May 29, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Galiano Island, Beaches & Swimming
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The Southern Gulf Islands have always been a special place for me: my family has had a cabin on Galiano Island for many decades. For me, the island is a place to relax and unwind, for lazy walks down sandstone beaches, exploring tidepools on the shore, kayak excursions and bike rides.
This photo is at Bellhouse Park on Galiano, which overlooks Active Pass and the ferry traffic that travels through it. At low tide, with a little bit of scrambling over seaweed and rocks, it's easy to walk along the waterfront from Sturdies Bay to the point where the park is located, and around the corner to the next little bay with a sandy beach (both bays as well as the park have public access from the roadway). Along the shore the soft sandstone rock takes on weird and wonderful shapes from the force of the water.
May 01, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Farms & Markets
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It's blossom season in BC: I found these vibrant-hued buds near Oak Bay Village in Victoria.
May 01, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Sidney, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
Find more information about Sidney - Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
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Just a short detour off the Lochside Bike Trail, which runs the length of the Saanich Peninsula between Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal, cyclists can find a sweet break from the pedals. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is located about 12km from the Swartz Bay, on the opposite side of the #17 (Pat Bay) Highway from the cycling route.
I stopped at the Ciderhouse last week on a weekend cycle for a sampling of their hard apple ciders, ranging from dry to dessert sweet. My favourite was the Kings & Spies, a light sparkling dry cider with a touch of sweet.