vancouverisland

Water flows high in the Englishman River under the orange bridge in Parksville. (PQB News file photo)
Water flows high in the Englishman River under the orange bridge in Parksville. (PQB News file photo)
The federal government announced Tuesday that Victoria International Airport, among eight airports across Canada, can reopen for international air travel effective Nov. 30. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria International Airport cleared for take-off on international travel

Cross-border trips cleared for Nov. 30, but it may take some time to see flights resume

The federal government announced Tuesday that Victoria International Airport, among eight airports across Canada, can reopen for international air travel effective Nov. 30. (Black Press Media file photo)
Tourism Tofino is hoping to spread the town’s tourism revenue beyond the summer months. Westerly file photo

Tourism Tofino targets offseason traffic boost

The goal is to reach a 69 per cent average occupancy between October and May by 2027

Tourism Tofino is hoping to spread the town’s tourism revenue beyond the summer months. Westerly file photo
Alpina Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort on the Malahat was among seven eateries on the Island that made the opentable.com Top 100 best patios list. (OpenTable photo)

Seven Vancouver Island eateries crack national outdoor dining top 100 list

Diner-voted restaurants on Island range from Mill Bay to Oak Bay, Saanich to downtown Victoria

Alpina Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort on the Malahat was among seven eateries on the Island that made the opentable.com Top 100 best patios list. (OpenTable photo)
The Arrowsmith Search and Rescue held an open house at its new operations centre at the Qualicum Beach Airport on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)
The Arrowsmith Search and Rescue held an open house at its new operations centre at the Qualicum Beach Airport on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)
(PQB file photo)
(PQB file photo)
Black Press reporter Erin Haluschak. (Peter McCully photo)

NFL preview: Black Press football insider Erin Haluschak talks Seahawks

Podcast: Discussion includes predicted Super Bowl and MVP winners, fantasy picks

Black Press reporter Erin Haluschak. (Peter McCully photo)
Mary Ellen Campbell, president of the Parksville Museum, visits the PQB News/VI Free Daily studio. (Peter McCully photo)

PQBeat: Talking history with Parksville Museum president Mary Ellen Campbell

A look back at some of the city’s interesting people and tales

Mary Ellen Campbell, president of the Parksville Museum, visits the PQB News/VI Free Daily studio. (Peter McCully photo)
Twa Dogs Brewery in Saanich, just outside Victoria. Photo courtesy BC Ale Trail

Sip and savour: Artisanal beers abound on Vancouver Island

When it comes to voting for the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery…

Twa Dogs Brewery in Saanich, just outside Victoria. Photo courtesy BC Ale Trail
(File photo)

UPDATE: Man, 43, charged with second-degree murder after incident in Bowser

Police say 1 person in custody, no ongoing risk to general public

(File photo)
B.C. Wildfire Service crews battle a fire close to Mt. Hayes near Ladysmith. (Photo submitted)

Crews fighting wildfire near Ladysmith

Fire close to Mt. Hayes grows to four hectares

B.C. Wildfire Service crews battle a fire close to Mt. Hayes near Ladysmith. (Photo submitted)
A tasty breakfast treat. (Philip Wolf photo)

COLUMN: Does your guilty pleasure involve a captain, a tiger or a cartoon monster?

WOLF: The siren song of sugary breakfast cereals remains hard to resist

A tasty breakfast treat. (Philip Wolf photo)
Gurdeep Pandher visits the VI Free Daily/PQB News studios. (Peter McCully photo)

PQBeat: Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon spreads joy, hope through Bhangra dancing

Podcast: Social media sensation brings his special message to Vancouver Island

Gurdeep Pandher visits the VI Free Daily/PQB News studios. (Peter McCully photo)
Jennifer Bate, executive director of Parksville's McMillan Arts Centre, visits the PQB News/VI Free Daily studio. (Peter McCully photo)
Jennifer Bate, executive director of Parksville's McMillan Arts Centre, visits the PQB News/VI Free Daily studio. (Peter McCully photo)
Marine mammal regulations prohibit drones being flown near marine mammals. Black Press file photo.

Troubling trend of drones buzzing B.C. marine mammals leads to DFO warning

Disturbing whales, sea lions and other marine mammals prohibited under federal regulations

Marine mammal regulations prohibit drones being flown near marine mammals. Black Press file photo.
Quality Foods president Noel Hayward, left, and marketing manager Regan Beaulieu support AutismBC. (Submitted photo)

Quality Foods sponsors AutismBC’s annual fundraising raffle

Vancouver Island-based grocery chain helps raise funds for autism services

Quality Foods president Noel Hayward, left, and marketing manager Regan Beaulieu support AutismBC. (Submitted photo)
Marine mammal regulations prohibit drones being flown near marine mammals. Black Press file photo.

DFO reminds drone users to stay away from marine mammals

Disturbing whales, sea lions and other marine mammals prohibited under federal regulations

Marine mammal regulations prohibit drones being flown near marine mammals. Black Press file photo.
Willow Bloomquist visits the PQB News/VI Free Daily studios. (Peter McCully photo)

PQBeat: Willow Bloomquist discusses B.C.’s wildfires, how people can be Fire Smart

Podcast: Fire official offers tips to help homeowners mitigate risk

Willow Bloomquist visits the PQB News/VI Free Daily studios. (Peter McCully photo)
Bhangra dance instructor Gurdeep Pandher performs his ‘happy dance’ at the Parksville Community Park on Saturday, Aug. 7. (Michael Briones photo)

Social media sensation Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon shares joy, love in Parksville

VIDEO: Bhangra dancer spreads special brand of happiness on Vancouver Island

Bhangra dance instructor Gurdeep Pandher performs his ‘happy dance’ at the Parksville Community Park on Saturday, Aug. 7. (Michael Briones photo)
Destination Greater Victoria has used Stats Canada data to confirm Victoria as the Canadian city with the most restaurants, eateries, pubs and bars per capita. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria leads Canadian cities in restaurants, pubs, bars per capita

Victoria’s 4.6 hospitality businesses per 1,000 residents tops Vancouver, Niagara Falls: Stats Can

Destination Greater Victoria has used Stats Canada data to confirm Victoria as the Canadian city with the most restaurants, eateries, pubs and bars per capita. (Black Press Media file photo)