May brings a variety of events to the British Columbia Islands, making it an ideal time to experience the diversity offered by the region.
From cookery to migratory bird watching, alternative healthcare, local flora and music, the islands of BC celebrate the peak of spring in western Canada with several events and festivals that reach from the west of Vancouver Island out to Hornby Island.
As you explore this region’s eclectic and unique celebrations, be sure to choose British Columbia Islands lodging that will match that singular experience.
Vancouver Island Events in the West, South & East
Experience Vancouver Island in spring with events at Tofino, Victoria and Qualicum Beach.
Feast of Tofino
Enjoy 17 delectable events exploring the finest “Boat to Table” cuisine of Vancouver Island’s west coast. The area’s most recognized chefs gather to present fresh, local fare featuring local ingredients and inspired creations. In addition to the fine food and drink, the events include “on the water” cuisine tours, sustainable seafood practices and much more. Guest chefs scheduled to appear this year include Joe Watanabe (Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, Vancouver, BC) Kunal Ghose (Red Fish Blue Fish, Victoria, BC) James Avila (Fiamo Italian Kitchen, Victoria, BC) Lucais Syme (La Quercia, Vancouver, BC) Gregory Reid (Edible at the Market, Granville Island) and Trevor Bird (Fable Restaurant, Vancouver, BC).
Tofino Shorebird Festival
Late April through May brings flocks of migrating shorebirds through Tofino’s extensive sand beaches, broad mudflats and rocky shoreline. Over 40 shorebird species appear at this time of year, including dunlins, plovers, sandpipers, whimbrels and many more. Thousands of these birds make the stop in Tofino to rest and feed, some for only three days, in their incredible journey to their Arctic breeding grounds from South and Central America. The Tofino Shorebird Festival offers guided bird watching tours, presentations by shorebird experts, and the opportunity to take walks on your own.
Energy Expo Holistic Health & Metaphysics
The 4th annual Energy Expo will be held at the James Bay Community Centre and will celebrate holistic health, metaphysics and the personal voyage to self discovery. Explore wisdom old and new along with positive solutions to heal and maintain the body, heart, mind and spirit. This weekend event gathers Vancouver Island’s professional energy healers, holistic practitioners, shamans and psychics to provide services, and share their knowledge at workshops that happen each hour. Discover the restorative power ancient teachings, astrology, Chinese medicine, energy healing, law of attraction, massage, meditation, nutrition, psychic readings, quantum touch, reiki, tarot and many other techniques can bring to your life.
Milner Gardens Rhododendron Bloom
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
April 25 – May 12, 2013
The Rhododendron collection at Milner Gardens is one of the most significant collections in British Columbia. The annual Rhododendron Bloom is the very best time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the woodland garden at Qualicum Beach and see the Rhododendrons at their peak of color.
Hornby Island Blues Workshop
Hornby Island, BC
May 6-10, 2013
Blues musicians of all experience levels will want to take the trek to Hornby Island, BC for this premier Blues instructional camp. Around a dozen of Canada’s finest Blues and Roots musicians will gather to share their knowledge and light the fire of inspiration for up to 70 students. The workshops present a wide variety of instruments (including voices) and focuses on Blues playing styles. The small class sizes ensure each student has an opportunity to receive hands-on instruction.
Choose British Columbia Islands Lodging as Unique as the Region’s Many Events of Spring
Our British Columbia Islands bed and breakfast inns offer signature lodging and personalized hospitality to enjoy as you explore the events, festivals and all of the many attractions in Victoria, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island East and West areas of the BC Islands region of British Columbia.
Sit down to a delectable selection of breakfast options. Luxuriate in the peaceful setting of your guest room before and after your tours and event-going in the islands. The tailored service and the knowledge of the innkeepers at the B&B inns of the British Columbia islands will make your stay a memorable one.
What’s Your British Columbia Islands Spring Events Expectation or Experience?
Please share your plans for and memories of your experiences in the islands of British Columbia.