BC FERRIES' MAYNE QUEEN RETIRES AFTER 57 YEARS OF SERVICE

Mayne Queen arrives on Saturna Island
©SueFrausePhoto (2006)

BC Ferries' Mayne Queen will make its last official full-time run on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The ferry first entered service 57 years ago in 1965, and for the majority of that time served the same run through the Southern Gulf Islands. 

Locals know it as Route 5, a tentacular connection between Vancouver Island, Pender, Mayne, Galiano and Saturna Islands. According to BC Ferries, crew aboard the Mayne Queen are family and "quick to jump a car that won't start or return to work in emergency situations." Island legend suggests "the Mayne Queen may have even reversed course a time or two for a backpack, accidentally left behind by a child rushing to school." 

FAREWELL TOUR SCHEDULE

The Mayne Queen will be at the following ports on Sunday, November 20. Community members are welcome to board the vessel as walk-ons for a short visit, but must disembark before it departs for its next stop. No passengers or vehicles will be carried from port to port.

Otter Bay (Pender)            1:50-2:20 pm

Lyall Harbour (Saturna)    2:55-3:25 pm

Village Bay (Mayne)         4:00-4:30 pm

Sturdies Bay (Galiano)      4:55-5:25 pm

Photo courtesy BC Ferries

BC FERRIES NAMES AND CHRISTENS FIFTH ISLAND CLASS FERRY

BC Ferries' fifth Island Class ferry as it departed Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania bound for British Columbia. Photo Credit: BC Ferries

BC Ferries revealed the name of its latest Island Class ferry at a naming and hull christening ceremony at its fleet maintenance facility in Richmond, BC on December 14, 2021. Island Kwigwis is the newest vessel to join the fleet and begins service in the spring of 2022 -- allowing for two-ship operation on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route. 

The name Kwigwis, which means 'eagle of the sea', was selected with support from the 'Namgis First Nation and celebrates the beauty of the journey and connection to coastal communities.

In keeping with maritime tradition, BC Ferries selects sponsors for each of the ships, with each sponsor bestowing good luck on the ship and protection for those who travel on them. Each Island Class ship has a community sponsor and a sponsor from the BC Ferries family.

"Island Kwigwis represents a small step on the path to fostering our relationships with First Nations, embracing our environmental responsibilities, while maintaining our commitment to the communities we serve," said Mark Collins, BC Ferries President & CEO. 

Island Class ferries have have a capacity to carry up to 47 vehicles and up to 450 passengers and crew. They are battery equipped ships designed for future full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding becomes available in BC. The design of the new vessels, from the exterior details to the engines, reduces underwater radiated noise, lowers emission and improves customer service. 

Earlier this year, BC Ferries and the First Peoples' Cultural Council revealed Coast Salish artwork for its newest Salish Class Ferry. 

BC FERRIES AND FIRST PEOPLES' CULTURAL COUNCIL REVEAL COAST SALISH ARTWORK FOR NEWEST SALISH CLASS FERRY

Artist Maynard Johnny Jr. with his Coast Salish artwork

BC Ferries and the First Peoples' Cultural Council have revealed the design for the Salish Heron. As the fourth vessel of the Salish Class ferries -- the first three were built in 2016 -- the Salish Heron will enter service in the spring of 2022 in the Southern Gulf Islands. 

Maynard Johnny Jr. of the Penelakut First Nations created the artwork, which was selected from 36 submissions. Criteria for selection included artistic excellence; Coast Salish artistic style; and the ability to express the vessel's name through artwork while effective using the available vessel service. 

"Herons and my people once inhabited the area in what is now known as the town of Chamainus," said Maynard Johnny Jr. "The majestic birds were once plentiful and provided the people guidance on where fish were in abundance." The BC artist explained that he created a Salish Heron using traditional Salish design with contemporary colors that have become his signature as a Coast Salish artist. "The design reflects the long beak and long neck of a Great Blue Heron and its wing, tail feathers and talon," he explained. His design will be displayed on both the exterior and interior of the vessel for travelers to view.

Salish Heron is the fourth Salish Class vessel to be bestowed with indigenous art. The name and artwork honors and recognizes the Coast Salish as the original mariners of the Salish Sea, representing both the land and culture of British Columbia. The name Salish Heron was selected during a public naming contest for the Salish Class ferries in 2015. The Salish Heron is identical to the three Salish Class ferries built for BC Ferries in 2016. The vessel has a capacity to carry at least 138 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew. 

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Autumn dahlias in James Bay, Victoria, BC. Photo by Sue Frause.

Yes, it's time again for Canadian Thanksgiving, that long weekend in October when our friends north of the border celebrate the harvest holiday before we do! I write something about it every year, and have even celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving in various locales: BC's Sunshine Coast, Vancouver and Vancouver's North Shore.

Thanksgiving is not as big a holiday in Canada as it is in the states. Whereas we celebrate four four days (big dinner on Thursday followed by three days of leftovers), the Canadians only make a three-day weekend of it. They simply call it Thanksgiving Long Weekend, and when you sit down to the big dinner is a personal choice. Most people I know have it on the weekend itself, not on the actual day, which this year is Monday the 8th of October. Sunday seems to be a popular choice.

Here are some of my past posts that have a tie-in to the autumnal holiday in both Canada and the US. And here's to my friends who live on the other side of the 49th Parallel. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Strombo's The List: Reasons We Are Thankful for the USA
• Granville Island's Turkey Trot
• Window on Vancouver: Thanksgiving 2004
• An American in Canada for Canadian Thanksgiving, eh?
• Crappy Canadian Thanksgiving with Ellen Page, Justin Long (VIDEO)

A pumpkin in Farmer Bob's garden. Photo by Sue Frause.

Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend Events in BC

North Vancouver: The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier has a Thanksgiving Package that includes a three-course Thanksgiving dinner for two in the Lobby Restaurant and overnight accommodations. Rates from $209 / double occupancy, valid Oct. 6-8, 2012. Book online using promo code THANKS or call 604.986.7437.

Vancouver: The Wedgewood Hotel has a Thanksgiving Weekend package that includes one night's accommodation; European continental breakfast for two; Thanksgiving dinner for two on Sunday or Monday (both meals in Bacchus Restaurant); and complimentary valet parking. Rates start at $259 per night / double occupancy. Valid through Oct. 8, 2012.

Vancouver: The annual Turkey Trot is Monday, Oct. 8 starting on Granville Island. The family-friendly event is a 10K and suitable for racers, walkers, kids and families. Proceeds go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank via cash and food donations. 

Restaurants: Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving dinners. Hastings House on Salt Spring Island has a three course holiday dinner on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 7 PM for $70. Edible Canada on Vancouver's Granville Island is showcasing an October Fall Feast menu during the month of October. The price is $30 and includes a four-course seasonal dinner. Parking is free on the island after 7 PM.

BC Ferries: They've added extra sailings for Thanksgiving Long Weekend.

September on BC's Salt Spring Island: Apple Festival canceled, but still a bounty of fresh food

Apple tree at Garry Oaks Winery on Salt Spring Island | September 2011 | Sue Frause photo

So sorry to read that the 2012 Salt Spring Island Apple Festival has been canceled this year. The reason? Poor apple crops due to the weather. The festival is traditionally held on a Sunday in late September or early October. Harry Burton, "Captain Apple" of Apple Luscious Organic Orchards, issued the following statement:

"This is not the type of news that is easy, but in canvassing the main growers of apples on Salt Spring Island, it is apparent that the crop of apples this year is greatly reduced due not only to that cold, wet, long spring (poor pollination), but also the invasion of tent caterpillars that completely stripped leaves off most apple trees in May and June."

Salt Spring Island is the first area in British Columbia to grow apples, dating back to 1860, and it was the apple growing area of the province for many years. Today it grows more than than 350 varieties of organic apples. The Salt Spring Island Farmers' Institute has been serving the islands' farmers since 1895. They'll be presenting the 2012 Fall Fair on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16, at the Farmer Institute Grounds on Rainbow Road. The Salt Spring Saturday Market runs every Saturday from April-October.

Salt Spring is beautiful any season, but I particularly like spring and autumn. I visited last year, flying via Kenmore Air from Lake Washington to Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island. Here's a photo tour of my day.

Salt Spring Island | September 2011 | Photos by Sue Frause

Aboard Kenmore Air with the Gulf Islands below

It's easy being green on Salt Spring Island

"Breeze" docked in Ganges Harbour

Melon at Fox Glove Farm

Jersey cows at Moon Struck Cheese

Fresh from the ovens at Salt Spring Breads

A variety of products at Salt Spring Cheese

BC Ferries at Vesuvius on Salt Spring

The ferry will take us to Crofton on Vancouver Island

Window on Canada: Salt Spring Island, BC as seen from Lopez Island, WA

I recently spent a few days on Lopez Island, located in Washington State's San Juan Islands.

Although we often refer to British Columbia's Gulf Islands as the Canadian San Juans, I read somewhere where BC folks don't necessarily like that description. The funny thing is, I've never heard the San Juan Islands described as the American Gulf Islands. Weird, huh?

While having dinner with friends who have a place in Lopez Village, I enquired as to what I was looking at across the water (photo above). Turns out that it's San Juan Island, with Salt Spring Island behind it.

When my hubby looked at the photo he said that beyond that, barely visible, is Mount Warburton Pike rising in the background. It's located on Saturna Island.

View from Lopez Island
Photo by Sue Frause

Salt Spring's Hastings House offers 3 nights for 2

Hastings House on Salt Spring Island,
Photo by Sue Frause

One of the loveliest places to stay in BC's Gulf Islands is the Hastings House Country House Hotel on Salt Spring Island.

Ready to welcome guests again for the upcoming spring, summer and fall seasons -- the April 2, 2010 re-opening is being celebrated with a special Three Nights for Two (plus a picnic for two).

The special runs April 2-June 30, 2010. If you can't get away for a third night, you'll receive a 50% off certificate for the second night of your next stay beginning Sept. 21, 2010.

Rates include a full English breakfast and afternoon tea.

Also, Hastings House is offering four Wellness Retreats this year in April, May, June and October.

Kenmore Air resumes its float plane service from Seattle to Ganges on Salt Spring Island on April 1, 2010. Service includes one flight a day on Mondays-Thursdays-Fridays-Sundays. Daily service begins May 1, 2010.

Saturna Island: Six float plane passengers die

I was so saddened to hear about the recent float plane crash off Saturna Island. I'm not only a big fan of this British Columbia Island, I have a good friend who has a home there -- and travels frequently between Vancouver, BC and Lyall Harbour on Saturna.

It was a relief to hear from him via email that he was safe. But he was obviously shook up about the crash. Saturna, like many of the Gulf Islands, is a small community where everybody knows everybody.

I'm a regular flyer on float planes, and travel frequently between Seattle's Lake Union and Victoria, BC. I've also flown into Tofino and the Sunshine Coast.

This recent tragedy, which took six lives including an infant, won't stop me from using float planes to visit British Columbia. But my heart goes out to the families and friends of those who perished.

Float plane over the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
Photo by Sue Frause

BC's Hasting House offers 3 for 2 special

One of British Columbia's most elegant inns, Hastings House on Salt Spring Island, is offering a 3 for 2 special this fall. Simply put, pay for two nights and the third is free.

Included in the special are overnight accommodations, an English breakfast, afternoon tea and a picnic lunch. The offer is valid through Nov. 7, 2009 when the inn closes for the season. It reopens April 2, 2010.

Here are a few of the activities going on this autumn at Hastings House:

Shelley and Callie are busy planting hundreds of bulbs on the grounds. That means a glorious display of flora and color in the spring of 2010.

There is an abundance of fruit at Hasting Hosue this year. The kitchen staff will be harvesting the pears in October, so look for some special desserts and other menu items incorporating pears.

Chef Marcel Kauer is preparing a yummy Autumn Bisque, using local organic produce delivered to the Hastings House by Charlie Eagle of Bright Farms.

See more of my photos from my 2007 stay here.

Late summer roses in bloom at Hastings House
Photo by Sue Frause

Window on Canada: Gulf Islands, BC

Kayak trip with Blue Planet Kayaking
Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Photo b Sue Frause

Canada boasts three top 10 islands

Canada can be proud of its islands. In Conde Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards, Canada has three islands that made it in the Top 10 North American Islands category. And for the seventh year in a row, Vancouver Island takes first place honors in Conde Nast Traveler's Top 10 North American Islands.

BC's Gulf Islands placed #4, while Prince Edward Island came in right behind at #5. The magazine's annual awards are in the November 2008 issue -- you can also see the results by logging onto their interactive map.

Top 10 North American Islands

Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Kiawah, South Carolina
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Amelia Island, Florida
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Mount Desert Island, Maine
San Juan Islands, Washington
Mackinac, Michigan
Sanibel, Florida

Low tide at Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island
Photo by Sue Frause

Salt Spring Island's Hasting House a four-star getaway in BC's Gulf Islands

Hastings House Country House Hotel is a luxurious, small country resort, spa and restaurant on Salt Spring Island. It's situated on 22 acres of waterfront property overlooking Ganges Harbour in British Columbia's Gulf Islands.

Photos by Sue Frause