There are a number of wildlife reserves, nature parks, and a lot of different tour companies that operate within the Vancouver Island Region. There are also a variety of protection groups and environmental steward groups who work to ensure the natural diversity and beauty is protected.This is important work. Without groups like this it could be said that habitats would be in great decline, and there would be less for travellers to see!
As we know, nature and its inhabitants evolve, grow and move to suit the changing environment. Across the region we can now see a number of non-native species. The American Bullfrog, the Rock Dove, the Snapping Turtle, and the North American Opossum are some particularly intriguing examples. These new beautiful beasties are protected under the Wildlife Act.
There are also a number of wildlife rehabilitation programmes for indigenous species who are under threat from manmade habitat destruction or problematic natural phenomenon. One particular problem of late is not a decline, but in fact an increase in the number of wild cougar sightings. This is down to an increase in black-tail dear which is prey for the cougars. The food chain is a magical mechanism.
This has however lead to some controversy in the area as many people who have seen the dangerous looking cats in heavily populated areas are calling for a cull. Something environmentalists and conservationists are dead against. Groups opposed to the culling have suggested other measures to get on top of the problem such as birth control in the deer population.
Conservationists have been out on the ground setting humane traps which are constructed with the aim of capturing and relocating the animals. But locals are concerned more by the number of deer, as it is believed the predators will keep coming back whilst there is a large amount of prey for them.
Nature sometimes throws us problems such as this one. But there is one thing worth remembering – they were here before us. All animals are entitled to use of the land we have taken over. Therefore the safest and most moral way to move forward is through humane methods or trying to steer nature – not disrupt it further.
Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay said: “There’s just simply too many of them and they’re starting to bring some challenges to the community, some real safety challenges”. It is a concern that a cull is too controversial and also expensive and so officials are consulting with the community. It is estimated that a quarter of Canada’s 4,000 cougars are currently living on the island.
As well as the nuisance cougars, you can find wild bears, eagles, and mountain goats aplenty across the region. There are a number of specialist wildlife parks and tours which you can take appreciate nature at its finest.
Bears are also under attack in the region. Nanaimo based charity ‘Bear Matters’ works to try and put a stop to the ruthless killing of Grizzly Bears in the region. They work to conserve the bear population by providing a forum to raise awareness, fundraising, research, and working with other bear conservancy agencies around the world.
The charity argues that bears are highly evolved, intelligent, sentient beings that are a critical part of the natural environment. They have been active in helping to draft wildlife policies to promote the protection of bears through a reduction in human-bear interaction. Several species of bear are currently under threat. Whilst sailing around the isles you can often spot a bear catching his dinner on the shoreline. It is a magnificent sight, and one we must protect.
As a visitor to the region you have an important role to play. Visitors must appreciate the natural environment whether that be on land or at sea. It is the golden rule to leave places exactly how you found them – reduced human impact is a key part in protecting these glorious species so that next generations can have the pleasure of visiting them in their natural habitats too.
Why not keep a record of all the different animals you come across during your yachting trip to the Vancouver Isle. Conservation organisations love it when people record sightings, but also it will be interesting to compare what you see with the next time you visit!
Read More: http://www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com/blog/combining-yachting-nature-vancouver/
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The main course of the festival if you will, is most certainly the world renowned Great International World Championship Bathtub Race. Last year saw a change in how this race ran. Previously racers would end their journey at Departure Bay beach, but despite that glorious bit of irony it was changed to mean both the start and finish lines are situated at Maffeo Sutton Park. It was believed this change was made last year, to iron out any potential difficulties before the celebrations of 2016 hit.
Last year festival goers were celebrating the 50th
The race itself can get quite tense, competitive, and very exciting. There have been years where racers have raced on land by foot after the boat race is complete to try and best each other and determine finishing position when it has been too close to call. As well as the fun of it, there is often a serious message behind many of the racers too. It is not unusual for those who take part to utilise the opportunity for some fund raising for local charities or causes that are close to their hearts.
As well as individuals, the boat race is entered by community groups, NGOs, businesses, and even local government officials. It is thought of as one of the best events for bringing all strands of the community together – and that means travellers too! Nanaimo is known as a warm and welcoming place to visitors, and nowhere is this more on display than at events such as the Marine Festival.
It is not just the race area that comes to life over this four day. The city centre in downtown Nanaimo is also awash with activity from farmer’s markets to parades, light festivals and fireworks to music performances. Whilst yachting in Nanaimo in this period, you can be sure that whether your travel party is young or old, the family or your partner, you will not be short of things to do.
someone claimed it was published in a newspaper earlier under a different name such as chocolate slice, or fridge cake. Who knew baking could be so catty?
The best thing about the bar is that it requires no baking – so perfect for whipping up as an after dinner treat whilst on board. You can also add in whatever kind of flavors your heart desires. Some people add a little minty freshness, maybe a slathering of peanut butter, or a little caffeine hit of coffee to make your bar mocha.
Another great thing about Vancouver food culture is that they are all about sustainability. They really care where their ingredients come from, and this means that many menus cite where their stock came from right down to the fisherman’s boat or the farm. Look for the Ocean Wise symbol whenever you are ordering. Vegetables and meat are also locally sourced which is good for the planet and the economy.
If the sweet treat kind of bar doesn’t take your fancy and you find yourself wondering – why is the rum always gone? Well you are in luck, as if you are moored in Nanaimo there is no shortage of late night entertainment venues to keep you going until the small hours. There is the Casino, the Entertainment Centre, The Queens, The Spice Lounge, The Diners Rendevouz, Club 241 and many more!
It is imperative to have your route mapped out, as well as a well thought out 
It sounds simple, and obvious, but you should make sure you check your engine before setting sail. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, then get someone who does to do it for you. You especially want to check for leaks, and the oil level. Check all equipment too, halyards, rigging, etc. anything that has the possibility of breaking. Drainage systems should also be checked, as well as battery status.
Being prepared is the most important thing when embarking on a
The preparation for heavy weather
Ensure that all crew members know what to do in the case of severe weather, and also make sure anyone aboard knows where to find their personal floatation device and any other safety equipment they may need. It is also key that people remember to keep low in the boat, not go out on deck unnecessarily, and not to move around too much. Ensure that all hatches, ports, windows, and anything else that could swing open or move around is tightly secured. This ensures that there is no risk of injury from things flying around, and also crucially keeps all the water out. Make sure you have the right
It is always the best idea to be prepared for bad weather when taking a boat trip. This also includes making sure you have enough
When the storm hits, make a note of the boats positioning on the chart. Also make sure to take note of the time, your heading, and the speed at which you are travelling.
