New Summer Bus Route Connects Campbell River and Gold River

by | Jul 20, 2026 23:04 | Local

Residents and visitors now have a new transportation option on the North Island with the launch of a pilot bus service linking Campbell River and Gold River.

IslandLinkBus has introduced the seasonal route, providing twice-daily service in each direction from Thursday through Monday throughout the summer. The route also includes a stop at Strathcona Park Lodge, improving access to one of Vancouver Island’s most popular outdoor destinations.

The new service is intended to improve transportation between the communities while making it easier for travellers to explore the region without relying on a personal vehicle. The pilot will also help gauge demand for a longer-term transit connection between Campbell River and Gold River.

The Strathcona Regional District says it will monitor the pilot program to better understand travel patterns and community interest in expanding transportation options in the future. While the route is operated by IslandLinkBus, the results of the pilot could help inform future regional transit planning.

The new connection may also benefit residents of Sayward and surrounding communities, offering another travel option for those heading west toward Gold River or connecting with services in Campbell River.

Tickets and schedules are available through IslandLinkBus, which operates passenger bus services throughout Vancouver Island and recently celebrated 25 years in business.

Congrats Sayward Klimbers

by | Jul 7, 2026 01:42 | Local

Congratulations to all of the Sayward residents who took on the challenge of this year’s Kusam Klimb and Mini Klimb! Whether you conquered the full mountain or tackled the shorter course, your determination, perseverance, and community spirit are something to be proud of. The Kusam Klimb is one of Vancouver Island’s most demanding trail races, and every local participant represented Sayward with grit and enthusiasm. Well done to each and every one of you for embracing the challenge and inspiring others to get out, stay active, and celebrate the incredible natural beauty right here in our own backyard.

Mini Klimb Local Racers:

  • David South 2:12:22
  • Jennifer Radshaw 2:27:53
  • John Hoffman 3:30:34
  • Aggie Pringle 9:08:14

Kusam Klimb Local Racers:

  • Rachel Boult 5:04:55
  • Cassie Schmidt 5:13:57
  • Alanna Johnson 5:24:55
  • Fleur Reijm 5:25:31

Telegraph Cove Reopens to Visitors Following Devastating Fire

by | May 30, 2026 02:24 | Local

One of Vancouver Island’s most iconic waterfront destinations is welcoming visitors once again nearly a year after a devastating fire destroyed much of its historic boardwalk community.

Telegraph Cove officially reopened for the 2026 tourism season following months of cleanup, rebuilding, and restoration efforts. The return marks a significant milestone for the North Island community, which was heavily impacted by a fire that swept through the marina and waterfront area in late 2024, destroying several buildings and businesses.

Despite the extensive damage, property owners, business operators, and local residents have worked to restore essential services and attractions in time for the busy summer tourism season. Visitors can once again access marina facilities, accommodations, whale-watching tours, and many of the outdoor experiences that have made Telegraph Cove a popular destination for travellers exploring northern Vancouver Island.

The reopening has been welcomed by tourism operators throughout the region, many of whom rely on the steady stream of visitors drawn to the historic boardwalk village each year. Telegraph Cove serves as a gateway for whale watching, kayaking, fishing charters, wildlife viewing, and marine ecotourism in the waters surrounding the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago.

While reconstruction efforts continue in some areas, operators say the focus has shifted from recovery to rebuilding for the future. New infrastructure and updated facilities are being incorporated into redevelopment plans while efforts are made to preserve the community’s distinctive character and historical significance.

The fire represented one of the most significant setbacks in the community’s modern history, but supporters say the response demonstrated the resilience of local businesses and residents. Fundraising campaigns, volunteer efforts, and support from across Vancouver Island helped accelerate recovery efforts and maintain optimism about the community’s future.

For many North Island residents, the reopening symbolizes more than the return of a tourism destination. It represents the revival of a landmark that has played an important role in the region’s cultural and economic identity for decades.

As visitors return to the boardwalks, docks, and waterfront views that have long defined Telegraph Cove, community leaders hope the 2026 season will mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of British Columbia’s most recognizable coastal destinations.

Endangered Vancouver Island Marmots Emerge From Hibernation as Recovery Efforts Continue

by | May 30, 2026 02:11 | Local

Conservationists are celebrating an encouraging sign of spring after the first wild Vancouver Island marmots of 2026 were spotted emerging from hibernation in alpine regions of Vancouver Island.

The sightings mark the beginning of the species’ active season after spending roughly seven months underground in hibernation. Wildlife officials say the annual emergence is an important milestone for one of Canada’s most endangered mammals and provides an early indication of how wild populations have survived the winter months.

According to the Marmot Recovery Foundation, approximately 427 Vancouver Island marmots are now living across 35 wild colonies on the Island, representing a remarkable conservation success story for a species that once teetered on the brink of extinction. By 2003, fewer than 30 wild marmots remained, prompting an intensive captive breeding and reintroduction program involving conservation organizations, zoos, governments, and private landowners.

Found nowhere else in the world, the Vancouver Island marmot is endemic to the Island’s mountainous alpine and subalpine regions. The chocolate-brown rodents spend much of their lives in meadows and avalanche chutes at higher elevations, where they rely on open terrain to spot predators such as wolves, cougars, and golden eagles.

The spring emergence is a particularly vulnerable time for marmots. After months without eating, the animals must rely on stored fat reserves while their digestive systems gradually return to normal. Wildlife experts note that survival during the first weeks after hibernation can be critical, especially following harsh winters or years with limited food availability.

Researchers will now monitor colonies throughout the summer breeding season. Vancouver Island marmots typically mate shortly after emerging from hibernation, with pups born about a month later and making their first appearances above ground in early summer.

While the species remains endangered, conservationists say the continued growth of wild populations demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term recovery efforts. New colonies have been established across parts of Vancouver Island, and wildlife managers remain optimistic that ongoing breeding, monitoring, and habitat protection programs will help secure the future of this uniquely Vancouver Island species.

Avalanche Survivor Continues Long Road to Recovery After Near-Fatal Accident on Mount Cain

by | May 30, 2026 01:53 | Local

A Victoria-area teacher who survived a devastating avalanche is sharing his story of resilience as he works to rebuild his life following injuries that dramatically changed his future.

Tim Sorensen still vividly recalls the moment a backcountry adventure turned into a fight for survival. Caught in an avalanche that left him critically injured, Sorensen endured a lengthy medical ordeal that ultimately resulted in the loss of a leg. Despite the life-altering consequences, he credits determination, support from loved ones, and a refusal to give up for helping him through the darkest moments of his recovery.

Now focused on regaining his independence, Sorensen is working toward obtaining a properly fitted prosthetic leg that would allow him to return to many of the activities he once enjoyed. The longtime educator says improved mobility would not only enhance his quality of life but also help him regain a greater sense of freedom and self-sufficiency.

The recovery journey has involved extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and adapting to a completely different way of life. Along the way, Sorensen has faced both physical and emotional challenges, learning to navigate everyday tasks while adjusting to the realities of living with an amputation.

Friends, family members, and supporters have rallied around him through fundraising efforts aimed at helping cover the costs associated with specialized prosthetic equipment and ongoing rehabilitation. The community response has provided encouragement as he continues progressing toward his recovery goals.

Sorensen’s experience has also highlighted the inherent risks associated with backcountry recreation, particularly in avalanche-prone terrain. While advances in safety equipment and avalanche awareness have improved outcomes for many outdoor enthusiasts, experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparation, training, and caution in mountainous environments.

Today, Sorensen remains focused on moving forward one step at a time. His message to others facing significant adversity is rooted in perseverance and hope, reflecting the mindset that helped him survive the avalanche and continue rebuilding his life in its aftermath.

Grizzly Bear Sighting Prompts Safety Warning in Sayward

by | May 30, 2026 00:59 | Local

Residents of a Sayward are being urged to remain vigilant after a grizzly bear was spotted near the Village, an increasingly common occurrence as the species expands its presence on the Island.

Village officials issued a public warning after the bear was seen in and around the community in May, advising residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid approaching the animal under any circumstances. People were also encouraged to stay alert during dawn and dusk hours, when bears are typically most active.

The sighting has renewed discussion about the growing number of grizzly bears appearing on northern Vancouver Island. While grizzlies were once considered rare visitors, wildlife experts say sightings have become more frequent in recent years, particularly around the Sayward region and adjacent wilderness areas.

Conservation groups have documented evidence suggesting grizzly bears may now be establishing a more permanent foothold on the Island. Trail camera images captured north of Sayward in 2025 showed a female grizzly with cubs, a development some researchers believe could represent one of the first documented cases of grizzly reproduction on Vancouver Island.

Local officials are reminding residents to secure garbage, remove attractants from their properties, and report bear sightings to conservation authorities. Similar warnings have been issued in previous years as grizzlies ventured into populated areas around Sayward and nearby logging roads.

Wildlife experts say coexistence will become increasingly important if grizzly populations continue to grow on Vancouver Island. Although attacks remain rare, grizzlies are powerful animals that require significantly more caution than the black bears most Islanders are accustomed to encountering. Community discussions online have reflected both excitement and concern, with many residents acknowledging that adapting to the presence of grizzlies may become part of life in northern Island communities.

Officials continue to advise anyone who encounters a grizzly bear to keep a safe distance, avoid approaching for photographs, and immediately leave the area. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service so wildlife activity can be monitored and public safety measures implemented when necessary.