING FORTH

A thirst for adventure, a boat of her own, and the Salish Sea as her playground.

Words by

Judith Wright

Featured photo by

Jenn Dykstra

SMASHING BARRIERS WITH SIP

SMASHING BARRIERS WITH SIP

Local organization aims to empower wheelchair users with the wonder of whitewater.

Words by

Haeley Dewhirst

Photos by

Dave Prothero

THE RISE OF GRIND

THE RISE OF GRIND

Gravel bikes are bringing rhythm and cadence off the road and back into the wilderness.

Words by

Mike B.

Photos by

Roanne English

Falling on Concrete Builds Character

Falling on Concrete Builds Character

A generation of skateboarding culture on Quadra Island

Words by

Alison Bell

Photos by

Carla Duffey

LITTLE VALLEY: ZOË HENDERSON

LITTLE VALLEY: ZOË HENDERSON

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Zoë Henderson

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

TAKING THE TEMPERATURE ON GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

TAKING THE TEMPERATURE ON GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

When it comes to energy efficiency, what’s hot may not be that cool.

Words by

Daniel Booy

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

UNHINDERED GOOD TIMES ON FORBIDDEN PLATEAU

UNHINDERED GOOD TIMES ON FORBIDDEN PLATEAU

It was all fun and games ’til the roof caved in—but the former Wood Mountain Ski Park still delivers the goods.

Words by

Mike B.

Featured photo by

Lindsey Pattinson

GOING DEEP

GOING DEEP

Reflections on life under water.

Words & Photos by

Ryan Miller

Braving The Storm

Braving The Storm

Surfing wind waves during winter is not for the light-hearted.

Words By

Trevor Blasky

Photos By

Pat Salamon

Exploring West

Exploring West

Thirty-five kilometer of trail, six friends, six backpacks, four days, three nights, and one impromptu adventure.

Words & Photo By

Laurel Sliskovic

EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES

EASY, BREEZY E-BIKES

Rad new rides give biking a boost.

Words & photo by

Dave Prothero

LITTLE VALLEY: SAM GOLDBY

LITTLE VALLEY: SAM GOLDBY

Our young residents reflect on the home they’re growing up in.

Words by

Sam Goldby

HOME IN THE HILLS

HOME IN THE HILLS

It took a community to build Vancouver Island’s backcountry hut.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Alex Mackay

Biking and Learning with Sprockids

Biking and Learning with Sprockids

Seeing health and connection to community in kids of all ages.

Words & Photo By

Matthew Fox

THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MOUNTAIN CENTRE AND SPORTS SOCIETY

THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MOUNTAIN CENTRE AND SPORTS SOCIETY

The Mountain Centre is here, but do you know why?

Words by

Alycia Traas

Photo by

Kyle Hansen

COVERING NEW GROUND

COVERING NEW GROUND

The Stratchcona TrailRider Program, and others like it, strive to make the backcountry truly accessible.

Words by

Mike B.

Photo by

Scott Bell

STROKE OF MAGIC

STROKE OF MAGIC

Accessing a glacier for a spring paddle board session is leagues above one couple’s regular adventures.

Words by

Alaina Vesper

Photo by

Bastian Fleury

STOLEN MOMENTS

STOLEN MOMENTS

Time slows and memories collect and blur together while climbing amongst the Valley’s age-old terrain.

Words by

David Benton

Photo by

Jenn Dykstra

HIDDEN RICHES

HIDDEN RICHES

Long before it became a popular tourist destination, two adventurers stumbled upon the unexpected while exploring the Upana Caves.

Words & Painting

Nick Hutton-Jay

ON A WING AND A PRAYER

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.

Words by

Kyle Hansen

Photos by

Marc Jardine

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

As well as a destination trail race, The Cumby is a fundraiser to protect the forest it winds through.

Words by

Cathy Clark

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

IN HER ELEMENT

IN HER ELEMENT

Through the push and pull of turbulence and peace, strength and submission, a surfer awakens.

Words & featured photo by

Laurissa Cebryk

Gallery photo by

Mélina Lamoreux

UNLIKELY SHIPMATES

UNLIKELY SHIPMATES

A coast dweller and her dog navigate life's currents aboard a small sailboat.

Words & Photo by

April Bencze

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

A lot of change comes with the passing of multiple decades, but a committed gathering of floor hockey players shows that some good things stay the same.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE

WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE

Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports strives to make the joy of skiing and snowboarding accessible to all.

Words by

Peter Gardiner-Harding

Photos by

Chris Baikie

SMOOTH MOVES

SMOOTH MOVES

Through hard work and distinct vision, a network of local trail builders are carving out the future of mountain biking in Cumberland.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

A CHILLING TURN

A CHILLING TURN

For a pair of spirited river surfers, a surge of excitement for ideal conditions quickly turns dangerous.

Words by

Curtis Parker

Photo by

Ali Marie Parker

THE GEM OF ISLAND MOUNTAINEERING

THE GEM OF ISLAND MOUNTAINEERING

Three locals tackle Mt. Colonel Foster to find that it has more lessons to teach than a single climb can provide.

Words & Photos by

Tyler Bellows

ON ANY GIVEN THURSDAY

ON ANY GIVEN THURSDAY

Dropping in on the members of the Comox Valley Horseshoe Club, where simple pleasures are honoured and everybody’s welcome.

Words by

Dave Nowak

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

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.

Words by

Paula Worthington

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

RACING THE LIGHT

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.

Words by

Leah Knutson

Photos by

Mike LeBlanc

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

From snowboard pro to media master, Comox-raised Eric Greene continues to forge his own way in New York City.

Words by

Mike B

Photos by

Lucy Laucht

SPIN IT TO WIN IT

SPIN IT TO WIN IT

A trio of world-class athletes steps up to provide off-season training for young riders.

Words by

Clay Ward

Photo by

Eugene Chung

GRAVITATIONAL PULL

GRAVITATIONAL PULL

Straight across the Strait, a manicured bike park and cycle-forward community provides a draw for amateur and experienced riders alike.

Words by

Nicole Rippel

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT

STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT

For a skilled bow and arrow craftsman, the pursuit of stump shooting provides a path toward engaged living and a deeper awareness of our place in the world.

Words by

Blayne Prowse

Photo by

Lorenz Jimenez

THE DIRTY AND THE DEDICATED

THE DIRTY AND THE DEDICATED

Cumberland braces for Dodge City X, the Village’s first off-road triathlon.

Words by

Ryan Parton

Image supplied by

DODGE CITY

CHOSEN ROADS

CHOSEN ROADS

By four-stroke engine or clipless pedals, a Cumberland Rider finds power in two wheels, however they spin.

Words by

Erika Anderson

Photo by

Brian King

READY AND ABEL

READY AND ABEL

Iconic and quirky, Mount Cain is more than a mere ski hill. It’s a cog set of individuals making turns for themselves, and for the better.

Words by

Neil Borecky

Photos by

Patrick Kitto

ON A SWELL AND A PRAYER

ON A SWELL AND A PRAYER

In one year a local paddler goes from rookie to evangelist in the fastest man-powered boat on the water.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photo by

Dave Prothero

POWER MOVE

POWER MOVE

A longtime admirer of hip hop dance gets out of the corner.

Words & Photo by

Bevin Clempson

UP, UP, AND AWAY FROM IT ALL

UP, UP, AND AWAY FROM IT ALL

Comox Glacier bike and hike.

Words & photos by

Sarah Hauser

GET OUT THERE

GET OUT THERE

Hunting provides more than meat.

Words & Photo by

Al Adams

THE ULTIMATE SINGLETRACK EXPERIENCE

THE ULTIMATE SINGLETRACK EXPERIENCE

Discovering new limits racing the BC Bike Race.

Words by

Tara Miller

Photo by

DAVE SILVER

BLENDING MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA

BLENDING MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA

How the practice of two disciplines nurtures three local martial artists and yogis.

Words by

Corny Martens

Jared Sato

AS THE DISC SPINS

AS THE DISC SPINS

A renegade disc golf course spurs a community to create a forest playground.

Words by

Max Oudendag

Photo by

Nick Hutton-Jay

MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

Nearby alpine gems inspire locals and visitors alike.

Words & Photos by

Sarah Seads

COMPLEX TERRAIN

COMPLEX TERRAIN

Navigating art and nature in the heart of Vancouver Island.

Words & Paintings by

Clive Powsey

DANCING IN THE DARK

DANCING IN THE DARK

Vancouver Island’s greatest discoveries may lie beneath the rainforest and mountains it is most known for.

Words by

Terry McKall

FUMBLING TOWARDS GRACE

FUMBLING TOWARDS GRACE

A writer finds her groove while cross country skiing in Strathcona Park.

Words by

Sandra Szabo

Photo by

PULLING PLASTIC

PULLING PLASTIC

Indoor climbing gives wet weather adventurers a new way to play on rainy days.

Words by

Dave Benton

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

YOUTHFUL CYCLE

YOUTHFUL CYCLE

A Comox Valley adventure prodigy looks to the future without stressing about the present.

Interview by

Amber Zirnhelt

Photos by

Chris Webster

LAKE OF DRAGONS

LAKE OF DRAGONS

An accomplished paddler reveals how Comox Lake’s appeal extends well beyond summer.

Words by

Allie Jenkinson

Photos by

Jenn Dykstra

WHERE THE TRAIL BEGINS

WHERE THE TRAIL BEGINS

The reverent, irreverent, and occasionally inappropriate stories behind Cumberland’s eclectic trail names.

Words by

Ryan Parton

Photos by

Lorenz Jimenez

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

The Puntledge Paddling Festival celebrates a world class river.

Words by

Ryan Stuart

Photos by

Dave Prothero

VAN ISLE SKI TOURING

VAN ISLE SKI TOURING

Words & Photos by