Island Parent Pre-Summer 2023

PRE-SUMMER 2023 

FREE COPY 

Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years 

Inside: 

Play On! 

Outdoor Games for Families 

Road Trip Food 

Explore 

the Island 

A Region-by-Region Guide

2 Island Parent Magazine IslandParent.ca

ST. JOHN'S ACADEMY 

SHAWNIGAN LAKE 

Environmental Education 

St. John's Academy (Grade 4-12) in Shawnigan Lake is nestled 

between the forests of Baldy Mountain and the waters of 

Shawnigan Lake. Teachers aim to incorporate environmental 

learning through inquiry topics, hands-on projects and interdisciplinary 

learning. Our full Environmental Education program 

encompasses many aspects of our school experience. 

IB Education 

There are endless reasons to choose St. John's Academy, but the 

IB Program builds a solid foundation. A foundation that delivers 

transformational learning programs to ensure students have the 

skills and knowledge to be ready for university and beyond. 

CAS Activities 

Our Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) Activities are 

offered during school hours. These CAS Activities help 

students to learn a new skill, support further academic 

pursuits and meet new students they would not otherwise. 

250-220-4888 info@stjohnsacademy.ca 

2371 Shawnigan Lake Rd. 

IslandParent.ca 

Pre-Summer 2023 3

INTHISISSUE 

6 10 

Need to Know 

9 

PRESUMMER2023 

I ❤ Island 

Play On! 

Jim Schneider 

Publisher 

publisher@islandparent.ca 

Sue Fast 

Editor 

editor@islandparent.ca 

RaeLeigh Buchanan 

Account Manager 

raeleigh@islandparent.ca 

12 

CRD 

16 

Nanaimo & Area 

18 


Kristine Wickheim 

Account Manager 

kristine@islandparent.ca 

20 

22 

24 

Island Parent Magazine, published by 

Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is 

a bimonthly publication that honours 

and supports parents by providing information 

on resources and businesses 

for Vancouver Island families. Views 

expressed are not necessarily those 

of the publisher. No material herein may 

be reproduced without the permission 

of the publisher. Island Parent is distributed 

free in selected areas. Annual mail 

subscriptions (7 issues) are available for 

$21 (GST included). Canadian Publication 

Mail Product Sales Agreement 40051398. 

ISSN 0838-5505. 

Cowichan Valley 

Pacific Rim 

Kids’ Reads 

For distribution inquiries, 

please email 

publisher@islandparent.ca 

Island Parent Magazine 

518 Caselton Place 

Victoria, BC V8Z 7Y5 

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Comox Valley 

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facebook.com/IslandParent 

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instagram.com/islandparent 

Speaking of Sex 

Let Them Talk 

Substance Use 


FASTFORWARD 

From ‘Aaaaa! What Now?’ 

to ‘Ahhhh! At Last!’ 

There’s something about June and July—with the end of 

the school year and the start of summer holidays—that 

is both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. A toss 

between “Aaaaa! What now?” and “Ahhhh! At last!,” summer 

for parents takes on a whole new meaning than it did when we 

were kids, the endless summer days stretching out in front of us 

for what felt like forever. 

Sure summer can still feel endless, but this year, let’s hope it’s 

for all the right reasons! 

To help you get the most out of Summer 2023, this issue 

features the season’s must-see-and-dos along with ways to take 

advantage of when you hear that old familiar refrain: “there’s 

nothing to do!” Because on the Island, there’s always something 

to see or do! It’s the options that are endless! 

No matter what you have planned this summer—or what 

just happens—we hope this issue helps you have a great time. 

Within these pages you’ll find information on outdoor games 

to play this summer, a selection of family-friendly Island hikes, 

numerous Vancouver Island activities and attractions, places to 

explore, road trip food recipes, walking trails suited to families, 

places to ride a train, climb a tree, good summer reads and 

much more. Check out Parks Canada’s three apps and don’t 

forget the summer events page with highlights of what’s happening 

on the Island in June and July. And as an added bonus, 

don’t miss the special feature, Tweens & Teens with a focus on 

the importance of open and honest conversations. 

Here’s to finding a middle ground between “Aaaaa! What 

now?” and “Ahhhh! At Last!” 

Happy Summer! 

Make this SUMMER count 

you, so start the school year on the right foot. 

GET SCHOOL SUPPORT AT SYLVAN 

Sylvan students typically see up to two to three 

As you begin to plan your summer, remember that it’s also a great 

times more growth in their math and reading 

PERSONALIZED time for kids to squeeze TUTORING THAT GETS RESULTS 

scores than in some if they learning hadn't come and to skill Sylvan*. practice as well. 

* Proven, Sylvan’s summer personal camps and intensive tutoring programs, 

Act now will to help take your control child of this stay school engaged year. in learning. 

online OR in-person 

Act now to take control of next school year. 

* Highly customized learning plan to ensure your child 

masters skills in math, reading, 

1-800-EDUCATE 

writing and more 

* Live online or in-person attention and learning time 

Sylvan of Vancouver Island 

with expert, caring Sylvan-certified teachers 

* Direct impact in classroom with www.sylvanlearning.com 

school-aligned 

curriculum 


Delivering RESULTS 

ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN 

You Don't Have to "Go It Alone" 

We know academic results are important to 

locations only. Expires 

Free 09/30/2021. Assessment 

Value 

Summer 

$150 


Camps are 

Must mention 

offer at time of 

booking 

Offer valid at participating locations only. Cannot be 

*See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com. combined with any other discount or offer. One 

assessment per family. Expires 11/15/20. 


Sylvan Insight 

Assessment $49 

through September 30th 

(regularly $150) 

CALL NOW 

Offer valid at participating 

with Summer 

Learning at 

SYLVAN 

Enrol Now! 

valid at Victoria 

location only 


NEEDTOKNOW 

Father’s 

Day 

Walk/Run 

The Raymond James Father’s 

Day Walk Run on June 18 is a fun, 

family-friendly event, hosted each 

year on Father’s Day to honour all 

men and their families who may 

have lost a life to prostate cancer. 

100% of funds raised through this 

event directly support programs 

and services offered through 

Island Prostate Centre; serving 

men and families facing prostate 

cancer, right here on Vancouver 

Island. To get involved, visit 

islandprostatecentre.com/ 

fathersdaywalkrun. 

Earlybird 

Parenting 

App 

Two Vancouver Island moms, Renée 

Jordan and Sarah Hunter, are changing 

the parenting game with Earlybird, 

a free-to-download parenting 

app that supports child development 

from birth to age six, providing 

play-based activities and researchbacked 

resources. The goal is to 

ensure every child has a strong start 

in school and in life. Over 56% of 

kids start kindergarten behind in at 

least one developmental domain 

(numeracy, literacy, social-emotional 

and motor). And it’s hard to catch up. 

That’s where Earlybird comes in. 

learnwithearlybird.com 


Strong 

Minds, 

Strong 

Kids 

Children’s mental health continues to 

suffer post-pandemic and new ways 

to provide support are needed now 

more than ever. Strong Minds Strong 

Kids, Psychology Canada (SMSKPC), 

a national charity dedicated to helping 

children and teens become more 

resilient, has developed a new online 

game to help children and teens 

build skills that will foster resilience. 

ThriveLandia is filled with fun games 

and challenges for kids and teens 

that will help them build key coping 

skills. The goal is to teach skills associated 

with resilience in a way that is 

engaging and relevant for youth so 

they can thrive in life. 

thrivelandia.com 

I am proud 

to continue 

my support 

of parents, 

families and 

youth in 

Oak Bay- 

Gordon Head. 

MLA Murray Rankin 

Oak Bay – Gordon Head 

Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528 



Summer 

Boating 

Safety 

Whatever your boating preference 

or level of experience may be this 

summer, an informed and confident 

boater is a safe and happy boater— 

and that means anything that floats: 

kayaks to catamarans, power, sail 

or stand-up paddleboards. If you 

haven’t completed your safety 

course, you are encouraged to do 

so. For more information about how 

to get started in boating and tips on 

boating safety visit boatingbc.ca. 

Pop-Up 

Dog 

Parks 

Your canine companions can enjoy 

play dates at three different Saanich 

parks until the end of September 

at the following locations: Hyacinth 

Park, Lambrick Park and Rudd Park. 

Pop-up dog park hours are 7am to 

10pm daily and they will remain in 

the same three locations all summer 

long instead of rotating like they 

did in previous years. Learn more 

about our pop-up dog parks at 

saanich.ca/dogs. 


I ❤ ISLAND 

Sun Safe Summer 

Nozone Clothing offers an array of stylish products 

designed to provide maximum protection 

from solar radiation, using specialized fabrics that 

have been awarded the highest rating possible of 

UPF 50+. Sunsuits, shirts and sunglasses are just 

a few of the many sun-safe items. This Vancouver 

Island family owned and operated business was 

founded in 1996 by parents who were determined 

to find a better way to protect their family from 

the harmful effects of the sun and endless applications 

of chemical-filled sunscreens. 

nozoneclothing.com 

Under Wraps 

Made from Turkish muslin cotton, Tofino Towel’s 

Pebble Kids Poncho features a loose fit that is 

non-restrictive and highly durable. The Turkish 

cotton offers a highly absorbent and fast drying 

option for sun protection. Enjoy days at the beach 

or pool while keeping your kids sun safe in this 

breathable poncho. 

tofinotowelco.com 

It’s in the Bag! 

These gorgeous roomy bags are made from repurposed 

vintage sails here on Vancouver Island 

in small batches. Their wide footprint gives them 

a burly stance, especially on rocky boats or uneven 

beaches. They will haul just about anything 

you can throw at them with ease, but beware, 

they can hold it but you still need to schlepp it! 

With two internal sleeves to hold your refreshments 

and another large one to accommodate 

other loose items, this bag lets you ride it out in 

style. Gym bag, mobile office, weekender or diaper 

bomber, the possibilities are endless! 

ahoybags.com 



PLAY 

Play On! 

Outdoor games for kids and families 

Play is sacred. 

Kids need more experiences and space for play to take 

place. Play isn’t work but it does have many functions. 

By design, play takes you to the edge. When kids roughhouse, 

they learn about what they can and cannot do to others. 

As well as, what feels safe and unsafe. They learn to read signals 

and know their own boundaries. 

Pursuit games can have a child feel an element of alarm in a 

safe bubble. Where it’s not for real, and attuned adults are close 

by. 

Can we interrupt play less this summer and take part ourselves 

in games and activities? Here are a few games to try: 

Wolf Ball 

Audience age: 5+ 

Time needed: 10–15 minutes 

Materials: Ball (soft) or 10–15 handkerchiefs/bandanas. 

When using bandanas, use 5 to create the “ball” in a knot and 

10 to mark your boundary. 

Where to play: a field or grassy area is best. 

How to play: One player is “it,” (the wolf) and tries to hit 

the other players which are deer with the ball. The goal is to 

not get hit. The wolf throws the ball each time standing from 

the place where the ball last landed. Once the wolf hits a deer, 

they are out. Out deer go to the nursery, lining up outside the 

boundary. If the wolf throws the ball and it’s caught by a deer 

in the nursery, the first out deer can rejoin the game. The game 

ends when the wolf gets all the players out. 

How many can play? 5–15 players (a large boundary for 

many players) 

Fun fact: great “trickle in game” or warm-up game 

Cougar Stalks Deer 


Time needed: approx. 10 minutes/round 

Materials: None. 

Where to play: A field, lawn or pathway 

How to play: One player is the deer and all other players are 

cougars. The deer starts with their back to the cougars. The 

game starts when the cougars begin to stalk the deer. The deer’s 

goal is to turn around and spot a moving cougar! The cougars 

must freeze before the deer spots them moving. If the deer sees 

any cougars moving, they call out their name, and the cougar 

must go back to the starting point. The game ends when the 

first cougar reaches the deer and tags them. 

How many can play: 4–20+ players 

Source: wyp.org/resource-portal/activities/cougar-stalks-deergame 


Run Rabbit Run 



Materials: a handful of bandanas can mark the boundary 

lines on each side. 

Where to play: Field or grassy meadow 

How to play: One player starts as “it,” (the wolf), everyone 

else are rabbits. The wolves start in the middle, and the rabbit’s 

line up on one side of the play area. When the wolves say, 

“run, rabbit, run,” the players try to run to the other side. If 

the wolves tag them before they get to the other side, the player 

must sit down where they were tagged. They become a tree and 

can use their arms to tag other runners. The game ends when 

all but one player has been tagged. 

How many can play: 6+ players 

Variation: Play with two wolves 

Source: greatgroupgames.com/run-rabbit-run 

If a child needs a break from pursuit games, try: 

Hungry Birds 



Materials: 2–3 balls of yarn, each in a different colour 

Where to play: A forest or garden 

How to play: Cut 20 strips of yarn (15 cm long) for each colour. 

An adult hides all yarn pieces, keeping in mind the height 

of players. Explain the game on the edge or away from the play 

area. Players are birds and need to find worms (yarn) because 

they are hungry! But you can only pick up worms that are your 

team’s colour. The other colours are poisonous. Depending 

on player age, you can set a time limit or play until they’re all 

found. Collect worms into a pail or tie them to a stick. Ask kids 

to reflect on how they found them? What colours of yarn were 

easiest to find? Count the worms! 

How many can play? 4–20+ players 

Fun fact: This game encourages observation skills (developing 

a search image), kids learn about camouflage (nature’s adaptation), 

test fine motor skills and practice counting. Kids love 

to take turns hiding the worms for their playmates or parents. 

Scent Scavenger Hunt 



Materials: 1 egg carton/child 

Where to play: A forest, field or garden 

How to play: On the top cover of an egg carton write these 

six scents—piney, earthy, mossy, fruity, flowery. Send teams to 

find 1–2 items for each scent. Embrace respectful harvesting 

practices, like only taking one blossom or fruit. 

How many can play? 4 or more players. 

Lindsay Coulter is a writer, educator, facilitator, 

naturalist, community catalyst, soul activist, mentor, 

and dedicated mother of two. She’s the Director of 

Communications, Culture and Community at EPIC 

Learning Centre, a forest and nature school in Victoria. 

Find her @SaneAction on Instagram and Facebook. 



See the Sights in the CRD 

With so much to do in the Capital Regional 

District, your biggest challenge will be narrowing 

down your options! To help, here’s 

a list of favourites. From “star” gazing (both sea 

stars and the stars in the sky!) and chasing butterflies 

to cooling off at the Potholes and stretching 

out at Sidney Spit. Hint: No matter what you 

choose, you can’t go wrong! 

Plan Your Escape 

Victoria Escape Games offers both indoor and 

outdoor adventures. Watch for Raiders of the Lost 

Tomb coming soon! Indoor and outdoor adventures. 

victoriaescapegames.com 

Dominion Observatory & Telescope 

Star Parties are back this summer at The Centre 

of the Universe. Take a Dome Tour, get involved 

in children’s programs and see the night sky 

through the Plaskett Telescope (weather permitting). 

Specific Saturdays throughout the summer. 

From 7:30–11pm. Gates open at 7:15pm. 

centreoftheuniverse.org 

Meet SUE the T-rex at RBCM 

Royal BC Museum’s SUE: The T-rex Experience 

starts in June and runs until January, 2024. Meet 

SUE, the most complete and best-preserved 

Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Learn how SUE 

survived their challenging and dangerous world, 

living to old age despite the odds. Don’t miss 

Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia where you 

can marvel at 120 spectacular artworks and original 

artifacts from ancient Angkor, never before 

seen in Canada. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 

See a Show at IMAX Victoria 

Escape the heat—or the rain—and watch the 

Super Mario Bros. Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy, 

Animal Kingdom or Wings Over the Water to name 

a few. There’s nothing like the big BIG screen to 

make you feel like you’re part of the action. 

imaxvictoria.com 

Roam Around at Fort Rodd Hill 

Tour through secret bunkers, military command 

posts and original 19th century buildings at Fort 

Rodd Hill, a west coast artillery fortress on active 

duty from 1895 to 1956. Learn the personal stories 

of soldiers and their families. Camp overnight 

in a group-friendly oTENTik. Grab the wheel as 

a “master mariner” at Fisgard Lighthouse, the 

oldest on the Canadian west coast and wander 

through a rare Garry Oak meadow. 

pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill 

Think Small 

Miniature World, located within the Empress 

Hotel, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 

10am-5pm. The Greatest Little Show on Earth 

features over 85 miniature scenes. At Miniature 

World it is as if you suddenly became a Gulliverlike 

giant among the tiniest of villages, or has the 

world itself shrunk? You be the judge, it is a question 

Alice must have asked herself many times in 

Wonderland so enter now this miniature wonderland. 

miniatureworld.com 

Stroll the Wharf 

Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to 

be discovered. Peruse food kiosks, unique shops 

and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour 

setting. Buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out 

the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel 

and float home moorage, watch the commercial 

fishing vessels unload their wares, become a 

pirate and see the seals. tourismvictoria.com 

Play in the Park 

Beacon Hill Park offers 200 acres to play in, just 

steps from downtown Victoria. Explore the trails 

meandering through meadows, gardens and 

trees, the 18-hole putting green (bring your own 

clubs and balls), spray park and playground. Stroll 

past the duck ponds, over bridges, through gardens 

and find what was once the world’s tallest 

free-standing totem pole. beaconhillpark.com 

Gallop Along the Goose 

The 60-km partly paved Galloping Goose Trail 

winds from Victoria to Sooke with access points 

along the way. It also intersects with the E&N 

Rail Trail-Humpback Connector, the 17km cycling 

and pedestrian trail. Start the Goose in the heart 

of the city or drive out to a rural access point for 

more of a country experience. 

gallopinggoosetrail.com 

Lose Yourself on the Lochside Trail 

The 29-km Lochside Regional Trail starts in Saanich 

and ends at the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay. 

In some places trail visitors must share paved or 

gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm 

vehicles. Trail maps and suggested access points/ 

day trips are available from the CRD website: 

crd.bc.ca/parks, then select “Find a Park.” 

Loop Swan Lake 

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary 

features both marshy lowlands and the rocky, 

oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The 

12,000-year-old lake is home to a variety of 

birds and wildlife including muskrats, river otters 

and mink. Circle the lake along a 2.5-km trail 

and cross the floating walkway then stop in at 

the Nature House (open on a limited schedule). 

swanlake.bc.ca 

Stretch Out at Sidney Spit 

Sidney Spit Marine Park is a great destination 

for a day trip. The foot-passenger ferry service 

has re-opened so now you can book your trip to 

Sidney Island (25 minutes). Explore the sandy spit 

at the northeast end or hike around the whole 

island. Walk-in camping is also available. 

For updates on the ferry service, visit 

sidneyspitferry.com. 


While Away the Day at Witty’s 

Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin offers 

more than 5 kms of beautiful trails run through 

woodland, past lagoon and marsh. Watch for 

birds as you meander down to the sandy beach. 

The Nature House at the trailhead has some great 

displays. Check for opening hours. On Metchosin 

Road, approximately 40 minutes from downtown 

Victoria. crd.bc.ca/parks 

Retreat to Roche Cove 

Roche Cove Regional Park in East Sooke. Picnic 

at the protected cove after an easy walk from the 

parking area. Wander the 7 kms of trails through 

cedar forest and along a cool creek or climb a 

mossy slope for hilltop views of Roche Cove and 

the Sooke Basin. Roche Cove is also a good access 

point for the Galloping Goose Trail. 

crd.bc.ca/parks 

Ease into East Sooke Park 

East Sooke Regional Park offers 50 kms of trails 

along the windswept rocky coast, over dry hilltops, 

through dark rainforest to sheltered coves. 

Aylard Farm is popular with picnickers and those 

looking for an easy excursion. A 5-minute walk 

through open fields leads to a sandy beach. Trails 

head inland to hilltop views, or along the rugged, 

more challenging Coast Trail. crd.bc.ca/parks 

Dig Deep at Dino Lab 

Check out this high-tech/low-tech, all fun fossil 

restoration lab nestled in Victoria. Tour the private 

gallery, roll up your sleeves, grab a tool and help 

turn back time using the same pneumatic tools 

and equipment that the experts use. Don’t forget 

to pre-book. dinolabinc.ca 

Make a Splash at Thetis Lake 

Hike scenic trails hugging Upper and Lower 

Thetis lakes. The beach area of Thetis Lake is 

perfect for a picnic or swim, although it tends to 

be crowded in summer. If you have a canoe, try 

an early morning or evening paddle. Pay parking: 

$2.25 for the day or $20 for the season. 

crd.bc.ca/parks 

“Star” Gaze at The Shaw Centre 

for the Salish Sea 

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney is a 

state-of-the-art aquarium and marine education 

centre focused on the ecosystem of the Salish 

Sea. Spend a moment with calming, drifting jellies. 

Take a peek at invertebrates of all shapes 

and colours. The Centre is open and welcomes 

visitors on Thursday though Tuesday from 10am– 

4:30pm. Masks mandatory. salishseacentre.org 

Join the EDC 

Dance Family 

TODAY! 

Register Now! 

ELEVATEDANCECENTRE.CA 

info@elevatedancecentre.ca 

250-391-9222 

Learn a new sport or refine 

your skills: come join our 

rock climbing teams! 

Registration 

for recreational 

and competitive 

teams open now. 

All levels 

welcome! 

Ages 6–18. 

REGISTER NOW 

FOR FALL CLASSES 

Classes Offered: 

RAD Ballet, CDTA Tap, Jazz, Modern & 

Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Storybook Ballet, 

Parents & Tots, Kidance and MORE! 

✰ Annual or Sessional (9 Week) Classes 

✰ Professional Faculty & Positive 

Environment 

✰ Beginner through to competitive levels 

✰ Keeping dancers happy, healthy and safe 

✰ Developing invaluable life skills 

✰ Youth Protection Advocates in Dance 

Certified 

✰ Classes for everyone 

✰ And, MUCH more! 

Register Now! 

for EDC's 

2023/2024 

SEASON 

Space is limited. Register TODAY! 

Visit our website to learn more. 

Lakeside Village - View Royal 

Details and registration at climbtheboulders.com 

The Boulders Climbing Gym 

1627 Stelly’s Cross Road | Saanichton, BC | 250.544.0310 



See airplanes, 

seaplanes, helicopters 

and more at the 

BC Aviation Museum 

Learn about BC’s aviation 

history from early bush planes 

to bombers and beyond! 

Fly by Butterfly Gardens 

Victoria Butterfly Gardens. See thousands of 

exotic butterflies (up to 70 species) flying free in 

their own tropical rainforest environment. Wander 

through the orchid exhibit or carnivorous plant 

section. You’ll also see colourful fish and tropical 

birds. Open daily from 10am–4pm with the last 

admission into the facility at 3pm. Group bookings 

are only allowed between 8–10am. 

butterflygardens.com 

Scream for Ice Cream 

Beacon Hill Drive Inn. Cones, cups, sundaes and 

avalanches! So many choices—and you can’t go 

wrong! beacondrivein.ca. Cold Comfort’s Can 

Canteen window is open in summer and offers 

cool treats ranging from scoops of Plain Jane 

ice cream to Choc ’o Clock Sandwiches and 

dairy-free options. coldcomfort.ca. Parachute 

Ice Cream is offering “walk-thru” scoop service 

daily from noon–7pm. Try the strawberry rhubarb 

sorbet or brown butter brownie. 

parachuteicecream.com. 

Take a Swing at Golf 

Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf is open weekends only 

from 11am–5:30 (last tee off time at 4:45). Covid 

protocols are in place. After golfing, visit Mattick’s 

Farm Market for an ice cream cone from 

groom ponies, go for a pony ride and then feed 

the ponies treats. poniesandpipsqueaks.com 

Bowl, Ice Skate & Golf 

City Centre Park in Langford has opened some 

facilities. There’s Mini-Golf, now open from 9am– 

9pm daily, drop-in ice skating at Westhills Arena, 

snacks at City Centre Grille, bowling at Langford 

Lanes and indoor themed play structures at Play- 

Zone. citycentrepark.ca 

Seek Sun & Surf 

Gonzales Beach: sure the water is freezing, but 

this is a beautiful sandy beach with the southfacing 

views and sunshing. It’s a great beach for 

skim boarding and splashing about in the shallow 

waters. Willows Beach has all the amenities at 

hand: bathrooms, a tea room for concessions, a 

playground and a sweeping sandy beach. There’s 

a grassy park for picnics and lots of trees for 

shade. Gyro Beach at Cadboro Bay Beach and 

home of the Cadborosaurus! The ocean is no 

warmer at this beach than any of the other Victoria 

beaches, but the stretch of sand and nearby 

Cadboro-Gyro Park make it a hit with families. 

Cool Down at Sooke Potholes 

Sooke Potholes are a series of deep fresh-water 

pools created by water falling over boulders in 

Summer Hours, May 1 to Sept 30: 

10am to 4pm, Thurs through Tues 

Winter Hours, Oct 1 to Apr 30: 

11am to 3pm, Thurs through Tues 

For special days and events 

go to bcam.net. 

1910 Norseman Road, Sidney 

250-655-3300 | bcam.net 

Adrienne’s Ice Cream. Or grab picnic ingredients 

from Red Barn Market and cycle the nearby Lochside 

Trail to a shady spot for a picturesque lunch 

break. matticksfarm.com 

Pet a Pony 

Ponies & Pipsqueaks’ Meet the Ponies program 

runs year round and is a great way to introduce 

kids to the responsibilities of ponies and experience 

their first ride. Go on a barn tour, learn to 

the Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the 

trails, camp under the stars or take a refreshing 

dip on a hot summer day. You can access the 

potholes at different points. crd.bc.ca 

Take a Dip at Shawnigan Lake 

Shawnigan Lake’s Mansons Beach Park and Old 

Mill Park are the perfect swimming spots. The 

beaches are shallow and they’re on the east side 

of the lake so they catch the afternoon sun. West 


Shawnigan Lake Park is great for families. It’s quieter 

than the other two and there’s some shade, 

but there’s more of a lawn than a beach. 

Love a Llama 

Millstream Miniature Llamas offers a guided tour 

of the farm for families and small groups. The tour 

includes an explanation of why llamas are special, 

the history of llamas in North and South America, 

how llamas interact with people and with each 

other, a discussion of the uses of llamas today, 

a chance to meet several llamas, experience a 

“llama kiss” and feel the fibre. Phone 250-478- 

9969 to arrange a tour. millstream-minis.com 

Behold the Bugs 

Welcome to the amazing world of insects, arachnids 

and their many-legged relatives. See live 

giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, 

hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, 

to name a few. Discover roughly 50 fascinating 

species including Canada’s largest ant farm. 

Masks are mandatory. To guarantee your spot 

at the time you’d like, book online at 

victoriabugzoo.ca. 

Take Flight 

At Wild Play Adventures you can soar through 

the air on six exhilarating zipline flights that crisscross 

through the treetops. A guide will attach 

your harness to each zipline along the way. Just 

lean back and enjoy the ride. Afterwards, try your 

hand—and eye—at axe throwing (12+). Open Fri– 

Mon from 10am–7pm. wildplay.com 

Visit the Farm 

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is located in Victoria’s 

beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Enjoy the farm animal 

experience, from alpacas to miniature goats, tropical 

birds and miniature pigs. The Farm is home to 

all kinds of fuzzy, furry, feathered creatures and 

features a goat petting area and the famous goat 

stampedes. Open seasonally. For dates and hours 

visit beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca. 

Appreciate Art 

A visit to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a 

one-of-a-kind experience. The diversity of exhibits 

and programs is welcoming for all and there’s 

always something new to discover. On Thursdays 

from 5–9pm, admission is by donation. aggv.ca 

Find Out About Flying 

See airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters and more 

at the BC Aviation Museum. Learn about BC’s 

aviation history from early bush planes to water 

bombers and beyond. bcam.net 

SUMMER CAMPS 

• RECREATION • SPORT DEVELOPMENT • HIGH PERFORMANCE 

• CLIMBING & OUTDOOR 

at 

UVic! 

Develop skills, meet new friends, explore 

creativity and experience exciting activities 

in a fun, safe and positive environment! 

Presented by 

INFO + REGISTER: 

vikescamps.com 

View complete camps listings 

Supported by 

Summer Camps 2023 

• Basketball Co-Ed 

• Rugby 

• Girl Power 

• Vikes Kids 

• Land Explorers 

• Mini Vikes 

Full Day 

•Tennis 

• Fencing 

• Judo 

• Ball Hockey 

• Soccer Co-Ed 

• Track & Field 

• Vikes Sports 

• Softball 

• Swim Camp 

• Yoga 

• Tennis Camp 

• Archery 

and more! 



Get to Know Nanaimo & Area 

Bike at Top Bridge 

The Top Bridge Trail in Parksville links Rathtrevor 

Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the 

scenic Englishman River. The trail is 5km each 

way and winds through public and private property, 

with a number of access points (a local favourite 

is at Industrial Way and Tuan Road). Enter 

from the Chattell Road trailhead and you’ll be at 

the suspension bridge over the river. The Information 

Centre at the south end of town will provide 

directions. rdn.bc.ca/top-bridge-regional-trail 

Try Your Hand at Disc Golf 

Bowen Park Disc Golf is free and open to the 

public every day of the year. The par 54 course 

starts at a large, introductory sign that’s located 

across from the main complex building, near 

Bowen Road. For a course map and score card, 

visit nanaimo.ca. 

Hiking, biking and watching goats graze away 

the grassy roof in Coombs—Nanaimo and 

environs has it all. Follow the Nanaimo Bar 

Trail, play at Venture Land Playground and Splash 

Park, look waaaayyy up at Cathedral Grove or 

bike at Top Bridge. There’s something here for 

everyone! 

Brush Up on Island History 

Nanaimo District Museum offers guided and selfguided 

tours that encourage visitors to “Make 

a Discovery” while exploring the history and 

heritage of our area. The Museum Gallery is open 

from 10am–4pm, admission is by donation. The 

Bastion remains closed, and cannon firings have 

been cancelled until further notice. 

nanaimomuseum.ca 

Gander at the Goats 

Coombs Old Country Market is along Highway 

4A, on the way to Port Alberni from Parksville or 

Nanaimo. Wander the market, unique shops, galleries 

and studios for gifts, groceries and great 

food. There’s lots to see. Be sure to look up when 

you’re outside the market—the goats on the sod 

roof live there throughout the summer and “mow” 

the lawn. The Market is open from 9am–6pm. 

oldcountrymarket.com 

Take Your Best Shot at Mini Golf 

Sink some putts at Paradise Mini Golf and Fun 

Park (paradisefunpark.net) featuring two worldclass 

mini-golf courses complete with a mini lighthouse, 

pirate ship and Victorian mansion. Riptide 

Lagoon Adventure Golf (riptidelagoon.com) will 

whisk you away to another land filled with mini 

mountains, rapids and a research station. 

Play in the Park 

Lions Venture Land Playground and Splash Park is 

a landmark in the Parksville Community Park. Kids 

love the brightly coloured slides and sea creatures, 

swings, jungle gyms, in-ground trampolines 

and the ever popular Zipkrooze. Not only that, but 

there are horseshoe pits, a skate park, kite field, 

lacrosse box, sports field, ball diamonds, picnic 

shelter and gazebo. 

Go Underground at Horne Lake 

Explore the beauty and mysteries of Vancouver 

Island’s Underworld in a subterranean adventure 

at Horne Lake Caves. A wide variety of tour options 

offers many levels of experience for families 

and adventurous park visitors. To reserve a tour, 

visit hornelake.com. 

Zip, Swing & Bungy at Wildplay 

At WildPlay Nanaimo, you start with a training session 

on the ground to get comfortable using the 

ziplines and continuous belay system. Then you’ll 

climb up a ladder and start making your way from 

tree to tree by walking across tightropes, climbing 

up cargo nets, sliding down ziplines, flying 

through the air on rope swings and leaping onto 

swinging logs and balancing on wobbly bridges. 

There’s a Kids Course, too. Feeling really brave? 

Then give bungy jumping and the primal swing a 

try. wildplay.com/nanaimo 

Look Waaayyy Up at Cathedral Grove 

Cathedral Grove–MacMillan Park is a day-use 

park just past Cameron Lake on Highway 4. View 

some of the largest and oldest trees on Vancouver 

Island, including over-800-year-old giants and 

lush vegetation on the interpretive trail system 

that winds through the park. Cathedral Grove is 

approximately 20 minutes from Parksville. 

bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/macmillan 

Hike to the Falls 

Stamp River Provincial Park near Port Alberni is 

over 327 hectares of forests, rivers and waterfalls. 


Explore the 2 kms of hiking trails along the river, 

past fish ladders and crashing waterfalls. Starting 

in late August, spawning Sockeye salmon begin 

making their way up the Stamp River. The park 

is a 20-minute drive from town on Beaver Creek 

Road. 

Spend a Day at the Beach 

Rathtrevor Beach is a three-mile stretch of sandy 

seaside, perfect for families craving a day at the 

beach, with water warm enough not only for 

wading, but for swimming, too! Stick around for 

the sunsets, often some of the most spectacular 

on the Island. The nearby BC Parks campground 

is also a family favourite. bcparks.ca/explore/ 

parkpgs/rathtrevor 

Meet the Herd at Morningstar Farm 

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is just north of 

Parksville. Wander LQC’s Morningstar Farm, meet 

the small herd of Holstein, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss 

and Canadienne dairy cows and see how yummy, 

artisanal local cheeses are made. You can take 

your own self-guided tour around the 90 acres 

of beautiful working farm. Open daily 9am–6pm. 

403 Lowrys Road. morningstarfarm.ca 

Be Wowed by Wildlife 

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) 

in Coombs is a rehabilitation facility, especially 

for raptors and black bears. The goal: to care 

for these animals and eventually reintroduce 

them into their natural environment. See eagles 

through one-way glass in the largest flight cage 

of its kind in Canada. View bears, owls, falcons, 

hawks, swans and ravens. NIWRA offers activities 

and educational programs for the whole family. 

Open daily 9am–4:30pm. niwra.org 

Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail 

Looking for the ultimate Nanaimo Bar? Look no 

further than these top three options: Red’s Bakery, 

Hearthstone Artisan Bakery or Vault Café. 

Or follow the self-guided tasting trail 

(tourismnanaimo.com/what-to-do/sip-andsavour/nanaimo-bar-trail) 

where you’ll find 

everything from the classic Nanaimo Bar, the 

organic/vegan/raw/gluten bar and ice cream 

versions to maple bacon topped and deep fried 

Nanaimo Bars. 

Play in the Sand 

Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long 

family-oriented festival runs from mid-July to the 

third week in August and includes the Quality 

Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, 

weekend concerts, daily buskers, an artisan market 

and a special weekend evening light up of the 

sculptures. parksvillebeachfest.ca 

St. Christopher’s Montessori School 

Offering an enriched 

and nurturing 

Montessori program 

Competitively priced 

independent school education 

Half day for 3 & 4 year olds 

Full day kindergarten 

Now Receiving 

the New CCFRI 

(Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative) 

Preschool $489/month 

Kindergarten $331/month 

stcmontessori.ca 250-595-3213 

Summer Kids Camps 

In Cowichan Bay 

Day Programs & 

Overnight Camps 

Register online now at cowichanbaykayaking.com 

250-597-3031 info@cowichanbaykayaking.com 



WHAT’SFORDINNER 


Travelling with kids is like taking your work on vacation. 

You still have to meet all the usual needs (food/sleep/ 

laundry) while throwing in a bunch of extra jobs (cleaning 

sand out of the back of the car, ice cream highs, entertaining 

everyone during the long-distance drives). 

A little prep-ahead food goes a long way towards keeping 

everyone happy. Whether it’s lunch on the side of the road or 

just giving everyone enough calories to make it to your final 

destination, having a bag of go-to snacks is necessary. 

Here are a few prep ahead recipes that are perfect for packing 

into your lunch bag or cooler. They are easy to make, 

simple to serve, and packed with nutrition. 

Homemade Hummus 

Hummus is SOOO cheap and fun to make, I really don’t understand 

how grocery stores can justify the price of pre-made hummus. 

It’s also the perfect road trip lunch. Skip the soggy sandwiches and 

have this dip instead! 

I’ve written this recipe as a larger batch. This way you have 

enough to feed a bunch of hungry kids. Hummus also freezes really 

well, so if 4 cups is too much for your family, freeze smaller portions 

so you can enjoy your hummus all summer long! 

2 cans of chickpeas (2 x 14 oz cans) 

1 cup tahini roasted paste (raw tahini can taste bitter) 

1 ⁄2 cup lemon juice 

2 cloves of garlic 

1 to 2 tsp salt, to taste 

1⁄2 cup cold water 

1 ⁄4 cup olive oil 

Tex-Mex Dip 

This recipe is based on my go-to sandwich filling as a teenager. 

However, it is much nicer as a Tex-Mex alternative to hummus. A 

perfect dip for vegetables and corn chips at a road side lunch stop. 

Best of all...it’s ridiculously easy to make! 

1 can of refried beans (14 oz can) 

1 1 ⁄2 cups of salsa (mild, medium, or spicy) 

Optional 1 cup of finely shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) 

Simply mix the salsa into the refried beans. For a bit of added 

creaminess, stir in 1 cup of finely shredded cheese. Store in an airtight 

container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Like hummus, this dip 

can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Bonus tip: Frozen dips work 

great as ice packs for your cooler. A two-cup container will take 

about 1 day to fully defrost in the fridge or cooler. 

Optional Flavour Additions: 

Roasted red peppers 

Pesto 

Chopped olives 

Toasted pine nuts 

Za’atar spice mix 

Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Combine the chickpeas, tahini, 

lemon juice, and garlic in a large blender or food processor. Blend 

until it starts to form a paste. Add a 1 ⁄2 cup of water. Then add more 

water 1 tbsp at a time until you have a smooth and creamy dip. The 

flavour additions can be pureed into the hummus at this point or 

added on top afterwards. After adding any additional flavours, taste 

the hummus and add salt. The exact amount of salt required will 

depend on the saltiness of the chickpeas. Scrape the hummus into 

an airtight container. Top with olive oil and any additional flavour 

toppings. Hummus will last in the fridge for up to 4 days, or up to 4 

months in the freezer. 


Back Seat Snacks 

Having a good supply of snacks is a road trip necessity. It’s hard to 

eat well while travelling, so start with some healthy snacks and save 

the chips, cookies and ice cream for the road side cafes and diners. 

This list of snacks focuses on everything you need to feel good: fresh 

fruits and vegetables, protein and fiber. 

Vegetable Sticks: Stick with firm vegetables like carrots, celery, 

radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and sweet peas. Cucumber 

and coloured peppers just don’t last well on a long road trip. To add a 

bit of flavour to your vegetables, toss them with some fresh herbs (mint, 

basil, parsley or chives) and a pinch of salt. 

Fruit: Chopped fruit doesn’t last very well in a hot car. If you don’t 

have a cooler, stick with whole fruits instead. Better yet, stop off at a 

roadside fruit stand to pick up some fresh seasonal fruit! 

Nuts and Seeds: I love serving nuts and seeds because they are so 

good at filling kids up. The fat and protein are really sustaining. Make 

your own mixes with dried fruit, pretzels, cereal or candy-coated chocolate 

pieces. I don’t recommend chocolate chips because they’ll melt 

in a hot car. Also, don’t give nut mixes to young kids, as it is a choking 

hazard. 

Wholegrain Chips and Crackers: Wholegrain crackers (like flax 

crackers or brown rice cakes) and chips (like low-salt corn chips) are 

also hearty snack options. They tend to have more fibre and protein 

than other crackers, which means they’ll keep everyone full for longer. 

Salty Snacks: There are lots of snacks that seem to be healthy, but 

really are just an alternative potato chip. These include things like pea 

snacks, vegetable chips, etc. While these sometimes contain more fibre 

and protein than a typical potato chip, they are usually quite high in 

salt and fat, and are more of a treat than a snack. Choose homemade 

popcorn instead. 

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her 

two busy children. You can find more of her recipes 

in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made 

Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com 

INSPIRED LEARNING 





Special Guests & Activities All Summer! 

Major Festival Support: 






Chillin’ in the Cowichan Valley 

Walk among the totems or take a trip through the past, present and 

future at one of the local museums or discovery centres. Where else 

can you attend a meet-and-greet with raptors?! Explore the Cowichan 

River Footpath while you’re here or float down the river instead on an inner 

tube! What better way to spend the summer?! 

Ahoy! from the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre 

Originally an oceanfront boat-building workshop, this gorgeously restored 

building is now a museum and home to a variety of boats on display, along 

with the heritage of boat-building just waiting to be discovered. Build your 

own tiny boat or folding camp stool in the workshop with museum volunteers, 

or take part in camp activities that include crabbing off the dock, arts 

and crafts, boat building, water safety and more. classicboats.org 

Walk Among the Totems 

Duncan, aka “The City of Totems,” has over 40 beautifully carved totems 

scattered throughout the city, just waiting for you to take a self-guided walking 

tour. Follow the yellow footprints or take a virtual tour with an interactive 

map. Take as long as you want; stop along the way for a drink, treat, lunch 

or to browse the toy shop. downtownduncan.ca 

Change Your View of the World at Hand of Man 

Step inside this 17,000-square-foot museum of some of the most interesting 

personal collections in the world. Every bit of wall space is covered with a 

treasure, artifact, oddity or piece of culture and history. Don’t be surprised if 

the owner curator Jim Shockey joins you and starts talking about his incredible 

world-wide adventures over the last 40 years. This museum is a rarity 

and treasure all to itself. handofmanmuseum.com 

All Aboard at the BC Forest Discovery Centre 

Take a trip through the past, present and future on 100 acres! Forestry and 

logging take an important place in history and our present-day-lives, all 

captured in the Forests Forever interactive exhibit. No visit is complete without 

a locomotive ride across the spectacular grounds and over the Somenos 

Lake trestle. Plan on lunch from the concessions or bring your own picnic. 

bcforestdiscoverycentre.com 

Gear up for Biking 

Bring your bikes and ride the trails! Hundreds of kilometres of trails for all 

levels of ability. Enjoy the lush forests, the vistas, waterfalls, and the adrenaline. 

Camps and clinics for kids 8–14 are available at Next Level Riding 

(nextlevelriding.ca). Need a bike rental to get started? Check out Cycle 

Therapy in Duncan to get on a bike and start seeing the sights of Cowichan 

from a whole new perspective (cycletherapy.ca). 

Cool Down on the Cowichan River 

Dive into the fun of tubing down the Cowichan River with a leisurely but 

exhilarating floating experience. It’s Vancouver Island’s best kept secret for 

cooling off in the slow-moving, crystal clear waters of the Cowichan River. 

Rent a tube at The Tube Shack where you’ll find licensed and insured tube 

rentals and complimentary shuttle back to Lake Cowichan. Then sit back, 

and relax on this journey down the Cowichan River. 

cowichanriver.com 

Spend the day at Transfer Beach 

One of Ladysmith’s gems, Transfer Beach is a seaside park that will keep the 

little ones entertained for hours. Swimming, spray parks, playgrounds and 

sheltered picnic areas—all surrounded by flora and fauna, viewpoints and 

lookouts. Pick up a game of basketball, horseshoes or sand volleyball then 

grab a bite and drink at the concessions and food trucks. This beach has it 

all, and is centrally located right off Trans-Canada highway. ladysmith.ca 


Let Your Spirit Soar with The Raptors 

The Raptors, 10 minutes north of Duncan, invites you to meet some of the 

coolest birds in the world. Check out the flying demonstrations featuring 

eagles, hawks, owls and vultures. Want to get closer? Take a walk through 

the woods with a hawk, hold a falcon on your glove, meet an owl face to 

beak or spend an entire day immersing yourself in the world of raptors. 

pnwraptors.com 

Fall in Love with Stocking Creek Falls 

This gentle waterfall is situated just north of Chemainus in the seaside community 

of Saltair. Part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, this easy path to the waterfall 

is full of wildlife, birds, trees, flowers and fresh air. Pick a salmonberry 

along the way and count all the owls in the tall trees. Enter Stocking Creek 

Park from Chemainus Rd. cvrd.bc.ca 

Explore the Cowichan River Footpath 

The lower stretch of the footpath, from the Cowichan Fish and Game Association 

clubhouse to Skutz Falls, is a well-maintained trail, beautiful at any 

time of the year. You’ll also find many excellent picnicking spots. There is a 

2.4-km circle route to Holt Creek and a 6.4-km circle route with good picnic 

spots. Maps can be picked up at Duncan Visitor Information Centre. 

Hunt for Fairies at Merridale Cidery & Distillery 

Explore Merridale’s 20-acre apple orchard in Cobble Hill and learn about 

apple trees, indigenous plant life and little known facts about Cowichan. 

This tour also highlights “Merri and Dale”—the magical apple blossom 

fairies living on the property. Pick up a “Mystical Orchard Adventure Map” 

to search for fairies, dryads, hobgoblins, gnomes and elves or download 

it at merridale.ca. 



FAMILY 

RESOURCE 

DIRECTORY 

The Family Resource 

Directory is designed 

to highlight the caring 

community that we are 

a part of. This directory 

showcases organizations 

and businesses that provide 

services and support for 

families and children. 

Navigate is an award-winning 

school, recognized nationally and 

internationally for our innovative 

approach to blended learning. 

We’ve implemented the new BC 

curriculum and built unique, flexible 

learning options for every student. 

This allows us to meet a diverse 

range of student needs, abilities 

and learning styles. 

Discover more at 

NavigateNIDES.com 

Thriving Roots 

Wilderness School 

Thriving Roots provides hands-on, wilderness 

education and counselling services for youth 

and adults. Our year-long programs and summer 

camps are immersive in nature, fostering 

connection to land and community through 

earth-based skills, play, music and more. 

thrivingroots.org info@thrivingroots.org 

Poke Around 

the Pacific Rim 

Surf, whale watch, explore the beach or hike 

one of the many raiforest trails through Pacific 

Rim National Park. Bookeneded by Ucluelet 

on one side and Tofino on the other, the area 

offers a wealth of natural wonders. 

Visit the Saturday Market 

Throughout the summer until mid-October, you 

can experience something truly local—the Market’s 

motto is “ake it, bake it, grow it and gather 

it.” The festive atmosphere is fun for the whole 

family with live music, delish food and unique 

local products. 

Rent a Bike 

Tofino has a 7km long paved bike path that runs 

from Cox Bay almost into downtown Tofino, passing 

by several beaches along the way. This is a 

multi-use path (MUP), so you could be sharing the 

route with skateboarders, tots on tricycles and 

the occasional surfer with a board tucked under 

their arm. For bike rentals, visit tofcycles.com. 

Hang 10 in Tofino 

Want to learn to surf? You’ve come to the right 

place. Here are three rental places and surfing 

schools In Tofino: 

Surf Sister surfsister.com 

Pacific Surf Co pacificsurfschool.com 

Tofino Surf School tofinosurfschool.ca 

Watch Whales 

A jaw-dropping experience in Tofino is an Ocean 

Outfitters whale watching safari. Book fully enclosed 

boat and Zodiac tours with potential bonus 

sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters, 

bald eagles and more. Discounts available for 

youth and children, with kids 3 and under being 

free (one/booking). 

See the Sawmill 

McLean Mill National Historic Site will be open 

for self-guided tours with maps available outside 

the administration office. The Mill will also be 

offering guided tours in limited group sizes. Dates 

and times to be confirmed. Gift shop and Steam 

Pot Cafe are open daily, hours to be confirmed. 

Campground is open, with online booking available. 

mcleanmill.ca 

Explore the Trails 

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: the stretch of 

Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and 

Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic 

seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the 

Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino- 

Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails, 

beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca 

Get Wild on the WPT 

The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park: follow 

cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including 

the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. See the 

sights from viewing platforms situated at the best 

headlands along the route. Marvel at nurse-logs, 

raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and 

ferns. Walk the trail in two main sections: 

Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach. 

wildpacifictrail.com 

Littles to the Lighthouse 

Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and 

2.6 kms long, can be walked in a 30–45 minute 

loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. 

The trail includes frequent viewpoints and 

benches for watching whales, birds or catching 

the sunset. The Bog Interpretive Trail is open, a 

300m interpretive loop (within the Loop!). 

wildpacifictrail.com for maps and descriptions of 

sections. wildpacifictrail.com/lighthouse.html 

Learn About Local Marine Life 

Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-andrelease 

aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity 

of local marine life. Follow the Salmon Trail from 

June 1–Aug 30 with five self-led learning experi- 

22 Island Parent Magazine

ences between Tofino and Ucluelet. Open every 

day, including holidays, from 10am–4:30pm. 

uclueletaquarium.org 

Get Out in the Garden 

The idea of the garden is that it can be both a 

basic introduction to the natural and cultural history 

of Clayoquot Sound, and a place where the 

relationship between culture and nature can be 

explored. A COVID-friendly way to spend a day 

in Tofino “just to set the heart free.” Now open 

seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. 

tofinobotanicalgardens.com 

Try Out Tuff City Skatepark 

Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built 

and powered by the determination of local residents. 

The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding 

area for the young and old, those who 

are learning or the experienced skateboarders. 

tourismtofino.com/plan-your-trip/businessdirectory/tuff-city-skatepark 

NEW! 

Kid 

Zone 

Peninsula 

Since 1991 

Story 

Time 

for 

Kids 

Or Ride on Over to the Bike Park 

This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition 

to its outdoor playground. The park is located 

beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a 

pump track, table top jumps, a learning area, ladder 

planks and other natural obstacles. The park 

is “use at your own risk” so think safety first when 

biking in the park. 

Indulge in Gelato 

Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours 

including Dutch Chocolate, Salted Caramel, 

White Chocolate Raspberry, Hammerhead—a 

secret recipe—“Kookville” and Lavender Honey, 

to name a few. With a menu that’s “sometimes 

seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never 

know what you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com 

CORN 

HOLE! 

Saturdays 9am – 1pm 

June 3 – Oct 7 at Saanich Fairground 

1528 Stelly’s Cross Road, Brentwood Bay/Saanichton 

Weekly Kid Zone Activities 

Storytime: 9:30am 

Interactive Educational Activities: 11am 

Full schedule on our website: 

peninsulacountrymarket.ca 



KIDS’READS 

Seas, Trees & a Gentle Breeze 

It is a wonderful time to enjoy the feel 

of sand beneath our feet and the smell 

of the ocean as the breeze wafts it over 

us. Or to feel warm rain drops as they 

splash on our cheeks and listen to them 

plinking off of roofs and windows as we 

enjoy the smell of petrichor rising from 

the grass. If the last few years have taught 

us anything at all, it’s that small moments 

are worth relishing. It’s good to be 

outside no matter the weather. And that 

we can accomplish great things when we 

work together. 

The first story really highlights those 

truths. The Great Global Pause by Maggie 

Reidy and illustrated by Andrew 

Sharp (Self-Published/FriesenPress, 2021) 

looks back over the pandemic through 

wouldn’t help him and the government 

was too busy to do anything except give 

him a bag of bamboo seedlings to plant 

on his own. Returning home, he picked 

an abandoned sandbar and began his 

lifelong work of growing a forest. Once 

again, the illustrations in this book are 

stunning. They’re warm, colourful and 

filled with enough details that your children 

will be able to look at the picture 

over and over again and notice something 

new each time. For ages 4 to 7. 

The second book about trees is Elinor 

Wonders Why: Forest Giants by Jorge 

Cham and Daniel Whiteson (Kids Can 

Press, 2020). This graphic novel, which 

is based off of the TV show by the same 

name, is bright, colourful and filled with 

the eyes of Grandmother Turtle and a 

young child. They talk about how this 

pause helped humans learn to love and 

appreciate each other and work together, 

and how it helped the environment rebalance 

itself. As an added bonus, Reidy is 

a Registered Clinical Counsellor, so she 

wrote different coping tools and advice 

throughout the story without pulling the 

reader out of the tale. For ages 5 to 9. 

Another book that takes place in 

the ocean is Whales to the Rescue by 

Adrienne Mason and illustrated by Kim 

Smith (Kids Can Press, 2022), which is 

a non-fiction book all about whales and 

the unique ways they help us save the 

environment. Unlike many non-fiction 

books about whales, Whales to the Rescue 

doesn’t feature photographs. But the 

phenomenally detailed illustrations are 

rich with colour and vibrant with life. 

They are fantastic, and it is worth getting 

the book just to look at the pictures. For 

ages 8 to 12. 

Now it’s time to move on to stories 

about trees. The first is a The Forest 

Keeper by Rina Singh and illustrated by 

Ishita Jain (North South, 2023). This 

true story happened in India. Every year 

during the monsoon season the river 

spills over its banks wrecking havoc on 

the plant life and taking the soil with 

it (before depositing new soil as it recedes). 

One year, in 1979 a 16-year-old 

boy decides to do something to protect 

the land he loves. However, his elders 

Christina Van Starkenburg lives in Victoria with her husband, 

children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour 

and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming 

books visit christinavanstarkenburg.com. Facebook: facebook.com/ 

christinavanstarkenburg and Twitter: @Christina_VanS. 

facts about trees as Elinor and her friends 

go on a field trip to learn about sequoias. 

If your child is a budding forest ecologist, 

or even just a bit curious about how tall 

trees can grow and why they don’t fall 

over like a tower of blocks (which is also 

a question they answer in the book), they 

will enjoy this story. For ages 4 to 7. 

Finally, to round it out is Our Green 

City by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated 

by Colleen Larmour (Kids Can Press, 

2022). The point of this book is to show 


Register Now for Summer Programs 

For Kids who LOVE to Swim 

• Daily Summer Skills at 4pm or 5pm 

(register by the week) 

• 1/2 day camps 9:00—noon 

Aug 8—11 and 14—18 

Swimmers must be able to complete 25 metres unassisted 

IMPROVE SKILLS INCREASE ENDURANCE HAVE FUN 

Register online at 

www.islandswimming.com/programinfo 

More information 

info@islandswimming.com 

(250) 7445536 

children that living green doesn’t just 

have to happen in the wild spaces like the 

ocean or deserted riverbed, it can also 

happen within our cities. Our Green City 

teaches children the many ways that cities 

can be green from using wind power to 

community gardens to safe active transportation. 

Each page ends with a question 

for you and your child to discuss or 

a clue for something to find within Larmours 

illustrations. For ages 4 to 7. 

And there you have it: five new books 

for you to enjoy this summer to remind 

your children that learning and fun can 

happen together. I hope you find something 

to inspire you in the pages of these 

five books. I really enjoyed learning 

about plants, animals and city planning 

as I was reading them. 



Explore the Gulf Islands 

Want to see wildlife? You’ve come to the right 

place. You’ll find black-tailed deer, seals, 

whales, song birds, sea birds, sea lions 

and porpoises. Biking, hiking and kayaking are 

some of the best ways to explore the islands. So 

choose your mode of transport—be that on your 

feet or seat—and get going! 

Meet You at the Market 

Salt Spring Saturday Market on the waterfront in 

Ganges is famous for a reason: there’s lots to see 

and do. Oh, yeah…and the Salt Spring fruitsicles! 

You’ll find 140+ stallholders who, between April 

to October from 9am–4pm, sell what they make, 

bake or grow. saltspringmarket.com 

See the Seashells at the Seashore 

Montague Harbour was declared the province’s 

first marine park in 1959 and the area has been 

home to Coast Salish people for over 3,800 

years. You’ll find middens made of discarded 

clam, oyster and abalone shells. Crushed by 

storms and bleached by the sun, the shells have 

created beautiful white beaches, perfect for exploring. 

bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/montague 

Play in Paradise 

Visit Big Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, dubbed 

“Hawaii of the North” for its crystal-clear blue waters 

and sweeping sandy beach. With lots of tidal 

pools to explore at low tide, this Hornby favourite 

provides a day’s worth of to-dos so pack a picnic 

and beach toys and kick off your shoes. 

bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/tribune 

Commandeer a Kayak 

Go kayaking on Galiano Island with a kayak from 

Gulf Island Kayaking and see the sandstone 

shoreline and maybe even a whale or two. As 

the original kayak outfitter in the Southern Gulf 

Islands, the owners chose Galiano Island as its 

base because of the exceptional beauty of the 

island’s undeveloped coastline, the abundance 

of diverse wildlife and the reliable tranquility of 

its sheltered waters. For rates and tours, visit 

seakayak.ca. 

Find the Mountain Fairies 

Follow the Fairy Door Trail at Mount Erskine on 

Salt Spring. A good, stiff hike up the 488-metre 

mountain takes you past twisted trees, mossy 

forest floors and an assortment of fairy doors. Be 

forewarned: the first door is further along the trail 

than you might expect. For details and a map, 

visit travelingislanders.com/enchanted-fairydoor-trail-on-salt-spring-island. 

Hit the Hilltops 

Explore Helliwell Park on Hornby Island and take 

in some incredible views. This 5km hike is stroller 

friendly, with an all-terrainer. The expansive grass 


fields mean lots of room to roam, but beware of 

the steep cliffs! 

bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/helliwell 

Ramble on the Ridge 

Hike along Galiano’s 75km+ of trails. One of the 

best hikes is the 90-minute roundtrip hike in 

Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. At the top, 328 

metres above sea level, you’ll have a spectacular 

view of Trincomali Channel. Watch for endangered 

peregrine falcons in this safe critical habitat. 

bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/bodega_ridge 

BEYOND THE STARRY NIGHT 

Roam at Roesland 

Walk the trail to beautiful Roe Lake on North 

Pender Island and take a dip. Roesland Park is 

another outpost of Gulf Islands National Park 

Reserve; while you’re here, explore the Pender 

Island Museum. 

Visit Vesuvius 

Vesuvius Beach on the northwest coast of Salt 

Spring Island has the warmest swimming waters 

and stunning sunsets. Another place to swim on 

Salt Spring is at St. Mary’s Lake where you’ll find 

a small public beach and, not too far from the 

beach, a rope swing popular with locals. Cusheon 

and Stowell Lakes are also popular with families. 

discoversaltspring.com/vesuvius 

Say Cheese! 

Visit the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company and 

take a peek through one of the viewing windows 

into the cheesemaking facility. Stay for lunch at 

the café and choose from housemade soups, 

pizza, salad and a delicious goat cheese cake for 

dessert. saltspringcheese.com 

Try Out the Tree House Café 

In Ganges and set amidst the trees, this quaint 

and quirky restaurant is a local favourite, one that 

Lonely Planet called “the kind of place where a 

hobbit would feel at home.” treehousecafe.ca 

Scream for Ice Cream 

To cool down, drop by Lix Ice Cream & Espresso 

on Hornby Island. You’ll know you’ve arrived 

when you see the building at Ringside Market, 

painted with as many colours as there are ice 

cream flavours. 7am–3pm. 

facebook.com/LixHornby 

ON SALE NOW 

JUNE 20–AUGUST 20 

VanGoghVictoria.com 



Discover the Comox Valley 

Peruse the Courtenay Museum 

& Palaeontnology Centre 

Find out why the Comox Valley, past and present, 

is one of the most plentiful places on earth. Take 

a fossil tour and travel 80 million years back in 

time; browse the galleries to delve into the stories 

that make our history come alive. Open Tues–Sat 

from 10am–4pm. courtenaymuseum.ca 

Sway on the Suspension Bridge 

Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. Just a 30-minute 

walk from the parking lot, the suspension bridge 

gives a bird’s eye view of Elk Falls, cascading 64 

metres to the canyon below. The high wire sides 

mean you can relax and enjoy the view without 

worrying about any climbing kids. The area is well 

signed. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/elk_falls 

Surrounded by rolling mountains, lush forests 

and gorgeous beaches—not to mention parks 

galore!—the Comox Valley is the perfect 

place for outdoor recreation activities and kicking 

back. Feel like ziplining through the trees at Mt. 

Washington? You can. Rather keep your feet on 

the ground with a trip to a museum, fish hatchery 

or aquarium? You’ve come to the right place! 

Cool Off at Rotary Water Park 

The water park is located at Lewis Park, next to 

the Lewis Centre parking lot at 489 Old Island 

Highway. Other nearby features include the outdoor 

pool, wading pool and playground area at 

Lewis Park. Open daily throughout the summer: 

10am–7pm. 

Splish at Comox Marina’s Splash Park 

Splash around in the Comox Valley’s newest 

splash park complete with a pirate ship. Open 

between 10am and 8pm daily, throughout the 

summer season. The park is a popular destination 

for families taking in the warm weather while 

visiting Marina Park. Nearby are food trucks, playgrounds, 

washrooms and a boat launch. 

Filmore Park Petting Zoo 

Walk, grunt, squeak and squawk with the animals! 

Hands-on Farm is Comox’s very own petting zoo 

for animal lovers of all ages. Located in Filberg 

Heritage Park. Open daily throughout the summer, 

10am–4pm. filberg.com 

See the Standing in the Gap Exhibit 

Campbell River Museum’s Sybil’s Students: A 

Local Legacy exhibit is a stunning example of the 

comradery of the classroom and how the expertise 

and mentorship of Sybil shines brightly in the 

work of her students. Open daily during the summer 

from 10am–5pm. crmuseum.ca 

Wonder About Whales 

Look up at the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph 

Cove and you’ll see the 18-metre skeleton 

of a fin whale hanging from the ceiling. Walk 

between the jawbones of a blue whale or check 

out the skull of a sperm whale with giant teeth. 

Housed in an old freight shed, the interactive 

museum’s goal is to increase public awareness 

about whales and other local marine mammals 

and the threats they face. killerwhalecentre.org 

Catch a Fish 

Cast a line from Discovery Pier and see what you 

catch. Or pack a picnic and sit at one of the tables 

on the pier for dining al fresco. There’s a concession 

stand nearby that sells ice cream and rents 

fishing rods in the summer. 

campbellriver.travel/attractions/discovery-pier 

Zip-pidy Do Da 

Unfold your wings and fly on Mt. Washington’s 

“Eagle’s Flight” ZipTour. This dual-line, four-span 

zip line offers an adrenaline-filled and scenic 

adventure down the terrain of the Mt. Washington 

Alpine Resort. The total tour length is 1.44-milelong 

with a vertical drop of 1,364 feet! Or skip the 

zip and take a chairlift ride to the summit to see 

breathtaking mountain and ocean views. 

Open weekends, book in advance at 

mountwashington.ca. 

Go Go-Carting 

The Saratoga Speedway provides family-friendly 

entertainment and activities. Get a ride in a monster 

truck, race a go-cart or watch the action at a 

Crash to Pass race featuring everything from travel 

trailers to boats! For a current racing, schedule 

visit saratogaracing.ca. 

Discover Local Marine Species 

The Discovery Passage Aquarium features local 

marine species and habitats from the Discovery 

Passage. The Aquarium offers education and fun 

hands-on experiences that are suitable for all 

ages. With a focus on conservation and education, 

the Aquarium will re-open this summer with 

the species that are collected in the spring being 

released in the fall. 

Make a Quick Stop at the Quinsam 

As one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities, 

the Quinsam River Hatchery plays a vital role 

in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell 

and Quinsam Rivers during the fall. Check 

out the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive 

centre, a glass floor covering a re-creation of the 

nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native 

aquatic species. Check for re-opening and hours. 

pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/hatcheriesecloseries/quinsam-eng.html 

Celebrate the Return 

of Islands Folk Festival 

Islands Folk Festival resumes live performances 

at Providence Farm in Duncan on July 21–23. 

With on-site camping, a “Wee Folks” kid zone, 

shuttle service, beverage garden and food and 

craft vendors, this family-friendly event will feature 

great music and performers, craft vendors 

and family fun. For a full list of performers visit 

islandsfolkfestival.ca. 




PLAY 

Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival 

This all-ages weekend festival is BC’s largest Bluegrass and old-time 

music festival. Grab your tickets now and head out to Lake Cowichan 

from June 16–18 to enjoy a weekend filled with music, food and fun. 

Campsites are available to book. Anyone under age 17 is FREE if they’re 

with an adult and there will be on-site performance workshops and 

musical education to increase your music appreciation. 

cowichanbluegrass.com 

NANAIMO & AREA 

COWICHAN VALLEY 

Father’s Day in the Park 

This Father’s Day (June 18) all fathers and father figures should head 

to Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo to be celebrated! There will be free 

food, activities, exhibits, classic cars, live music, face painting and lots 

of opportunities to make fun family memories. 

themenscentre.ca 

CRX’s Stars of Tomorrow 

Buy your tickets now to see Campbell River’s best dancers as 

they show off their moves on June 16 at the Tidemark Theatre. These 

award-winning CR DanceXtreme Inc. students have competed on stages 

around our province and are next headed to LA in July to compete! 

tidemarktheatre.com 

COMOX VALLEY 

GREATER VICTORIA 

Father’s Day & Summer Fair 

at Heritage Acres 

Have a fun filled family day at Heritage Acres the weekend of 

June 16–17! Not only will you get to see the agricultural demos, 

the heritage museum, field tours, tractor pulling and everything 

else Heritage Acres is known for, you’ll also be treated to family 

entertainment and refreshments! 

heritageacresbc.com 

Need help with the Affordable Child Care Benefit? 

Looking for child care? Taking care of children? 

Need child care training? 

Call your local CCRR for free referrals and resources. 

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 

Sooke: 250-642-5152 ext 239 West Shore: 250-940-4882 

Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 

PacificCare (Ladysmith North): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 

gov.bc.ca/ChildCareResourceReferralCentres 

Your community’s best source of 

child care information and resources. 

Funding for the CCRR is provided by the province of B.C. 


PRESCHOOL&CHILDCARESPOTLIGHT 

ENROLL 

TODAY! 

Come Learn & Grow with Us! 

FULL TIME 3–5 DAYCARE 

PART TIME PRESCOOL 

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE 

Cloverdale Childcare Society 

Vic West Site 

at Vic West Elementary School 

cloverdalechildcare.com 

250.995.1766 cloverdale@shawbiz.ca 

Licensed child care facility with spots available for children 

aged 3-5 years. Contact us to book a tour today! 

Victoria Social Innovation Centre: 1004 North Park St 

littlephoenixchildcare.ca 

director@littlephoenixchildcare.ca 778-269-2273 

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare 

& Jr. Kindergarten..................250-383-5132 

ECE and specialist teachers provide an 

outstanding all day licensed program for 

2.5–5 year olds at our Fairfield and 

Gordon Head locations. 

cathedralschool.ca 

Pre-School 

Junior Kindergarten 

PacificChristian.ca 

250-479-4532 

Educational Excellence to the Glory of God 

SEEDLINGS 

Forest Education 

Where nature becomes the Teacher! 

Seedlings Forest Education is a Nature based program 

that includes After School Care, Nature Preschool, Parent 

Workshops, Saturday Seedlings, Summer Camps and more! 

250-880-0660 seedlingsforesteducation.com 

Nestled on 4 acres of lush west coast forest, our Award 

winning, Nature based program will not disappoint! 

While firmly embracing the Reggio-Emila (Italy) Philosophy our 

dedicated team of educators use the environment as the third 

teacher as we encourage your child throughout their day. 

Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the 

trees from our forest. Come take a virtual tour on our website! 

lexieslittlebears.ca Waitlist: 250-590-3603 

BC Award of Excellence in Childcare & Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. 



BUSINESSES 

YOUNEEDTOKNOW 

These local businesses are family-focused and 

committed to our community and helping you. 

EXPLORE 

Pick a Park 

3 apps to help you choose 

Are you ready to explore Vancouver Island’s nature 

playgrounds this summer? 

It is wonderful to see families spending time in 

nature and taking advantage of the many seasonal activities 

that Parks Canada places have to offer. As you guide your 

family in appreciating the outdoors, it is important that they 

be equipped with the essential tools to do so responsibly and 

safely. Technology is now a part of our daily life, and there 

are three apps that will help you plan a safe and memorable 

adventure. 

local innovative theatre 

n e v er b orin g 

visit 

skam.ca 

today 

Parks Canada National App 

Booking a campsite ahead of time is one of the most important 

steps to avoid disappointment when planning your 

summer holiday. Many accommodations, like Green Point 

Campground in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, sell 

out months in advance. Since unauthorized camping is not 

permitted in national park reserves and surrounding communities, 

if you do not have a reservation you may have to 

travel far to find somewhere to stay overnight. The Parks 

Canada National App is a great one-stop shop to access 

Parks Canada’s reservation system, learn more about the area 

you will be visiting and find out about how to visit respectfully, 

such as always keeping your dog on a leash and never 

leaving food unattended. Download it at parks.canada.ca/ 

multimedia/apps. 

CampBOB 

Where Adventure Begins 

Rock Climbing 

Tubing 

Archery 

Canoeing 

Games 

Campfires 

campbob.ca 

Advertise your 

family-friendly 

business here! 

info@islandparent.ca 

CoastSmart App 

Beautiful beaches like the one on Sidney Spit in Gulf Islands 

National Park Reserve or the iconic Long Beach in Pacific 

Rim National Park Reserve may seem like a vast sandy 

playground, but there are many hazards to be aware of to 

keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The CoastSmart App 

provides helpful information on how to safely explore the sea 

and beaches. Plan your family beach time by downloading 

the CoastSmart App at CoastSmart.ca. 

Adventure Smart App 

When spending time in nature, one of the most important 

things you can do to is make a trip plan and tell someone 

where you are going and when you are planning to return. 

However, this simple task can be overwhelming for many 

parents as they are busy planning activities for the kids or 

packing the right clothes for the weather. The Adventure 

Smart App is an excellent tool that simplifies creating a trip 

plan. To learn more, visit the Adventure Smart website at 

adventuresmart.ca/trip-plan-app. 

Teaching our children to enjoy nature’s playground safely 

and respectfully is essential for us as well as the planet. 

Let’s all do our part to protect and preserve these special 

places while we are out there enjoying nature. Remember be 

#ParkSmart and always plan ahead! 

32 Island Parent Magazine 

IslandParent.ca

& 

Tweens Teens 

Vol V, Ed III 

Conversations On 

Substance Use 

Let 

Them 

Talk 

Speaking of—& About—Sex

Speaking of—& About!—Sex 

Elvis’s gyrating hips. Madonna’s cross-adorned bodice. Nikki’s ode to the 

anaconda. Decades apart yet these media moguls all share the same 

thing: a real-time illustration that oversimplifies and objectifies the complexities 

of sexuality. Who receives the bulk of this exposure? Our youth. 

Day in and day out, they’re bombarded with images and messages that 

often depict sexuality as a simple act or performance. Exposure to these 

messages happens at the same time their natural awareness of and curiosities 

about sexuality also begin to occupy more of their time. For years, I 

have watched as the media has taken up more and more space in shaping 

the sexuality of our youth. Many of the questions I hear in workshops and 

through our youth texting line can be traced back to the influence of the 

media on sexuality. Questions and concerns about the size, appearance, 

and function of genitals and whether everyone else is actually “#netflixandchilling.” 

These concerns are often prefaced by, “I read on this website…a movie 

I was watching or my friend saw….” The motivation for these questions is 

rooted in the media and the messages that more often than not simplify 

and portray sexuality through a narrow lens. Whether it’s popular media, 

social media or restricted content media intended for adults, aka pornography, 

we’re receiving information that has the potential to diminish 

and limit positive definitions and understandings of and experiences with 

sexuality, if we let it. 

As adults, the messages we receive may cause us to laugh, shake our 

head in disapproval, flush with embarrassment and sometimes, yes, even 

be turned on. The key difference between us as adults and our youth is 

that most adults have developed maturity and the skills to understand, 

accept, challenge or as the youth often say “un-see” these messages. 

I believe that our youth hold the same capacity, but they haven’t had 

the life experience yet to fully realize this. This is where our role as the 

supportive adults around them cannot be underestimated. Without a 

guide on the side of these messages, there is potential for the media to 

become a trusted and reliable source of (mis)information and education 

for youth. This is especially true for youth who lack strong connections to 

family, trusted adults and community resources. 

So how do we work with youth to challenge these messages and help 

them realize the potentially joyous experience of the puzzle we know as 

sexuality? My experience as a sexual health educator tells me the answer 

lies in conversations focused on what they are not seeing in the media. 

They know all too well what’s not being left to the imagination! These 

conversations will help empower them to practice critical thinking as they 

begin to sort and place all of the developing pieces of their own sexuality 

puzzle. The four major puzzle pieces most commonly absent in the media: 

communication, consent, comfort and care. 

Communication. Our biggest skill when it comes to exploring, understanding 

and sharing our sexuality is communication. Yet when sexuality is 

portrayed, there is often little to no communication between friends, partners 

or families unless it’s in the context of ridicule or humour. The very 

act of speaking with and listening to our youth about big life topics is role 

modelling engaged and active communication. Sexuality and the decision 

to share your sexuality with a partner require strong, assertive and intentional 

communication. An opportunity to practice communication not only 

helps youth to communicate in the relationships they may choose to have 

but also for their sexual health care. 

Consent. An essential factor in healthy sexuality and sharing those 

experiences with a partner is consent. One of the articulate youth I work 

with recently defined consent as a “positive and free agreement to share 

yourself and experience physically and emotionally in a sexual way with 

another person.” Active and enthusiastic consent is sadly rarely ever 

shown between sexual partners in current media—it is implied and assumed 

through gestures, disrobing and action. Now more than ever, we 

must chat realistically with our youth about when consent is legal and how 

to give and receive consent in a natural and comfortable way with respect. 

It is too important to assume that we all have the same understanding of 

consent. Consent is not implication and assumption; it’s a positive and 

free agreement that will only work to support our positive experiences if 

we understand and utilize it. 

Comfort. Very few things will require a more personal level of mental, 

intellectual, emotional and physical comfort with oneself throughout 

our lives. Youth in my workshops tell me that a major reason why young 

people choose to delay sex (according to the McCreary Centre Society, the 

majority in BC are delaying!) is because they aren’t comfortable enough. 

When I ask them to explain what being comfortable means, they candidly 

speak of ideal body image, competing family and societal values, 

narrowly defined orientation and identity and privacy concerns. The images 

we see in media rarely represent, validate or celebrate the natural 

physical, emotional and cultural diversity that is us. Understanding the role 

of comfort in sexuality is a great opportunity to remind youth of their es- 


Summer FUN at GNS 

Looking for the most current and relevant sexual health information 

to educate yourself and share with the youth in your life but afraid 

to type “youth and sexuality” into a search engine? Here’s a current 

listing of Safe, reputable and useful online resources for youth and 

their adult allies around the many topics of sexuality: 

islandsexualhealth.org 

yesmeansyes.com 

scarleteen.com 

teenhealthsource.com 

nativeyouthsexualhealth.com 

beyondthetalk.ca 

smartsexresource.com 

sexualityandu.ca 

mcs.bc.ca 

alterheros.com 

tablished self-knowledge and the value of checking in with themselves to 

know when they are comfortable and the power of using this knowledge 

as a guide in sexual decision making. 

Care. We must talk about what caring means in a sexual situation. What 

does a person need to care for the physical and emotional components 

of sexuality? Why do the media rarely show methods to reduce the risk of 

sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy? If a person is sharing 

their sexuality with a partner, are they prepared to take on the individual 

and shared responsibility of sexual health care? Things such as testing, 

consistent barrier use (condoms, gloves, dams) and, potentially, birth 

control. 

Challenge your youth to think about how they would expect to be cared 

for before, during and after sharing a sexual experience with a partner. 

How would they show a partner that they care for them? This conversation 

prepares them to develop the skills to balance expectation with experience 

if and when the opportunity presents to have a partnered sexual 

experience. 

While we have good reason(s) to be concerned with the multitude of 

explicit images and messages that our young people see in the media, 

it’s really what isn’t being shown which holds the materials for genuine 

conversations with our youth. These are the conversations that will help 

them understand your values, expectations and hopes for them and their 

sexuality and will help them more easily choose which pieces of their 

puzzle are the most important. So next time you’re rushing your kids to 

school or hockey/dance/riding/lacrosse, turn on the radio and ask them to 

think about what Nikki is not saying about the anaconda! Therein lies the 

solution to the puzzle. 

Glenlyon Norfolk School is offering a variety 

of fun summer camps for students age 3 to 17. 

Arts, cooking, baking, field hockey, day camps, 

kayaking and more—our summer programs 

offer something for everyone! 

www.mygns.ca/summer-fun 

IB CONTINUUM 

CONTINUUM DE L’IB 

CONTINUO DEL IB 

Jennifer Gibson, MA, is also known as “The Sex 

Lady”— for close to 20 years in Greater Victoria!— 

to the thousands of amazing youth and adults she 

is lucky to educate and learn with through her 

job as the Coordinator of Community Education 

at Island Sexual Health. She’s passionate about 

making sexuality education as positive, fun and 

non-cringe-able as possible. 



Let Them Talk 

It’s hard to negotiate with a teen when they don’t even like the 

sound of your voice. Even your breathing can be annoying so 

how on earth are you going to get to the brainstorming phase 

of resolving an issue? 

When my daughter was 15 she announced to me that she 

wanted to go to a party where there were drugs and alcohol 

and no adults. Gulp. At this point, after years of parenting her, I 

knew that this persistent young women wouldn’t go along with 

anything that 1) threatened her autonomy and 2) was about my 

fear and needs. Actually, she was completely allergic to my 

needs and thought I was a paranoid freak. 

Thanks to having just taught a conflict resolution workshop 

the night before I blurted out, “What about this is important to 

you?” Meanwhile my heart was pounding and I felt like saying, 

“Are you nuts? What makes you think I’d say yes to anything 

like this?” 

She told me about all the cool people that would be there 

and that she was excited to be invited. I knew I had to listen to 

her and do my best to hold up her needs because this really 

was important to her. 

Any time we discuss a prickly issue with our kids, we have to 

connect with their feelings and needs first. For one thing, it role 

models respectful communication and it also takes them out of 

feeling defensive. 

If they know you at least understand how they feel and why 

they feel that way, they might be interested in seeing the discussion 

through to the end. That doesn’t mean that they stand 

and listen to you pontificate, lecture or moralize! It means that 

you briefly explain what your needs might be and how you 

feel. 

I told my daughter that I was concerned about the situation 

and how it could get out of control. I let her know that her safety 

and well-being were important to me. Naturally, she rolled 

her eyes but that I could ignore. She most likely wanted to hear 

some form of protest or concern from me because she knew 

that her annoying mother cares for her. 

We stood there staring at each other. I couldn’t think clearly 

because it just seemed like this wasn’t going to end well until 

out of my mouth popped parenting guru Barbara Coloroso’s 

great line, “Convince me.” 


Ahh yes. My daughter wanted this freedom, why did I have 

to do all the work? It was up to her to convince me that she 

was ready for this responsibility. If you can convince me that 

you have a plan to stay safe and that you can handle this, I’m 

willing to figure this out with you. 

She started coming up with some ideas. 

“What else?” I asked. 

Never be afraid to ask that question ten or more times, it’s 

amazing what great ideas can be squeezed out of a person. 

This was brainstorming at its finest because my determined 

daughter was able to be the boss of herself, the one person 

she wouldn’t argue with and who made sense to her. We actually 

came up with a plan that I could live with although I still 

wished she just wouldn’t go! 

Parenting teens can feel a little wishy washy and it would 

be nice just to say “no” and have them respect our limits but 

in reality, it might not be that great after all. Don’t we want our 

kids to think for themselves? Did it work when our parents took 

all the control? How did you respond to that? I just got good at 

lying and climbing out the basement window. I didn’t want that 

for my kids but it was hard, I had no solid proof that this was 

the right thing to do. 

Looking back now I realize that this was one of the most important 

pieces to keeping my kids safe and helping them navigate 

through the toddler years of adulthood. I had to be their 

consultant, their coach, not the boss. This approach taught 

assertiveness and preserved a close relationship between us. 

It didn’t always feel right but what does when you go through 

some of these typical challenges of raising teens? 

Dr. Allison Rees is parent educator, counsellor and 

coach at LIFE Seminars (Living in Families Effectively), 

lifeseminars.com. 

STAGES 

Summer Programs 

Running This July & August 

Preschool Dance Camps 

For 3-5 year olds in Ballet, Jazz, 

Musical Theatre & Tap 

Youth Dance Camps 

For dancers 6-12 years old in 

Jazz, Hip Hop & Acrobatics 

Dance Intensive 

For dancers 11 years old & up with 

Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop & Acrobatics 

Little Dancers Classes 

Are running through the summer for 

those 18 months to 3 years old 

Come Dance With Us 

Call (250) 384-3267, email: stagesdance@shaw.ca, 

or visit us at www.stagesdance.com 



Conversations On Substance Use 

How to keep your conversation age-appropriate 

Middle School: Ages 9–12 years 

Traits: Independent, Vulnerable, Emotional, Self-absorbed, Inquisitive 

Tweens are engaging and interesting. This is a time when they may feel 

torn between the safety and security of family and the excitement of being 

with friends. Some kids may be more vulnerable to substance use and 

other negative behaviours. They may start to spend more time engaged 

in social media and other technology. They may become very “body conscious” 

and they might experience peer pressure, low self-esteem and 

a “roller coaster” of emotions. As parents, what we say and how we say 

it will have an impact on their thinking, decision-making, risk taking and 

choices. 

Tips that may help you connect with your tween about substance use: 

• Tone is everything. Think discussion, not lecture. Ask them calmly 

what they know about drugs and what they see most often in their school 

and community, and actively listen to what they say. 

• Focus on smoking, alcohol, and cannabis, as these are most often the 

first substances tweens try. “What do they know?” “Where do they get 

their information?” “How would they know if it is reliable?” 

• Communicate that you are concerned about substance use and be 

honest if you do not know all of the information. “To tell you the truth, 

I’m not completely up to date on all of the harmful substances out there. 

Maybe we can learn more together.” Research “unknowns” or misconceptions 

about drugs together. 

• Be aware of the impact on your own actions—your tween is watching 

you. 

Other suggestions: 

• Get to know your tween’s friends. Invite them to your home. Engage 

with the parents. Establish clear, realistic and attainable rules and consequences. 

• Agree on the rules as a family. Follow through if they slip up. Consistency 

is important, especially when establishing safe rules around 

substance use. 

• Celebrate good choices. Be genuine with your praise. 

• Find healthy activities to do together as a family. 

• Be aware of the impact on your own actions—your tween is watching 

you. 

High School: Ages 13–18 

Traits: Social, Emotional, Defiant, Passionate, Independent 

This pivotal age is one of the most exciting and maybe even challenging 

for parents. Teenagers are developing their own individuality, ideals and 

dreams. They may be passionate about a cause, an educational endeavour, 

a sport or anything else that interests them. 

Suggestions for talking with your teens about drug use: 

• Pick a time when you’re doing something together to bring up substance 

use. Respect any refusal to talk calmly and let them know you’re 

ready when they are. “Well, when you want to talk to me, I’m here.” 

• Keep your cool, and don’t use fear tactics. Encourage mutual respect 

and honesty in your conversations by discussing, not lecturing. You listen—they 

listen. 

• Alcohol, nicotine and cannabis are the most widely consumed substances 

by teens, and the popularity of vaping has increased. Spend extra 

time discussing these substances. “What are their opinions about using 

these substances?” “Why do they feel this way?” 

• Get to know their friends and express any concerns in a non-judgemental 

way. 

• Remind them of the importance of not taking any medication that is 

not prescribed to them and discuss opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone. 

Talk with them about tainted street drugs that cause death, even 

the first time. 

• Establish code words with them for any “I need help” or “Come and 

get me” situations that may save them from harmful conditions or negative 

peer responses. 

Other suggestions: 

• Get to know your teen’s passions and interests. Do something together 

to promote positive choices. 

• Get to know their friends. Notice if the group of friends suddenly 

changes and talk to your teen about why this happened. 

• Set up a volunteer experience for your teen—something they can 

do with you, their friends or a trusted adult. Consider helping at a soup 

kitchen, mission or neighbourhood community service centre. 

• Talk about the experience with them. 

• Work with your kids to help them develop strategies to use or things 

they can say to help them get out of uncomfortable or potentially harmful 

situations that might involve drugs and alcohol with their peers. 

Drug Free Kids Canada is building a movement that encourages and 

supports parents to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic drug 

use by youth. For more information visit drugfreekidscanada.org. 


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