Jessica Kirby is a freelance writer and editor based on beautiful Vancouver Island. She writes for several Canadian publications and oversees the editorial direction of four industry trade publications. Jessica grew up tenting in Northern Ontario, where she developed an early appreciation for the forest and open water. She spends most of the summer camping Vancouver Island’s temperate forests and driftwood beaches with her family in their much-loved 1972 Alpine Sprite.
Jessica has a bachelor of arts degree in creative writing from Vancouver Island University and continually hones her craft through professional development opportunities offered by the Professional Editors Association of Vancouver Island and the Editors Association of Canada.
When she isn’t nestled among stacks of paper in her home office, Jessica can be found running or biking the Island countryside, practicing yoga or exploring the B.C. coastal wilderness with her family.
In B.C.’s north, where short growing seasons and limited transportation can limit available ingredients, developing a local cuisine flavour is a trick–unless it means a secret mission to make healthy, vegetarian comfort food the community’s daily norm.
January 2016 by Jessica Kirby
Looking for local flavour in the Shuswap?
January 2016 by Jessica Kirby
Ben and Rebecca Pazdernik have taken the dream of living on the road to a robust and exciting level, making a decent living and travelling at their leisure, unsure if they’ll ever go back to living stationary.
January 2016 by Jessica Kirby
Whether you are hounding for rocks, discovering history or staging a Victorian-era shootout, Socorro, New Mexico, promises edu-tourism opportunities to immerse travellers in local tradition and history.
October 2015 by Jessica Kirby
Swim with the gentle giants of the sea, or take in history at Jesuit missions or on mule-back cave painting tours in magical Baja California Sur, Mexico.
October 2015 by Jessica Kirby
The Mesquite Fine Arts Center and community classroom hosts a number of ongoing drop-in classes that will appeal to any creative imagination.
September 2015 by Jessica Kirby
Painting, pottery and cooking classes are all available for snowbirds in Phoenix, Arizona.
September 2015 by Jessica Kirby
The Gitselasu lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years before George Little founded the town of Terrace in 1905. Today’s visit to Terrace is not complete without experiencing firsthand both elements of local history.
May 2015 by Jessica Kirby
High Level may not be old, but it has history. Don't miss the Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitor Information Centre.
April 2015 by Jessica Kirby
Just a short drive from either Mesquite or Pahrump, Nevada, are some unique, heart-of-the-desert destinations.
October 2014 by Jessica Kirby
With annual trips to B.C. and memorable snowbirding in the southern U.S., this retired couple from Alberta knows how to live the good life on wheels.
September 2014 by Jessica Kirby
Wildlife and scenic views capture northern B.C.’s essence, while endless adventure possibilities keep locals and visitors exploring year round.
May 2014 by Jessica Kirby
Gorgeous views, endless natural wonders, and hand-made chocolate—Prince George has it all, and more.
April 2014 by Jessica Kirby
Travellers with a passion for adventure, the outdoors and fresh pan-fried Arctic char will always have a place in their hearts for beautiful Yellowknife, NWT.
April 2014 by Jessica Kirby
The Stoney Creek Valley flows through Camrose like a river, bringing with it acres of beautiful native flora.
February 2014 by Jessica Kirby
A conservatory in Regina and a native plant museum are must-sees in southern Saskatchewan.
January 2014 by Jessica Kirby
Kit Frost’s camper did more than get her off the ground—it changed her life. With more flexibility and space to store her camera gear, Frost is off chasing the perfect shot—and storm—every other weekend.
January 2014 by Jessica Kirby
Photographer Larry Bradfish gives some tips for capturing the stunning beauty of Haines, Alaska.
January 2014 by Jessica Kirby
Gravelbourg is a cozy prairie town that has some of Canada’s most photo-worthy icons: wooden grain elevators.
December 2013 by Jessica Kirby
Tumbler Ridge is the waterfall capital of the north, offering photography lovers countless opportunities to obtain scenic shots from several angles.
December 2013 by Jessica Kirby