Portal Magazine

Portal Magazine VIU's annual full-colour literary magazine Prime words. Compelling art. Momentous beginnings. What makes Portal so portentous?

Portal is your gateway to accomplished short fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, scripts, interviews, art, and photography by Vancouver Island University students. Enter Portal’s literary universe and discover worlds and futures ready to unfold. It is “of ourselves and our origins”—a contemporary portrait of literary talent in the making, a portable guide to the VIU from here. First published i

n 1991, Portal Magazine has been and continues to be made possible through the generous support of advertisers, donors, and student fundraising. All inquiries and submissions can be made to:
[email protected]

In Portal alum Tianna Vertigan’s poem “Debridement,” old wounds are revisited through a lens of growth and decay.“Rotten...
04/13/2025

In Portal alum Tianna Vertigan’s poem “Debridement,” old wounds are revisited through a lens of growth and decay.

“Rotten” was illustrated and submitted by Bailey Bellosillo and appears in Portal 2025.

#2025

The annual Portal launch is only 2 weeks away 🎉 - Have you got your tickets yet? Join us for an evening of readings from...
04/12/2025

The annual Portal launch is only 2 weeks away 🎉 - Have you got your tickets yet?

Join us for an evening of readings from contributors in the magazine, a reception with catered food, themed merchandise, a cash bar, and scholarships and awards presented by the Creative Writing department!

Tickets are $25 and available from this year’s masthead or at the door on the night of the launch!

See you April 25th 😉
__

In “Those Eyes,” a memoir written by Portal Script Editor Daxton Comba, a maturing son learns to better understand his s...
04/11/2025

In “Those Eyes,” a memoir written by Portal Script Editor Daxton Comba, a maturing son learns to better understand his stoic father and himself through shared grief.

“Duality” was captured and submitted by Ronin Harver, and appears in Portal 2025.

An emotional fiction piece written by Portal alum Tammi Carto, “Not Too Far Along,” follows a married couple navigating ...
04/08/2025

An emotional fiction piece written by Portal alum Tammi Carto, “Not Too Far Along,” follows a married couple navigating intense grief.

“Crocus” was captured and submitted by Jenaya Jacques-Shaw.

Written by last year’s Portent Prize winner, Flynn Connolly Sifton, “He Sings To Us” weaves isolation and small-town fol...
04/05/2025

Written by last year’s Portent Prize winner, Flynn Connolly Sifton, “He Sings To Us” weaves isolation and small-town folklore to create a profound and emotional short story.

Appearing in Portal 2025, “Spotlight” was captured and submitted by Portaler Tara Wohlleben, who acts as ½ of our Acquisitions Editor team.

Written by Zoe Chong, one of Portal’s Script Editors, “The Ascension Program” presents otherworldly sci-fi and engaging ...
04/03/2025

Written by Zoe Chong, one of Portal’s Script Editors, “The Ascension Program” presents otherworldly sci-fi and engaging questions of good, evil, and the afterlife.

#2025

“Ophelia After Dark,” a poem written by Kaia Lee, paints a rebellious and gritty tableau of feminine survival.“Cast a Sh...
04/01/2025

“Ophelia After Dark,” a poem written by Kaia Lee, paints a rebellious and gritty tableau of feminine survival.

“Cast a Shadow” was captured and submitted by Portal alum Francesca Pacchiano and appears in Portal 2025.

#2025

The 2025 issue of Portal is just past the horizon. Take our hand and we’ll show you…
03/29/2025

The 2025 issue of Portal is just past the horizon. Take our hand and we’ll show you…

“Morning Glory,” a poem by Portal alum Laurent Lemay, takes us through the aftermath of a less-than-glorious encounter a...
03/28/2025

“Morning Glory,” a poem by Portal alum Laurent Lemay, takes us through the aftermath of a less-than-glorious encounter and the feelings that arise as a result.

“Sunrise On The 5:45” was captured and submitted by Owen Last.

Did you know that Portal 2025 features 35 pieces of original artwork and photography? Make sure to grab a copy at our launch on April 25th to see them in all their printed glory!

In “Look Out,” a fiction piece by Nicole Kaastra, a young woman attempts to leave her past behind as she embarks on a sc...
03/27/2025

In “Look Out,” a fiction piece by Nicole Kaastra, a young woman attempts to leave her past behind as she embarks on a scenic solo hiking trip. What could go wrong?

“Lookout” was captured and submitted by Portaler Tara Wohlleben, who acts as ½ of our acquisitions editor team.

An exploratory non-fiction piece written by one of our contributors, Elke Sorenson. We can’t wait for you to read this e...
03/25/2025

An exploratory non-fiction piece written by one of our contributors, Elke Sorenson. We can’t wait for you to read this eclectic story about the art of taxidermy very soon in our upcoming print!

Photo, “Mallard Reflections” by Mick Sweetman featured on the second slide is a representation of how beautiful our wildlife is here in Canada and such an exquisite shot.

Here’s a little sneak peek of a poem written by one our contributors, Bethany Morley (.grace_ )! Second slide is a photo...
03/25/2025

Here’s a little sneak peek of a poem written by one our contributors, Bethany Morley (.grace_ )!

Second slide is a photograph titled “Herring Spawn at Neck Point” captured by Mick Sweetman () also featured in our next issue.

Did you know that Portal magazine is dedicated to supporting student artists and photographers, using vegetable-based inks and recycled paper!

Catch our annual issue and the official launch on April 25th!

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