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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with ZenSeekersPlease review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
Through programming, tours, and simply being in a stunning natural location in the heart of the forest, McLean Mill Historic Park in Port Alberni has everything you need for a fun family outing. I spent a whole day at the grounds with ZenSeekers, getting a guided tour and having so much fun taking photos. You can read my full article on the ZenSeekers site but here are some quick, useful takeaways that will inspire you to visit.
4 Things to Check Out at McLean Mill Historic Park
1. The Forest Walk
This National Historic Site is also a beautiful park, with winding paths under a leafy green canopy, and lines of market lights that give it such a calm and dreamy atmosphere.
2. The Sawmill & Camp Life
This is where you’ll find all the history! Take a tour or guide yourself through the dozens of historic buildings, from McLean family lodgings to the bunk house, cook house, and blacksmith shop. The old sawmill has some really fun parts to explore too.
3. The Cafe, gift shop, picnic area, and games!
At the entrance to the park you’ll see the Steam Pot Cafe building, which serves up a scoop of local history inside along with dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Grab a burger or poutine, and hang out on the picnic tables. You might also find a giant Jenga or board game to sit down and play with the family.
4. Beyond the sawmill
Past the cafe, the forest walk, and even the sawmill, there is the log pond, creek, and logging demo area that also has walking trails. There is also a bunch of colourful old equipment, draped in vines that are perfect for photo ops.
It’s a quick 10 minute drive (20 minute cycle) from town, or you can take the historic steam railway. There are also special events all throughout the year, including a treasure hunt on Father’s Day, Jeepers Creepers on Halloween, and Heritage Christmas.
Search #ExplorePortAlberni for more travel inspiration. Be sure to tag #ExplorePortAlberni while checking out the region. You might just be featured on our social media channels!
Playland Nights are adults-only after hours events happening every Friday, from June 22 to July 27, 2018.
Playland is hosting these 6 evenings for those 19+, with food, drinks, midway games, and exhilarating rides. The grounds will be fully licensed, so you can enjoy your favourite craft beer, glass of wine, or Playland-inspired cocktail throughout the park.
Adults-Only After Hours Playland Nights
When: June 22 & 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018
7:00pm to 12:00am midnight Tickets: Last year’s events sold out, tickets are now on sale, act fast! Playland Season Passes are not valid for these special events. Some activations require an extra fee.
In addition to guest DJs spinning party tunes under the twinkling lights, people can enjoy Playland-inspired cocktails, craft beer and wine while participating in the fun.
New this year: Discover a virtual reality racing experience, burlesque shows featuring nostalgic carnival glamour, and atmospheric entertainment.
Test your Lumber Jack/Jill skills at the axe-throwing station and more exciting activations throughout the site. There are also VIP offerings to provide exclusive benefits for discerning guests looking for an elevated experience.
Win Passes
I have a 4-pack of tickets to give away to the first Playland Nights event on Friday, June 22, 2018. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win 4 passes for #PlaylandNights @PNE_Playland http://ow.ly/mfDp30kwkcI” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly.
Free, outdoor activities are all the rage in Vancouver during the summer months and nothing gets locals and visitors moving like dance. Dance in Transit returns to various locations across the the city with free, public dance events for all skill levels, running until September 1, 2018.
Dance in Transit
Free Outdoor Dance Series in Vancouver
The idea is to engage Vancouver in healthy, safe, fun activity that will include all cultures and occupations, dancers and people who have never danced before. This project is all about building community, expanding social networks, and easing people away from their digital devices and back to face-to- face connection.
Robson Square: Below street level on Robson between Howe & Hornby
Jim Deva Plaza: Davie Street at Bute by the rainbow crosswalk
Chain & Forge on Granville Island: Under the Granville Bridge @ 1404 Anderson St
Schedule
June 16, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
June 21, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
June 23, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
June 30, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 5, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
July 7, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 14, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 19, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
July 21, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 22, 2018 @ Second Beach Sports Day 1:00pm to 2:00pm
July 26, 2018 @ Granville Island 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 27, 2018 @ Granville Island 8:00pm to 11:00pm
July 28, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 4, 2018 @ Sunset Beach Festival 4:00pm to 5:00pm
August 11, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 16, 2018 @ Granville Island 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 25, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
August 30, 2018 @ Jim Deva Plaza 6:30pm to 9:00pm
September 1, 2018 @ Robson Square 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Westcoast Sightseeing is launching Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver on June 23rd featuring Executive Chef Ned Bell. 22 guests can enjoy a meal while suspended 150 feet above West Esplanade for an elevated 360 dining experience like no other.
Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver
From June 23 through July 29, 2018, Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver will be presenting fabulous brunch, lunch and dinner offerings from its scenic location at 415 West Esplanade, which showcases spectacular ocean, mountain and city vistas.
Individual experiences and private events for Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver are available to be booked online. Other locations for this summer will soon be announced.
Well-known Canadian chef, Ned Bell is sure to bring elevated excitement and culinary flair to Brunch in the Sky, Lunch in the Sky, and Dinner in the Sky. Bell has established his reputation across Canada with his passionate approach to cooking and his commitment to using high quality local and sustainable foods.
Bell brings his special sauce to Dinner in the Sky’s menu development, staff training and to upcoming celebrity chef experiences that will be threaded throughout the summer. Look to the affable, sustainable seafood advocate to bring exceptional ingredients and his “globally inspired, locally created” food philosophy to the table.
Dinner in the Sky Canada serves 22 guests with four staff including the chef, two servers and one designated safety lead. Guests can enjoy a 360-degree view with secure, comfortable rotating and reclining seating. It will offer eight to ten brunch, lunch, dinner, and other experiences each day, as well as themed special events, weddings and other private celebrations.
The venue includes a premium reception lounge for check-in and pre- and post-dining beverages, appetizer and dessert.
The SKOOKUM Festival is coming up September 7-9, 2018 in Stanley Park and with acts like Arkells, Metric, The Killers, Florence + The Machine taking to the stage, local culinary rockstars will be serving up delicious meals at pop-up restaurants, long tables, and more.
SKOOKUM will be unlike any other music festival, offering gourmet culinary experiences and tasting areas that will showcase some of the best BC wines, locally-produced craft beers and a selection of local craft distilleries.
SKOOKUM Festival Culinary Program and Food Options
Tickets for the following new add-ons will go on sale Friday, June 15, 2018 at 10:00am on the SKOOKUM Festival website.
SKOOKUM Long Table Dinner Series includes some of BC’s best restaurants and chefs including Edible Canada with Ocean Wise ambassador Ned Bell, Joy Road Catering from the Okanagan Valley, and St. Lawrence + Kissa Tanto collaborating for a dinner you won’t forget.
SKOOKUM Picnic Baskets will offer a variety of lunch options created by renowned Vancouver restaurants and hot spots including Hawksworth, Bel Cafe, Honey Salt and les amis du FROMAGE.
The SKOOKUM culinary program will also include a wide array of restaurant pop-ups and food trucks to satisfy any craving including; Bao Bei, Coast, Italian Kitchen, Vital Supply Co, Vij’s, Belgard Kitchen, Monarch Burger, Cartems, Fiasco Gelato, Fat Mao Noodles, Mr Bannock, Crab Park Chowdery & many more.
A broad assortment of local craft breweries, wineries and micro distilleries will also be conveniently located on the festival site highlighting the best of the region.
To learn more about SKOOKUM, including passes and pricing – and the food and beverage program, visit the SKOOKUM Festival website »
Win a Foodie Experience at SKOOKUM Festival
Enjoy food at a music festival like never before!
I have 2 full weekend passes to give away for SKOOKUM along with 2 tickets to the 5:00pm Joy Road Catering Long Table Dinner! Here’s how you can enter to win:
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a Foodie Experience at @SKOOKUMFestival with 2 weekend passes + @JoyRoadCatering Long Table dinner passes http://ow.ly/TNMf30kuO4d” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
The value of this package is over $1200! I will draw one lucky winner (must be 19+) on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 12:00pm. Please enjoy responsibly.
The inaugural three-day festival is produced by BRANDLIVE in collaboration with Virgin Mobile and will feature over 50 stage performances by some of the biggest names in music today, live and multimedia art installations; gourmet culinary experiences from some of Vancouver’s most acclaimed restaurants; pop-up and roaming entertainment and tasting areas showcasing some of the best BC wines, locally brewed craft beer as well as select offerings from local area craft distilleries.
For more information, follow SKOOKUM on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with the tag #SkookumFestival.
In addition to guest DJs spinning party tunes under the twinkling lights, people can enjoy Playland-inspired cocktails, craft beer and wine while participating in the fun. 
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