Skip to content
Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal

Austin Westphal is originally from San Diego, California, Austin is an international man of mystery who holds degrees from San Diego State University and the University of British Columbia. His work has appeared in publications across Canada, including the Narwhal, Canadian Geographic and La Presse, often exploring his interests in science, politics and all things unusual. He's a passionate storyteller who believes that some of the greatest stories can be found in the most unsuspecting of places. When he's not in the newsroom, Austin can be found enjoying B.C.'s natural beauty, cranking up some Steely Dan or searching for Vancouver Island's best fried chicken sandwich.

Recent Work by Austin

Inmates say totem pole they helped carve at B.C. jail a catalyst for remarkable change

Inmates say totem pole they helped carve at B.C. jail a catalyst for remarkable change

About 160 at Vancouver Island Regional Corrections Centre participated in first-of-its-kind project
Simulated oil spill off B.C. coast tests marine response

Simulated oil spill off B.C. coast tests marine response

Crews from the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation deployed as part of biannual exercise
B.C. safe supply advocates rally to mark 7 years of toxic drug crisis

B.C. safe supply advocates rally to mark 7 years of toxic drug crisis

More than 11,300 British Columbians have died from toxic drug deaths since 2016
‘Economic boom’: Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria as first ship of B.C. cruise season

‘Economic boom’: Sapphire Princess docks in Victoria as first ship of B.C. cruise season

More than 300 ships expected in B.C. waters, bringing up to a million visitors
‘They paved the way for us’: Chinese community honours others at Island cemetery

‘They paved the way for us’: Chinese community honours others at Island cemetery

Qingming event held at historic cemetery at Harling Point in Victoria
UVic researchers help bring First Nation back to Nootka Island with wave power

UVic researchers help bring First Nation back to Nootka Island with wave power

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation looks towards renewable energy microgrid to power future community
Construction underway in B.C. for Canada’s first National Centre for Indigenous Laws

Construction underway in B.C. for Canada’s first National Centre for Indigenous Laws

University of Victoria facility to host degrees in Canadian Common Law, Indigenous legal orders
PHOTOS: B.C. firefighters honour fallen colleagues with cancer warning

PHOTOS: B.C. firefighters honour fallen colleagues with cancer warning

The same gear that’s supposed to protect first responders is also killing them due to cancer, says firefighter
UVic astronomer writes ultimate Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands snorkelling guide

UVic astronomer writes ultimate Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands snorkelling guide

Snorkelling Adventures Around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands hits shelves March 11
B.C. eyes $150M spend for 911 upgrades, including texting

B.C. eyes $150M spend for 911 upgrades, including texting

Upgrades to provide new options for British Columbians to reach emergency services
More work by Austin >