Day 2 of the Herring Chase From Buckley Bay, we boarded the small ferry to Denman Island, a quick ten-minute crossing over grey, wind-whipped water. From there we drove across the island to catch the eight-minute ferry to Hornby Island. I had never been to either place before. That alone made the journey exciting. According to several herring tracking apps and reports online, Denman and Hornby Islands were supposed to be a mecca for herring spawning and the wildlife that foll

Every spring along the coast of Vancouver Island something remarkable happens beneath the surface of the ocean. Pacific herring return to spawn, turning the water a brilliant turquoise and drawing in a feeding frenzy of wildlife — sea lions, birds, and fishing boats. After a lot of research, we learned that French Creek Marina was considered a hot spot to witness the action. So on March 11, my Aunt, my kitten Finn, and I set out to begin the search. Mother Nature had other pl

Weir Beach, Vancouver Island, BC This weekend greeted us with brilliant sunshine, crisp cold air, and a steady coastal breeze — the kind of weather that feels refreshing but reminds you winter isn’t quite finished yet. With a stubborn migraine and neck pain still hanging around, I knew this adventure needed to be simple. No long hikes, no pushing too hard. Just bird photography from the car and easy-to-reach spots. Sometimes nature adventures need to meet us where we are. And