Duncan/Cowichan Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE

BROADEST SELECTION OF MERCHANT SERVICES IN MILL BAY

Meet the Women Entrepreneurs Run like the wind!

N

ew Zealand born and Victoria raised Laura Shand opened Cowichan Valley Running after moving to the area with her young family. She and her husband, Ash, love all the valley has to offer — pastoral farm land, beautiful beaches and the many mountain trails to explore. But as a long-time road runner, Laura was surprised that there was no specialty running store in the area. Piling her toddlers in the car for a one-hour drive to the closest run shop wasn’t high on her list of priorities, so she and Ash decided to take the plunge and open the first ‘run’ specialty shop in the region.

Cowichan Valley Running’s product mix is a little different than other stores on the Island.

They offer cutting-edge running shoe brands, which has resulted in an overwhelming response. Brands like On Running and Inov-8 bring customers from all over the South Island to try something new and stock up on all their running essentials.

In addition to footwear for the road, trail and gym, CVR carries an extensive selection of apparel and accessories; they emphasize brands that are Canadian, such as Sugoi, Ambler and Ciele Athletics — running gear that’s sustainable, such as carbon-neutral SOLE footbeds and ZEAL Optics sunglasses.

Of course you can’t have a run shop without a killer run club, and the Cowichan Valley Running Crew does not disappoint. Every Thursday at 6 p.m. you will find every level of runner milling about outside the shop in the Mill Bay Centre. As they chat away, you can overhear members trading training tips, war stories from recent races and plans to meet up for weekend runs.

Next time you go over the ‘hat’, be sure to stop in and try on something new. If you run every day, you can find the best gear around to keep hitting your stride. And if you haven’t run in years, you just might rediscover your love for running. cowichanvalleyrunning.com

Hip new boutique IN MILL BAY

W

elcome to Bayside Goods — a brand-new lifestyle boutique located in the Mill Bay Centre, featuring clothing and accessories for women and men.

Owned by a mother and daughter team, this modern shop offers a fresh take on wearable fashion and curated homewares. Born and raised in Victoria, Karlin left the Island almost two decades ago to travel and live in other parts of the globe while raising her family. She and her daughter, Kristen, lived in five cities in three countries before returning to Vancouver Island last year.

With a combined passion for art, travel and fashion, this mother and daughter duo created a collection of fashion that will suit almost every member of your family. Kristen keeps her finger on the pulse on the latest trends, while Karlin remarkably finds you a new and amazing essential tee and favourite pair of jeans to compliment your wardrobe.

60 years of Chic

R

words customers use to describe Joseph Ribkoff’s statement pieces in formal dresses and separates for special occasions to business wear, day wear and travel-friendly resort and cruise wear.

RIBKOFF TRUNK SHOW AT PATRYKA DESIGNS: MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

PatrYka Designs carries the Canadian line’s collection and will feature items from the label in their upcoming Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show on Saturday, Apr. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trunk shows are a fun, casual way to experience fashion and enjoy friends and refreshments. Call: 250-743-3531 for details. patrykadesigns.com

“Best place for On runners on the Island!”

To advertise in this special feature, contact:

Stephanie Conrad sconrad@timescolonist.com 250-380-5314

SHEER ESSENTIALS LINGERIE IS A WOMEN-OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS DEDICATED TO UPLIFTING AND SUPPORTING OTHER WOMEN

W

ith the largest size selection of bras on Vancouver Island, and sizes ranging from bands 28 to 50 and cup sizes AA to O, Sheer Essentials believe finding your perfect fit in a bra can be a life changing experience. Their certified fitters can help you find a bra that will look and feel amazing. They know that no one size or style can fit everyone, and work with you to find what is right for your body’s comfort.

Sheer Essentials recommend getting a bra fitting once a year, or if you notice any major changes in how your current bra is fitting. Band riding up in the back? Straps falling off your shoulder?

Spillage or gapping in the cups? These are just a few common signs your bra just isn’t fitting anymore.

Over a year, a women’s body can go through changes, and what fit last year may not fit now. The other thing to remember is that your bra will not last forever. A bra’s best life is about Mill nine months when washed properly

Sheer Essentials Lingerie, 163 Kenneth St., Duncan Sheer Essentials Lingerie & Swimwear, #121-2720 Mill Bay Rd., Mill Bay Curvy Fashions, 161 Jubilee St., Duncan

SAVE ON ANY SHOE

0011679630 PATRYKA ENTERPRISES INC MILL BAY PAGES 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

Located in Mill Bay Centre

Book your 0011678644 bra fitting SHEER ESSENTIALS today LINGERIE Duncan Pages M B L : 4 x 40 : CMYK,D, L

0011679228 BAYSIDE GOODS Cowichan Pages SAVE $10 4 x 40 when you spend $50 or more CMYK, ,

Clothing and accessories for men and women

ILL AY OCATION 121-2720 Mill Bay Road (250) 733-0999

Offer expires April 30, 2019

UNCAN OCATION 163 Kenneth Street 250-748-7467

Mill Bay Centre’s

and well taken care of. Brassieres have a big job to do and wash and wear definitely takes its tole, with the elastic stretching out and no longer giving you the support you deserve.

At the end of the day, a proper fitting bra makes you look and feel better. Sheer Essentials has the expertise to make this sometimes daunting task feel a little easier.

We serve 0011679926 Organic Coffee, BRU - GOBaked ' S Goods, COFBreakfast, Lunch, FREE Ice Cream *Vegan &3 Gluten Fee Options* x 30 Bay Centre • 2720 Mill Bay Rd. ( 2 5 0AAA0 ) 9 2 9 -273 9

0011676616 $10!

COWICHAN VALLEY RUNNING Cowichan Pages 4 x 40 cowichanvalleyrunning.com CMYK, 250.929.7860, —Devan M., Vancouver, BC

Get your message out to Mill Bay, Duncan, Cowichan, Yellow Point, Ladysmith, Crofton, Maple Bay, Genoa Bay, Cowichan Bay, Lake Cowichan, Honeymoon Bay Youbou, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan, Malahat, Thetic Island, Victoria and everywhere in between!

Bayside Goods carries all the brands you love including Blundstone, Levi’s, Stance, RVCA, Native and Dish/DUER. The professionally designed space offers the Island’s best selection of Herschel Supply Co. accessories and clothing.

Kristen and Karlin offer exceptional customer service, with everything in-house and will help you find the perfect outfit, pair of boots, thoughtful gift or ultimate travel bag.

Bayside Goods has an excellent selection of casual menswear, featuring the ridiculously comfortable Duer Performance Denim and No Sweat Pant. Choose from several styles of Blundstone boots to finish your look.

For women, look no further for niche brands such as Amuse Society and Minimum, along with stellar jewelry from Melanie Auld and Machete.

Bayside Goods — bringing a little bit of the city to the sea. Stop in and say hi. They can’t wait to meet you. baysidegoods.com

Find your perfect fit

AND A JOSEPH RIBKOFF TRUNK SHOW

enowned Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff’s signature has been gracing labels of iconic women’s fashion ever since he began his business in 1957.

“I went into business when I was just 21,” laughs Joseph Ribkoff. “I must have had horseshoes around me, because I did everything right.”

Don’t let his humility and casual attire fool you. The man’s understanding of what women want would put Nick Marshall, played by Mel Gibson in the movie What Women Want, to shame.

“It all began with Marilyn,” says Ribkoff.

“Is there anything more to say? Marilyn Monroe.” Through the years, women’s fashion may have changed dramatically, but each season, Joseph Ribkoff produced collections of chic and elegant interpretations of femininity inspired by a woman’s curve.

“Times change, but the women we design for remained the same,” said Joseph. “We design for a state of mind — for a woman that feels young.”

Classic, timeless and luxurious are the

IN THE MILL BAY CENTRE

Saturday, 0011679922

@baysidegoods | baysidemillbay@gmail.com | Open 7 days a week!

9:00-11:30

Pancake Breakfast

20MALL L.P. Easter EggMILL Hunt BAYApril SYNERGY

10:00 am SHARP Easter Egg Hunt (Meet at Brugo’s)

Sponsored by: & Pancake Breakfast Cowichan/Mill Bay Pa Club of South Cowichan

10 x 30 CMYK, ,

Mill Bay Centre Merchants

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Spring is the perfect time to visit Unsworth Vineyards Spring signifies the release of their newest vintages — wines that winemaker Dan Wright has been carefully crafting, and are ready to be bottled and released.

A SHORT 45 MINUTE DRIVE FROM DOWNTOWN VICTORIA AND YOU WILL BE SAVOURING SPRING IN UNSWORTH VINEYARD’S BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SETTING.

S

pring is always an exciting time at the winery, as it signifies the release of their newest vintages — wines that winemaker Dan Wright has been carefully crafting, and are ready to be bottled and released. This is especially exciting for some of the most popular wines which have been sold out and are now eagerly anticipated, such as their rosé and pinot noir.

In addition to the popular Provençal-style rosé, Unsworth will be releasing a special 10th anniversary Sunnydale Rosé. November 2019 will mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Unsworth Vineyards.

The grapes sourced for this 2018 vintage Pinot Noir Rosé come from Sunnydale Vineyard on the Saanich Peninsula.

This very limited, special edition Rosé will only be available in the Unsworth tasting room and to Unsworth wine club members — a good reason to join the club and come for a visit.

Unsworth Restaurant has been busy renovating over the winter, with a kitchen and outdoor patio expansion, a new outdoor pizza oven and a revitalization of the beautiful, heritage interior. The restaurant will re-open at the beginning of April with a new spring menu. Chef Maartyn, Stacey and Mark look forward to welcoming back returning and new guests.

Unsworth will celebrate their new releases with a “Big Day Out” party on Sunday, May 26. This is an opportunity to visit and taste the new vintages, and for wine club members to pick up their annual case. The restaurant will be hosting an amazing Winemaker’s Dinner.

For details and to join the wine club, visit: unsworthvineyards.com.

SPRING TOURc 2019

0011677690 BOOTS COWICHAN ARTISANS DUNCAN/COWICHAN VALL xc c 40 April 12c4-c14c 10CMYK, - 5c , ••

•

Create Enrich Inspire

Lake to Lake Walk & Marathon

T

he Lake to Lake Walk & Marathon event was established in 2017, and is an event designed to join two Cowichan Valley communities together for the good of the participants, communities, and a variety of charities. The idea for the Lake to Lake Walk & Marathon came from the Great Lake Walk — a 56 km walk/run from Youbou Community Hall, around Cowichan Lake to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.

The Great Lake Walk event was hosted in the Cowichan Lake sub-region from 2002 to 2012, and during this time, the participants raised over $800,000 for their favourite charities.

COWICHANARTISANS.COM

0011677921 DUNCAN DABBER BINGO DBA CHANCE Chances Cowichan 5 x 50 CMYK, ,

The new Lake to Lake Walk, Marathon and Half Marathon route is from Shawnigan Lake to Cowichan Lake. Participants can walk or run the full marathon or half marathon for the charity of their choice along the Cowichan Valley Trail, an established section of “The Great Trail” which was built along a former rail bed.

Featured highlights of the route include crossing several historic rail bridges including the Kinsol Trestle, and traversing rural Cowichan countryside and experiencing the lush, green canopy of the Cowichan River Provincial Park.

Encouraging participants along the way will be volunteers at strategically located rest stops. The volunteers will provide food and bev-

erage recharging, access to portable toilets and basic medical attention.

This event could not run without the enthusiastic assistance of the volunteers, and for them, the organizers are forever grateful.

The steady, gentle rising grade of the Cowichan Valley Trail, from Shawnigan Lake to Cowichan Lake, provides a rewarding, near-wilderness challenge and experience you won’t want to miss.

Registration is underway, with an early bird deadline of July 1. So far, there has been great interest from participants from around the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C., and as far away as Ontario, the UK and Norway. For details, vist: cvrd.bc.ca/3041/Laketo-Lake-Marathon

0011666064 UNSWORTH VINEYARDS LTD Duncan/Cowichan SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME TO VISIT UNSWORTH! 5 x 50 CMYK, • , Restaurant Renovations Complete | New Spring Menu

New Wine Releases

Tasting Room Open Daily | Restaurant Wed-Sun unsworthvineyards.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Luxurious rest, sumptuous food & unforgettable holidays COWICHAN HAS THE FINEST AND MOST RELIABLE B&BS

T

he Cowichan region is home to many incredible outdoor activities and exciting visitor experiences.

When you give extra consideration to your accommodation choice when visit this region, chances are you’ll find an unforgettable holiday. In addition to the usual hotel choices, the Cowichan region is home to an excellent selection of guest houses, inns and traditional bed and breakfasts.

The Cowichan Bed and Breakfast Association, found online at: staycowichan.com, provides a look at some of the very best of these, from one end of the valley to the other. A stay often includes a sumptuous breakfast, prepared from local farm-fresh ingredients the Cowichan has grown famous for. It also ensures that you’ve made a solid connection with friendly and knowledgeable local hosts, who will help you to plan the best possible holiday.

From south to north, Cowichan encompasses the village of Mill Bay, where you’ll find accommodation by the sea, in a forest setting or on an equestrian farm.

Cycling or hiking beautiful wooded paths or up local mountain trails is what this area is famous for.

Once you reach the top, Cobble Hill Mountain provides a spectacular overview of the region. A little further down the road brings you to Shawnigan Lake, a historical summertime retreat — also famous for its prestigious international schools and wonderful B&Bs. It’s easy to spend lazy days here, enjoying the village offerings and drinking in the sunshine.

Just a little further down the road, you’ll reach the historic Kinsol Trestle, a stunning stroll that will lead you into the tops of the trees above the forest floor.

Ten minutes away, picturesque wineries

Cowichan Artisans Spring Studio Tour

THE COWICHAN ARTISANS INVITE YOU TO VISIT THEIR 2019 SPRING STUDIO TOUR APRIL 12, 13, 14, FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY

D

uring these three days, 14 professional, full-time artisans will open their studio doors to share their experiences and showcase their work. Each artist aims to inspire those who tour their studios, each piece of work a labour of love reflecting the highest standards.

“I love the moment when people enter the studio and then stop — their eyes open wide as they take in my unusual art materials. As they start to connect with the found vintage objects and old papers and discover the history they hold, their own stories come out,” says one of the groups’ newest members, Wilma Millette (above), collage and assemblage artist.

From Shawnigan to Ladysmith, experience the art of Bev Robertson, whose sunlight on canvas which will leave you breathless; Karen Trickett and Cam Russell’s workshop and show home; Jennifer Lawson’s romantic, Cowichan Bay studio; and Catherine Fraser’s studio with it’s thought provoking and vibrant imagery.

Experience the wood grain in Ken Broadland’s turnings and Live Edge Design’s furniture — it just begs to be caressed; the Ancient Art of Stone’s creative, timeless art pieces; Travis Rankin’s metal sculptures that are both West Coast and other worldly at once; Cathi Jefferson’s salt-fired pottery; and Mary Fox’s stunning forms in glass and ceramics.

A visit to Wilma Millette’s studio is like stepping into a cabinet of curiosities; and Laurel Hibbert’s slavic characters will capture your heart; peruse the painting and upholstery of Bonnie Schmaus.

Donovan and Barclay of OU Gallery are the group’s new photography sponsors. Visit their contemporary art gallery during the Spring Studio Tour, located next door to Laurel Hibbert’s Agira Road Studio.

See you on the Tour!

For details and to download a tour map, visit: Cowichanartisans.com

setting, surrounded by gardens and the ocean below. This region extends through the town of Duncan, where a weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market is the best on the Island. Continuing north, you’ll find the seaside village of Chemainus — famous for world-class theatre and quaint historical murals which dot the village. To the east, travel toward Lake Cowichan — a place with a rich history, fine dining and delightful B&Bs. If staying at a B&B accommodation is new to you — relax as you discover the exceptional experience and hospitality.

Luxurious rest, sumptuous food and knowledge of the region happen when someone takes the time to talk and listen. This is what you’ll experience when you choose any of the B&Bs with the Cowichan Bed and Breakfast Association — the finest and most reliable to be found in the Cowichan valley. staycowichan.com

34th Annual Wooden Boat Festival

T WILMA MILLETTE IN HER COWICHAN STUDIO.

round out the picture and provide the perfect setting for lunches, dinners and conversations with local vintners. Spend the rest of your holiday investigating the little villages that appear, as you follow the main roads. You may encounter Cowichan Station or Maple Bay. Follow the vintage country roads and discover historical communities such as Providence Farm, or mysterious buildings like the Stone Butter Church.

The seaside village of Cowichan Bay leads to galleries of outstanding artists and craftspeople — each working in their authentic, personal style. Jewelry, pottery, painting and beachcraft rub shoulders with restaurants and shops. Lounge above the bay with a tasty coffee and pastry from internationally famous True Grains bakery, and take in the ambience of an authentic marina village.

Then stay in a luxurious, private B&B

he Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre was founded in the 1970s by the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society as a traditional wooden boat building centre. Since then, it has become a busy maritime centre and museum.

The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre is comprised of a large timber frame building, a wood working shop with assembly area, and an 89 metre pier with four structures along it, each housing displays of various aspects of life on the West Coast of Canada and Cowichan Bay. Some of the displays showcase the First Nations rich history in Cowichan Bay. For thousands of years, Cowichan Bay has been

home to the First Nations people who harvested the wealth of salmon and shellfish found in abundance in the many coves and tidal flats. When you visit the Maritime Centre, you can witness the historic dugouts and archival photographs displayed throughout.

In addition to the exhibits and interactive displays, the Centre holds wooden boat building classes for adults and children in its superbly equipped workshop, and operates a historic marine ways for the hauling and cleaning of boats.

They also maintain a small fleet of traditional craft.

Don’t miss Cowichan Bay’s annual summer festival, the 34th Annual Wooden Boat Festival, happening the weekend of July 6 and 7.

DO YOU HAVE A WOODEN BOAT?

Bring it along! Whether it be a sailboat, powerboat or wooden canoe, all wooden boats up to 40 feet in length can register.

Over 20,000 visitors from all over the world tour the facility annually. Travel by road or boat, and stay at nearby bed and breakfasts, inns or campsites. Then anchor your boat in the bay or use one of the marinas.

The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre is open seven days a week — from May through September, and five days a week the rest of the year. Admission is by donation. classicboats.org

0011674963 Our kiwi vineyard is a must see...

KIWI COVE LODGE Stay Ladysmith 5130 Brenton Page Rd, Ladysmith, BC Cow 1-866-303-5494 | www.kiwicovelodge.com

0011670258 KIWI COVE LODGE Cowichan Pages www.stayladysmith.ca 3 x 30

0011679104 SATURDAY, AUGUST 24th SHAWNIGAN 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

COBBLE HILL FAMILY FUN FOR FARMERSEVERYONE! Cowichan Pages

0011678385 COWICHAN WOODEN BOAT SOCIETY Cowichan Pages

Lake to Lake Walk, Marathon 0011674711 & Half Marathon COWICHAN LAKE RECREATION Duncan/Cowichan Page 5 x 50 CMYK, , From West Shawnigan Lake Park to Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, walk or run the full marathon or half marathon for the charity of your choice along the Cowichan Valley Trail. Early bird pricing ends July 1.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 Marathon starts at 8:00 a.m. Early Fee $55 Half Marathon starts at 8:30 a.m. Early Fee $35 More information: www.cvrd.bc.ca Registration: 250.749.6742

0011677917 COWICHAN B&B ASSOCIATION DUNCAN/COWICHAN VALL 5 x 50 CMYK, ,

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Plenty of wonderful!

FOR THOSE WHO VENTURE THE SHORT DRIVE NORTH OF VICTORIA, THERE LIES A REGION TEEMING WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE, EXCITEMENT AND ENJOYMENT.

N

estled in the heart of the Cowichan Valley glows the little gem called Duncan. Though small in stature, its historic and picturesque downtown leaves a big impact on those who come to discover its offerings.

Treat yourself to a boutique shopping experience where you will find a wide variety of both modern and classic fashions, footwear, art and home furnishings. Indulge in a unique culinary experience at one of the town’s exquisite restaurants, or just sit and relax and

Downtown Duncan Dollars downtownduncan.ca FASHIONS 0011672507 MENS JR LADIES BOYS GIRLS MARTIN'S MEN'S & BOY'S WEAR LT Duncan Pages - DBIA 4 x 40 CMYK, , MARTIN’S •

•

•

33 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250-746-5231

0011668884 THE RED BALLOON TOYSHOP Downtown Duncan 4 x 40 CMYK, , 0011670297 THE OLIVE STATION Duncan Pages 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

D

enjoy a coffee or tea at a cozy café.

Duncan is a city that’s steeped in rich history, and though it will not soon be forgotten, today, it charges forward into its bold and bright future, as dynamic entrepreneurs and young families continue to

owntown Duncan Dollars are a promotional item created by the Duncan BIA to bring shoppers to Downtown Duncan. They can serve as prizes during contests, events and other

promotional activities.

Downtown Dollars Gift Certificates are a popular gift item that can be used toward fashion items, spa treatments, new tires, yoga classes — the list is endless.

Business owners give

move into the area, contributing to the beautiful tapestry of culture.

If you are in search of a different way of life both — rural and urban — peaceful, yet connected, Duncan welcomes you. downtownduncan.ca

Downtown Dollars as Christmas, birthday and service gifts to their employees. You can use them in the same way as a gift certificate or cash at any downtown business.

The BIA will always

honour Downtown Duncan Dollars. Pick up a Downtown Duncan shopping brochure or visit the website to find out where your Downtown Duncan dollars can be purchased and spent.

On the Radar Farmers’ Market Downtown Duncan Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All year round, rain or shine, visit the Duncan Farmers’ Market for the freshest local fruits and vegetables, baking, jams and jellies and more. With their “you make it, you bake it, you grow it, you sell it” philosophy, you will find a great variety of local products to fulfill your 100 mile diet needs. duncanfarmersmarket.ca

Garry Oak Meadow Marathon Daily, until Mar. 31 At locations across Southern Vancouver Island, including the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve. Parks and conservation groups are hosting volunteer events to help restore the Garry oak meadows. This multi-partner marathon aims to raise awareness and support restoration efforts to the unique and sensitive Garry oak habitats. Over 30 events ranging from bashing broom and eradicating ivy, to tending native seedlings and learning at specialized workshops, with options for both new and experienced participants. Events take place during the week and on weekends with a chance to win awesome nature prizes. natureconservancy.ca/meadowmarathon

Step into Spring with Elegant Threads April 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Qualicum Weavers and Spinners are hosting a spring show and sale in conjunction with the Brant Festival, featuring handwoven clothing, household linens, handspun yarns, knitted and felted treasures. Demos of weaving and spinning, silent auction, free admission.

Everyone welcome. qualicumweaversandspinners.blogspot.com The Commons, 744 Primrose St., Qualicum.

0011671486 LITTLE BIRD Duncan Pages 3 x 30 CMYK, ,

0011670119 PHR/CATHERINE HOBBS 250-858-9599 DOWNTOWN DUNCAN PAGE Catherine HOBBS

You’ll be Sold on my Signature Service!

Award Winning Service Visit: www.CatherineHobbs.ca | catherine@pembertonholmes.com