Vancouver Island and Coast

A street party brings together people who otherwise just walk past each other. Check early with the council whether you need permission, share out tasks like tables, music and activities for kids, and everyone brings so…

A wobbly chair, a toaster that's given up, trousers with a hole: plenty can be saved with a little skill. At a repair meetup people bring their broken things and work out a fix together with handy neighbours. Can you re…

Strong, unique passwords and two-factor login protect your accounts better than anything else. Before you post, ask yourself if you'd still be fine with it in five years, and never share addresses or locations with stra…

Helping out, for example coaching kids' sports, at an animal shelter or at local events, brings new friendships and looks great on your CV. Often just a few hours a month are enough. Simply ask clubs and organisations i…

The weekend is coming and the question is the same as always: what shall we do? Got an idea for a day trip, a concert or simply a lovely afternoon in Vancouver Island? Drop your tips in the comments!

A good walk clears the head and shows your home from a new angle. Which route do you love most in Vancouver Island, and roughly how long does it take? Share your favourite loop with us!

Lots of things in town only work because people give their time for free. Where do you volunteer in Vancouver Island, and where could more helping hands be useful? Tell us about it and inspire others to join in!

In Arrowsmith Coombs Country, see the giant old growth forest at Cathedral Grove, funky "goats on the roof" market at Coombs. Watch the tide go out for more than a kilometre at Parksville and Rathtrevor Beaches.

=== Indigenous peoples === Vancouver Island has been the homeland of many indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The groupings, by language, are the Kwakwakaʼwakw (also known as the Kwakiutl), Nuu-chah-nulth, and v…

Vancouver Island is an island in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and part of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The island is 456 km (283 mi) in length, 100 km (62 mi) in width at its widest point, and, according…

Looking for an apprenticeship can feel huge at first. A good start: think about what you enjoy and ask local businesses directly about a work placement. Many companies welcome speculative applications even when nothing …

Guitar, drums, singing or beats on your laptop: music brings people together. Many towns have rehearsal rooms, music schools or open-mic nights where you can try things out. And bands are often looking for exactly the i…

For some older people the trip to the supermarket is hard work, especially when it's icy or very hot. If you're going shopping anyway, it's often easy to pick something up for someone else. A note in the hallway or a qu…

When you go on holiday or fall ill, someone needs to look after the cat, dog or rabbit. Neighbours are ideal: short distances and a familiar face for the animal. It's best to meet beforehand for a quick visit. Are you l…

A sunrise over the rooftops, a front garden in bloom or a funny sign: home is full of great pictures. Show us your best photo of the week from Northern Territory and tell us briefly where you took it!

So many nice things happen that never make the papers: a lost wallet returned, a new shop opening, a lovely celebration. What good news from Northern Territory would you like to share this week? We look forward to your …

Festivals, customs and small rituals connect people across decades. Which tradition in Northern Territory means the most to you, and do you take part yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

Helping out, for example coaching kids' sports, at an animal shelter or at local events, brings new friendships and looks great on your CV. Often just a few hours a month are enough. Simply ask clubs and organisations i…

Strong, unique passwords and two-factor login protect your accounts better than anything else. Before you post, ask yourself if you'd still be fine with it in five years, and never share addresses or locations with stra…

A wobbly chair, a toaster that's given up, trousers with a hole: plenty can be saved with a little skill. At a repair meetup people bring their broken things and work out a fix together with handy neighbours. Can you re…