Spring’s arrival brings more than longer, sunnier days coaxing leaves from the trees. It’s the signal for event season to ramp up, camping season to swing into high gear and summer plans to begin in earnest.
With all that in mind, here’s a roundup of some our favourite news from the past week to help you celebrate this first week of sunny season!
Flying high in the Comox Valley
In the Comox Valley, spring signals more than blooming flowers – it’s also time for the return of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ spring training flights.
The air demonstration squadron is set to arrive in the Valley on April 18 for training until May 12, according to a post on social media. The flying schedule will be posted closer to their arrival next month.
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Victoria blossom chaser? There’s a map for that!
An interactive map points Victoria blossom-chasers in the right direction, highlighting spring-blooming cherry, plum and other trees throughout the city.
The City of Victoria map pinpoints where the trees can be found and allows users to click on each to see what kind it is. Some spots tracked through the map also provide the date range for when a specific tree is expected to bloom.
The City of Victoria offers a blossom tracker map for those wanting to make the most of the city’s famous spring blooms. Jen Blyth / West Coast Traveller photo
“Spring in Victoria brings bountiful cheery blossoms on flowering cherry and plum trees throughout the city,” the city says. “These beautiful buds generally flower from February to May, depending on the weather and the tree species. Don’t miss the magnificent magnolias that flower in the spring time as well.”
Find the interactive map at https://bit.ly/3lnZwHV.
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Golden Ears Provincial Park reopens following February storm
Campers and hikers were ready and waiting when the gates reopened last week at Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge.
The park had been closed since Thursday, Feb. 23, due to damage from a windstorm and heavy snowfall.
In a reply to @AlouetteParks on Twitter, LisaBoBeesa noted that Rolley Lake was pretty for a walk. (@LelesixLisa – Twitter/Special to The News)
Park manager James Hall said that despite some snow remaining, many hikers were out exploring the hugely poplar Lower Mainland park. “There’s still a little bit of snow on the ground but it’s safe for people to travel now,” he said.
Learn more and plan your visit at bcparks.ca/golden-ears-park
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Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival dazzles in April
Millions of tulips will delight Washington state visitors during the 2023 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, April 1 to 30.
Four participating companies have planted spectacular fields for visitors to enjoy, and a variety of complementary events are planned throughout the month. Be sure to check out the passport program – the more places you visit, the bigger the prizes you can win!
To plan your route and your visit, find a downloadable map and more details at tulipfestival.org/brochure
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Sam Steele Days – Cranbrook’s annual summer festival – is now known as “Spirit of the Rockies.” Barry Coulter photo
Cranbrook’s Sam Steele Days gets a rebranding
Cranbrook’s signature summer festival is moving into the future.
Since 1966, Sam Steele Days has kicked off summer in the Kootenay Rockies community, drawing people from across the region for food, music, sports, entertainment and community spirit.
This year, when the festival returns June 15 to 18, will showcase that with a new name: Spirit of the Rockies.
The name Sam Steele Days honours the local achievements of Sam Steele, the Northwest Mounted Police officer who oversaw the Cranbrook area from 1887 to 1888, but the festival society wants to enhance the event’s regional appeal, with greater reach and inclusivity for all Kootenay residents, old and new.
“Spirit of the Rockies” is meant to encompass all aspects of the Kootenay experience, including local history, but also the region’s beautiful geography, the diversity of the culture and population, the towns and villages, how residents face challenges in changing times, and their community spirit.
Learn more about this year’s festivities at rockiesfest.ca
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