Everybody Loves a Contest!

The Mild to Wild contest video has been released! Click here to view the video.

We’re so excited.  Many thanks to our fabulous contest partners and talented videographer, Marc Buzzell of Green Tree Media.

Click here for full contest details.  Go ahead, what are you waiting for?  ENTER TO WIN your very own Mild to Wild Distinctly West Coast adventure!  We are eager to hear from you!

DWC Visits New Sooke Convention Centre

We had the opportunity last week to visit Sooke, the home of the new Prestige Oceanfront Resort & Convention Centre.  Construction is well underway for the full-service resort which will feature luxurious guest rooms, exceptional dining experiences, and extraordinary hospitality.  Oceanfront boosts indoor and outdoor venues, and it was easy to visualize top-knotch events, galas, weddings, celebrations, and corporate meetings.  Completion date is scheduled for March 2011.  Click here to watch our site tour slideshow (and a few pics from ‘next door’ Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina).

Sooke is located 25 minutes driving from Victoria.  We flew over with Tofino Air and couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.  The flight was sensational offering breath-taking views of Vancouver Island!  The destination resort is nestled perfectly between towering cedars of old growth forests and the picture-perfect Sooke Harbour with panoramic views of the Sooke Basin, Juan de Fuca Strait, and the majestic Olympic Mountains.

In terms of Distinctly West Coast, I look forward to returning next month to explore Sooke’s cultural heritage, one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, and indulge in a little outdoor adventure – whale-watching, kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking and enjoying the local beaches top the list.

Keep your eye on Sooke, they are an amazing little community with positive, progressive leadership doing great things.  Distinctly West Coast looks forward to building our relationship with Sooke and the new Prestige Oceanfront Resort & Convention Centre.

Aerial view of the distinctly West Coast

Tofino Air flies over Vancouver Island

Boater's Paradise, Vancouver Island

I was hesitant to get into a Tofino Air float plane for the first time but the sun was shining, the air was crisp and there wasn’t a cloud in sight. It was time to put my fear of flying aside and hop in for an amazing ride. I climbed into the DHC2 otherwise known as a Beaver, a rather small aircraft that seats six, kind of like a minivan but with wings. We drifted out into the waters to prepare for take off and floated passed huge clusters of jellyfish, there were literally hundreds upon hundreds scattered along the Sechelt Inlet. I had never seen anything like it, their delicate bodies floating gracefully. The propeller sped up and we glided along the surface then up we went. We cruised over the Strait of Georgia dotted with sailboats and fisherman pulling in their crab traps and fishing nets. We were heading to Sooke on Vancouver Island to check out the soon to be Sooke Convention Centre. The forests below looked like puzzle pieces in various shades of greens with an intricate web of forestry service roads cutting through the trees. There were big lakes, small lakes, and lagoons dotting the Island. Chief Pilot Sean Evans would check his map as we flew over to find the perfect swimming hole for when he would camp with his family. The plane shimmied and swayed with the wind as we banked towards our final destination in Sooke. We descended into the harbour and landed smoothly on the calm waters. I arrived at my destination after the most amazing visual of the the spectacular West Coast with its rugged coast line, open waters, hidden lakes and mountain ranges. Float plane travel is a must for anyone visiting or living on the West Coast. Now I truly understand why they call it Beautiful BC.

Outta the Box and Onto the Coast!

Meetings & Retreats with a Difference on the Sunshine Coast

We can all agree that we are living in a time where economic, environmental and social problems are at an all-time high; therefore we need to come up with more innovative and creative solutions.

In the business world, companies are looking to leaders and teams for fresh ideas, unique initiatives, and transforming campaigns.  “The world we have made as a result of the level of thinking we have done thus far creates problems that we cannot solve at the same level at which we have created them… We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humankind is to survive.” Albert Einstein

I had the pleasure of attending a travel tradeshow in Toronto to represent Sunshine Coast and sing its praises as the perfect consideration for meetings and retreats.

I spoke with participants about the need to go to a different place to achieve a different headspace.  Einstein said, “If you want different results, do not do the same things.” For meeting planners, if clients are asking for a different experience, are you going to take them back to the same urban hotel with closed windows and air conditioning? Read more »

Who We Are & What We Do

With a growing interest in eco, adventure, aboriginal and cultural tourism, Tofino Air recognized the opportunity to make Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast an ultimate travel destination for such excursions.  In July 2010 after months of research, preparation and networking, Distinctly West Coast was launched.

Distinctly West Coast is the marketing, promotion and sales division of Tofino Air which operates as an internal boutique agency that represents this scenic floatplane travel company and a select number of complementary service partners.

Distinctly West Coast’s first step was to develop professional and personal relationships with small businesses on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast that specialized in providing a ‘unique West Coast experience’. With overwhelming interest from tour operators, B&B’s,  hotels and resorts, DWC developed the Mild to Wild adventure itinerary ideas with the best way to get you there… Tofino Air. Read more »

Live Like a Local Itinerary Launched

View from Captain J's!

Distinctly West Coast is pleased to announce our latest itinerary idea, Live Like a Local.  It features our newest partner, Captain J’s Seaside Suite, in beautiful Lower Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.

The Art of Synchronicity

It was date night last night.  And because it was my turn to choose, I took my partner Ben to a special performance called Synchronicity at Deer Crossing, The Art Farm.  I had a bit of a challenge explaining where we were going and what we’d be doing, but Ben seemed agreeable, especially when I promised sushi first at Nagomi Sushi in Lower Gibsons.

It was a lovely evening, and as we drove past Langdale, I was excited to be doing something different, experiencing something new.  I’d read a little about Synchronicity on the Art Farm’s website – just enough to get my curiosity up… “Nicknamed “cirque in the forest”, Synchronicity will be a visual and participation based performance that takes the viewer through various stages situated on the property. The guided experience won’t be one to miss. Aside from the main event there will be food, drink, artist’s market, and craft/colouring stations!”

As we pulled into The Art Farm I was blown away by the beauty of the property.  My imagination started to run wild with ideas, and I could see with anticipation and admiration that Chad and Sandy’s dreams were very much becoming a reality thanks to hard work, courage, and a supportive community of friends and advisors.

The performance began and we were guided to pick a mask and put it on being told it would help us ‘see more possibilities’ and be open to the experience.  I’d loved my mask and wanted to keep it.  I thought Ben looked like a gargoyle.

The acting, music, costumes and of course venue was amazing.  Without giving too much away… I appreciated the guided experience and enjoyed the tour of The Art Farm all at the same time.

The visionary in me thinks of the Illuminares Lantern Procession (formerly the Trout Lake Lantern Festival) and wonders if one day Synchronicity will grow to become a destination event for the Sunshine Coast with crafting camps the week prior so people like me can learn to make my own super-cool mask.

Perhaps we’re getting to the place where we can create a Sunshine Coast Arts & Culture Passport for the season where tourist and guests purchase one passport and can attend a number of events including the Fibre Arts Festival (I’m still optimistic it will return!), the Writers’ Festival, Synchronicity, the Art Crawl, ArtWave, and more!

Here’s to people like the Deer Crossing Art Farm.  Hat’s off (or should I say masks) to you for your creativity, courage and leadership.  Our community is a better place for having you here.  Thank you, and well done!

Best of the Best… Top 5 Eats on the Sunshine Coast!

Okay, it’s no secret – I love food. Most people think I love exercise… it’s not just that.  I love food; therefore, I must exercise!  After I finished My Top 5 Hikes on the Sunshine Coast, my mind immediately went to food.  What would be my Best of the Best Top 5 Eats on the Sunshine Coast?

Wow, boiling it down to just five favourites is one tough job.  Almost as tough as, well, cooking.  Let’s just say… I make really good… ‘er, salads and salad dressing!

5. My 5th place pick would go to Breakfast at Molly’s Reach. If you tell people that you are from Gibsons, most will say, “Oh, isn’t that where the Beachcombers was filmed?  Do you live close to Molly’s Reach?”  Well yes, I do.  Breakfast at Molly’s always hits the spot (omlettes are my personal favourite!) with fresh coffee and a gorgeous view of the Gibsons Marina.  Whether sitting inside or on the patio, it’s a great start to a weekend or vacation morning!

4. 4th place goes to fresh oysters at Smitty’s Oyster House. This West Coast style oyster house has a super cool atmosphere.  It’s fun to sit at the bar and look out the window at the marina, chatting with the friendly bartenders and staff.  Almost makes you forget that you are in what once was the delapitated Smitty’s Marina Building originally built in 1957.  The favourite here?  What else?  The oysters!

3. Let’s swing up the Coast now and visit the amazing Painted Boat Resort.  The Restaurant at Painted Boat is managed by my good friend Ryan.  But my love for the Painted Boat goes back much further to its origins as Lowe’s Resort, the very reason my partner and I ended up on the Sunshine Coast in the first place.  Picking a favourite at The Restaurant at the Painted Boat is a tough one.  I love the casual West Coast elegance that feels a touch urban but never stuffy.  They utilize local produce extremely well.  Okay, if I have to choose, I would say the Queen Charlotte Halibut with House-Made Gnocchi.  Delicious!

2. Brown Rice Sushi at Nagomi Sushi in Lower Gibsons is my 1st runner-up.  What can I say about owner-operators Hiro and Saori?  They are the sweetest, most talented sushi couple I’ve ever met.  The care they take in their food preparation shines through… and shines, shines, shines!  My favourite?  Does it matter?  Most anything on the menu.  It’s fresh, tasty and prepared with pride.

Now you're talking!

1. It may seem too simple, but my absolute favourite hands-down are the YAM FRIES at Grammas Marine Pub in Lower Gibsons.  Grammas reminds me of the of comfortable Boston neighbourhood pub on the 80′s TV show, Cheers.  Remember?  ”Where everybody knows your name… and you’re always glad you came.”  Maybe it’s craving salt on a warm summer’s day.  Maybe it’s the texture of the fries with a fresh, crisp salad… Who knows?  All I know is I’m one happy camper with a plate of yam fries and a tall cool one!

No wonder I have to do so much hiking.

Have some Best of the Best Eats on the Sunshine Coast you’d like to share?  We’d love to hear from you!

Mild to Wild Contest

Xwamstut singing group

The Distinctly West Coast crew have been working like mad to get the Mild to Wild Contest ready for its launch later this month. Part of our day included a film shoot at Tofino Air, the floatplane transportation provider and lead sponsor of the Mild to Wild contest. Tofino Air Chief Pilot, Sean Evans, a natural in front of the camera, told us of stories like dropping surfers off on the far side of Vancouver Island so they could ride crashing waves into shore and of a woman who almost gave birth on the plane – mid-flight! Once Marc, our videographer got the footage he needed, we quickly grabbed a couple of iced cappuccinos to cool us down then hit the beautiful sandy beaches at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park. There we met Candace Campo, owner and operator of Talaysay Tours, who brought along the Xwamstut singing group who performed traditional song and dance routines and who are also part of the Sechelt Festival of Arts happening now until August 7th. One performance called the Smaylilh(Sasquatch) song included a dance routine witha man dressed as a Sasquatch dancing among the circle of singers; it sent shivers up and down my spine. The day ended withan interview with Candace of Talaysay Tours who told us why Sechelt Inlet is such a spiritual place and how her First Nations interpretive kayaking tour, which is part of the Mild to Wildcontest, will enlighten visitors of the rich history of the land and the Shishalh (Sechelt) Nation. For more information on the Mild to Wildcontest, Tofino Air and Talaysay Tours please visit www.distinctlywestcoast.com.  Watch for more details about how you can enter to win this amazing Mild to Wild itinerary featuring the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island!

Fibres and Fabrics and Fun OH MY!

Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival

By:  Theressa Logan

Walking passed local and visiting artisans’ tables at the Fibre Arts Festival Artisan Market in Gibsons Landing last year I couldn’t help but want to touch the merchandise! There was a wonderful selection of arts and crafts of vibrant colours and textures which included crotchet, felting, quilts, vessels, multi-media, knitting, wearables, woodwork, weaving and more. Many artists travelling as far as the USA to be a part of the festival incorporated scenic images, wildlife and abstract objects into their work and were more than happy to share with me how they did it and what inspired them. I headed over to the Demonstration Tent to see for myself just how these crafters create their pieces out of an array of fabrics and fibres. I watched one local artist weave an image of the Coast Mountains at sunset using brilliant orange and yellow yarn, her feet pushing the peddles and hands pulling effortlessly on the Loom, the fluid back and forth motion was mesmerizing. Kids were getting creative with paper machete at the Kids Craft Tent where they pasted their cut-out pieces with intense concentration and showed off their creations to onlookers.  At the Merchant Mall there was a sea of tables and stands of rich colourful yarns, wools and other hard to find materials where artists from all over BC shop for their supplies. I was interested in making my very own work or art so I checked out the workshops which included quilting, knitting, basketry, rug hooking and spinning. Unfortunately the classes were full so for this year I will be sure to sign up early, the cost is very reasonable and you get to bring home your very own one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

This year will be the 11^th Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival. Noreen Tretick, Co-Founder, Director and Workshop Chair has been involved in the Festival for over 12 years. She is proud to have hosted over 3,000 people each year and looks forward to this years’ festival happening August 19-21. Noreen boasts about the Fibre Arts Festival being the only one of its kind in Western Canada and that it is a “fun-filled learning experience, with friendly, helpful volunteers, and an incredible juried art exhibit”. Joan Beck the Exhibit Chair of the Festival was involved in the initial start-up of the Festival and has been volunteering for many years ever since. When asked why she thinks people keep coming back to the Festival, Joan replies, “We offer quality and a variety of classes, a welcoming atmosphere, and the ambience of Gibsons”.

If you want more information on this year’s Fibre Arts Festival be sure to check out their website at: www.gibsonslandingfibrearts.com. There are plenty of things to do and see so bring the entire family and be sure to sign up for one or more of the many workshops available soon before they fill up!

Transportation is made easy from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast in just 15 minutes as Tofino Air, the Festival’s Host Airline proudly offers scenic West Coast floatplane travel at a discount to all participants.  For further transportation information, please contact Charlene SanJenko at 604.741.7985 or email marketing@tofinoair.ca.