Battle of the Paddle: Islanders Divided Over Pickleball
The new sport is causing splits in some communities, while bringing others together. Weigh in on this wildly (un)popular game
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Fun
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What We Love: Firey Sunrises
Fire is so much prettier when it is only in the sky
VIDEO: A Tofino Native's Wild Adventure: No Engines, Just Grit
Markus Pukonen circled the globe – 1700s style. He used no motorized transport on his journey – not even an elevator
From Small Town to Big Race: Two Comox Valley Teams Take on The Amazing Race Canada
When the new season premieres on July 4, the Valley can anticipate episodes highlighting the grit of their local contestants.
Your Guide To All The Island's Music Fests
Everything you need to fill up your Summer Schedule
Changing the Tide For Pride In Campbell River
From a couple of little booths to a bustling celebration, Campbell River Pride is growing
Fire in Courtenay? You're in Good Hands.
Courtenay's Deputy Fire Chief takes silver in FireFit Championships
The North Rises: The Journey of Canada's Next Basketball Phenoms
The next generation of Canadian hoops rose from humble beginnings to NBA dream
"Ukee's Artist" Gets First Solo Show
At 70 years old, this local icon is just getting started
From Scraps to Stitches: Reviving Lost Arts in Port Alberni
Practical skills making a comeback with local teens
The Ultimate VanIsle Snorkelling Guide
This Islander mapped out all the best spots – So you don't have to
A Dance With The Devil
Paddleboarders plow across Hecate Strait in 12-hour push
TikTok Turns the Tables: How Quadra Band Mother Mother Found Viral Fame
An Astrologer said the band would hit it big during COVID – and they were right!
From Sinking Ships to Saving Graces: A Haida Manga Unveils an Epic Tale
A stunning look into the complex lives of indigenous peoples and the first island settlers.
What We Love: Surf and Sun on Sombrio
Sun, sand, and surf on Sombrio. What is more West Coast, Best Coast than that?
From Comox to Hollywood: Homegrown Star Brendan Fletcher's Remarkable Rise in Showbiz
From his early success in Little Criminals to starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, the local actor's career has been nothing short of remarkable.
From Dirt to Dollars: How Cumberland's Trails are Boosting the Local Economy
Cumberland believes in bikes
The Smiling Soul: Flying Phil's Legacy Lives in Parksville
Phil St. Luke's positivity and care leaves a lasting impact on his community
Want To Get Your Art Noticed?
Calling all Island creatives! Here's your chance to showcase your talent
North Island Parents’ Efforts Pay Off: Three New Playgrounds Approved
The province has just announced they'll invest nearly $600,000 in building three epic new playgrounds on North Isle
From Spandex to Superheroes: Tour de Rock Cyclists Conquer Cancer One Kilometer at a Time
Strap on your helmets and don your spandex, because the Tour de Rock is back, raising funds to cure childhood cancer, proving that superpowers come in the…
April Showers Bring Mays Flowers
Annual Art and Bloom Festival is back at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
See Some Monsters This May Long
They're back in action, and you're gonna hear them roar
Royal Coronation Celebrated On The Island
Islanders came together and stayed up all night to watch the festivities
The Island's Got Talent
Local singer heading to finals of "Canada's Got Talent"
The Celts Are Back Throwing Hammers, Stones, And Trees
Highland games are back on the Island
It Will Be Great Even Without The Maple Syrup
The Waffle Ride will generate millions of dollars in economic impact
"Live Streets" Bring New Life Downtown
Campbell River event is more than meets the eye
Island Basketball Stars Bounce Through Hoops
The Hitaçu Hoops Championships had the basketball community and its fans roaring
Spandex, Food, Beer, Music, Film and Gears Collide in Cumberland
The first annual Stokefest MTB takes place in Cumberland on May 14-15
Gone, But Never Forgotten
Canada's greatest songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot, passed away at the age of 84.
Get It Fixed At The Cumberland Repair Cafe
Fix electronics, jewelry, bikes, and more at a family-friendly event with sweet treats and recycling games
Vancouver Day Trips Are About To Get Easier
Say"Hullo" to a new ferry service!
Master Teaches Tricks Of The Trade
Picking Locks and Tying Knots, when was the last time you learned a useful renegade skill?
Reality Show Contestants Miss The Bus
Contestants on "Race Across the World" brought to an abrupt stop by lack of public transportation on VanIsle
Big Stars On The Big Stage At Vancouver Island MusicFest
Don't miss this fantastic showcase of female musical talent, featuring Rickie Lee Jones, Bros. Landreth, and Galactic
What We Love: Kayaking at Storey's Beach
A flock of sea birds makes a sunset paddle near Port Hardy memorable
Rock and Roll Legend, Has Spun His Last Tune
From Vancouver's first rock 'n' roll show to spinning music for 6 hours a day, the Comox-born icon's career made history
Showing Off An Island Legend
Discover the legacy of George Clutesi, a renowned artist and educator who made a huge impact on Vancouver Island
Battle of the Breweries, Island-Style
Keg Curling is catching on, what isn't better with beer?
Rising to Reclaim an Indigenous Sport
Duke Kahanamoku was a native Hawaiian surfing legend
Grow Your Own: Port Hardy Library Launches New Seed Sharing Project
Local library is lending seeds to support local green thumbs
Celebrate Port Alberni's Most Recent Olympians
These Olympians have a lot of local supporters, too
Ladysmith Showcases Award-Winning Island Artists
There's still time to vote for art show's peoples' choice award
Comox Snowboarder Wins Gold At World Cup
Darcy Sharpe is back, and he's still got one heck of an edge
Sign Up for Summer Fun
Youth Academy offers summer camps in Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
The Family Day Extravaganza You Don't Want to Miss
Everything your kids could possibly want to do, all in one place!
Hard Work Pays Off for Juno Award Nominee from Port Alberni
Lauren Falls credits her hometown for her success
Comox Filmmaker Shines "Lights" on Local Stories
New film focuses on the struggles and dreams of youth in the valley
Beyond Baywatch and the Sex Tape, Pamela Anderson Reveals All
Anderson in the headlines again. This time, it's on her terms.
Photos: Mt. Washington is a Powder Wonderland
Sixty-seven cm snow in two days made the resort magical for skiers and photographers
Students Planting Seeds for the Future
Do you know more about native plants than a fifth grader?
Bones Of Crows – A Stunning Film You Don't Want To Miss
Free showings across the Island, and we've got the dates
Slide on Snow on a Piece of Art
K'omoks carver collaborates with local ski and snowboard maker
A Ship Carrying Comedians Sank. Believe it or Not, Funny Business Ensued
What would you do if you found a floating tickle trunk?
Alberni's Disappearing Playgrounds
Local parks are being closed, unfortunately, there are no replacements in sight
Victor's Secret Supermodels Strut Their Stuff
All proceeds go to local cancer patients
Will Tofino Get A New Rec Centre?
District will have to "get creative" to meet rising costs
Water Crisis Averted—For Now
You should still bring your own water, though
Campbell River Family Feuds
Local family gets their turn in the spotlight!
She Shoots, She Scores—Big Time
Courtenay hockey player nabs dream spot on Team Canada
Creating More Community In Our Communities
New meet ups to know about + how you can host your own!
Annie Lennox Sings Praises Of VanIsle Dance Duo
The iconic pop legend gives her seal of approval to "Funkanometry"
Get in Your Coastal Flow
Building creative community in the Valley
Sail Away This Winter!
By-donation ferry trips can take you places you've always wanted to go
Not Another Larry
We all know one, but you've never seen him like this
UROC Rocks Another Agreement
Making the best of a tough situation
There's a New Trail at Your Favourite Hiking Spot!
This beautiful new route will help keep folks off the roads
Virgin Falls is Open!
That wild washout from last November has finally been cleared away
Time for Everyone to Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Dance the night away and help put food on Valley tables
VanIsle's Secret Underground Worlds
Over the centuries, water has carved pockets, streams, and entire caves under the forest
The Last Lunar Eclipse is Tonight!
But will we be able to see it?
Comox Valley Man Faces Down Bear… Naked?
Turns out a Florida Man moment can happen anywhere
Drag Racers Zooming into a New Home?
It's been a long wait, but it's finally happening
Are You Ready To Boogie?
Just try to sit still when Oktiv6 and the Jays take the stage
Surf's Up For These Sisters
They're here to teach you how to rip
Queens of the Peak
From humble beginnings, this event now crowns surfing royalty
Discover the Magic of Mushrooms!
It might sound gross, but it's an awesome event
Calling All Hitchcock Fans!
Support residential school survivors through the magic of live theatre
Big Bikes, Big Sound, Big Success
Thanks to all the awesome people who made it happen!
Port Alberni's "World Famous" Night Market
Come check out local artists of all kinds!
A Fox in the Musical Hen House
Cumberland singer/songwriter is a multi-instrumentalist who loves tinkering around in his home studiio
Raving Mad? Or Raving Rad?
This conversation cafe is all about the Alberni Valley's art scene
Get Ready for Some Glee-full Kids!
It's time to sign up for some creative shenanigans!
Logger Sports and Rides and Parades, Oh My!
Pumpkin Spice Lattes aren't the only thing that's back
"Sluggo" Claus Comes Early for Skaters
Free boards for the next generation
Making Life a Beach for Everyone
“I thought my days of walking on the beach were done."
14-Year-Old Nets $10,000 Fish
14-Year-Old Nets $10,000 Fish
Risking It All for the Perfect Facebook Photo
Don't make SAR come get you
Get Ready For Some Historic Beats!
Bringing the past to the present.
Local Turning Old Space Into "Kayaking Mecca of Canada"
New shared space shows off the history of kayaking and promotes its future
Swing Batta Batta, It's Time for Gold River Days!
Will Titan Uranus take the tournament this year?
It Might Not Be Thunder, But It's Still Cool AF
We’ve got your ultimate summer throwback
Anyone Up for a Treasure Hunt?
If you can find this phone, you’ll get some cash and a free place to crash in Europe!
Powerhouse Indigenous Hip Hop in Spirit Square
Only the weather will be hotter than the music
A 7-Year-Old Beat You to the Summit
She'd outgrown all our BC hikes, so she headed to Africa
What Can You Eat in the Forest?
This VanIsle Witch can teach you how to use the forest for food
Fernie Gravel Grind Bikes the Road to Tahsis
Get into this gorgeous gravel ride from Gold River
Quadra Rocks
Peak-bagger and guidebook author Philip Stone has put his heart—and muscle—into making Quadra Island a rock climbing destination
Finding the Yee to his Haw
Local farmer will do anything for love
The Tom Brady of Campbell River
His big break was beating Nanaimo in the Vancouver Island Midget Titles
Fun at Filberg This Summer
The festival is back and it's going to be amazing
Puppies, Rainbows, and Pride!
It's Pride month and it's time to celebrate!
Comox Hero Laughs Her Way to Victory
Spreading laughter around Comox is what it's all about!
Raise Your Spirits in Spirit Square
Forget about the weather and go to Spirit Square. You'll be happy you did
It's Quirky, It's Cumberland, and It's Back On
Legendary Empire Days are back in Cumberland this May long weekend
What's In A Name? Nanaimo
The dessert that made a city
Get Ready to Rock!
BYOLC—bring your own lawn chair
Are You Ready for an Unforgettable Night?
Another incredible artist visits the Island, but only for one night
Rrrrrr Matey, There Be Pirates
Rockhounds took turns guessing what this could be
Build It … And They Will Come
There are some growing pains, but the trails are still awesome
A Legend is Coming Back to MusicFest
Taj Mahal is the best of the best
Get Ready for Summer Camp
When you ask your kids how their day was, they'll say great!
Could Regular Outdoor Shows be Coming to Port McNeil?
Local talent could have a new home by next summer
Talent Gets a Funding Boost on NorthIsle
During COVID lots of groups struggled to keep the lights on
Canadians Lead Top Teams in Sweet Sixteen
If they win their next three games, the two Canadian guards will meet for the championship on April 3rd.
VanIsle's Best Small Town: Week Two
Let's get ready to rumble
Have You Seen the Inside of an Artist's Studio?
NorthIsle is becoming a hub for art and culture
Music Festivals are Back!
Get ready for music in the sun
Long Live the Bike Boom
The pandemic has prompted record numbers of people to get their butts off the couch and onto the seat of a bike
World-Class Dance Right Here at Home
Who needs Paris when you can see top notch dancers in Alert Bay?
Can Canadians Lead Top Teams to Title?
The future of Canadian basketball will be on display with 32 homegrown players on the 68 teams vying for the title
What We Love: Wacky New Sports
We've seen weird sports before, but this might be the strangest
Which is VanIsle's Best Small Town?
Step aside, city people—the small towns are about to duke it out
How Did 15 Ghost Ships End Up In Royston?
One wrecks was known as the "ship of romance and death," because sailors believed it was cursed by an old woman stowaway who was forced to walk the plank.
Clock Ticking Till You Can Click For a Campfire
It'll be like Hunger Games, but for camping
Tyler Turner Ready to Crush at the Paralympics
New legs, new life, new champion?
Island Folk Singer is Up For Big Award
Her songs are infused with a haunting, slightly hypnotic sound
Epic Drone Battle in Strathcona Park
Watch as two videographers battle it out over the most beautiful shots of NorthIsle
Gallery Transformed Into Indoor Forest
The artist hopes to create a feeling of "immersive entanglement"
Local Artist Uses Material Straight from VanIsle
You can even sit in his VW bug
Victoria Will Be Only an Hour Flight Away
You'll be able to get from SouthIsle to Tofino in under an hour
What We Love: Horne Lake Caves
Horne Lake Caves has some of the best caving anywhere in Canada- tours available daily
From Blown Knee to Silver Medal
Watch Sharpe's silver medal run
Comeback Kid – An Ode to Fairy Creek
Local musician Luke Wallace just dropped his new music video for Comeback, but this time, with an ode to land defenders
What We Love: Moonrise over Mt. Cain
Mt. Cain is beautiful but don't tell anyone
Canadian Women's Olympic Hockey Team Beats US, Wins Gold
Is this a sign that things are calming down?
The Top 5 Most Terrifying Winter Olympic Sports
Are you brave enough to try these in spandex?
Campbell River Skier Crash Lands in Big Air
"Not my best day," he said on Instagram
A New Ritual Begins on Valentine's Day
Finns are among the happiest people on earth, so perhaps we could learn something about their rituals about health and wellness
8 Reasons Why We Didn't Pick a Super Bowl Winner
Why would a team from southern Ohio name itself after an Indian tiger?
When Does a Walk Become a Hike?
It depends on how much you sweat
Comox Siblings Ready to Crush in Beijing
Th duo that got their start on Mt. Washington are hoping for medals
James Bond Could Be Lurking
Pac Man – check. Psychic den – check. Disco – check
Conspiracy Theories For The Ages
Get out your tinfoil hats!
Tour of the Taps Part 3 – The West Isle
The best places to quench your thirst on the West Isle
Tour of the Taps – Comox Valley
The Valley offers something for every taste
30-Day Drawing Challenge Brings Out the Artists
The challenge is hosted every year by Comox Valley Arts
Watch: VanIsle Storm Cams Give Front Row Access
May the storm in your heart be reflected on the cam
Need a Boost To Avoid the Winter Blues, Try a Finnish Sauna
Two Comox Valley entrepreneurs have launched sauna business on VanIsle
22 Things to Make Your Life a Little Better Without Really Trying
Small things can brighten your day
Which Yellowstone Character is Your Town?
Only hot people live in Cumberland
Don't Look Up, It's All Around Us, Say Scientists
The critics are lukewarm, but scientists love it
What the Crystal Ball Tells Us
And the crystal ball says …
Living the Canadian Winter Dream
Grab your skates, sticks and snow shovels and hit the ponds before it's too late
WATCH: The Banana Man Drags a Drone to the Top of Mount Gibson
Get there quick as it might be logged soon
Comox Valley Senior Crushes the Competition in California
Smith didn't start training until she was in her late 50s
NorthIsle Winter Wonderland Images: December 2021
Islanders capture the beauty of the island in seasonal photos
Alberni Valley Bulldogs Send the Fur Flying
Stuffies from the Teddy Bear Toss will be donated to kids in need in the Alberni Valley.
Surfing the East Side
It's not for everyone, but some dedicated surfers line up to carve waves on the east side
This Cumberland Body Builder is Buffer Than You
Her big win means she's a pro now
WATCH: A Moment of Zen at Virgin Falls
Drone footage of Virgin Falls is as close as you'll get right now
WATCH: Courtenay Songwriter Releases Another Hit
I'm Okay, is a change of pace for Oktiv6
Cumberland-Based Company is Building a Better Bike
The company is growing fast and selling high end mountain bike frames to customers around the world
WATCH: Man Hikes Mount Prevost—as a Banana
David would always rather be hiking
Comox Teen Wins Two Mountain Biking Gold Medals
After riding to a gold in two national championships, Lan went to Europe to race against the world's best
Shred the Gnar with Custom Planks
Local couple uses local yellow cedar and Douglas fir to craft beautiful boards
BC Hydro Turns the Puntledge Into Paddlers' Paradise
Go time for kayakers happens only 20 or so days a year
Watch Local Pro Rider Shred a Trail He Built
Prepare to be awed by the stunning visuals and sounds of this new mountain biking video
Dinosaurs Will Return to VanIsle Next Summer
Jurassic World: Dominion will screen in VanIsle theatres in June
Have Wheels, Will Travel
Fans of bikepacking are set to explore the North Island on two wheels
One Month To Go Until a Vancouver Island Man's Burpee Blitz
Former junior hockey player will attempt to break Guinness World Record for most burpees in an hour
Tour de Rock Kicks Off on NorthIsle
The 24th annual ride raises money for kids with cancer
A Better Playground for All Kids in Gold River
Now every kid will have an equal opportunity to enjoy themselves
Rainy Forecast Puts a Damper on Ucluelet Soap Box
Kids big and small will have to wait for the Soap Box Derby
Campfires Are Back on NorthIsle
Now we can warm up on those chilly nights
Campfires Are Back in the Comox Valley
Now we can warm up on those chilly nights
Hot Sun and Hot Cars at the Port Alberni Fair
Hey nice ride ya got there!
Booze and Bear Spray at the Campbell River Fair
They just didn't want the fun to end
It's Simple Folks – Go As Fast As You Can Downhill On a Bike
The triumphant return of the Dodge City Enduro
WARNING – Do Not Try This at Home!
Russian model goes fishing with black bear she adopted
Party at the Big Burl!
Come get a craft brew and dunk a local celebrity at the North Island Music Fest
Another Coastal Icon Bites the Dust
After 75 years of service, the MV Lady Rose will sail its last trip, leaving remote coastal communities to wonder how they'll get their essential groceries
Island Drummer Found the World's Best Stage in the Sayward Valley
Who wouldn't want to smash on the drums on top of a mountain?
'Oh Canada' – BC's Grosso Kicks Canada to Olympic Gold
It took years to get here, but victory is sweet
Awarding Winning Stars Filming in Ucluelet
Award winning stars Allison Janney, Jurnee Smollett and Matt Craven are in Ucuelet to film Netflix's film Lou
Drag's Not Allowed, But Cruising is OK
Thunder in the Valley drag race will look a bit difference this year. Cars will cruise through town for charity rather than race
This Dude Seriously Deadlifted a Car – and Almost Won a National Title
Think you're strong? Compete against this guy
Island Locations Featured in Apple+ TV Series
Campbell River locals look forward to watching nearby landmarks on screen again when season two of See airs in a couple of weeks
Drive-In Movie Comes to Courtenay-Comox
Take the kids to see Abominable at the Comox Valley Fair Grounds
Drive-In Movie Comes to Campbell River
Take the kids to see Raya and the Last Dragon at Saratoga Speedway
Comox-Born NHL Goaltender Traded to the San Jose Sharks
Adin Hill was traded days before the Arizona Coyotes were expected to lose him in the upcoming expansion draft
Want to Find an NHL Goalie? Check Out Vancouver Island
On a per-capita basis, the mid-Island produces the second most goalies in the world
Local Caesar Competes to Be Best in the Country
Mott's Clamato is giving away $25,000 to the country's best caesar, and we're pretty sure it's this one
Vancouver Island MusicFest Goes Virtual
The festival will be largely Island-focused with a combination of emerging artists and local music veterans
Big Winners in the Ducky 500
The Rotary Club of Comox raised $35,830 by selling virtual duckies
New Pacific Rim Trail Opens to the Public
The new 25 km trail is still under construction, but folks can use it as long as they're careful
$500,000 in COVID Funding for Pachena Bay Campground Upgrades
"Pachena Bay Campground is our hidden jewel, it’s something that all people on Vancouver Island and the Mainland love coming to"
WATCH: Vancouver Island’s Spectacular Elk Falls
Enjoy suspension bridges and waterfalls just 2 kms from Campbell River
High Class Home Brew at North Island College
Maybe more of us would have gone to college if we could have studied beer
#Vanlife Summer? Vancouver Island Locals Prepare for a Different Approach.
Thinking of visiting Tofino this summer? You better book accommodation first
Lucky Fisherman is Glad He Tastes Bad…to Whales
An east coast lobster fisherman is lucky humpback whales are picky eaters
WATCH: Hilarious Danish Ad Prods Us to Wear Helmets
Danish Road Safety Council Ad pokes fun at the logic some people use for not wearing a bicycle helmet
Fascinating Fossil Found – Another Dinosaur Fossil Discovered in the Comox Valley
The exciting discovery adds to the Comox Valley’s reputation as a hotspot for paleontology
Campbell River's Comeback Kid – Snowboarder Wins Gold
Campbell River athlete's amazing recovery from life-changing accident
Class Act With Some Bad Actors – The Strathcona Story
Citizen watchdogs defend BC's oldest provincial park
Sunfest Country and Laketown Shakedown Cancelled Again This Year
Big outdoor music festivals are off for the second summer in a row because of COVID
Tofino Here We Come? New COVID Travel Restrictions Are Tough But Welcome
Get outside this spring, just don’t go to Tofino — yet
Sea Lion Checks Out the Scene on a Holberg Logging Road
Maybe he was looking for the Scarlet Ibis?
BC's Most Remote Pub – Scarlet Ibis Still Flying After 45 Years
Pat Gwynne ran the Ibis pub for 40 years. New owners from Vancouver are giving it an upgrade