Malcolm Island Sointula
2018 Visitor Guide
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Contents Design Your Own Adventure Eccentricities of Sointula 2018 Special Events Island History Geography of Malcolm Island How to get here Sointula The Sointula Museum The Sointula Harbour Bere Point Regional Park Hiking Trails Wildlife Malcolm Island Listings Map Sointula Listings Map Arts and Crafts Accommodation Dining Services Health and wellness Public Facilities
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The 2018 malcolm island Visitors Guide was produced by Darryl Luscombe for the Sointula Resource Centre Society. All photographs and maps by Darryl Luscombe. darryl@luscombe.ca or Facebook: SointulArt
Welcome to Malcolm Island Malcolm Island welcomes you to our small slice of paradise. Situated off the northern end of Vancouver Island, Wander the town’s streets, grab a coffee, visit the museum or an art studio, enjoy a halibut burger at the harbour or take one of our day hikes. The miles of accessible beach and long stretches of flat, quiet roads make our island the perfect spot for beachcombing and bike riding. Malcolm Island is the place for people who want to explore for themselves. It offers a safe, friendly environment for outdoor activities, as well as plenty of solitude for unwinding.
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Design Your Own Adventure
Malcolm Island has little in the way of pre-programmed tourist attractions, but you can “design your own adventure”. Wander the town’s streets, grab a coffee, visit the museum or an art studio, enjoy a halibut burger at the harbour or take one of our day hikes. The miles of accessible beach and long stretches of flat, quiet roads make our island the perfect spot for beachcombing and bike riding. Malcolm Island is the place for people who want to explore for themselves. It offers a safe, friendly environment for outdoor activities, as well as plenty of solitude for unwinding.
Eccentricities of Sointula
Things you only know if you live here... The ferry line-up is along First Street. The 7:55 am ferry leaves at 7:20 am on Sundays. The Co-Op store is closed Sundays & Mondays, but the Co-Op Gas Station is open every day. Local dogs (and cats) have the right-of-way; if you come across one sleeping on the road, let it sleep and go around. You can make an appointment to see the museum in the off season. Sointula’s folklore is rich with tales of local eccentrics. Some are still living among us today.
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2018 Special Events March 3 - Seedy Saturday April 21 & 22 - 18th Annual Doug Innes Memorial Spring Bird Count May 13 - Mothers Day Plant Sale May 18 to 21 - Annual Baseball Tournament June 8 - World Ocean’s Day August 4 - 10th Annual Pet Pawrade August 10 to 12 - Salmon Days Festival September 22 - Heart Sparks November 11 - Seniors Fall/Winter Bazaar November 16 to 18 - Winterfestival Winter - Storm Watching (by chance)
Island History
Political and economic turmoil motivated many to immigrate to North America at the end of the nineteenth century. They spread across the country looking for freedom, social justice and economic opportunity. Tired of being oppressed in Vancouver Island’s coal mines, a group of Finns sent for charismatic utopian socialist and journalist, Matti Kurikka, to lead them. They named their community, Sointula, meaning “place of harmony”. Their aim was to create a society where property was communal; everyone shared; everyone participated and everyone was equal, including women - a revolutionary concept in those times. The energetic community developed a foundry, a brickyard, a sawmill and blacksmith shop. They published AIKA “Times”, the first Finnish newspaper in Canada, using it to encourage immigrants to come to Sointula.
They believed They believed in “sound body, sound mind,” so there were regular exercise sessions, gymnastic programs, music instruction, concerts and drama productions. Unfortunately Kurikka’s leadership proved more idealistic than practical and he left the community after making one too many bad decisions. Steady and consistent Austin Makela took the reins in an attempt to salvage what remained. To this day he is known as “the one who stayed.” But after four years of hardships and disappointment which included a devastating fire, fickle markets, hostile creditors, bad planning and bad luck, the members of the Kalevan Kansa Colonization Company sold the assets to the bank and returned the island to the
Government of British Columbia. However the “sisu” 6 (spirit) of Sointula was not to be underestimated. The people who remained purchased the land and turned to commercial fishing and hand logging. They dug their roots deeply into the island and built their community with their own vision. The first residents of Malcolm Island formed the Sointula Co-Operative Store Association in 1909, making it British Columbia’s oldest running cooperative. Initially they started to supply products and supplies to local farmers and fisherman, as well as providing an outlet for local goods. Over the years the Co-Op has supplied groceries and professional services. Today it also features a hardware store and a gas station. More than one hundred years after it first opened its doors, the Co-Op remains the centre of commerce and the social hub of Malcolm Island. Independent, individualistic entrepreneurs were and still are attracted to Sointula. Descendents of the original pioneers and newer arrivals continue to be inspired by the dreams of freedom and cooperation. Sointula’s heritage can be seen in the last names filling the local phone book and old timers can still be heard speaking the language. Today Sointula offers a unique blend of history, fishing & nature. For a taste of Utopia wander the streets to connect the past with the present.
Geography of Malcolm Island
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Malcolm Island is 24 km (14 miles) long and 3 km (1.8 miles) at its narrowest point. A 28 km (17.3 mile) gravel road runs down the spine of the island and connects Mitchell Bay to Pulteney Point. Mitchell Bay is a quaint community on the southeast point of Malcolm Island. Half-way down Kaleva Rd. (approx. 4 km) the road forks to the left up a steep hill going to Mitchell Bay (approx 10 km). Keep the power lines on your right. While in Mitchell Bay you can visit a B&B/farm or walk along the beach to Donegal Head at low tide. On the return trip take the route through the centre of the island past Big Lake, which is the local swimming hole and continue to Pulteney Point on the other end of the island. Pulteney Point Lighthouse is still manned. To get there you must park just before the gate on the right and take the short path to the beach. Then it’s only a 10 minute walk along the beach to the lighthouse.
How to get here
Via Inland Highway 19 from anywhere on Vancouver Island or take the more colourful Highway 19A (the “old highway”). The drive north from Campbell River offers visitors 200 km of sparsely inhabited forests with dramatic mountain and lake views. Take the ferry to Sointula from the Port McNeill terminal. FERRY SCHEDULE Alert Bay
(Departure times shown)
Sointula
Port McNeill
06:40 am 07:55 am
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09:35 am 11:00 am 12:20 pm 01:45 pm 03:15 pm 04:35 pm• 05:55 pm 07:10 pm 08:25 pm
arr. 10:35 pm
09:00 pm 10:00 pm@
07:25 am* 08:40 am 10:25 am• 11:25 am 01:10 pm 02:20 pm 04:05 pm 05:10 pm 06:40 pm 07:40 pm 09:30 pm
* There is no 7:25 am sailing on Sundays from Port McNeill to Sointula. The first ferry on Sundays to Sointula leaves Port McNeill at 10:25 am # Sunday departure from Sointula to Port McNeill at 7:20 am @ 10:00 pm ferry goes only to Alert Bay • Dangerous cargo sailings every 2nd Tuesday. No public travel on 10:25 am and 4:35 pm ferry’s on dangerous cargo days.
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Sointula
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Arriving in Sointula, after a short ferry ride from Port McNeill, visitors are immediately aware of the uniqueness of this historic village which effortlessly blends the past with the present. From the 100 year old Co-op in the heart of the village to the historic community halls up the street, the visitor will get a sense of the hopes and aspirations of the people who came to create a new and better society than the one they left behind. The downtown area includes a Resource Centre, Co-op store, Gas Station, Bakery, Deli/Cafe, Hotel, and Post Office.
A walk of a few blocks takes you to the interactive museum, offering a glimpse into Sointula’s past. Up on the hill lies the historic community halls. Continue your stroll along 1st Street to the hardware store and finally the boat harbour. Don’t miss the historic anchor and take a moment to read the “Lost at Sea” memorial. The commercial fleet and pleasure boats share the harbour. There is plenty of space for visiting mariners, along with power and water. There is a facility with showers, laundry and public restrooms.
The ferry line-up runs along 1st Street, beginning at 17th Ave.
The Sointula Museum
Offers visitors a unique experience. Its collection includes artifacts, publications and photos about the history of Sointula and its transformation from a Finnish commune to the eclectic community of today. Open daily during the summer 12 noon to 4 pm, Friday May 18 until Sunday September 30, 2018. Off-season visits can be arranged - see contact number posted on the museum door and at the Resource Centre.
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The Sointula Harbour
Two kilometers north from centre of town along 1st Street. Protected harbour with spacious moorage. Summer office hours 8:30am to 4:30pm, 7 days a week. Clean hot showers and laundromat, open 24 hours. The Malcolm Island Lions Harbour Authority Phone and fax: 250-973-6544 www.sointulaharbour.com Email: milha@shaw.ca
Bere Point Regional Park
Bere Point (pronounced as “bear”) is only six kilometres out of town. It offers 27 campsites, each nestled in the trees just off the beach, many with stunning views across Queen Charlotte Strait to the snow-capped Coastal Mountains. A short trail takes you to the Point and the start of Beautiful Bay Trail. Perched high above the point is a viewing platform. If you’re lucky you may see Orca on the rubbing beach below. Relax and enjoy the moment. Eagles, dolphins, porpoise, sea lions and humpback whales also frequent the area. Please note that there is no power and no water at the Bere Point campsite. For reservations go to www.rdmw.bc.ca
Hiking Trails The popular 5 km Beautiful Bay Trail winds along a ridge through stunning rain forest with periodic glimpses of the sea and coastal mountains. Beach exits and the tide give hikers the option of designing their own circuit route. Please note the trail has been closed half-way and no longer goes all the way to Malcolm Point.
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13 Hiking Trails
The 6 km Mateoja Heritage Trail begins at the top of Third Street. This trail wanders through the site of an early 1900`s homestead and a marshland skirts a couple of ponds and continues on to Big Lake. Along this route there are numerous decks and benches ideal for picnics and birdwatchers. This trail is an educational trip through the ecosystems of Malcolm Island. This trail is rated as moderate hiking, and plan on at least half day to complete the journey.
For a shorter hike try the “S” Lake Trail. Turn left off the ferry, follow First Street around to the other side of Rough Bay (approximately 4 km). Continue on the gravel road to the top of the hill and you’ll arrive at a map for Woodlot 1909; the trail begins a bit further up the road on the left. This 1 km hike takes you through a mossy, delicate environment to a small lake and back. “S” Lake is not for swimming and no camping is allowed in this area.
14 Hiking Trails Our newest hike is at the beginning of Kaleva Road, starting at Dickenson Point. The Kaleva Road Walkway is a 3 km long interpretive nature walk goes to Mitchell Bay Road. This seaside walk takes about 1½ hours return and has viewing platforms, benches and picnic tables to enjoy the stunning views of the landscape and wildlife.
The short Lighthouse Trail is accessed from the Pultney Point Rd, just before the lighthouse gate. The trail leads down from the small car park, through the forest to the beach. Turn left when you get to the beach and follow the shoreline to the lighthouse. Note that high tides may make iaccess to the lighthouse, or the return journey difficult. So it’s a good idea to check the tides before you set out.
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Wildlife
Malcolm Island is rich in wildlife. From whales to eagles, there is nearly always something to catch your attention. During the summer months, Northern Resident Orca (Killer whales) are frequently seen in the Queen Charlotte Strait and if you are lucky, may come in to the rubbing beach at Bere Pt. Humpback whales have been returning to the area in greater numbers every year and a few Minke whales make the area their summer residence as well. Seals and sea lions also frquent the area.
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Malcolm Island Listings Map The letters refer to the business listings on pages19-21.
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Sointula Listings Map The numbers refer to the business listings on pages19-21.
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Arts and Crafts
focus has been to expand Sointula’s November Art Festival (Winterfestival) from the traditional one day arts and craft fair, to three days including live music, comedy and creative workshops. www.sointulawinterfestival.com sointulawinterfestival@recn.ca
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20. Nanshands Studio and Gift Shop
N 2. Betty Carlson Art 765 Second Street Ph: 250-973-6301 Open Frequently. If the sign is out come on in. Or phone. Abstract Realism utilizing acrylic and watercolour paint, mixed media, paper art and cards. Work can be previewed on Facebook or website. www.bettycarlsonartist.com Email: bcarlson@recn.ca
11. Formare Design Ph: 250-973-6800 Kathleen Blohm - maker of things. Original Artwork for the Curious. Visual Arts Studio. Workshops and Classes - Painting, Mixed Media and Clay. Graphic Design - Print and Web www.formare.ca
C. Harmony Gardens Gallery 165 Kaleva Road Ph. or text 250-974-7178 Hosted by Deb Wiggins of Paradise Glass, fused glass artist and Daniel Hillert of Enviro Art Photography. Jewelry, fused glass, books, canvas prints and art cards. Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, subject to change. sointula.ca or BeWild.ca
12. Janet Etter Folk Art Shack 320 - 2nd Street Ph: 250-419-2480 By appointment or stop in if the sign is out. I paint tugs, the men that work on them and marine life along the coast. I can’t resist the colour, strength and movement of these boats and the beauty of our natural environment. Email: janet@janetetter.com www.JANETETTER.com
Malcolm Island Arts Society This non-profit society was created in 2014 to support and promote the arts on Malcolm Island through funding and year round programming. The primary
40 Second Street. Ph: 250-230-4467 Looking for a unique gift? Visit my shop, where you will find local art & handmade crafts from several artisans. Watch for my “Open” sign or call. I look forward to seeing you soon. Facebook: Nanshands Studio/Giftshop Email: nanshandsarebusy@gmail.com “Interact, TAP cards and credit cards accepted”
14. Sointula Art Shed Ph: 250-974-4234 We are a small artist residency with a window gallery, showcasing work by local artists as well as artists who visit Sointula as artists-in-residence. We also host occasional open studios, workshops and concerts. www.sointulaartshed.ca Email: sointulaartshed@gmail.com
F. The Tidal Zone Studio 385 Kaleva Road Ph: 250-973-6883 Gillnet rugs, hooked rugs, sterling silver jewelry, photo cards and calendars by local artist Wendy Davis. Open daily 2-5 pm or by appt. Hours subject to change. Email: wendavis@telus.net
J. Wizard of Felt June Cable: Fibre Artist & Instructor Ph: 250-973-6155 Art pieces - accessories - workshops available. Drop in by appointment or by chance! Facebook: June Cable or Wizard of Felt Email: felt.june@gmail.com
5. Wood & Water Studio Ph: 250-973-6390 (by appointment) Inspired by the coast, woodcarver Tim Motchman and watercolourist Sheila Roote strive to capture it’s beauty and energy in their artwork. www.cedarvisions.com www.watermountainsky.com
22. Wild Lil’ Gift Shop at the Harbour Home of the WILD salmon t-shirts. Open daily through the summer. Ph: 250-228-2872 or find us on Facebook at Wild Lil’ Gift Shop
Accommodation
1. Bere Road Guest House
Ph: Jodie 250-973-6896 Our cosy cottage is in Beautiful Rough Bay. It has a kitchen, three bedrooms and a private deck with ocean view. WiFi available. No pets please. Email: bereroad@gmail.com
I. Dunroven B&B, Sea Cottage, Farm and Forge Ph/Fax: 250-973-6030 Fully self-contained sea cottage. Direct beach access, surrounded by forest. Quiet, remote and elegant. Pets, home-baked treats, farm-fresh eggs and occasionally a whale. www.recn.ca/oxdoc Email: oxdoc@recn.ca
D. Harmony Shores Campground Ph: 250-973-6793 or Ph/Fax: 250-973-6143 A three kilometre drive along Kaleva Road. Enjoy our large, private ocean side campground. All the sites include fire pits and picnic tables. There are hot showers, toilets and running water available. www.harmonyshores.ca mail:harmonyshorescamping@gmail.com
H. Midden Lane Suite Ph/Fax: 250-973-6718 Private waterfront suite with kitchen, bath, beach. Children and pets welcome. Covered porch for smokers. Self serve organic breakfast. Excellent fishing, and launching for small boats and kayaks. Aromatherapy, massage available. www.bcbbonly.com/1190.php Email: fpurdon@recn.ca
9. Jan’s Place Ph: 250-973-6925 Oceanview accommodation five minutes from ferry. Open design, full kitchen & bathroom, queen, double & single beds, sleeps five. WiFi & Satellite TV. No smokers or pets please. www.jansplace.ca Email: jan@jansplace.ca
16. The Oceanfront Hotel Phone: 1-800-735-2912 or 250-230-6722 Located in the heart of Sointula, adjacent to the ferry & close to the museum. Quiet, south facing, beachfront rooms & suites with oceanfront decks. Cold beer and wine offsales. ATM on site. Ice for sale. Whale watching and fishing charters arranged. Rates for extended stays. Local art for sale in the lobby. Facebook:The Oceanfront Hotel & Whale’s Rub Pub www.theoceanfronthotel.ca Email: info@islandrooms.ca
7. Orca Lodge - Pet Friendly
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Ph: 1-844-264-4400 Circa 1915 boathouse. Two deluxe units, private entrances, decks, kitchens, baths and laundry. Eagles Nest - 1 queen bed/4 singles... sleeps 6. The Beach - 2 queen beds and roll away cot available ...sleeps 5. Level entry. Group retreats, fishing charters, beachcombing, hiking. Email: info@orcalodge. ca www.orcalodge.ca Facebook: orcalodge
B. Sea 4 Miles Cottages Ph/Fax: 250-973-6486 Relax with Nature. Oceanside self-contained cottages. One or two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens. Satellite TV, internet, BBQ recreation area. Great exploring beach. Open year round. 2km from Sointula and ferry. www.sointulacottages.com Email: relax@sointulacottages.com
8. Sointula Beach House Ph: 250-973-6896 A charming waterfront cottage built in the late 1930’s/early 40’s. Two bedrooms plus loft, a fully equipped kitchen and separate living room. Within walking distance to shops/services, 10 min drive from Bere Point.
4. The Burger Barn
Dining
Ph: 250-973-2022 At the Marina, great burgers, fish & chips, milkshakes and much more. Fresh local seafood. Open for lunch & dinner, 12 noon to 7 pm/closed Tues. & Wed. Seasonal. Take out available. Like us on Facebook@burgerbarn
19. Coho Joe Cafe, B&B 145 First St. Sointula, BC Ph: 250-230-2233 Good coffee, savoury lunches. Charming room above, ideal for families or groups of four. Email: cohojoecafe@gmail.com
Services
Ragged Edge Community Network Society
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Ph:250-956-2282 Your local internet provider. Serving most areas in Sointula, Rough Bay, Kaleva Road and Mitchell Bay. Available in many other areas on North Vancouver Island. www.recn.ca Email: info@recn.ca
18. Sointula Resource Centre Ph/Fax: 250-973-2001 Start your exploration of Malcolm Island with us. Information on island activities and services, maps, brochures and internet services available. www.sointulainfo.ca Email: sointulainfo@gmail.com
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A.M. CAMERON, CPA
17. The Sointula Co-operative Association
100 Cameron Road Ph: 250-230-3530 Fax: 250-973-6974 Full service accounting practice including preparation of Canadian and US personal tax, corporate tax , GST, PST, WCB and other statutory returns, financial statements, projections and other financing reports. Email: amcameroncga@recn.ca
3. Malcolm Island Lions Harbour Authority Ph/Fax: 250-973-6544 Two kilometres north from centre of town along 1st Street. Protected harbour with spacious moorage. Summer office hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 7 days a week. Clean hot showers and laundromat, open 24 hours. www.sointulaharbour.com Email: milha@shaw.ca
Provides merchandise and services to Malcolm Island all year round. Fresh dairy, produce, meat, liquor, lottery and groceries are all found within the main store located in the centre of town. Hardware Is located in scenic Rough Bay a 15 minute walk from downtown. Convenience/gasbar store is located in the downtown core providing petroleum, propane and oil products and a surprising grocery offering for a small convenience store. We also offer home deliveries of heating fuel and fuel service to the dock. Business hours: Main store - Tues. to Sat. 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Gas bar - Mon. to Sat. 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sun. 10 am to 5 pm; Hardware Tues. to Sat. 9:30 am to 1 pm.
A. Sointula Self Storage Store it * Lock it * Keep the key For more information call Ken & Aleasha at 250-973-2065 or email haleasha@ gmail.com
10. Sointula Wild Seafoods & Smokehouse 450-2nd Street, Sointula Ph:250-973-6823 Custom fish processing (fillet and freeze) and smoking (candy, mild cure, jerky). Dockside service at the marina. Retail sales for smoked salmon and jerky. www. wildseasmokes.com Email: coastsel@island.net
6. Tarkanen Marine Ways Ph: 250-973-6710 Fax: 250-973-6578 Haul out and repair to all commercial and pleasure vessels. Welding and fiberglass work of all kinds. Manager Tom Trimmer Email: tarkanen@recn.ca
Health and wellness Relax your body, mind and spirit
J
SHIN DO® IN
Jin Shin Do®
Automatic teller machines are located in the main Co-Op store and in the lobby of the Oceanfront Hotel.
Boat Launch: At harbour, across from Co-Op hardware store. Best at high tide.
®
Bodymind Acupressure
Oonagh O’Connor
Registered Jin Shin Do® Acupressurist
(250) 973-6304
ATM’s.
Public Facilities
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Sointula, B.C.
Community Gardens At 2nd St and Kaleva Rd. Self guided tours, or call Kathleen @ 250-973-6429.
Drinking Water Available at the harbour, Co-Op Gas Station, Sointula Resource Centre and Oceanfront Hotel.
Fishing Licenses Recreational fishing licenses can be purchased at the Wharfinger’s office at the harbour 250-973-6544.
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Library Tues. 1 pm-4 pm & 5 pm-8 pm. Wed. 10 am-12 pm & 1 pm-3 pm. Thurs. 1 pm-4 pm & 5 pm-8 pm. Sat. 10 am-2 pm.
Medical Clinic Clinic RN Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Public Health RN first Monday of the month. Bloodwork Days - Wed & Fri 8:00 to 9:30 am. Closed for lunch from 12 to 1:00 pm. Visiting Doctors. Located at #25 - 2nd Street. 250-973-2373
Post Office Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm; closed for lunch 12 noon to 1 pm
Public Washroom Facilities At the harbour, Co-Op Gas Bar, Oceanfront Hotel, Museum Building, New Public Washroom at the Ferry dock
Malcolm Island Recycling Depot Tues. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Wed. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.