Friday, 19 June 2015

Attraction: Beaver Lodge Forest Lands

View of the Beaver Lodge Lands' "McIvor Trail" by


          Whether it’s biking, horseback riding, or a leisurely stroll with a four footed friend you’re after, the Beaver Lodge Lands are a must-explore.  Go out in rain or shine; it doesn’t matter, as you’ll be covered by an array of towering trees, including hemlock, grand fir, and alder. On the forest floor, you may stumble upon some decaying logs, whose moss coated exteriors make for stunning photo ops. Be sure to bring your camera along as the trees, plants, and rest of the enchanting landscapes can be quite mystical.
          Before they were trails, the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands were a demonstration forest. The land was gifted to the province in 1931 by the Elk River Timber Company, who intended for it to be used for experimental work in reforestation. It eventually became the first ever experimental forest protected by the province’s legislation.
          Nowadays, the 1028 acres of forest land calls itself home to many-a-creature, so it’s best to keep your little ones and domesticated furry friends in tow. The area is known for its black bear sightings, and though a rarity, cougars have previously been spotted prowling the trails. On a good day, it’s possible to catch sight of a black tail deer or perhaps a bald eagle.
          If it’s been raining, it might be wise to slip on some boots for walking, as it can get a tad mucky. That being said, the smell of the forest after a recent rainfall is unparalleled, and nothing short of refreshing. The Beaver Lodge Lands offer four separate parking areas at different trailheads for your convenience. They will lead you onto the main trails, but single track trails are also an option once you’ve gotten going.  

Thursday, 11 June 2015

June 12th to 18th



Friday, June 12th  

  • “Take Ten” is Quadra Island’s new Festival of Short Plays. Three days (June 12th-14th), 15 plays, 2 venues and over 50 cast & crew members. Friday’s performances will be for an ‘adult oriented’ audience; call 250-285-3752 for tickets!  jnursall@gmail.com  
  • CR DanceXtreme presents their year-end recitals at the Tidemark Theatre; One Night only “CRX Stars of Tomorrow,” featuring our competitive teams known as Prep Team (Jazz), Fresh Groove (Hip Hop), & Showteam (Various Styles). This special show will also feature the fantastic hip hop duo called, “Lucky Aces” from Fresh Groove dance studio in Vancouver. For tickets call 250-287-7465 or visit www.tidemarktheare.com  
  • Hospital Foundation Pub Run, 5:30-9:30pm; leslie.coates@viha.ca  
  • Live Music in the Tyee Pub at Painter’s Lodge, 8pm. 
  • Friday Night Jam at Super Mario’s Bar & Lounge with “Rick Benn” for a Dinner & Music Special – Dinner at 6:30, Live Music at 8:30, tickets are $20/p (250-926-0606).

Saturday, June 13th

  • Day Break Rotary presents the 6th Annual Wine & Blues Fest by the Sea at the Maritime Heritage Centre, 7-9:30pm. Over 11 winery representatives, tastings complemented by a special selection of pairings, ticket ($50) includes seminars, samplings, door prize, silent auction, live entertainment with Tim Williams and taxi service home (within CR) afterwards! Call 250-287-7465 for tickets. 
  • The Ripple Rock Gem & Mineral Club’s Annual Show is back at Timberline School: rocks, gems, crystals fossils and more! 10am-5pm ($3/adult) www.ripplerockgemandmineralclub.com 
  • CR DanceXtreme presents their year-end recitals at the Tidemark Theatre; Saturday’s shows, “Postcards from Afar,” at 3pm & 7pm will feature recreational dancers as well as show-stopping, award-winning competitive dances from 2015. For tickets call 250-287-7465 or visit www.tidemarktheare.com  
  • The Campbellton Neighbourhood Association is holding a dual-purpose community info meeting/building party at the Community Garden site (1741 15th Ave). Construction party starts in the morning, then at noon there will be a BBQ and at 1pm a community meeting; 250-287-8807 for more information. 
  • Mount Washington Mile High Scenic Chairlift will be running today – open at 11am! Dining and Shopping will also be open. Daily Summer Operations will begin June 28th; www.mountwashington.ca 
  • “Take Ten” Quadra Island Festival of Short Plays continues with an evening of dinner theatre: “three courses, three plays” at Heriot Bay Inn; 250-285-3752 
  • Quadra Island Farmers’ Market & Bazaar, 10am-2pm 
  • Racing at Saratoga Speedway! www.saratogaracing.ca 
  • Acoustic night at Super Mario’s Bar & Lounge in Willow Point with Nigel & Derek, 8pm-12am; 250-926-0606 
  • Live music at the Royal Coachman Pub, 8pm, with ‘How Could I’ and friends; 250-286-0231

Sunday, June 14th                                      

  • Shito-Ryu Karate is holding a Car Wash/Garage Sale/Bake Sale to raise funds for their athletes: travel expenses, bursaries, education and equipment. Held at Ok Tire (2244 South Island Hwy) from 9am-2pm. 
  • Ripple Rock Gem & Mineral Show at Timberline School, 10am-4pm; www.ripplerockgemandmineralclub.com 
  • Mount Washington Mile High Scenic Chairlift will be running from 11am-5pm today! 
  • ‘Island in Focus’ photography club presents “Take Your Best Shot” at Serious Coffee in Willow Point from June 14th to September 3rd. There will be a ‘Gallery Opening’ from 1-3pm today where you can meet the photographers, learn about the club, sample some goodies and buy a beverage. Vote for your favorite! 
  • The Shriners Variety Show fundraiser, 4-6pm at the Tidemark Theatre; 250-287-7465 
  • “Take Ten” Quadra Island Festival of Short Plays wraps up with a family-friendly matinee at the Community Centre; 250-285-3752 
  • Trevor Baker Concert at Living Waters Fellowship, 6:30pm; 250-202-9078 
  • Pier Street Farmer’s Market from 10am-2:30pm 
  • Jazz & Blues event at the Royal Coachman pub from 1-4pm every Sunday! 250-286-0231

Monday, June 15th

  • The Strathcona Triathlon Club is hosting an informational evening at the Sportsplex from 7-8pm. 
  • Salmon Farm Tours with Discovery Launch Water Taxi are available today as part of the BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival. Learn more about our fish, our farms and our sustainability. Also offers beautiful sight-seeing and a chance to go through the famous Seymour Narrows. Tickets must be pre-booked ($50; 250-334-2427) and are subject to availability and weather conditions. Also available on June 17th and 19th.

Tuesday, June 16th
  • Join an intertidal walk with Sandra Milligan! These ‘intermediate’ experiences will focus on Marine Molluscs: clams, snails and chitons. 11am-1pm – call 250-287-3103 to register ($30/family of 4 or $15/adult, $7.50/child) 
  • Lunch in the Square with Blue Moon Marquee; 11:30am-1:15pm. www.spiritsquare.ca    
  • "Music at the Point” featuring Rodrigo! Every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm, at April Point Resort. To make a reservation call 250-285-2222
 Wednesday, June 17th
  • All ages are welcome to Strathcona Garden’s Wet & Wild Summer Kick Off: freezies, inflatable toys, water toys and messy food challenges. Don’t miss out! 250-287-9234 
  • Senior’s Potluck at the Senior’s Centre (Common Mall) from 4-6pm; 250-914-4401 www.crseniors.com 
  • Join the Quadra Island Outdoor Club for a hike to Mt. Becher on the Forbidden Plateau; www.qioutdoorclub.org 

UPCOMING
June 19th – Live at the Tidemark: local 21 and under powerhouse talents; www.tidemarktheatre.com
June 19th – Relay for Life from 6pm-12am at Phoenix Middle School; www.relayforlife.ca
June 20th & 21st – BC Family Fishing ‘No Licence’ Weekend! www.bcfamilyfishing.com
June 20th – Annual Kusam Klimb
June 21st – 18th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast at the Community Centre, 8am-12pm.
June 24th – Transformations on the Shore begins at Frank James Park in Willow Point
June 26th – “Believe” at the Tidemark Theatre; 250-287-7465
June 27th – Apocalypstick Pride Party at the Tidemark Theatre, 8pm; 250-287-7465
June 27th – Bonsai Club Annual Show at Sybil Andrews Cottage from 10am-4pm
June 27th – Race the River Dragonboat Festival at Dick Murphy Park
June 27th & 28th – Overnight historic tour of the Northeast Coast with the Museum; 250-287-3103
June 30th – NiteB4 Concert in Spirit Square


Thursday, 4 June 2015

June 5th to 11th



Friday, June 5th  

  • “Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd” at the Tidemark Theatre (19+). Riding in from the 70s hit parade, prolific songwriter Nick Gilder and the Ray Materick Band bring a songbook full of hits to Campbell River. www.tidemarktheatre.com 250-287-7465. 
  • Join award-winning local pianists, Carter Johnson & Matthew Krell, for an evening of laughter and music: Classically Entertained, A Duelling Piano Performance will take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $15 at the door – 7pm show. Be prepared for audience participation to win prizes! 
  • Supersized Neon Lazer Tag at Strathcona Gardens; 250-287-9234 
  • Live Music in the Tyee Pub at Painter’s Lodge, 8pm. 
  • Friday Night Jam at Super Mario’s Bar & Lounge with “Dirty Little Secret” from 8pm-12am; 250-926-0606

Saturday, June 6th

  • Ocean’s Day Celebration!! Head down to the Maritime Heritage Centre parking lot anytime from 10am-6pm to enjoy this fun-family event hosted by Discovery Passage Aquarium. Ocean critter touch tanks with Crabby Bob’s and The Sleepwalker, Coast Guard Tours, Info booths, conservation initiatives, Free museum exhibits & tours, Boat safety, Ocean art, Beach restoration demos & dos, FREE Pier Fishing, Pirate Bounce-A-Rama, Dunk Tank, Music and more!! 250-286-3161 
  • Japanese Cultural Fair in Spirit Square, 11:30am-3:30pm. Savour the wonderful tastes of Japan, experience demos of Origami, Tea Ceremony and Bonsai. Enjoy performances like The Taikoo Drummers, Kimono Fashion Show, Judo, Martial Arts, Sake Samba Dance & more. Free & Family-friendly!! 250-923-1771 
  • Quadra Island Studio Tour Kick-Off Weekend – glass, pottery, carving, sculpture, metal-art, fibre-art, painting, print-making, jewelry & photography – discover over 35 artists, visit 20+ studios. Tickets available from the Art Gallery; visit www.quadraislandarts.com for more information! 
  • Mount Washington Mile High Scenic Chairlift will be running today – open at 11am! Dining and Shopping will also be open. Daily Summer Operations will begin June 28th; www.mountwashington.ca  
  • Classically Entertained: A Duelling Piano Performance at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 7pm ($15).   
  • Come watch Big Hero 6 on the leisure floor at Strathcona Gardens for Family Pizza and Movie Night (All Ages). Costs $4/person or $10/family, 6-8pm; kids can ride their trikes, bikes, roller-skates and other big toys around the rink – strollers, skateboards and scooters also welcome! 250-287-9234 
  • Urban Dance Connection presents their year-end recital at the Tidemark Theatre “Twenty Fifteen”; 2pm & 7pm shows  (11am performance for preschool students only) 250-287-7465 for tickets. 
  • Quadra Island Farmers’ Market & Bazaar, 10am-2pm 
  • Racing at Saratoga Speedway! www.saratogaracing.ca  
  • Dance the night away at Coastal Black Winery with Juno Award-winning Tom Landa and local dancers performing salsa, cha cha cha, rumba, lambada, samba, Zumba, mambo and bachata. Val Dance Company instructors are ready to teach you and your partner the Latin salsa dance. Beez Kneez Catering. 7pm-12am; www.HabitatNorthIsland.com ($65/pp or $500/table of 8) 
  • Acoustic night at Super Mario’s Bar & Lounge in Willow Point with Nigel & Derek, 8pm-12am; 250-926-0606 
  • Live music at the Royal Coachman Pub, 8pm, with ‘How Could I’ and friends; 250-286-0231 
  • Gypsy blues with “Blue Moon Marquee” at Heron’s on Quadra Island. Pre-Show dining is optional; tickets are $15 (250-285-3322).

Sunday, June 7th                                        

  • Quadra Island Studio Tour Kick-Off Weekend continues; www.quadraislandarts.com  
  • Urban Dance Connection presents their year-end recital at the Tidemark Theatre, 2pm & 7pm; 250-287-7465 
  • Pier Street Farmer’s Market from 10am-2:30pm 
  • Brendan McLeod [“One of the most intelligent and dynamic performance poets on the globe”] will present stories, songs & poems at Herons on Quadra, 2pm - $35 includes a two-course luncheon! Reserve: 250-285-3322 
  • Jazz & Blues event at the Royal Coachman pub from 1-4pm every Sunday! 250-286-0231

Monday, June 8th

  • The Van Isle 360 race is underway and arriving in Campbell River tonight!

Tuesday, June 9th

  • Lunch in the Square with “The Dangerously Brothers”; 11:30am-1:15pm. www.spiritsquare.ca    
  • “Music at the Point” featuring the Dave Ashton Trio! Every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm, at April Point Resort. To make a reservation call 250-285-2222

Wednesday, June 10th

  • Shoreline Musical Theatre Society AGM at Rivercity Stage (1080 Hemlock). Doors at 6:30pm - Trivia, prizes, ‘name that musical’ and lots more fun to be had; 250-287-7475. 
  • Join the Quadra Island Outdoor Club for a hike to great viewpoints from south Heriot Ridge; www.qioutdoorclub.org 

Thursday, June 11th  

  •  June 11th-13th – CR DanceXtreme presents their year-end recitals at the Tidemark Theatre; Thursday’s shows, “Postcards from Afar,” at 3pm & 7pm will feature recreational dancers as well as show-stopping, award-winning competitive dances from 2015. For tickets call 250-287-7465 or visit www.tidemarktheare.com   
  • Qristina & Quinn Bachand perform at the Big Yellow Merville Hall, 7:30pm. A celebration of roots, folk and celtic music. www.beaconridgeproductions.com ($22 at the door, Advance Tix available at the Music Plant).


UPCOMING
June 12th – Hospital Foundation Pub Run, 5:30-9:30pm; leslie.coates@viha.ca
June 12th-14th – Quadra Island’s Festival of Short Plays; jnursall@gmail.com
June 13th – Rotary Wine & Blues Fest by the Sea at the Maritime Heritage Centre; 250-287-7465
June 13th & 14th – Ripple Rock Gem & Mineral Show at Timberline School; www.ripplerockgemandmineralclub.com
June 14th – The Shriners Variety Show fundraiser, 4-6pm at the Tidemark Theatre; 250-287-7465
June 14th – Trevor Baker Concert at Living Waters Fellowship, 6:30pm; 250-202-9078
June 19th – Live at the Tidemark: local 21 and under powerhouse talents; www.tidemarktheatre.com
June 19th – Relay for Life from 6pm-12am at Phoenix Middle School; www.relayforlife.ca
June 20th & 21st – BC Family Fishing ‘No Licence’ Weekend! www.bcfamilyfishing.com
June 21st – 18th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast at the Community Centre, 8am-12pm.
June 27th – Apocalypstick Pride Party at the Tidemark Theatre, 8pm; 250-287-7465