Things to Do in Ferndale

At U Paint I Fire, artists create personalized pottery under the direction of head instructor John, a man with decades of experience in ceramics. Mugs, bowls, and pots twist into existence every day at the studio, especially during group classes. In these sessions, students use their hands, a wheel, or telekinesis to formulate creations and learn other important techniques, such as trimming and glazing. In addition to its classes, U Paint I Fire opens its studio space for birthday parties, bridal showers, and school projects. An assortment of tools and supplies is available for purchase.

After years in the IT industry, Danielle was ready for a change. Her tech-based clients seemed to be in perpetually foul moods, and she longed for days filled with smiles and the occasional inspirational conversation. She had always loved to paint, so opening her paint-your-own pottery studio felt like a natural way to fuse her passion for art with her desire to interact with people in a helpful way. Only one more thing was standing in the way of bringing her dream to life: a business partner, which she quickly found in her daughter Jennifer.

Together, this mother-and-daughter team runs Danielle's Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio. To inspire creativity in others, they stock the studio's shelves with more than 300 bisque pieces, including mugs, bowls, and figurines. The pair guides artists through the creation process, helping them use stamps, stencils, and each other's ponytails to paint personal masterpieces. When not glazing and firing their customers' finished artwork, the duo also teaches classes on glass fusion and hosts special events such as birthday parties.

Fossil records suggest white sturgeon have been dwelling on rocky river bottoms for more than 200 million years. They bear armoured plates rather than scales, and according to the guides at Great River Fishing Adventures, they fight like "a cross between a marlin and a freight train."

Having tagged a record-length sturgeon at 3.8 metres, the team has attracted several notable anglers, including Jimmy Houston and Jakub Vágner of National Geographic Channel’s Fish Warrior. They specialize in tracking down the prehistoric river monsters, then catching them to aid in the species' fight for survival. Since 1995, expert anglers and envious goldfish have collected data from more than 90,000 sturgeons as part of an active monitoring program. They regularly lead groups on fishing trips to share the thrill of reeling in the fish while demonstrating proper catch-and-release techniques to keep the fish population flourishing.

Great River Fishing Adventures supplies all necessary equipment for each fishing trip. They also lead excursions to track down steelhead, trout, and Bobby Fischer's pawn lure.

Click here to see video of the record sturgeon.

Dennis Brady and his glass-blowing brood do more than supply Victoria with a steady stream of colourful crystalline pieces. They also impart the tricks of their trade in easy-to-understand classes, lectures, and workshops. Artists can take advantage of one of the studio's many kilns for rent or use the sandblaster to etch intricate designs into smooth surfaces to practice for a new gig as Jack Frost. The glassomancers' educational programs emphasize the business end of artistry, with numerous classes aimed specifically at improving one's marketability.

The nature enthusiasts at West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals supply sportsmen with Hobie kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the protected waters of the Jordan River, Sombrio Beach, and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Needing no prior experience, single explorers or duos propel their vessels with paddles or fully adjustable kayak pedal systems, which leave hands free for photographing scenery, fishing, or manning the onboard crepe stations. Highlights include wildlife encounters with seals, otters, and eagles.

Led by April Vokey—conservationist and casting instructor certified by the Federation of Fly Fishers—the guides at Fly Gal Ventures launched the wilderness enterprise to empower female fly fishermen. Today, Fly Gal's operations help hone the skills of all levels and ages of anglers through workshops and guided fly-fishing trips. Instruction tailored to both co-ed and women-only groups provides tutelage in techniques including fly tying, perfecting the cast, and how to stay calm when confronted by a talking fish. Alternatively, Fly Gal's crew leads walk-and-wade excursions primarily throughout the waterways of Lower British Columbia, claiming hauls of feisty steelhead, salmon, and sturgeon. Staying true to its roots of empowering female fishermen, Fly Gal's equipment experts also outfit damsels in women's fly-fishing gear.