Emily Armstrong

What’s one or two of your favourite events during Ocean Week Victoria?

My favourite events are the ocean festivals! They are a great way to connect with the community, learn from local experts, and have fun celebrating the ocean. I highly recommend that people check out the Gorge Splashtacular Ocean Festival on May 30th, the World Ocean Day Celebration at Fisherman’s Wharf on May 31st, and the World Ocean Day Celebration in Sidney on June 7th. I hope to ‘sea’ everyone there!

What’s the most memorable wildlife encounter you’ve had in Victoria?

I am fortunate enough to have experienced several incredible wildlife encounters, but the most memorable encounter was with a River Otter near McNeil Bay. I was exploring the coastline and shooting wildlife photography for a project that focused on Anthropogenic impacts, when I came across a very hungry otter! It sat on the rocks just a few feet away from me, munching on a very long, and presumably, very tasty fish. We sat there for quite some time, observing one another. To this day, it remains one of my favorite shots.

What’s one ocean experience in Victoria everyone should try?

Everyone should experience the intertidal coastlines of Victoria at low tide! There is so much life, wonder, and colour beneath the waves – just waiting to be discovered! The intertidal zone is incredibly sensitive and home to many delicate invertebrates, fish, and seabirds, so exploration of these areas requires sturdy footing, and great, gentle, care. Talk to your local experts about the safest ways to tidepool!

What’s your favourite beach in Greater Victoria?

My favourite beaches in Greater Victoria are along Dallas Road. I have spent several hours exploring the rocky intertidal zones of Clover Point and have been a lucky witness to many incredible marine invertebrates, sea lions, sea birds, and even a few pods of orcas.

Where’s the best place to watch the sunset in Victoria?

One of the best places to watch the sunset is on the top of Mount Douglas on a clear-skied night. Being so high up, you can experience 360-degree views and watch how the sunset layers in different hues of red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple colours over the cityscape. Pair it with a hike to the top and it is a truly breath-taking way to experience an evening in Victoria.

What makes Victoria such a special place to connect with nature?

Victoria offers so many special opportunities to observe, learn, and listen to nature. We are lucky enough to be positioned along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, which is one of the most biological diverse oceans in the entire world! Locally, we have some of the most amazing creatures, such as the Southern Resident Killer Whales, Opalescent Nudibranchs, Puget Sound King Crabs, Sea otters, and Humpback Whales, to name just a few! Victoria is also so close to mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, which provides the opportunity to connect with nature at every turn. There are also so many experts, scientists, and elders to learn from, and it is overall such a positive community that cares about nature.

What’s your go-to spot for a walk by the water?

One of my favourite places for a walk along the water is the Songhees Walkway. It offers long, gorgeous, and accessible paths that connect Downtown Victoria to Esquimalt. I like to turn on a podcast, grab tea from the local shops, and enjoy the sun rays!

What’s one small way people can help protect Victoria’s coastlines and waterways?

The best way to protect Victoria’s coastlines is through education! Take the time to speak to local science experts, elders, and educators, and find out how you can get involved in volunteer opportunities and restoration projects, or ways to limit your personal anthropogenic impact. Everyone has a role to play. The first step in making a difference is taking the time to care, listen, and learn, and then you can pass along your wisdom to friends, colleagues, neighbors and family members. Choices and actions that are made here will ripple out everywhere, so it is important to share knowledge and work together to conserve the environment.