Giving Back Made Easy: New Guide on Supporting the Homeless
Where compassion meets action: locals asked and grassroots workers answered
North Isle
390 stories
VIDEO: Unraveling Van Isle's Ancient Secrets
Unearthing the past: historic villages, cryptic drawings and maritime discoveries
Explorers Uncover Only Fourth Octopus Nursery in the World
The octopus nursery is deep in caves formed by "cold seeps" 150 km west of Van Isle
Unanswered Questions: Police Shooting Case To Be Judged In Court
The mother of a young father shot to death in Campbell River is suing the unknown officers involved.
Van Isle Continues To Break Heat Records
Sunny Summer days are welcome, but rising temperatures are causing lots of problems
Democracy Denied: The Struggle for Elections in Da'naxda'xw First Nation
One family's 30 year reign has prompted non-family members ask the court to force elections
We've Lost Half Our Maternity Doctors in the Last Two Years
AThe number of maternity practitioners have shrunk from 48 to 25
What We Love: Lakes Near Gold River
What's better than soft light falling over the mountains, as viewed from a lake
Raise Your Glass for Conservation: Scarlet Ibis Pub's Craft Beer Gives Back
Remote pub donated $2,200 to support upgrades to the North Coast Trail
What We Love: Wolves Trekking
A wolf looks for breakfast along the shoreline
Positive Changes in North Island Healthcare, but Challenges Remain, Says Dr. Armogam
Communities' fight for care is finally gaining traction
What We Don't Love-Backyard Bears
Young male grizzly bears often visit VanIsle, possibly seeking new territory after being displaced by older males in mainland valleys
Bear-y Unusual: Island Mom Discovers Unwanted Guest
Big News : It's Not Only Black Bears Showing Up In Backyards
From Hell to Harmony: The Story of Sointula, a Utopian Adventure!
Saunas and solidarity: Sointula's unique beginnings didn't quite go to plan.
What We Love: Baby Bull Kelp
Taken while diving off northeast Vancouver Island in Kwakwaka'wakw Territory
Wheels To Heal
New Free Shuttle Service Getting North Island Patients To Healthcare
A Degree Where The Homework Is Fun
Bring your craft brewing dreams to life
Oh, No! There's Smoke In The Air
An out of control wildfire near Sayward is filling the air over Vancouver Island
How Far Can You Run In 20 Minutes?
After "The Big One," we'd have less than a half hour to escape a Tsunami
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 City Lights to Country Sights: Foundry Takes On Port Hardy
From cityscape to countryside, youth clinic plants their roots in rural Port Hardy, providing much-needed community care services to the youth
Tree Ring Circus: BC's Logging Blunder Leaves Giant Cedars Flattened
Shocking photos reveal the destruction of rare, cedar old-growth forests in Quatsino Sound
The Burning of The World's Biggest Burl
Port McNeill mourns attack on huge, world record holding chunk of wood
What We Love: Dolphins Frolicking in Blackfish Sound
Blackfish Sound isn't just for orcas
What We Love: Eagles Taking in the Sunset
Eagle took a front row seat to this sunset show
What We Love: Wildflowers in the Alpine
Only the hardiest thrive up here
What We Love: Baby Orca Playing
Baby Orca breaching between two larger Orcas in Blackfish Sound
Healthcare System Has North Islanders Rallying for Change
Residents are fed up with the unreliable healthcare service
Meet Terry Lewis, the Man Behind Vancouver Island's Epic 800 Km Trail
Volunteers have been working on the trail for more than 15 years
Are We On The Brink of Another Big One?
VanIsle's recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake raises questions about how prepared we are for a potential mega-thrust quake
Ocean Energy Powers a New Beginning on Nootka Island
The first-of-its-kind wave energy system that could be a model for other small coastal communities around the world
Dedicated Doctor Honored by First Nation for Service to Remote Community
He might not be Island Health's favourite doctor, but his patients have his back
Replacing Old Macdonald
Young Agrarians help the next generation of farmers access affordable farmland
Kwakiutl Standing Against "Secret" Forestry Deal To Log Old Growth
Secret meetings discussing old-growth logging in the Kwakiutl Nation have caused outrage and resulted in the ouster of council members
What We Love: Happy Snacking Otters
Adorable otter takes a peek at the camera between bites of his tasty snack
Dramatic Changes To Healthcare in Port Hardy
Dr. Nataros vs Island Health takes an unexpected turn
New Marine Protected Areas Are A Win-Win
MPAs save fish and jobs.
The Minister Got It Right – Time To Pack Up and Move On Fish Farmers
Sea lice and disease from fish farms pose too much of a risk to wild salmon
Got Some Extra Love To Give?
Some "pandemic pets" are looking for their forever homes.
Sign Up for Summer Fun
Youth Academy offers summer camps in Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
Doctor Faces Disciplinary Action After Sounding Alarm
Every day, it seems Northern Health gets further away from doing its job: fixing the healthcare crisis.
What Turned a Quiet Local Guy Into A Pro-Trump, Conspiracy-Touting Vigilante?
When DePape moved to San Francisco things started to go sideways
Disgraced DFO Sea Lice Report Has So Many Holes, It Can't Possibly Float
16 independent scientists were so angry, they penned a letter to Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray
Meet Advisors Tasked with Helping the Premier Solve Our Thorniest Problems: Doug White
Doug White promises action — not just words — on Indigenous reconciliation.
BC's New $50 Million Fund May Help Logging Companies, But What About Our Forests?
It's more economical, but maybe not as sustainable as it sounds.
Flawed DFO Sea Lice Report Reveals A Pro-Industry Bias, Yet Again
Internal documents reveal report was suppressed for five months
A Ship Carrying Comedians Sank. Believe it or Not, Funny Business Ensued
What would you do if you found a floating tickle trunk?
North Island Health Care Crisis Continues to Freefall
North Island health care workers are burning out and quitting
What We Love: Colourful Sea Creatures
It's a whole feast of colour!
The Pro-Virus Nurses Sued Us…and LOST!
Judge found former nurses lawsuit could deter people from discussing misinformation about public health
Did You Know You're Hurting Orcas Every Time You Flush?
The chemicals we ignore are causing issues for Orcas and other mammals, including us.
The New Pine Beetle?
This adorable alien is a lot more harmful than it looks.
People Power Fuel's Long COVID Study
Citizen Science can answer difficult questions
Abandoned Pups Rescued From Remote Island
Once the pair is healthy, they'll be up for adoption
Water Crisis Averted—For Now
You should still bring your own water, though
BC Hydro Taking Precautions in the Wake of US Attacks
Attempts to take out US infrastructure has BC Hydro's guard up
Some Good News for New Year Homebuyers
Buyers will have more time to breathe before locking in
Incredible Endangered Critters We're Forgetting About
This alien slug has powerful poop
Have A Safe And Happy New Year!
Rest, relax, and don't forget your umbrella!
Humpbacks are on a Comeback
After being hunted nearly to extinction, conservation efforts are showing big results
Does Bill C-21 Amendment Target The Wrong People?
Minister says they're going to get it right, but current amendment is far from a bullseye
The Royals Get a Demo of Cutting-Edge VanIsle Tech
Open Oceans Robotics shows off its marine-life saving solar boats
DFO's License Buy-Back Could Be a Boondoggle
The fisheries union says the license retirement program is not a just transition
She Shoots, She Scores—Big Time
Courtenay hockey player nabs dream spot on Team Canada
Funding Needed for Tiny Homes on Wheels
Housing people, one turtle at a time
Military Physician Assistants Could Help Close Healthcare Gaps
If our province would let them
Washington State Did It—Why Can't We?
A 2017 disaster dumped more than 250,000 Atlantic salmon into Washington State waters
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"
Mosaic Lands Should Have Been Included in KFN Treaty Talks
All that's left are scraps of Crown land to put together an offer
"Connected Coast" Not Clicking With Port McNeill Council
How fast does internet need to be?
Feds Forget Local Businesses Who Stepped Up For The Cause
They did the right thing for their communities and then got forgotten
From BC to Hawaii With A Broken Back
A mother's love crosses oceans
How Much Is Too Much To Save Your Neighbour's Life?
Campbell River wants to assess some of the costs of overdose prevention
The Cost of Giving Birth on the NorthIsle
It's high stakes in more than just dollars
Garbage Spill From A Year Ago Still Washing Up On Our Shores
Urinal mats and unicorns are still washing up on our beaches
How Do We Get Hydro When There's No Water?
BC Hydro says its power plants can weather the current drought
Earthquake Warning System A Go
Even seconds of warning make a difference
Ski Resort Celebrates Opening Day—With a Water Shortage
The 2022 droght isn't over yet
Cops Going Too Far on VanIsle?
Troubling news about RCMP using excessive force
North Islanders Say Enough is Enough
The NorthIsle's healthcare crisis is getting worse and worse
Taxing Tourists to Support Locals
Vacation rentals are the key
Endangered Credibility on Endangered Species
Enviros have asked nice, and the NDP have ignored them
SRD Leaving People Out In The Cold
Regional District taking no responsibility
Scaling Up Hope, Work, and Community
Who do you know that's walking on the edge?
Sinking Ships > Breaking Ships
An artificial reef and a tourist attraction all in one
New International Doctor Plan is Way Overdue
We've had a whole lot of doctors available, we just weren't letting them work
You Can Now Anonymously Report Sexual Assaults on the NorthIsle
It's a service that's more needed than ever
The Fix for Anti-Freeze
Zeballos has a funky new recycling centre to keep toxins off the land and out of hungry mouths
Not Another Larry
We all know one, but you've never seen him like this
Will The Bubble Burst?
1 in 10 Canadians with a mortgage are now paying only interest
Rivers Dry Up While Sea Levels Rise
The tough topic we need to keep talking about
Birder is the Word
Add it to your tourism dictionary
A Little Light at Dark Time for the Homeless
Ecole Puntledge Park teacher Chantal Stefan combines a love of education and a sense of community service in the EDAS Project
MP Calls for Federal Investment in More Local Media
It's not just to celebrate local stories, but it could do that too
The White Kwakiutl?
Was he preserving culture or profiting from it?
Canada is Shooting for the Stars—in Cell Phone Costs
The feds continue to allow price gouging by the big three wireless providers
Junior Streamkeepers Are The City's New Superheroes
Kids are helping protect our city from flooding.
Protection for Whales is Evaporating
Fin whales have lost their threatened status, but the threats they're facing may only be growing
Will Aquaculture Solve our Seafood Problems? Not Likely, Say These UBC Researchers
Have we maxed out farmed fish?
A Real Canadian Exchange
The "Journeying Together" program will share Indigenous culture with international students
Why We Remember
Honouring those who have fought takes more than just a moment of silence
The NDP's Party Leadership Race Stinks
Daivd Eby waltzes his way to becoming NDP leader
Community Comes Together to Fight Food Deserts on VanIsle
They don't just exist in the USA, they're right here at home
Local MP Calls Out "Greedflation"
The "price freeze" isn't all that special afterall
Walk With Me Returns to Spirit Square
Get the story first-hand from folks on the front line of the toxic drug crisis
Don't Get Sick on the NorthIsle
It'll take a lot longer to find care if these hospitals can't stay open
Rain = No Seafood?
The same H2O that's keeping our salmon from drying out is filling up other marine life with a whole other set of elements
Is 18 Too Young For Politics?
Apparently Sayward actually prefers younger candidates
Co-op To The Rescue
The recently-opened Gold River Village Co-op now gives Gold River-ites a local option for groceries
The Good, the Bad, and the Money
New doctors have said BC's fee-for-service model keeps them from becoming family docs
Crisis Support Heading in a New Direction?
"There’s hopelessness and amazing hope in this topic”
Are Our Schools Safe?
We were told transmission wasn't really happening in schools, now we know that wasn't true
New Forestry Council Looking at High Value Instead of High Volume
The forestry industry is more diverse than you might think
Going, Going … Gone?
It's hard to believe anything DFO says these days
The Marine Detective
Her stunning photos are now on display in Sidney
This Ghost Town Stands Out From The Crowd
Welcome to Paldi!
Is Local Democracy on Life Support?
Cumberland set the high bar with 41% voter turnout, while Tofino hit a new low at 17%
Spike the Humpback Dead for Unknown Reasons
Beloved young female humpback died too young, now it's time to find out why
“Baby Boy Shaw” Still Has No Official Name
Parents are now heading to court to fight to name their child
Rain is Finally Here!
Too much of a good thing will always have consequences
Parasites, Yum
More on farmed salmon means more on your plate
Federal Government Says No To Youth Voting
The bill was defeated, but the kids aren't
Canada Could Join BC Lawsuit to Get Opioid Peddlers to Pay for Their Damage
Prescription opioids are only part of the problem, but they're a big one
This Winter Fair is an Art Lover's Dream
Sointula Winterfestival is true to its roots and shaped by the growing arts community on Malcolm Island
Prices Just Keep Going Up for Ferry Riders
Can we get away from gas yet?
UK Wildlife Filmmakers Give Vancouver Island the Royal Treatment
But do the animals really need names?
Would the Incumbents Have Won If the Kids Could Vote?
Campbell River elected a slew of new faces on council
Bad Actor in an Even Worse Disguise
A very regular day on the Quadra ferry
Toronto Trial Lawyer With Convoy Ties Wants to Run Campbell River
Saron Gebresellassi says she fell in love with Campbell River—now she wants to be mayor
Should School Educate Our Kids About The World?
Ask this question if you don't want them learning the hard stuff from the internet
Honouring Campbell Riverites Who Welcome All
"Either everyone counts or nobody does"
Help Shape Your Reading Rainbow
It's not just for kids
The Triple Dip
It’s not an ice cream cone
Tracking the Rumbles Before "The Big One"
Thankfully, someone else is thinking about it, so you don't have to
Fish Hatcheries—What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Turns out a lot, if we're not careful
Residential School Sites Should Be Treated As Crime Scenes
No school should have a graveyard
Homeless? Here's How To DIY A Houseboat!
No, this is not the new #vanlife
Reconciliation Isn’t Just a Word, It’s An Action
September 30th was chosen because that's when children were taken from their homes to go to residential schools
What Happens If Your Mayor Doesn't Get Paid Enough to Care?
In a lot of places, only one person wants the job
78-Year-Old Trailer Princess Has Served Her Last Commission
The sunken barge is full of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel
Calling All Hitchcock Fans!
Support residential school survivors through the magic of live theatre
Hand Over the Money!
Opioid settlement money should be used to make safe injection sites safer
Capitalism + Activism – Politics = Patagonia
Not many billionaires give away $3 billion and don't want a tax receipt
What We Love: Port Alice
Who can resist some wispy fog floating above the water?
Investing in a New Bread and Butter for Forest Workers
Forest workers can do great things in the forest without cutting it down
Follow Your Nose—It Works for Salmon!
How do they find their home stream after years in the open ocean?
Uneven Healthcare Success on NorthIsle
Who is getting new doctors?
"Sluggo" Claus Comes Early for Skaters
Free boards for the next generation
Investing in Pathway to Nursing Students
Access to Practical Nursing (APN) pathway program to help train more nurses on VanIsle
Why is Port Alice Killing So Many Bears?
People's lack of care is killing bears.
Want to Build a Mine in a Park? Come to BC
Myra Falls Mine employs hundreds of people but it's been controversial since the get go
All are welcome here.
It's time to book your spot!
What We Love – Recycled Mats With a Story!
These hand woven mats are perfect for patio season!
Four Doctors Down, Three To Go?
Only three doctors left for all of Port Hardy.
Communities Rally to Raise Money for Police Dog Heaven
What started out as a friendly RCMP rivalry became a multi-city competition.
Our Favourite Ocean Celebrities Spotted Together!
Now, why they're together? That's the real question
The Unpopular Woman.
Alice Ravenhill – the complicated history of one of the Islands first advocates.
Campbell River Council Addresses Rumours—They Should Have Saved Their Breath
How we all got here doesn't matter—the direction we head now does
Swing Batta Batta, It's Time for Gold River Days!
Will Titan Uranus take the tournament this year?
Are We Setting Ourselves Up for More Ghost Towns?
What happens if a fire blocks the only road out?
This Week in BC Ferries Nonsense
This never-ending story would be funny if it weren't so frustrating
Wei Wai Kum First Nation Are Finally Getting Some Land Back
"This will benefit all residents in our territory" —Chief Chris Roberts
We Can Be This Blind Neighbour's Eyes
Local fisher is asking for help from the community
Standing United
Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, also known as Kwisa’lakw, has become the 44th Moderator of the United Church
No Room to Grow Out? Grow Up!
This Campbell River company is turning the old pulp mill site into a high-tech farm
What Happens When Lightning Strikes Zeballos?
With no fire department, folks in this NorthIsle village have to face the heat themselves
Big Timber Bailed on Tahsis, But Chocolate is Forever
This chocolatier proves this tiny town is about way more than timber
Ocean Waste to Luxury Taste
“I looked at these ropes, and asked myself, ‘what can I make of them?’”
What We Love: Haihte Mountain Range
Haihte is the Kwakʼwala word for fish head
Why Say No to Farmed Salmon?
Farmed salmon is more than just bad for the fish, it's bad for you
WATCH! Horny Whale Gives Family A Whole Lot Of Extra Love
That's one way to rock the boat…
Lost Your Family Doc and Still Need That Specialist? Read This
Did you just join the million British Columbians with no doctor?
Are Toxic Drugs Getting Worse?
Island Health says drug poisonings have spiked
You Can Get Monkeypox on the Island, But Not the Vaccine
"Vulnerable populations" are in fact the entire population
Wild Pink Salmon Are Back!
Here's why it's such good news
ER Closure on Cormorant Island and Folks Are Not Having It
On a small island, this is not good news
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!
3D Printing Human Body Parts?!
The future is now
Our Coastal Waters Still a Giant Toilet Bowl for US Cruise Ships
The US is doing more to protect their ocean, so the waste moves north
What We Love: Cluxewe Beach
The clouds stuck around just enough to put on a show
The Story of a National Crime
Dr. Peter Bryce wrote about residential school neglect and abuse 100 years ago
Heat Dome 2: Dome Harder?
Can the healthcare system keep up with the heatwave?
Powerhouse Indigenous Hip Hop in Spirit Square
Only the weather will be hotter than the music
Finally! High-Speed Internet is Coming to NorthIsle
This investment means more of us are connected more of the time
How Would You Take Care of Folks Suffering From the Toxic Drug Crisis?
Or tell government to listen to the professional advice they've already gotten
Firing the CEO Won't Protect Ferry Workers from Getting COVID
Of course staff are missing, they're sick
One Last, Lonely Dinosaur
This fossil still has some life left in it
NorthIsle Hospital Closures Are Giving Patients Whiplash
Port Hardy joins the hospital closure party
Geoducks—If You Know, You Know
They're big, they're weird, and they're delicious
A 7-Year-Old Beat You to the Summit
She'd outgrown all our BC hikes, so she headed to Africa
Our Orcas: Thriving or Surviving?
New babies are a sign of hope, but they need salmon fast
What Can You Eat in the Forest?
This VanIsle Witch can teach you how to use the forest for food
One $150 Million Settlement Down, 39 More to Go
Drug companies need to take responsibility, but they're only part of the problem
What Do New BC Doctors Actually Want?
Hint: it's not a signing bonus
Walk With Me Moves Hearts and Lands Funding
Over 10K to go towards fostering support for addiction in Campbell River
Fernie Gravel Grind Bikes the Road to Tahsis
Get into this gorgeous gravel ride from Gold River
NexStream Keeps the Cutting Edge in Campbell River
Ideas this good deserve funding
Ferry Cancellations Between Nanaimo and Vancouver
One busted piston assembly makes for a lot of unhappy travellers
Quadra Rocks
Peak-bagger and guidebook author Philip Stone has put his heart—and muscle—into making Quadra Island a rock climbing destination
Campbell River Estuary: The Restoration Poster Child
With time and care, we can make our river whole again
Looking Back: The Day Campbell River said F*#@ That Rock
The good old days: when we blew up underwater mountains for entertainment
Oceans 22: The Quadra Island Pillowcase Heist
Hold on to your bed sheets
Are Ferry Cancellations Temporary Or Is This The New Normal?
BC Ferries ignored the warnings and now we're in this mess
The Tom Brady of Campbell River
His big break was beating Nanaimo in the Vancouver Island Midget Titles
The First of Many—We Hope
Arrest of Winnipeg priest comes 60 years after alleged sexual assault
No Nurses in NorthIsle: Here's What Island Health is Doing
Island Health says they're doing their best to hire NorthIsle nurses. So where are they?
Factory Fish Farms One Step Closer to Gone
Two-year licenses for factory farms outside the Discovery Islands
Tahsis Residents Fill Craters On Only Road In
Why were residents left to do this on their own?
The Forestry Service De-Fanged
40 years of intentional deregulation has left the forests ministry toothless
When the Emergency Room Closes in Port McNeill, Call a Taxi
Need an ambulance when the emergency room is closed? Good luck
Take a Walk, Read a Book, Change a Life
The story walks will be posted in Comox Valley parks until July 2nd
Why Do the Campbell River RCMP Keep Killing People?
When do we start to worry?
Why You Should Care About This Company You've Never Heard Of
Is Mosaic's real estate arm building inspired communities or turning working forest into suburban sprawl?
Mining Giant Throws Pocket Change at North Island College?
Short-term funding is something, but long-term investment is better
Puppies, Rainbows, and Pride!
It's Pride month and it's time to celebrate!
Homeowners and the Hum of Mortgage Anxiety
Interest rates are going to keep going up
Bigger Fish Better at Pooping Out Plastic
New UVic study is a tiny bit of good news
Heat Domes and Atmospheric Rivers? Climate Chaos Words Islanders Need to Know
Our weather is getting even wilder
Is Island Health Ready to Face the Music in Port McNeill?
A little people power could go a long way
Turning Wounds Into Wisdom
“I was very emotional when I realized what it was for…it really moved my spirit to be recognized"
Dreams That Died on Cape Scott
More than a century ago, Danish settlers thought they could make a new life on Cape Scott
How NorthIsle is Supporting Ukraine: MP Tells NATO
Ukrainian leaders show great strength and ask for more help for their people
A VanIsle Home Under $200,000? Is This For Real?
Act now and this house could be yours!
NorthIsle Hospital Closures Just Keep Coming
And it's not only emergency patients who are suffering
Is There Really a "Witch Hunt" on Strathcona Regional Directors?
It's important that board members get paid, but when some claim way more than others we need to pay attention
Eagle Attacks Fangirl After One Too Many Photos
"It was probably tired of me taking its picture"
Free Fallin'
A new report from the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance shows tourism and forestry have taken big hits over the past several years
Whose Land? The Trees Tell All
To show that they've lived here for the last 176 years, the Nuchatlaht look to the trees
Man Needs New Briefs After Aggressive Bear Encounter, Two Bears End Up Dead
Seriously, keep your garbage inside
Paddle Politics To Boost Local Economy
The Kyuquot/Cheklesahht First Nation hope to strengthen local tourism by buying a sea kayaking company
Two of BC's Most Dangerous Hiking Routes Are on Vancouver Island
There's been a huge increase in search and rescue calls so the BC Search and Rescue Association is stretched thin
North Island College Launches its Mental Health and Well-being Strategy
Rise-and-grind culture is not sustainable
Raise Your Spirits in Spirit Square
Forget about the weather and go to Spirit Square. You'll be happy you did
Big Boost for Small But Mighty Arts Organizations
New funding can make the arts more accessible to everyone
Port McNeill Emergency Room Forced to Close This Weekend
Medical staff and services on NorthIsle continue to struggle
Don't Break Your Arm in Port Alice
If you need an x-ray in Port Alice, you'll need to go somewhere else
What We Love: Misty Mountain Drives
Some days it's nice to have the road to yourself
Port Hardy Fire Gear Destined for Ukraine
Fire and rescue groups on VanIsle are banding together to help folks in Ukraine
What Should You Do If You See a Bear?
Here are some tips on how to keep your family safe in bear country
Who is the Ferry Godmother of the Island Aurora?
It's a hard job, but someone has to do it
Little Human at the Centre of a Very Big Controversy
Government refuses to register new baby's name, says systems won't permit them
Scarlet Ibis is a Home for Locals and Travellers Alike
Come to the pub for a NorthIsle exclusive brew
Cortes Crew Gets Ready to Square Off with Mosaic
Sometimes your best weapons are maps, data, and heart
What We Love: Incredible Cloud Formations
The spring's wonky weather has made for some wild clouds
Get Ready to Rock!
BYOLC—bring your own lawn chair
What We Love: VanIsle Grizzlies
The grizzlies are here. And they are welcome.
Gold River is Now Fully Charged
Keep that EV running
What's In A Name? Cortes Island
Cortesians can thank Cortez the Killer for their island's name
SLICE Doesn't Cut It Anymore
Industry was ready to keep this problem a secret
What We Love: The Full Moon Over Woss
The full moon over the forest was spectacular, and tough to capture!
What We Love: Mysterious Nights
Chadwick the cougar had one of the best seats in the house
In Memory of the "Island Star"
Investigators are still putting together the pieces
What We Love: Sneaky Karst Caves
Did you hear the little glurp when the stick went in?
Keeping Track of the Gas
No, not that kind of gas
Whale Watchers Marvel at Record Number of Bigg's Killer Whales
Astounding number of killer whales spotted in Salish Sea
What We Love: A T Party!
What a day to be on the Salish Sea
There Aren't Enough Songs About Fishing the Sockeye Run
The Canadian Cowboy sings about good fishing and good living
Could Regular Outdoor Shows be Coming to Port McNeil?
Local talent could have a new home by next summer
Seriously? – Teslas Will Soon Be Hauling Logs on Vancouver Island
But will they still look this cool after a couple of years on logging roads?
What We Love: Breakers Off the Nootka Trail
Waves breaking off Calvin Falls along the Nootka Trail.
Home Grown Lumber, Home Grown Savings
San Group mill in Port Alberni wants to keep it local and sell its lumber to Vancouver Islanders for less
What We Love: Moon Over Campbell River
“Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars.” ― Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
What We Love: Views of Port Alice from Above
The North Isle is beautiful from all angles, including the sky.
What We Love: Rainbows and Birds, and Herring, Oh My!
Just another day in Lotus Land.
What We Love: The Spring Herring Spawn
This exciting annual event attracts a frenzy of fish-eating birds and marine mammals.
Will it be 3-Years, 6-Years, or Now?
Two parts of the federal government body are saying two different things
Not Every Commercial Fishery is Destructive
DFO has shut down the spawn-on-kelp fishery and the Heiltsuk Nation is pissed
Feds Keep Hope Alive for Vets Who Need Help
They fought for our country, we should fight for them
Slugs of Special Concern
Although they're not cute like polar bears or as powerful as Orcas, the Haida Gwaii slug needs to be protected from extinction if we want our forests to…
NorthIsle Was a Good Place to Ride Out the Ice Age
Researchers dug 18,000 years into the past and found flowers, not ice
Closing the Barn Door After the Horse Has Bolted?
Teachers union has been calling for rapid tests for months and are glad the government is finally doing it
Island MP's Offices Attacked by Anti-vaxx Vandals
Early last week staff were cleaning up the mess at the offices of Rachel Blaney and Gord Johns
Go Climb a Rock
The founder of the Alpine Club of Canada led the first successful climb of Elkhorn Mountain in 1911
Get Yourself a Cleaner Fire
Grassroots is helping folks on NorthIsle get cleaner burning stoves
What We Love: The Broughton Archipelago
Thank goodness for winter light. Longer days are on the way.
Really, Parasites Are Allowed on Fish We Eat?
Your tasty salmon dinner could have bugs in it
Minister Murray Makes Some Mad, Pleases Many More
Some conservation groups believe the science says government must do more to protect this important fish species
What We Love: Port Hardy and the North
You may even see a rare Northern Vancouver Island grizzly bear.
Scientist Claims Fish Farmers Dump Dead Lice in Quatsino Sound
Fish farm companies say they don't have a sea lice problem, then spend millions cleaning sea lice off farmed salmon
What We Love: Seeing Ourselves from Space
A photo of VanIsle from the International Space Station.
What We Love: Little Huson Caves
Light enters Little Huson Caves Park, known for limestone and rock arch formations
Is a New Mine Coming to NorthIsle?
Copper is kind of the new gold
What We Love: Winter Mornings in Port Hardy
Winter light falls over the misty water
Tour of the Taps Part 2 – Campbell River and North Island
Go north – the craft beer revolution continues
VanIsle's Top Survivalist
Former city girl said so long to the American dream life to live off the land
Four More Coastal First Nations Defer Old-Growth Logging
The province proposed an old-growth plan last November
What We Love: EagleIsle
What's the most eagles you've ever seen in one tree?
What We Love: Stormy NorthIsle
Storeys beach in the storm
The Power's On Again On The Northwest Coast
Folks in Tahsis, Zeballos, Ehattesaht FN, and Nuchatlaht FN had no power for days
Property Assessments Go Up Up Up
When Islanders got their property assessments this week pretty much everyone went "whoa"
How Much Beer Have You Been Drinking?
But who drinks the most on VanIsle?
Living the Canadian Winter Dream
Grab your skates, sticks and snow shovels and hit the ponds before it's too late
Bear-Savvy Folks Save Cub in Gold River
The bear is safe at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
What the Hell is an Arctic Outflow?
Cold, dense air from the arctic blows down into northern BC and Alberta, where it picks up speed because the land is so flat
NorthIsle Winter Wonderland Images: December 2021
Islanders capture the beauty of the island in seasonal photos
Bolide Goes BOOM!
Folks further south said it felt like an earthquake
BC Hydro Tells North Islanders to Deal With It
But can homegrown solutions keep the lights on?
Living The Winter Dream, Without the Corporate Logos
For more than 30 years, the non-profit run Mount Cain has been delivering big time ski memories
The New Rescue Team in Town
The non-profit plans to fill a gap in remote rescue and emergency care
Don't Mess With The Avalanche Alert
Avalanche Canada raised their avalanche alert to "extreme" for alpine areas of Vancouver Island
NorthIsle Getting Soaked—Again
Third time's the charm, right?
Steer Clear of the Campbell River
Elk Falls might look awesome right now, but that river will ruin your day if you fall in
WATCH: Orcas Seen More Than 40 km Inland, Near Port Alice
A lucky Port Alice resident caught the whales on video
Big Storm Means No Power for Thousands
Are you prepared for storm season?
Christmas Presents Aren't Under the Tree, But on the Beach
Lost containers with fridges, shoes, yoga mats and other stuff float ashore on the North Coast
Do You Know the Egg Man?
Why did he need an axe, though?
Gold River Opens 5 Acres for Family Homes
Why live in the city when you could live in a postcard?
Red or Blue? – Likely Neither if History Repeats Itself
Liberal candidate Jennifer Grenz says her background will help the riding. Conservative Shelley Downey says it's time to defend the North Island's resource…
Campfires Are Back on NorthIsle
Now we can warm up on those chilly nights
Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations Versus Norwegian Corporation- Round Two
After getting Ottawa to phase out floating fish factories in the Discovery Islands and Broughton Archipelago, the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations face a new…
Tough Summer for Salmon in the Comox Valley
The whole Island is now in Drought Level 5, also known as "the worst it can get"
Miraculous Marmots Make Marbled Meadows Move
Once down to 27, the endangered Vancouver Island marmot now numbers 200 in the wild
2021 Election North Island-Powell River Cheat Sheet
You'll have to dig deep to find out what these three will do for North Island-Powell River
Watch Out Islanders, Sonora is Getting Singed
Islanders on the normally damp West Coast face new reality as climate change causes rainforests to dry out
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
Poll Shows BC Residents Concerned About Open-Net Fish Farms
New poll shows that most British Columbians want floating fish farms to go away
More High-Speed Internet Coming to North Isle
5G coming to Campbell River, Port McNeill, and Port Hardy this year
Floatplane Flips in Tofino Harbour
Passengers and pilot escape with minor injuries after plane hits boat wake and crashes
The Premier That Cried Wolf
Kenney’s Public Inquiry is a political witch hunt that violates basic legal safeguards, finds no wrongdoing, but supports dangerous conspiracy theories
Is Commercial Salmon Fishing Dead?
A Sointula fisher wonders if this is the end of an era
WATCH: Can You Count the Lice on this Salmon?
Mowi has salmon factory feedlots in Scotland, and they're just as infested as ours
Are They, or Aren't They? – The Mystery of Old Bones in Kyuquot
Sometimes when you're cleaning up you find something you don't expect
Cedar in a Death Spiral?
Climate change is pushing this iconic tree to the limit
What About Us? Islanders Abandoned By Political Leaders?
The status quo isn’t working. Our political leaders are missing in action. It is up to us to make Vancouver Island STRONG once again.
From Trees to Tech, Campbell River Looks to the Future
By thinking out-of-the-box Campbell River is moving away from logs and fish
First Brutal Heat Wave, Then Melting Power Cables?
Perhaps this disruption is warning to political leaders on VanIsle need to prioritize energy conservation and self reliance
Conservation Officers Fine Campers for Campfires
They aren't messing around, they will find you and fine you
FireSmart Assessment Coming to Gold River
With all of the fires happening, it's good to get smart about fire protection
Vancouver Island Fire Crews Keep Blazes in Check
On the north island the fire danger rating is high, but fire fighters are putting out new fires before they get really bad
Commercial Salmon Fishing Takes a Big Hit
Ottawa’s 60% cut to BC's commercial salmon fishery is a desperate – but necessary – effort to save critically endangered salmon
North Island Roasts with No Power
There's only one transmission line to Northern Vancouver Island, so when it fails we're all toast
WATCH: Vancouver Island’s Spectacular Elk Falls
Enjoy suspension bridges and waterfalls just 2 kms from Campbell River
Wild Salmon Still at Risk – Cermaq Goes to Federal Court
Dad said no, so Cermaq has gone to ask Mom instead
WATCH: Rare North Pacific Right Whale Sighting
North Pacific Right Whales were nearly extinct from over-hunting, but occasionally they are seen off northern Vancouver Island
Strathcona RD Endorses Old Growth Recommendations
The Regional District is acting because the province has been too slow
What the Heck is a Heat Dome?
The heat won't last but in the meantime, check on older folks, don't leave your kids or your pets in the car and drink lots and lots of water.
Who Was Haig-Brown?
Roderick Haig-Brown was ahead of his time, he may also be one of Campbell River’s most under-appreciated citizens
Super Rare Whale Spotted Off Northern Vancouver Island
Massive North Pacific Right Whale is only the fourth of its kind seen in the last 70 years
Campbell River Family Could be Homeless in a Week
Rentals are expensive and get snapped up fast
Used Gear Still Gets the Job Done
Port Hardy's used gear will help fight fires overseas
One Little Decision, One Big Victory for Wild Salmon
The federal government has committed to removing 19 controversial fish farms
Floatplane Can't Float on a Sandbar
"…all of a sudden, he just dropped from the sky and hit the sand bar…"
High Price of Lumber is Good for Some and Bad for Others
High lumber prices are putting money back into mills, but home builders are feeling the pinch
BC Lifts Travel Restrictions as COVID Cases Drop
People were so excited to travel they crashed the BC Ferries website
Don't Plan Anything Important for July 15th
BC Hydro will shut down power across the North Island for 10 hours on Thursday July 15
Do You Have the Grit of this 77 Year Old Marathon Runner?
COVID put a wrench in his running plans, so Richardson rallied Sointula folks together for a good cause
Shipwreck's oil is Polluting Nootka Sound
Two week pumping work will start mid-June
Conservative Candidate Downey Back for Another Round
Downey’s website reveals little about her positions on the resource and economic issues important to North Islanders
Converting Waste to Garden Compost
Pilot garbage collection program will save money, reduce pollution, produce compost and generate cash
No Housing for Old Men (or Old Women, or Disabled Folks…)
BC Housing has rejected a plan to build an old folks home, but they need a week to tell anyone why
Girl's Winning Words Net Cash for Local Housing Charity
This nine-year-old's powerful writing won a $10,000 grant for the North Island's Habitat for Humanity
Mother Daughter Duo Protects Nature for their Kids
Will the nature they love still be around when they grow up?
Got the Goat
Grizzly bear goes after goats at Quadra Island farm
Less Sea Lice in the Okisollo—A Lot Less
Would you want a chicken-sized parasite chewing on your leg?
When Is Someone Going to Jail?
We're waiting for a politician to come out and pledge that they will ensure that the people responsible – wherever they are – will be tracked down and…
VIHA Ignores Whistleblower Doctor, then Kicks Him Out of Port McNeill
VIHA won't hire Dr. Armogam, and his patients are pissed
When Good Times Get Out of Hand—Drinking Drives Crime in Port Hardy
Have you been drinking?
Logger Saves Dog—and Himself—from a Cougar
William John has a new nickname, and it's Cougar Willy.
DFO Kept Secrets about Fish Mouth Rot Disease on Farms
Chamberlin said DFO knew about the potential risks this disease posed to wild salmon, but kept it secret
Different Ocean, Similar Issues
“These are the wrong people with the wrong project and the wrong technology in absolutely the wrong place” says local opponent to Maine fish farm proposal
Free-Ranging Wolves in Tahsis
After nearly two months of frequent wolf sightings, Tahsis residents are on edge after wolves killed at least two pet dogs
Atlantic Salmon Feedlots Brought Virus to BC Waters
The salmon farming industry claimed the damaging PRV virus occurs naturally in BC waters. Now scientists have proven that floating fish factories are the…
A Chance for Change, or a Missed Opportunity
Although his talking points acknowledge the old-growth crisis, Premier Horgan hasn't taken any concrete steps to address the crisis
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
Island Residential School Survivors Not Waiting For Government
While Ottawa and Victoria twiddle their thumbs, Island Residential School survivors are taking matters into their own hands
Not Quite the Jetsons, But School Transport is About to Take a Leap Forward
Electric buses will be picking up kids from northern Vancouver Island schools by the end of the school year
Mother-Daughter Duo Tackles Anti-Asian Racism
Alarmed that elders in Asian communities were being abused, Campbell River mother-daughter duo create space for dialogue
Wild Salmon Deserve Better
DFO's murky mandate is eroding public trust and endangering wild salmon
Chips ahoy! – ‘Namgis Logging Chip Plant Fills First Barge
The chips will be heading to one of Paper Excellence's coastal mills
A Grenade in Gold River?
It's not the kind of thing you find every day
Money, Money, Money – BC is Starting a $500 Million Fund for Green Businesses
The new Crown Corporation, called InBC, will invest in businesses that focus on profits, people, and the planet
Canada and the Island's Residential School Shame
VanIsle's last residential schools closed in the 1980s. They've documented 202 deaths of indigenous kids, but these are only the deaths we know about
Dry Spring and Hot, Dry Summer Could Make for a Spicy Fire Season
Hold onto your butts
BC is #2
After June 1st only Nunavut will have a higher minimum wage than BC's $15.20
Island Could Open to Mainland Tourists as of June 15
If all goes well, mainlanders could start coming back to the Island as of mid-June
BC's Tourism Grant Money Doesn't Help Small Operators
Will small businesses get left out?
Two Temporary Doctors, New Clinic Coming to Port McNeill
You can start booking appointments at the new clinic starting May 19
Countering Nimbyism – Cahiri Secondary Students Welcome Homeless Project to Their Neighbourhood
“For these kids to do that it made me feel wonderful, really really welcoming”
Zeballos Asks People Not to Visit Unless it is Essential
Zeballos loves having visitors, just not right now
City Councillors Talk Old-Growth Clear Cuts
Nanaimo city council urges Victoria to link old-growth logging to the future of communities
Quadra Gets the Jab
Anyone over 18 who wants the jab can get it
Cheslakees Elementary is Helping Little Kids Get Outside This Spring
Port McNeil families can register for an "Explore the Outdoors" kit for kids between 4 and 5 years old
Protect Bears – Sooke Wildlife Group Opens a Chapter in Campbell River
It's spring so the bears are out, and they're hungry
COVID-19 Numbers are Coming Down, but Vancouver Island Doctors and Nurses Still Need Our Help
Doctors and nurses are nearly exhausted after a whole year of the pandemic
The Loneliest Doctor on Vancouver Island
Dr. Armogam has been a doctor in Port McNeill for 15 years, but now he is the only one
Port Hardy Fire Rescue Lights Old Baptist Church on Fire
Firefighters sometimes start fires to practice safely putting them out
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