A Whirlwind Summer Draws to a Close

A giant shark cruises through Snug Cove during the BowFest parade! We are sad to say that this is our final blog of the season. After a summer of exciting outreach and coastal adventures, we are trading our GSA t-shirts for thinking caps, and heading back to our respective studies. Our last weekend of events … Continue reading

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Beaches and Blackberries: A Powell River Adventure

Blackberry Fest Street Party in full swing! Isabelle and I visited Powell River last weekend.  As neither of us had had the pleasure of seeing the area before, it was a really interesting trip for both of us! We hopped on the ferry from Little River, on Friday morning, and as the weather was gorgeous, … Continue reading

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A celebration of West Coast local goods

On Tuesday July 31st, Deanna and I loaded the car and headed up-Island for the famous Parksville Summer by the Sea Street Market that takes place weekly from 6 to 9PM. As we do not often attend events during the week, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the market was just as busy or … Continue reading

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Market Fun and the Jog for the Bog

On July 28th, Isabelle and I loaded up the car and travelled up-island to attend the Errington Farmer’s Market. Because we attend so many of them, we have come to see ourselves as market aficionados, and we can safely say that of all the markets we have attended this summer, the Errington Market definitely wins … Continue reading

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From bathtubs to super tankers: A busy weekend of street fairs in the Mid-Island

Nanaimo Bathtub Days Street FairPhoto credit: Deanna McGillivray As we were booking our summer outreach events in June, Deanna and I realized that we would have to start practicing teleportation if we wanted to attend all of the action taking place around the Strait on July 21st. As GSA’s main quarters are located in Nanaimo, … Continue reading

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Singing in the key of “Green” at Vancouver Folk Fest

Friday, July 13th heralded the start of the 35thannual Vancouver Folk Fest.  Refreshingly debunking superstition, Friday dawned beautiful and sunny, setting the tone for a fabulous weekend of fresh air, great music, and fun. GSA’s table was in the Community Village, which Festival organizers thoughtfully situated on the main thoroughfare through the Festival grounds. The … Continue reading

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More paddling action in the Lower Mainland and good local food on the Island

Paddling action on the beach near Jericho Sailing CentrePhoto credit: Deanna McGillivray After a couple of days spent in the office in Nanaimo, Deanna and I were eager to get out for more outreach action. I think that the more you get involved in discussing environmental issues with the public, the more passionate you get … Continue reading

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A Weekend of Paddling and Patriotism: MEC Paddlefest in Victoria and Canada Day, Nanaimo style

Isabelle and I spent Saturday manning the GSA Booth at MEC’s Paddlefest Celebration at Willow’s Beach in Victoria. Although the clouds looked ominous and threatening all day, the paddling conditions were perfect as the water was as smooth as glass. The event featured many interesting paddling demonstrations and clinics, including a fascinating presentation on gourmet … Continue reading

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A trek to MEC Bikefest and a tasting of Vancouver Island’s Farmers Markets

  BMX performer Travis Collier at MEC BikefestPhoto credit: Isabelle Gendron-Lemieux Deanna and I departed for Vancouver last Friday night to attend MEC Bikefest. Feeling ambitious and in the spirit of alternative transportation, we decided to go car-less. We thus embarked on the ferry rolling our tent and our display material on a trolley. After braving … Continue reading

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Breezy BC Shellfish Fest, and a care-free Car-Free Day

  Isabelle and Deanna enjoying the novelty of lying in the street at Car-Free.   Isabelle and I attended BC ‘s largest Shellfish Fest in the lovely town of Comox last Saturday. My, but it was a blustery day! We got a workout chasing after brochures and foiling our crafty tent’s repeated escape attempts. … Continue reading

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