Vancouver Island History

Medical worker immigration to Island echoes war resisters of past

Fifty years ago, thousands of Americans risked everything to stand by their principles. Now, American medical professionals are arriving on Vancouver…

Aug 24

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June 2026

"You know I discovered the Morrison Creek lamprey, right?" The unknown history of Vancouver Island's most famous fish.

In the mid 1970s, Dick Beamish pulls a silver lamprey from a fish trap on a small stream in the Comox Valley. The discovery of the little fish would…

Jun 22

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December 2024

Springing the Trap: The Tale of the Flying Dutchman

How the criminal career of a notorious northwest coast pirate came to an abrupt end.

Dec 3, 2024

September 2024

How to Hunt Japanese Submarines

Jon Taylor describes a chance encounter that solved a thirty-year-old mystery stretching back to WWII.

Sep 24, 2024

May 2024

Collin Varner advises us on the Island's most invasive plants!

The author and horticulturist/arborculturist details just how Giant Hogweed, Morning Glory (and more) arrived on Vancouver Island

May 31, 2024

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October 2023

Almost Atomic: Vancouver Island’s Nuclear Power Deal

And one man’s journey to thwart the proposed plans

Oct 2, 2023

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October 2022

The day the prince came to Merville

A look at a long-ago visit by a not-so-charming prince

Oct 29, 2022

The circling back of Kus-kus-sum

Throughout its history, the Courtenay River Estuary has lived in constant flux. And now, a renewal comes once again.

Oct 14, 2022

September 2022

The coolest band you’ve never heard of

Three Island-born female punk rockers who blazed their own trail

Sep 15, 2022

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August 2022

Nine badass women you won't see in history books

From discovering aquifers to chronicling the past, these outsiders redefined the Island in their own, unique ways.

Aug 19, 2022

July 2022

This airline has Island routes

BC’s small-town connector first took off in Port Hardy with service to Vancouver

Jul 27, 2022

5 natural disasters on Vancouver Island to remember

When you look back through its history, Vancouver Island is a dangerous place to live.

Jul 5, 2022

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