Vancouver Island Visitor 2019

VISITOR Vancouver Island

What to do What to see How to get there

2018/19 GUIDE TO

Vancouver Island The Gulf Islands & The Sunshine Coast

www.islandvisitor.ca

Over 100 years in bloom

Open every day of the year Victoria BC Canada

butchartgardens.com 250.652.5256

SOUTH ISLAND

Welcome to

Paradise W

elcome to Vancouver Island, the jewel of Canada’s West Coast.

Recognized world-wide as a premier vacation destination, the Island boasts a unique combination of breathtaking natural scenery, thrilling outdoor adventures and exciting urban experiences.

Add family-friendly attractions, world-class dining, shopping and cultural explorations, and it’s easy to see why visitors from across Canada and around the world choose Vancouver Island for everything from romantic weekend getaways full-on adventures.

Come explore!

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ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

VISITOR

SOUTH ISLAND

Vancouver Island

2018/19 Guide to Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast Duncan/Cowichan Valley & FEATURES ADVERTISING SALES: Mario Gedicke Andrea Rosato-Taylor Annemarie Rindt Patty Doering EDITOR: Jennifer Blyth jblyth@telus.net

"The amazing world of insects, arachnids, and their many-legged relatives. A visit to this must-see mini zoo offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience live tropical bugs from around the world.

Discover over 40 fascinating species including giant walking sticks, beautiful praying mantis, glow-inthe-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and an amazing leaf-cutter ant colony! Don't miss this hands-on adventure while in Victoria, BC!"

631 Courtney Street Downtown Victoria 250 384-2847 victoriabugzoo.ca

DISTRIBUTION: Marilou Pasion marilou@blackpress.ca DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Janice Marshall Lily Chan GROUP PUBLISHER: Penny Sakamoto psakamoto@blackpress.ca

Welcome...................................................4 What you need to know......................9 Need to Know: Camping................. 15 Gorgeous Gardens............................. 18 Whale of a Good Time...................... 20 Discover the Gulf Islands................. 28 Celebrating Ancient Cultures......... 30

MAPS Vancouver Island ............................... 29

SOUTH ISLAND Greater Victoria .................................. 10 South Island Markets........................ 11 South Island Attractions.................. 12 Oak Bay, Cadboro Bay, Esquimalt & VicWest.......................... 14 West Shore............................................ 16 Sidney, Saanich Peninsula & Cordova Bay .................................... 17 South Island Events........................... 19 Sooke...................................................... 21 Port Renfrew ....................................... 23

Nanaimo ............................................... 31 Central Island Attractions................ 32 Parksville & Qualicum Beach.......... 33 Central Island Events......................... 35 Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet & Pacific Rim National Park Reserve ............... 36

NORTH ISLAND

Comox Valley ...................................... 37 North Island Attractions................... 38 North Island Events............................. 39 Campbell River & Quadra Island... 40 Gold River, Nootka Sound & Tahsis ....... 41 Sayward, Nimpkish Valley & Zeballos .41 Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Telegraph Cove, Sointula & Alert Bay .... 42 Sunshine Coast Events............................. 43 Powell River & Sunshine Coast.............. 46

Discover the expansive views of the Island’s west coast.

For advertising inquiries, email: Penny Sakamoto at psakamoto@blackpress.ca 250-480-3204 ISLAND VISITOR MAGAZINE IS A DIVISION OF BLACK PRESS 818 BROUGHTON STREET, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA V8W 1E4 TEL: 250-381-3484 FAX: 250-386-2624 info@islandvisitor.ca islandvisitor.ca ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION, VISITOR MAGAZINE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER.

250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

CENTRAL ISLAND

The Cover

Also playing America’s Musical Journey, Mysteries of Egypt and More

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Chemainus & Ladysmith.................. 24 Lake Cowichan.................................... 25 Cowichan Valley Attractions........... 27

What You Need to Know VISITOR INFORMATION Most Vancouver Island communities have Visitor Centres where trained staff can answer your travel questions and provide information about accommodation, services, attractions, activities and community events.

In this publication, phone numbers and addresses for most Visitor Centres are listed with each community’s information.

For general information about touring in British Columbia and accommodation reservations, visit hellobc.com

SOUTH ISLAND

Island Essentials

Island Insider You’ve picked a great place to visit!

Vancouver Island is regularly cited by industry experts like Conde Naste Traveler and Travel & Leisure as one of the world’s best island destinations.

Adventure Awaits

SALES PRIMER Purchases are generally subject to a seven per cent provincial sales tax (PST) and a five per cent federal sales tax (GST).

TELEPHONES The area code on Vancouver Island and for phone numbers in this publication is generally (250) unless otherwise indicated. For local directory assistance, call 4-1-1. For long distance directory assistance, call 1-(area code)-5551212. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

Summer Camps For All Ages Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day. Experience a world of discovery, over 75 activities, all with an amazing staff from across Canada and around the world.

DRIVING THE ISLAND Speed limits on Vancouver Island are posted in kilometres per hour. For a distance chart of Island communities, see the map on page 29.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING SPEED CONVERSIONS 30km/hr = 20mph 40km/hr = 25mph 50km/hr = 30mph 60km/hr = 40mph 80km/hr = 50mph 100km/hr = 60mph Please note that it is mandatory to use vehicle seat belts and for cyclists and motorcyclists to wear helmets.

It’s also illegal to use a hand-held device such as a cell phone while driving.

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

www.qwanoes.ca • 1-889-997-9266 Located on Vancouver Island, Canada

Ghostly Walks is a spine tingling experience

Victoria’s famous ghost tour includes Old Town’s most haunted places. Our 90-minute walking tours will thrill you with stories of eccentric characters, heroic deeds, intrigue, love, humour, hangings and murder. Take one, if you dare!

May 1 to Oct. 31 tours every night. Nov. 1 to April 30 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Ghostly Walks Tours start outside the Visitor Information Centre 812 Wharf Street, Victoria

Tel: 250-384-6698

www.discoverthepast.com

Retirement Communities

Licensed Strata Property Management

Independent Retirement Living with Supportive Services The Camelot, Victoria | Wedgwood House, Duncan Hawthorne Place, Qualicum Beach | Stevenson Place, Comox Delicious home cooked meals 24 hour emergency response Weekly house keeping Your linens refreshed, you deserve it!

Centrally located in charming neighbourhoods

Premium Suites Available Visit our homes at www.novapacific.ca Rental Inquiries: 250-737-1435 or at each Residence

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

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SOUTH ISLAND

Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Walking the Victoria Breakwater

Explore walkable

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA G reater Victoria, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is the Island’s largest urban centre and enjoys unparallelled natural beauty, coastal adventures, and world-class shopping, dining and entertainment.

The heart of the region is the historic downtown – ideal for touring on foot. Restored heritage buildings house art galleries, restaurants and attractions, including the Royal BC Museum, Bateman Gallery, the legendary Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.

Discover a vibrant selection of shops offering everything from international fashion to locally crafted specialties unique to Victoria. Getting hungry? Savour a delicious array of cuisine, from fresh seafood to exciting ethnic flavours, crafted with care by

award-winning chefs.

Surrounded by ocean on three sides, it’s no surprise that marine activities abound here. The Inner Harbour and nearby James Bay are both busy transportation hubs welcoming float planes, ferries and cruise ships.

A variety of outdoor adventure purveyors are also found around the harbour, at Fisherman’s Wharf and at the nearby Causeway, in addition to the Saanich Peninsula and the West Shore communities.

Long home to the Coast Salish people, discover their stories at the Royal BC Museum and through features like the Signs of Lekwungen, a downtown interpretive walkway honouring First Nations art, history and culture.

Victoria’s modern roots reach back to the mid-1800s, when European settlers first ar-

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rived with the Hudson’s Bay Company. The region grew with trade and the Cariboo gold rush as those hoping to make their fortune farther north stopped here for supplies.

Discover that local history in heritage attractions like Emily Carr House, the birthplace of BC’s best-loved artist, Craigdarroch Castle and Point Ellice House, located on the north end of the harbour and conveniently served by the Victoria Harbour Ferries.

Several exceptional walking tours explore the city’s colourful history, from the grand Empress Hotel to Canada’s Oldest Chinatown. A hub of arts and culture, walkable downtown Victoria also boasts everything an art lover could dream of: fine art galleries, theatre, dance, opera, symphony and an incredible line-up of exciting annual festivals.

Come explore!

Island Insider Did you know that Greater Victoria is known as one of the most haunted cities in Canada?

Join local historian John Adams on his popular Ghostly Walks, where he is happy to share a spooky tale or two!

SOUTH ISLAND

Farm to Fork:

South Island market culture You’re never far from fresh on Southern Vancouver Island – fresh from the sea, from the orchard and from the farm. Add to that the handiwork of local artists and artisans, entertainment, food and kid-friendly settings, and you have a thriving market culture. Here’s our guide to some of the region’s best markets.

1. James Bay Market, Victoria – Enjoy an eclectic mix of artisan crafts, produce, plants, food and entertainment. Corner of Superior and Menzies Sts, by Parliament Bldgs, Saturdays, April through October. jamesbaymarket.com 2. Moss Street Market, Victoria – Locally grown organic produce, artisan wares and a funky urban vibe. Corner of Moss and Fairfield Sts, 10am to 2pm Saturdays, April through October; market heads inside in winter. mossstreetmarket.com

3. Sidney Street Market – A must-visit summer street market stretching along Beacon Avenue in downtown Sidney.

5:30 to 8:30pm Thursdays June 7 to Aug. 30. sidneystreetmarket.ca

into a pedestrian-only, European-style

market filled with fresh foods, artisan GATSBY MANSION wares, entertainment and more.

SPECIAL OFFER oakbay.ca

Stay 1 night atMarket $169– 6. Duncan Farmers’ 4. Goldstream Station Market, Langford – and full Thereceive goodness ofathe Cowichan Valley Full of flavour, vendors make, grow, bake in one location.

Saturdays, 9am to Canadian breakfast or raise the products they sell. Saturdays, in downtown Duncan, for2pm two!

10am to 2pm through mid-October, duncanfarmersmarket.ca Complimentary parking. corner of Goldstream Ave and Valid from March 1 – April 30, 2016 7.

S ummer Market, Chemainus – Tasty Veterans Memorial Pkwy. STREET, (Taxes and gratuities not included) 309 BELLEVILLE farm produce, baked goods, sweets, goldstreamstationmarket.ca VICTORIA, BC 250-381-3456 LOCATED IN THE HEART OF VICTORIA’S flowers and crafts.

Wednesdays, May INNER HARBOUR 5. Oak Bay Summer Market, Oak Bay – On to September, Waterwheel Park, the second Wednesday of the month, chemainus.bc.ca June to September, Oak Bay Avenue turns

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Stay 2 nights at $139 each night and receive the third night FREE! PACKAGE INCLUDES: Guestroom in Huntingdon Manor, complimentary full Canadian breakfast for two each morning of stay.

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In the centre of Victoria overlooking the Inner Harbour • 113 Guestrooms (kitchens on request) • Breakfast at Hunter’s • Pet friendly rooms

Valid from March 1 – April 30, 2016 (Taxes and gratuities not included)

Every Saturday 9am – 3pm

330 QUEBEC STREET, VICTORIA, BC HUNTINGDONMANOR.COM

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The Pendray Inn & Tea S PHouse ECIAL OFFER Overlooking the Inner Harbour on an acre of landscaped gardens, ponds and cobblestone pathways Stay 1 night at $169 • Nine Victorian-style guestrooms with and receive a full complimentary breakfast 309 BELLEVILLE STREET, Canadian breakfast • Pendray Restaurant featuring traditional VICTORIA, BC 250-381-3456 high tea seven days a week for two! pendrayinnandteahouse.com Complimentary parking.

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Valid from March 1 – April 30, 2016 (Taxes and gratuities not included)

SPECIAL OFFER •Free Wineat & Spirit Tastings Stay 1 night $169 •Live Music & Lots of Parking and receive a full Canadian breakfast for two!

Complimentary parking. jamesbaymarket.com Valid from March 1 – April 30, 2016 (Taxes and gratuities not included)

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rket.com LOCATED IN THE HEART OF VICTORIA’S INNER HARBOUR

STAY AWHILE PACKAGE

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

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SOUTH ISLAND

Families love the ‘running of the goats’ at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm in downtown Victoria

Greater Victoria Attractions FAMILY FUN Miniature World – More than 80 attractions in miniature. Excellent for children. Open daily. 649 Humboldt St, 250-385-9731, miniatureworld.com

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea – Aquarium of the Salish Sea, 9811 Seaport Pl, Sidney, 250-665-7511, oceandiscovery.ca Victoria Bug Zoo – Discover more

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//island.outfitters.fishing

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than 50 fascinating species of live giant tropical insects and arachnids. Open daily. 631 Courtney St, 384-BUGS (2847), victoriabugzoo.ca West Shore Family Fun Park – Mini-golf, water park, playzone, bowling and more, 1089 Langford Pkwy, 250-391-1738, eagleridgecentre.com Wildplay Element Parks – Aerial adventure park, 1767 Island Hwy, behind Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, 1-855-595-2251, wildplayparks.com. Also in Nanaimo.

GARDENS Abkhazi Garden – Heritage home and garden near downtown Victoria, 1964 Fairfield Rd, 778-265-6466, blog. conservancy.bc.ca Butchart Gardens – 55 acres of gorgeous gardens, 800 Benvenuto Ave, 250-652-5256, butchartgardens.com Butterfly Gardens – Exotic butterflies flying free in an indoor tropical paradise, 1461 Benvenuto Ave, 250-652-3822, butterflygardens.com Government House Gardens – Beautiful year-round public gardens, 1401 Rockland Ave, Victoria, ltgov.bc.ca Horticulture Centre of the Pacific – Stunning demonstration gardens, 505 Quayle Rd, Victoria, 250-479-6162, hcp.ca MUSEUMS & CULTURE Art Gallery of Greater Victoria – 1040 Moss St, 250-384-4101, aggv.ca

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites 250-478-5849 parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill A century-old coast artillery fort and the oldest lighthouse on the west coast—two national historic sites, to explore. Be inspired by our coastal heritage, marvel at the stories of times gone by and relax to the refreshing ocean breeze. Stay a little longer; spend an overnight in one of our oTENTiks. Fall asleep to nature’s little sounds and be taken back to a time 50 years ago when soldiers’ families inhabited Fort Rodd Hill during their summer camp-out.

Plan your visit to catch one of the special events. Only 15 minutes west of downtown Victoria. Admission is FREE for youth aged 17 and under.

Island Insider Stretching from the provincial capital of Victoria on the Island’s southern tip to Port Hardy in the north, at 32,000 square kilometres, Vancouver Island is the largest North American island in the Pacific Ocean.

SOUTH ISLAND

on-site. 675 Belleville St, 250-356-7226, royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Saanich Historical Artifacts Society Heritage Acres – Artifacts from our rural past on 29 acres, 7321 Lochside Dr, 250652-5522, shas.ca St. Ann’s Academy – Exquisite historic treasure, 835 Humboldt St, 250-953-8829, stannsacademy.com Sidney Museum – 2423 Beacon Ave, 250-655-6355, sidneymuseum.ca Sooke Region Museum – First Nations and early settlers, gold rush, logging, farming and fishing, 2070 Phillips Rd, Sooke, 250-642-6351, sookeregionmuseum.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

WING’S RESTAURANT

EAT IN, TAKE OUT or DELIVERY DAILY LUNCH and DINNER BUFFET

Business hours from 11:00am -10:00pm 90 Gorge Rd. West, Victoria, B.C.

250-385-5564

TOURS Discover the Past – Award-winning Ghostly Walks, Chinatown Walks and historical walking tours, 250-384-6698, discoverthepast.com Victoria Carriage Tours – Downtown-area carriage tours year-round, 250-383-2207, victoriacarriage.com

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AdrenaLine – Guided forest zipline tours, 5128C Sooke Rd, 250-642-1933 or 1-866-947-9145, adrenalinezip.com CRD Parks – Nature outings and special events in Victoria-area parks, 250-4783344, crd.bc.ca/parks Prince of Whales – Whale watching with hourly departures from the lower Causeway, 812 Wharf St, 250-383-4884 or 1-888-383-4884, princeofwhales.com SpringTide Whale Tours – Marine mammal and whale watching, 1119 Wharf St, 1-800-470-3474, victoriawhalewatching.com

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Bateman Centre – Discover the legacy of Canada’s premier nature artist, 470 Belleville St, 250-9403630, batemancentre.org BC Aviation Museum – 1910 Norseman Rd, near Victoria International Airport, 250-655-3300, bcam.net CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum – at Naden in Esquimalt, off Admirals Rd, 250-363-4312, navalandmilitarymuseum.org Craigdarroch Castle – Built in the 1890s and furnished in Victorian-era splendour, 1050 Joan Cres (off Fort St), 250-5925323, thecastle.ca Emily Carr House – The artist’s childhood home, open May through September at 207 Government St, 250383-5843, emilycarr.com Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites – On-site accommodation available. Open daily.

Located off Ocean Blvd, in Colwood, 250478-5849, parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill Hatley Park Castle and Museum – Forest, gardens and castle at Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd, 250-3912666, hatleypark.ca Point Ellice House – Historic 1867 home offering house tours, afternoon tea in the heritage garden, 2616 Pleasant St, 250-380-6506, pointellicehouse.ca National Geographic IMAX Theatre – A rotating selection of IMAX and feature films. 675 Belleville St (inside the museum), 250-480-4887, imaxvictoria.com Royal BC Museum – Outstanding museum of human and natural history; National Geographic IMAX Theatre is also

GORGE WATERWAY

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm Come on down for a visit with our friendly farm animals. Hang out with our beloved goats in the petting area and be sure to catch our famous goat stampede!

250.381.2532 GOAT STAMPEDES Call for Hours BEACON HILL PARK Call for Hours Funded By Your Donations ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

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PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM OAK BAY

SOUTH ISLAND Explore the shops, galleries and restaurants of Oak Bay, just minutes from downtown Victoria.

Get to Know

Downtown’s Neighbours OAK BAY

O • 85 Clean, comfortable air-conditioned rooms • 2 Bedrooms family units available • FREE! Highspeed Wireless Internet • 80 Cable TV Channels • Fridges and microwaves in all rooms • Enjoy our spacious landscaped grounds!

ak Bay is an inviting community a few minutes from downtown known for its spectacular seaside, vibrant village centres, tree-lined boulevards and exquisite architecture.

A nature lover’s delight, locals and visitors alike enjoy easy cycling, barefoot beach strolls and quiet paddles, taking in the fascinating shoreline and marine life.

The villages of Oak Bay Avenue, Estevan and Cadboro Bay welcome visitors from all over to shop for fashion and gifts, to visit the galleries and savour mouthwater-

ing creations of the charcutiers, chefs and bakers found throughout the area. And yes, the tradition of afternoon tea is still a local favourite!

Picturesque Oak Bay is home to many renowned artists and is a thriving arts and culture district with public art, a high concentration of galleries and studios and numerous performances, exhibits and events. Guided tours by land and sea offer a great way to experience First Nations and colonial history, and all are invited to join in the many local celebrations and events held year-round.

Clean, comfortable cars. Airport and BC Ferry Services, City Tours, Butchart Gardens, Deliveries

250.382.2222 ✧ 1-800-665-7055 Serving Victoria since 1946

www.taxicab.com

Prompt. Polite. Professional.

14 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

www.taxicab.com

ESQUIMALT & VIC WEST Heading west from downtown Victoria, just over the brand new Johnson Street Bridge, are the historic communities of Victoria West and Esquimalt, home to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

Take in the waterfront West Song Walkway, Saxe Point and Macaulay Point parks, and for history buffs, the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum is a must.

For information about Greater Victoria, call 250-953-2033, see tourismvictoria.com or visit the Visitor Centre at the Inner Harbour at 812 Wharf St.

Island Camping: What You Need to Know From hike-in wilderness sites to full-service RV parks equipped with laundromats and stores, Vancouver Island is home to a wide variety of parks and camping facilities.

Many of the Island’s provincial parks also feature campgrounds and some have sites that can be reserved ahead.

A reservation fee may apply in addition to the regular overnight fee. For information and to make reservations, call Discover Camping at 1-800-689-9025 or visit discovercamping.ca for locations and details.

Privately owned and operated campgrounds are located throughout Vancouver Island. For additional campground locations, check in at local Visitor Centres. The Ministry of Forests also maintains a number of recreation sites on Vancouver Island. Fees are collected for camping at a number of these sites to maintain the sites for future campers.

For locations and details, visit sitesandtrailsbc.ca

Fabulous Food, Waterfront Restaurant & Pub, Great Patio

SOUTH ISLAND

For those seeking to unwind, beautiful spas and quiet beaches await. And why not stay awhile? Whether you choose fivestar oceanfront luxury or a guesthouse rich with Old World charm, you’ll find memorable hospitality and a West Coast paradise at your doorstep.

From downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is easily reached by bike, a leisurely seaside drive or with one of the hop-on, hop-off services departing frequently from the Inner Harbour.

The only thing we overlook… is the view!

9881 Seaport Pl., Sidney 250.656.5643 Open everyday at 11:00am • Children welcome

rumrunnerpub.ca

All-Inclusive Senior Living Oak Bay Victoria 250.595.6257

www.shannonoaks.com Baptist Housing | Enhanced Seniors Living | Since 1964 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

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SOUTH ISLAND Fisgard Lighthouse, at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

THE WEST SHORE About 15 minutes’ drive from Victoria, or a pleasant bike ride along the Galloping Goose Trail from downtown, find the growing West Shore region. From pastoral farmland to bustling community centres, the West Shore is a hub for shopping, dining and outdoor activities.

Attractions include several celebrated golf courses, including Olympic View Golf Course and Bear Mountain Resort – where you’ll also find exceptional cycling and hiking opportunities – WildPlay Element Park, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National

Island Insider Colwood’s Hatley Castle was built in just 18 months for James and Laura Dunsmuir. Explore the long and varied history of the National Historic Site – today part of Royal Roads University – with a guided walking tour, beginning for the year May 19.

Historic Sites and Hatley Park National Historic Site, also home to Royal Roads University.

We are a premier bed and breakfast in Victoria, BC.

Perfect for group or corporate retreats! Ask about our available packages.

Mention this ad and receive a complimentary breakfast. Expires May 1, 2019

250-478-5000 • 5195 William Head Road • Victoria BC Canada www.thelodgeatweirsbeach.com

16 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

PHOTO COURTESY BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

Cycling the trails of Bear Mountain Resort.

SAANICH PENINSULA S

SOUTH ISLAND

The sensational

Scenic Sidney

o close to Victoria, yet a community all its own, Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula are must-visit destinations for Island visitors.

For many visitors, the Peninsula is the gateway to Vancouver Island – home to Victoria International Airport, the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay and the ferry from Anacortes, WA. SIDNEY The seaside town of Sidney is the largest community on the Saanich Peninsula, just a few minutes from the BC Ferries terminal or about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria along Highway 17.

Beacon Avenue is the heart of Sidney, lined with colourful flower displays, benches, public art and a delightful array of unique local boutiques, art galleries and dining diversions.

Follow Beacon to the waterfront to enjoy beautiful ocean views, the Sidney Sculpture Walk and the Port Sidney Marina, a full-service facility attracting boaters and visitors in search of adventures such as whale watching, kayak rentals, scuba diving and fishing charters. At the Sidney pier, you’ll also find the seasonal passenger ferry to Sidney Spit, popular for birdwatching and sandcastle building. Go for the day or pack your camping gear and book and overnight getaway at one of the walk-in campsites. (Reserve campsites at 1-877-737-3783).

Family-friendly Sidney activities include the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea – a terrific attraction filled with the wonders of the Salish Sea – Sidney Museum and the Mary Winspear Centre, with a full line-up of special events and performances.

Stretching south from Sidney to Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula is a picturesque, largely rural region of farms, parkland and waterfront. Highway 17 (the Pat Bay Highway) is the fastest route into Victoria, but sightseers will want to take one of the earlier exits to explore the quaint communities and quiet country roads.

Neighbourhoods along the way include Brentwood Bay, Saanichton and Cordova Bay, with attractions including the CONT. ON PAGE 18

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Come stay with us at the A relaxing seaside retreat steps from Sidney-Anacortes ferry, and Cedarwood Inn and Suites. minutes from the BC FerryWe’re terminal, Victoria located on theInternational ocean just Airport and Butchart Gardens. We er graciously appointed rooms and 20 off minutes from downtown Victoria. suites, charming cottages and deluxe ocean view suites. Unwind in Weekly & Monthly Rates Available. our manicured gardens and take pleasure in our panoramic ocean Come stay with us at the views ofCedarwood the localInnislands and mountain ranges. and Suites.

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SOUTH ISLAND

GORGEOUS GARDENS F

rom beautiful formal spaces to gardens reflecting the wild West Coast, the Island’s gardens are, quite simply, gorgeous.

Best-known of all British Columbia gardens is the world-famous Butchart Gardens, and a visit to this National Historic Site of Canada is a must. Still in the Butchart family after its founding more than a century ago, the 55-acre garden is open daily. The ever-changing spectacle of blooms and floral displays delight guests year-round, in addition to a wide variety of seasonal treats, including entertainment, summer’s night illuminations and Saturday evening fireworks, and a spectacular holiday light-up each Christmas season.

Spring is the season of cherry blossoms and a stunning display of more than 300,000 bulbs while summer brings a riot of colourful blooms. Autumn is beautiful with the changing of the colours of trees and foliage – especially the Japanese Garden, the first in North America, created by Jennie Butchart and Isaburo Kishida.

Come winter, it’s the Magic of Christmas, Dec. 1 to Jan. 6, a magical display of Christmas lights and decorations, complete with festive entertainment, outdoor ice rink and the Twelve Days of Christmas display tucked about the grounds.

January through March brings the annual historical display, Spring Prelude indoor garden and wedding season, from Jan. 15 to March 31.

Pet-friendly and accessible, Butchart Gardens’ winding paths are also a delight for children, who will want to stop at the Rose Carousel for a ride on the traditional hand-carved creatures.

Plan to take your time to enjoy this remarkable space – make a day of it and choose from an array of dining options from food carts, family-friendly meals in the Blue Poppy Restaurant or fine dining in the Dining Room Restaurant.

SAANICH PENINSULA

world-famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, BC Aviation Museum and Heritage Acres.

The region is also home to a thriving agritourism industry, with a variety of farms, markets and award-winning wineries. Come enjoy the flavours of Vancouver Island!

18 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

The beautiful Butchart Gardens PHOTO COURTESY THE BUTCHART GARDENS

ISLAND-GROWN GARDENS Victoria’s “Garden for Gardeners” the gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific feature nine acres of spectacular gardens showcasing more than 10,000 varieties of plants. Must-see special events include August’s Arts & Music in the Gardens, when more than 60 artists display their art throughout the garden.

Near downtown Victoria, Abkhazi Garden – “the garden that love built” – showcases the local landscape beautifully, with beds of Japanese maples, numerous bulbs and rhododendrons flowing around towering Garry oaks. Enjoy afternoon tea during your visit.

In the nearby Rockland neighbourhood the public Government House Gardens boast a stunning series of gardens flowing around the home of BC’s Lieutenant Governor.

In Qualicum Beach, Milner Gardens & Woodland is a charming seaside garden named by Canadian Geographic Travel as one of the Ten Best Public Gardens in

Canada. Experience 70 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, with winding pathways through an ancient coastal Douglas fir forest and 10 acres of woodland gardens lined with rhododendrons, cyclamen and trilliums before enjoying a traditional English tea service.

In Comox, Filberg Lodge and Park is a nine-acre beautifully landscaped waterfront green space featuring heritage buildings, 130 varieties of trees, seasonal gardens and hundreds of rhododendrons.

Nearby in Courtenay, the 24-acre Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens features one of the largest rhododendron collections in Western Canada with more than 3,000 plantings, plus native plants, birds and wildflowers. The year-round garden also hosts several art shows and special events through the year.

On the west coast, the Tofino Botanical Gardens feature 12 acres of gardens, forest and shoreline. Explore the relationship between culture, nature and temperate rainforest conservation.

CONT. FROM PAGE 17

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to explore Island View Beach, a popular sunbathing, beachcombing and bird-watching spot, and John Dean Provincial Park, a hit with hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

For watersports, including paddling, fishing and swimming, Prospect, Elk and Beaver lakes are favourites. For golfers, the

Cordova Bay Golf Course is an exceptional 18-hole championship course, while across the road is the family-friendly Par 3 boasting spectacular views over the strait.

For Sidney and Saanich Peninsula details, visit at 2281 Beacon Ave, or call 250-665-7362.

Victoria’s Inner Harbour, May 9 to 19 – Uno Festival of victoriasymphony.ca/splash solo theatre and performance, Victoria, intrepidtheatre.com Aug. 12 – Cadboro Bay Festival, with family fun, food and sand May 11 to 13 – Esquimalt sculpting, at Cadboro-Gyro Park, Buccaneer Days, with fun saanich.ca for the whole family! Info: esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca Aug. 10 to 12 – Victoria Dragoboat Festival, Inner May 18 to Dec. 31– Egypt: Harbour, victoriadragonboat.

The Time of Pharaohs, Royal com BC Museum, royalbcmuseum. bc.ca Aug.18 – Water Gun Wars at Fort Rodd Hill, pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ May 18 to 21 – Luxton bc/fortroddhill/ Spring Fair, Langford, luxtonspringfair.ca Aug. 18 – Ladysmith Show ‘n Shine Car Show, May 18 to 20 – Historic ladysmithshowandshine.ca Military Encampment with historic re-enactors, pc.gc.ca/ Aug. 26 – Vancouver Island Oak Bay Tea Party, June 2 and 3. en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ Motor Gathering, Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, Cowichan Valley, motorgathering.com May 19 to 21 – Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival, Topaz Park, victoriahighlandgames.com Aug. 26 – Arts on the Avenue, Ladysmith, artonavenue.com May 21 – Victoria Day Parade, starting at 9am from the Mayfair Mall along Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 – Victoria Buskers Festival, free, family-friendly Douglas St to Humboldt St, gvfs.ca entertainment, downtownvictoria.ca/buskers May 24 to 28 – Swiftsure International Yacht Race, Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 – Victoria Classic Boat Festival, Inner Harbour, swiftsure.org classicboatfestival.ca Early June – Cowichan Lake Days, cowichanlakedays.com Sept. 1 to 3 – Vancouver Island Blues Bash, free and ticketed performances June 2 & 3 – Oak Bay Tea Party, with parade, midway and events at in downtown Victoria, jazzvictoria.ca/blues-bash Victoria’s Willows Beach, oakbayteaparty.com Sept. 1 to 3 – Saanich Fair, Victoria, saanichfair.ca June 5 – YYJ Eats, a food and beverage showcase at St. Ann’s Academy, Sept. 7 & 8 – Great Canadian Beer Festival, Victoria, gcbf.com victoriachamber.ca Sept. 7 to 9 – Cowichan Exhibition – celebrating 150 years! – Duncan, June 21 to 23 – Indigienous Cultural Festival at the Royal BC Museum, cowex.ca aboriginalbc.com Sept. 13 to 16 – Rifflandia Music Festival, Victoria, rifflandia.com June 21– Solstice picnic, performers and storytellers, food available for Sept. 15 – Colwood Seaside Festival, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse purchase, pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ National Historic Sites, pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ June 22 to July 1 – Victoria International JazzFest, jazzvictoria.ca Sept. 22 – Lantern tour, Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, June 29 to Aug. 6 – 39 Days of July, free music and festivities in downtown pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ Duncan, 39daysofjuly.ca Late September – Savour Cowichan Festival, Cowichan Valley, June 30 & July 1 – Sidney Days, peninsulacelebrations.ca facebook.com/savourcowichan/ July 1 – Gorge Canada Day Picnic and Gorge on Art, 8:30am to 4pm, October – Salt Spring Harvest Food & Drink Festival, saanich.ca sipandsavoursaltspring.com July 1 to 8 – Victoria Pride Festival, with Pride Parade and Festival July 8, Oct. 7 – GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, half-marathon, relay, 8K and victoriapridesociety.org kids’ run, runvictoriamarathon.com July 8 – Saanich Strawberry Festival, Beaver Lake Park, saanich.ca July 21 – TD Art Gallery Paint-In, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, aggv.ca July 14 – Chemainus Bluegrass Festival, chemainusbluegrass. com July 19 to 22 – BC Summer Games, Cowichan Valley. Info: bcgames.org July 20 to 22 – 33rd Island Folk Fest, Duncan, islandsfolkfestival. ca July 27 to Aug. 6 – Sooke Fine Arts Show, SEAPARC Leisure Centre, Sooke, sookefinearts.com July 28 – BC Aviation Museum open house, Sidney, bcam.net Aug. 2 to 5 – SunFest Country Music Festival, Lake Cowichan, sunfestconcerts.com Aug. 4 & 5 – Ladysmith Days Aug. 5 – Symphony Splash with the Victoria Symphony, Emerson Drive plays Sunfest, Aug. 2 to 5 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

SOUTH ISLAND

What’s happening

on the South Island

19

SOUTH ISLAND STUBBS ISLAND WHALE WATCHING, TELEGRAPH COVE, STUBBS-ISLAND.COM

A WHALE OF A GOOD TIME

W

hale and wildlife watching is a passion here on Vancouver Island for both locals and visitors. Majestic orcas are the star of Island excursions but with so many species

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company that respects the animals and their environment, as well as providing a safe, thrilling experience in one of the top destinations in North America for whale and wildlife watching.

In Greater Victoria, favourites include Prince of Whales and SpringTide Whale Watching and Eco Tours, which have introduced nature lovers to the wild West Coast for years. Guests enjoy learning from marine naturalists, ocean biologists and experienced skippers driven to give their guests an entertaining, educational tour.

On the West Coast, Jamie’s Whaling Station offers a wide variety of tour options leaving from both Tofino and Ucluelet. Take in whale and wildlife watching tours, hot springs tours, cultural tours and more. Ocean Outfitters is another popular option for whale and wildlife watching.

North Island adventures are as close as Stubbs Island Whale Watching and Tide Rip Grizzly Adventures, in Telegraph Cove, where the experienced guides are pleased to share the remarkable wildlife of the Island’s eastern shore.

As you travel the Island, keep your eyes open for a variety of local wildlife.

Vancouver Island is home to an incredible diversity of animals, including great blue heron, black bear, cougar and the majestic Roosevelt elk. These impressive members of the deer family can weigh over 1,000lbs and have antlers up to four feet long!

SOUTH ISLAND

Sandcut Beach, near Sooke

West Coast Wild SOOKE

A

bout 40 minutes west from downcoastal trails, spend a day paddleboardtown Victoria along Highway 14, ing, kayaking or sport-fishing, explore Sooke is a vibrant, growing comthe museum or just relax and take in munity that retains its friendly, smallthe sights, including Sooke Harbour town charm. and Basin, the Olympic Mountains and An ideal destination for anyone inWhiffin Spit. terested in outdoor adventures, relaxing Named for its early inhabitants, the in a seaside restaurant or just “getting T’Sou-ke First Nation, Sooke began away” for a few days, Sooke’s opporas a thriving Salish settlement 2168 PhillipsCoast Road tunities are almost limitless: zipline and today the T’Sou-ke First Nation Sooke, BC part of the vibrant through West Coast forests, hike the remains an integral

Seaparc Leisure complex

community.

Today Sooke boasts top-rated restaurants, world-renowned accommodations and a variety of galleries, art studios and shops. Affectionately known for being “Wild by Nature,” the town is surrounded by beautiful rainforests, windswept coastlines and beaches, and features numerous provincial parks and bicycle trails.

CONT. ON PAGE 22

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ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

21

SOUTH ISLAND

Fishing the Sooke River JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

A nature lover’s paradise CONT. FROM PAGE 21

Humpback whales, orcas, grey whales, elephant seals, bald eagles, blue herons, hummingbirds and a variety of other wildlife are daily visitors to the

water, air and land of Sooke – a true nature lover’s paradise.

Be sure to make time for a dip at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, one of the South Island’s most popular sum-

mer swimming areas among locals.

With a reputation as one of the world’s best fishing destinations, visitors can enjoy a year-round bounty of salmon, halibut, cod and trout.

Boaters can reach the sheltered Sooke Harbour from the Juan de Fuca Strait, the Salish Sea outlet to the Pacific Ocean, or check in with a local outfitter for a West Coast fishing adventure. An incredible range of opportunities for both salt-water and fresh-water sport-fishing activities abound.

Extraordinarily rich in its arts culture, Sooke hosts a number of successful annual exhibits, workshops and shows celebrating the artisans of the region.

The town is also home to the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, a 60-member semi-professional orchestra performing both indoor and outdoor concerts each year. With the mildest climate in Canada, Sooke truly has something for everyone – fantastic views and recreation opportunities, a vibrant downtown and a local business community.

For information about the Sooke Region, call 250-642-6351 or 1-866-888-4748. The Visitor Centre is located at the Sooke Region Museum at 2070 Phillips Rd, sookeregionmuseum.com

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REALTOR

Beautiful Botanical Beach

Beyond Sooke, the landscape grows even wilder, with lush coastal rainforest and dazzling beaches, such as French Beach, Mystic Beach and Botanical Beach – home to amazing rock formations and rich tidal pools.

The 47km Juan de Fuca Marine Trail traces the shoreline from China Beach to Botanical Beach and is divided into sections, allowing hikers to choose a portion of the trail as a day trip or to tackle the whole route over about three days.

Along the way, stop by the small communities of Shirley, Jordan River and Port Renfrew, where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a variety of outdoor pursuits.

JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

Continuing on, travel the South Island’s Pacific Marine Circle Route, a paved road through the West Coast forests of Vancouver Island back-country, dotted with small lakes and interesting natural sights.

WEST TO PORT RENFREW “Canada’s tall tree capital,” discover the small but picturesque community of Port Renfrew, located about 90 minutes’ drive west of Victoria.

A seaside community centered around the local wharf, Port Renfrew provides visitors and residents with a relaxed, personable atmosphere only a small village can create.

Long a forestry and commercial fishing hub, the town has transitioned to being a centre for outdoor

Learn more about Port Renfrew at renfrewchamber.com

SOUTH ISLAND

THIS WAY TO THE BEACH

recreation, including sports fishing, hiking, old growth forest tourism and eco-tourism.

Outdoor enthusiasts also know the community as the trail head for both the West Coast Trail and the Juan de Fuca Trail – as well as for being home to some of the best salmon and halibut fishing on southern Vancouver Island.

Port Renfrew is also located along the picturesque Pacific Marine Circle

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The picturesque route will lead you to Lake Cowichan and Duncan, where you can link back to Victoria over the Malahat Drive or continue your explorations to more northern Island communities.

Route, a paved road offering a beautiful circular daytrip fromVictoria or access to eastern and northern Vancouver Island via a new paved highway.

Port Renfrew accommodations range from camping to comfortable motel rooms and cozy ocean-view cottages, with several dining options available, from the popular waterfront Renfrew Pub to home cooking at the Coastal Café and Tomi’s Diner.

Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre Your source for information about the past and the present of our region!

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2070 Phillips Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0Y3 • 250-642-6351 • TF 1-866-888-4748

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

23

SOUTH ISLAND

Exploring the

COWICHAN VALLEY F

rom Greater Victoria head along Highway 1 and over the scenic Malahat Drive to the Cowichan region, renowned for its outdoor recreation opportunities, agricultural attractions and inviting communities.

Duncan is the commercial centre of the Cowichan region and a hub of First Nations art and culture. “The City of Totems” boasts some 80 totem poles, including 40 in the downtown area, where you can view the totems while exploring the many unique shops and eateries. Pick up a tour map at the Visitor Centre or enjoy a free guided tour in the summer.

Favourite pastimes include wine touring, hiking and camping, along with family-friendly attractions like the BC Forest Discovery Centre, The Raptors and The Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre.

South of Duncan are the communities of Cobble Hill, Mill Bay and Shawnigan Lake, a cosy lakeside community popular for watersports. This gorgeous area is famous for its vineyards and produces some of the finest wines and ciders on Vancouver Island. Many of the facilities offer sampling, tours, picnic areas and wine shops. Agriculture tours are also growing in the Cowichan Region, where farm markets and tours attract more and

The historic Kinsol Trestle, near Shawnigan Lake in the Cowichan Valley.

more visitors.

The community of Cowichan Bay is perched over a natural deep-sea harbour and many of the buildings in this charming village – including a unique maritime museum – extend over the water. Along the waterfront, find a variety of gift shops and restaurants.

North of Duncan is Chemainus, renowned for the many professionally painted murals and sculptures beautifully depicting its history and culture.

The town’s quaint streets are lined with small shops, galleries and restaurants, anchored by the Chemainus Theatre, a star attraction featuring live, year-round plays and musicals. Stop by the Chemainus Coast Community Credit Union and pick up some “Chemainus Dollars” to use in town or take away for a souvenir.

Find the Mill Bay Visitor Centre in the Mill Bay

Nanaimo • Vancouver Island • BC

315 Rosehill Street, Nanaimo BC 24 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

1-866-925-2009

JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

Shopping Centre, 368 - 2720 Mill Bay Rd. Info: South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, 250-743-3566. The Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre is at 2896 Drinkwater Rd., Duncan. Info: Chamber of Commerce, 250746-4636 or 1-888-303-3337. In Chemainus, find the Visitor Centre in Waterwheel Park, 102-9799 Waterwheel Cresc., 250-246-3944.

Learn more at tourismcowichan.com

HISTORIC LADYSMITH

L

adysmith, once a shipping port for coal, is now a lovely seaside town that has earned provincial and national awards for its downtown revitalization project and beautiful gardens.

Head outdoors for fishing, kayaking, golfing, hiking and cycling, relax in Transfer Beach Park – great for kids and adults alike – or stroll the Ladysmith Heritage Walk.

Highlights include the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s marine visitor centre and the Ladysmith Museum on First Avenue, with historical displays of the town’s development, including business, industry and social history.

This picturesque community is blessed with numerous artists and artisans, not to mention year-round events.

Visiting in December? Don’t miss the town’s amazing display of Christmas lights illuminating the streets and houses.

Visit the Ladysmith Visitor Centre at 33 Roberts St., 250-245-2112, ladysmithcofc.com

SOUTH ISLAND

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Lovin’ Lake Life

A

bout 20 minutes west of Duncan along Highway 18, Lake Cowichan is a picturesque community popular with summer swimmers, boaters, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors will love the friendly village atmosphere, while finding all the amenities they need to enjoy their stay, including shopping, dining, accommodations and camping, along with a recreation centre and museum.

The Lake Cowichan region also includes the communities of Youbou, Caycuse, Honeymoon Bay and Mesachie Lake. In addition to water sports on the large lake, the Cowichan River is also popular for leisurely summer tubing and other activities.

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DISCOVERY, EDUCATION & FUN! FOREST Post Office Narrow GaugeBC Railway DISCOVERY CENTRE Blacksmith Shop Steam Train WWW.BCFORESTDISCOVERYCENTRE.COM Sawmill Forested Trails INFORMATION – (250) 715-1113 Antique Vehicles Ranger Station Logging Trucks 1930 Logging Camp Gift Shop School House 2892 DRINKWATER ROAD, DUNCAN (ON THE TRANS CANADA HIGHWAY)

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2892 DRINKWATER ROAD, DUNCAN (ON THE TRANS CANADA HIGHWAY)

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25

SOUTH ISLAND 26 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

SOUTH ISLAND

Best Brews

Tubing on Lake Cowichan

Southern Vancouver Island has earned a deserved reputation as a haven for beer lovers. From brewpubs to taphouses, fans will find a wealth of flavours, complementary foods and beer-related special events.

Among the newest destinations on the Island culinary scene is the Sawmill Taphouse & Grill, conveniently located on the scenic route between Chemainus and Ladysmith. Boasting 40 taps pouring both local brews and others from the Pacific Northwest, plus local wines and ciders, the Sawmill has earned a following among locals visiting from Shawnigan Lake in the south to Nanaimo in the north.

The comfortably sophisticated interior features beams and timber sourced from historic area sawmills, not to mention a reclaimed “bull saw” located behind the bar, an iconic focal piece that boldly links the Sawmill to the Cowichan Valley’s forestry past.

Add a West Coast-inspired menu of casual comfort food,

Sawmill Taphouse & Grill

wood-fired pizza oven and an inviting summer patio, and it’s no wonder the Sawmill Taphouse & Grill has quickly become a favourite for both locals and visitors alike.

Also onsite is a 100-person event venue ideal for wedding receptions, corporate meetings, community events and tour groups. With the decor inspired by the Taphouse, staff custom build all menus and look after all the details to ensure your event runs seamlessly.

Cowichan Valley Attractions Duncan is home to many stunning totem poles

JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

BC Forest Discovery Centre – The past, present and future of forestry, 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan, 250-715-1113, bcforestdiscoverycentre.com Chemainus Theatre – Exceptional destination theatre, 9737 Chemainus Rd, 250-246-9820 or 1-800-565-7738, chemainustheatrefestival.ca Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre – Unique maritime museum along a pier, 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd, 250-746-4955, classicboats.org Cowichan Valley Museum and Archives – In the old train station, 130 Canada Ave, Duncan, 250-746-6612, CowichanValleyMuseum.bc.ca Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre – 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan, 250-746-8119 or 1-877-746-8119, khowutzun.com/qccc/ Kaatza Station Museum and Archives – Community museum and archives, open daily during summer, South Shore Rd, Lake Cowichan, facebook.com/KaatzaStationMuseum The Raptors – Landscaped discovery centre and daily flight demonstrations, 1877 Herd Rd, Duncan, 250-746-0372, pnwraptors.com Totem Tours – free, guided walking tours explore downtown Duncan’s many totem poles, June though September, with off-season tours by appointment, 250-715-1700, downtownduncan.ca

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

27

SOUTH ISLAND

A

Guide to the Gulf Islands

picturesque collection of unique communities between Vancouver Island and the BC Mainland, the Gulf Islands are easily accessible via BC Ferries or private boat.

Popular getaways for locals, the stunning scenery inspires numerous artists and artisans while fertile lands support thriving farms and award-winning wineries.

From sandy beaches to mountaintops where the views go on forever, the Southern Gulf Islands offer terrific day-trip destinations or extend your visit and start the adventure!

Salt Spring, just a 35-minute BC Ferry ride from Swartz Bay terminal, is renowned for its idyllic beauty, art galleries, studios and wineries. Don’t miss the Saturday outdoor market filled with local purveyors and accomplished artisans. Stroll the town of Ganges, then soak in the scenery with a cycle or leisurely drive.

JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

ISLAND TO ISLAND

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking trails at Ruckle Provincial Park while paddlers can choose from both fresh and salt-water excursions. Smaller nearby islands of Pender, Mayne, Saturna and Galiano are all served by ferry, but popular with local boaters as well.

While the populations of these islands are quite small, find all the amenities needed for an afternoon escape or longer getaway, with accommodations ranging from provincial park camping to luxurious resorts.

Throughout the islands, find beaches good for hours of swimming or beachcombing, trails for biking and hiking, birdwatching, paddling and more, not to mention the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve – Learn more at pc.gc.ca/en/pnnp/bc/gulf.

A little farther north, enjoy the 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo to Gabriola

SLOTS BINGO

Island, popular with kayakers, campers, cyclists and explorers who come to discover the ancient petroglyphs and remarkable sandstone formations at the Malaspina Galleries.

Denman and Hornby Islands are located off-shore of the Comox Valley and are popular with artists and vacationers, while visitors to Texada Island can enjoy the short trip from Powell River or hop aboard a KD Air flight from the Vancouver South Terminal.

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28 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

JENNIFER BLYTH PHOTO

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WHISTLER

SIDNEY 57 SOOKE 441 436 TAHSIS 337 331 429 TOFINO 311 306 404 42 UCLUELET 26 37 421 316 291 VICTORIA 480 475 201 469 444 460 ZEBALLOS

QUALICUM BEACH 178 172 263 166 141 158 303

Salmon Inlet

242 127 70 506 401 376 107 545

OF GE QUALICUM OR BEACH GI A PARKSVILLE Nanoose Bay / Fairwinds Lantzville Coombs

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344 522 517 242 510 485 502 126

Jervis Inlet

355 533 527 253 521 496 512 136

PORT ALICE 53 PORT HARDY 54 44 PORT McNEILL 597 586 547 PORT RENFREW

PARKSVILLE PORT ALBERNI

50 366 355 316 232 11 167 162 274 171 146 147 313

Princess Royal Reach

36 84 402 391 352 196 47 131 126 309 206 180 111 349

19A

North Island Route is Hwy 19 between Campbell River and Port Hardy

Oceanside Route is Hwy between Parksville and Campbell River

Distance Chart

in Kilometres - 1 km = .6 miles approx.

LAKE COWICHAN 73 NANAIMO

False Bay

Te xa da

Vananda Gillies Bay

Blubber Bay

136 157 192 241 558 547 508 36 203 88 31 466 362 337 68 506

Powell Lake

508 435 399 433 97 50 88 630 388 566 561 286 554 529 546 170

POWELL RIVER

317 243 208 242 187 176 137 440 197 375 370 66 363 338 355 135

u Bamfield So Nitinat y le Lake rk a tio B Pachena na Carmanah Pt. l Pa rk Pacific Park Carmanah Pt. W es tC oas t Trail 160 km 140 km

nd

30 51 87 135 452 441 402 145 97 80 75 360 256 231 60 400

101

COMOX

19A

Kildonan

Sproat Lake

Comox Lake

Broken Group Islands

Na

120 km

Ri

Ucluelet

4 Kennedy Lake

Tofino Inlet

Long Beach

Ahousat t Meares uo Vargas I. I. oq d ay oun l C S Tofino

Flores I.

Great Central Lake

Lund

Merville

43 182 37 108 76 73 122 106 439 293 428 282 389 243 152 304 84 62 96 239 88 234 347 202 241 228 218 203 70 219 Toba Inlet 241 387

Desolation Sound Marine Park

226 153 117 151 248 238 198 349 107 284 279 157 273 248 264 196

Hernando I.

Cortes I.

252 179 145 95 495 484 445 375 140 310 305 403 217 191 290 442

BAMFIELD 246 CAMPBELL RIVER 217 191 CHEMAINUS 201 45 146 COURTENAY 230 204 13 159 DUNCAN 337 91 281 136 294 GOLD RIVER 528 282 472 326 485 220 HOLBERG 336 310 113 265 106 400 591 JORDAN RIVER 202 176 17 131 28 266 457 134 LADYSMITH

Black Creek

Quathiaski Cove

COURTENAY Forbidden Plateau 1354 Cumberland

Strathcona Park

Golden Hinde 2200

19

Quadra I.

Mt. Washington 1590

Quinsam L.

28

Bute Inlet

Maurelle I.

Phillips Arm

CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell L.

Brewster L.

19

Elkhorn Mt. Buttle 2195 Lake

VANCOUVER ISLAND

No

Friendly Cove

Tahsis Inlet

Muchalat Lake

Gold River

Muchalat Inlet

Vernon Lake

Klaklakama Lakes

Schoen Lake Park

Mt. Cain 1804

Park

Kennedy 2028

Smaller Centre Mount

Major Centre

Passenger Ferry

Car Ferry

Gravel Roads

Paved Roads

Major Highways

LEGEND

Sayward

Kelsey Bay

Port Neville

Thompson Sound

Kingcome Inlet

19

Cracroft I.

Tahsis

Woss

Bonanza Lake

l In za t le an In er z p Nootka t Es tli I. ha c Nu Bajo Pt.

et

Fair Harbour Espinosa Inlet

Tahsish Inlet

Victoria Lake

Nimpkish Lake

19

Gilford I.

Kingcome Inlet

Turnour I.

Telegraph Cove

Alert Bay

Sointula

Broughton I.

Sullivan Bay

Malcolm I.

Port McNeill

ge

Pass a

Alice Lake

Brooks Peninsula Park

Port Alice

Coal Harbour

Port Hardy

uche re

Nigei I. Lab o

Holberg Holberg Inlet

o sin at nd Qu Sou

San Josef

Cape Scott Park

R

Hope I.

R QU L O E TT E E N ST

Mexicana Pt.

C

SMITH SOUND

Cape Calvert

la Coo lla

Br o Pe oks n

Calvert I.

ce Ferries to Prin

Be rt/ pe Ru P

To Port Angeles

29

Lu

A B O R I G I N A L TO U R I S M

Discover the Island’s

ANCIENT CULTURES N

o matter which part of the Island captures your interest, you’ll find opportunities to explore the fascinating culture of the region’s First Nations.

Rich in tradition, Aboriginal history comes alive at the Royal BC Museum. Don’t miss the totems in Thunderbird Park next door and the Big House experience inside the museum.

Around the harbour, find the Signs of Lekwungen, carved by Songhees artist Butch Dick and marking seven places of cultural significance to the Lekwungen, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Pick up a map at the downtown Visitor Centre or visit victoria.ca.

In nearby James Bay, see Na’Tsa’Maht – The Unity Wall, a stunning mural painted along the breakwater by local First Nations artists Butch Dick and Darlene Gait.

In Duncan – the City of Totems – explore the town’s historic streets and more than 80 totems, many in the downtown centre where walking tours are offered. The Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre offers interpretive tours, demonstrations and authentic native cuisine.

Nanaimo’s Petroglyph Park features ancient carvings in stone while at the Nanaimo Museum the interactive Snunéymuxw exhibit explores textiles, basketry, trade, fishing and more. Hop the ferry to Newcastle Island, a provincial marine park known as Saysutshun by the Snunéymuxw people, who oversee the island.

Tofino offers a coastal adventure blending whale, marine and wildlife watching tours with First Nations history and culture, along with art galleries and studios.

In Courtenay, check out the I-Hos Native Gallery and the Courtenay and District Museum. The Museum at Campbell River boasts an extensive First Nations gallery, including the outstanding theatre presentation Treasures of Siwidi.

In Campbell River, Aboriginal Journeys is a wildlife viewing and adventure tour company, while August Point Lodge, at the head of Zeballos Inlet, is famous for its outstanding fishing.

A short ferry trip from Port McNeill, discover the small community of Alert Bay

Learn about Indigenous cultures at the Royal BC Museum.

ROYAL BC MUSEUM PHOTO

Your Lakeside Resort in the City!

Feb. 21, 2018

and the celebrated U’mista Cultural Centre, featuring the Potlatch Collection, an amazing display of masks and ceremonial regalia.

In July and August enjoy dance performances by T’sasała Cultural Group in the traditional Big House, totem poles throughout TAVI Colour Ad DRAFT the community, and for art lovers, amenities 2.2 in. wide; 2.33 in. suchdeep as the Culture Shock Interactive Gallery.

Near Port Hardy, the Copper Maker Gallery is a working artist gallery on the site of an ancient village.

Learn more about exploring Vancouver Island’s Aboriginal culture at AboriginalBC.com

1.800.565.1144 4700 N. Island Hwy (19A) 250.758.1144 Nanaimo B.C. V9T 1W6

WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM 30

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

parksvillebeachfest.ca

Private balcony overlooking Long Lake Free continental breakfast Senior rates • Pet friendly

to 3 1 y l u J ust 1 9 A u g 20 1 8 Presented by

NANAIMO R

the Island’s Harbour City

enowned for its excellent shopping, dining and vibrant arts and cultural scene, complemented by numerous outdoor opportunities and its mild Pacific climate, Nanaimo is an excellent year-round vacation destination.

BC’s third oldest city, historically Nanaimo is the homeland of the Coast Salish, who called themselves “Snuneymuxw,” which roughly translates as “gathering place.”

Delve into the city’s past at the more than 150-year-old Bastion, the Nanaimo Museum, where highlights include First Nations displays, a replica coal mine and bathtub race exhibit, and the Vancouver Island Military Museum.

With more artists per capita than most other regions in Canada, explore Nanaimo’s arts and culture in its galleries and arts studios, on stage at the Port Theatre and at the city’s music venues. Diverse shopping districts include the Old City Quarter, arts district, waterfront shops and a variety of north-end shopping centres.

Just south of the city, the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail is loaded with galleries, crafts and culinary stops. Foodies will love the tasty delights at the region’s farms, farmers’ markets and specialty producers, not to mention the famed Nanaimo Bar Trail.

Sidetrip to Newcastle Island Travelling to Nanaimo by land or sea? Include a stop at Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park, in Nanaimo’s harbour. Traditionally known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw people, this family-friendly marine provincial park is only accessible by foot-passenger ferry from Nanaimo’s Muffeo Sutten Park or by boat.

Offering panoramic views of the Harbour City and Coast mountains, outdoor activities include swimming, kayaking, hiking and more, plus the Newcastle Island Cafe, located in the restored 1930s teahouse in a historic dance pavilion.

Learn more at newcastleisland.ca

Crave the great outdoors?

Explore more than 200 parks and trails perfect for walking, swimming, cycling, bird-watching and boating, plus some of the best mountain biking in BC. Hikers will enjoy Neck Point, Biggs Park, Westwood Lake Park and Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park.

Paddlers can launch from both fresh and saltwater locations and boaters will be impressed by the top-notch marina facilities, – don’t miss visiting Canada’s only floating pub and with a view back Nanaimo’s to the city.

Bastion stands near the harbour Foot-passenger ferry service to Newcastle Island is available through the spring to clear waters, abundant marine life and and summer seasons. A short BC Ferries trip intriguing sites. In fact, Nanaimo’s wrecks to Gabriola Island makes for another enjoyand reefs include three sunken ships that able daytrip. comprise one of the largest upright artificial Fancy a turn around the links? From reefs in the world! family mini-golf to championship courses, Visit the Nanaimo Visitor Centre at 2450 Northfield Nanaimo boasts a dizzying array of choices Rd. From May to September, visit the centre at the within an hour’s drive.

Bastion on Front Street. Call 250-751-1556 or see Diving is yet another specialty, thanks tourismnanaimo.com

C ES NO TU RT AH L ISLAND

Welcome to

Island Insider: History comes alive

History buffs find a lot to like in Nanaimo, with its historic old town, vibrant harbour and fascinating Nanaimo Museum, exploring First Nations and settlement history through both permanent and visiting exhibits. The Bastion, built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1853, is open daily through summer with a daily cannon firing ceremony at noon.

For military history, visit the Vancouver Island Military Museum, with its impressive collection of military memorabilia and artifacts from the War of 1812 right through to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan.

Canadian Military History

... on Nanaimo’s dynamic waterfront.

Come See, Come Learn, Come Experience History

Gallery, Programs, TOURS & giftshop 100 Museum Way • 250.753.1821 www.nanaimomuseum.ca

Celebrating Canadian Military History and honouring the service of our armed forces, RCMP, and Merchant Navy past and present. No visit to Nanaimo is complete without a isvisit to... without a visit to...

Nanaimo complete

100 Cameron Road, Downtown Nanaimo (next to the Port Theatre) 10am-3pm, Mon. through Fri. 11am-3pm Saturday

250-753-3814

www.vimms.ca

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

31

C ESN OTURTAHL I SI SLLAANNDD

Explore the Horne Lake Caves

Dive

the wrecks, walls and reefs around Nanaimo, BC

Snorkel with the seals on Snake Island Tour the shores of Nanaimo and nearby islands enjoying the history and ecology

250-756-1863 www.divenanaimo.ca

Stay in Vancouver Island’s fastest growing vacation and resort area. Beautiful, well appointed cottages within easy access to exceptional year-round recreation

Central Island Attractions NANAIMO Casino Nanaimo – 620 Terminal Ave, 250753-3033, casinonanaimo.com Nanaimo Aquatic Centre – wave pool, three slides, and more, 741 Third St, 250756-5200.

Nanaimo Museum & Bastion – 100 Museum Way, 250-753-1821, nanaimomuseum.ca WildPlay Element Parks – bungy jumping, Monkido aerial adventure park, zipline and more, 35 Nanaimo River Rd, 1-855-5952251, wildplay.com Vancouver Island Military Museum – uniforms, weapons and artifacts, 205-7533814, 100 Cameron Rd, vimms.ca PORT ALBERNI Alberni Pacific Railway – 1929 steam train to McLean Mill National Historic Site, midJune to Sept, 3100 Kingsway, 250-723-2118, alberniheritage.com Alberni Valley Museum – 4255 Wallace St, 250-723-2181, alberniheritage.com Alberni Aquarium and Stewardship Centre – at Harbour Quay, 7-5440 Argyle St, 250724-3600 alberniaquarium.ca Maritime Discovery Centre – Harbour Quay, 2750 Harbour Rd., 250-723-6164, alberniheritage. com McLean Mill National Historic Site – Canada’s last steam-powered sawmill and Alberni Pacific

HORNE LAKE CAVES & OUTDOOR CENTRE PHOTO

Steam Railway, 5633 Smith Rd, 1-855-866-1376, alberniheritage.com Lady Rose Marine Service – scenic cruises from Port Alberni to Bamfield and Ucluelet aboard MV Frances Barkley, 250-723-8313 or 800-663-7192, ladyrosemarine.com OCEANSIDE Bard to Broadway Theatre Society – summerlong repertory theatre, Qualicum Beach, 250-7524470, b2btheatre.com Butterfly World & Gardens – on Hwy 4A, Coombs, 250-248-7026, nature-world.com Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre – familyoriented park, guided and self-guided tours, 250248-7829, 101 Horne Lk. Caves Rd, hornelake.com Milner Gardens and Woodland – 60-acre old growth forest surrounding 10-acre heritage seaside garden, with special events and afternoon tea, 2179 West Island Hwy, 250-7526153, milnergardens.org North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre – Public welcome mid-March to October, 1240 Leffler Rd, 250-248-8534, niwra.org Paradise Fun Park – mini-golf, bumper boats and more, 375 W. Island Hwy, 866-325-1874, paradisefunpark.net Qualicum Beach Museum – 587 Beach Rd, 250752-5533, qbmuseum.net Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf – 1000 Resort Dr, 250-248-8290, riptidelagoon.com

Come Discover For Yourself info@oceansidevillageresort.com

EXPERIENCE

In Parksville’s Resort Area 1-877-248-8961 1080 Resort Drive www.osvr.ca

Restore your spirit with an adventure on Saysutshun – a special place of natural wonders with a rich cultural history.

Enjoy our 22 kilometers of trails, Saysutshun Interpretive Walking Tours, Traditional Salmon Barbeques or tasty treats at our Saysutshun Bistro. Individual and Group Campsites available docking and special events.

Saysutshun is a short 10 minute ferry ride for $5 return.

VISIT

32

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

Check out our website and plan your trip today! www.newcastleisland.ca

C ESNOTURTAHL IISSLLAANNDD While away a summer day on Parksville’s sandy beaches PHOTOS COURTESY VISITPARKSVILLEQUALICUMBEACH.COM

PARKSVILLE & QUALICUM BEACH The Island’s oceanfront playground

M

ake a splash in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region – Canada’s beach playground. Stretching along Highway 19A, the diverse communities of Parksville, Qualicum Beach, French Creek, Nanoose Bay, Arrowsmith Coombs Country and Lighthouse Country feature miles of sandy beaches, spectacular mountain and ocean views and numerous attractions. It’s little surprise this vacation playground is home to many special events, fine dining, quaint shops, marinas and of course, great golf.

Gallery and studio browsing is a favourite pastime, while for outdoor enthusiasts, activities include fishing, diving, kayaking, mountain biking, boating, caving, horseback riding and

windsurfing. Bird-watching is also big in Parksville Qualicum Beach, where more than 250 bird species live yearround or visit during spring migration.

PARKSVILLE

Parksville, with a population of more than 11,000, is the region’s largest community. Boasting Canada’s mildest year-round climate, the beachfront resort town’s incredible beaches, top spa destinations, golf courses and beautiful parks make it both an ideal spot for romantic getaways and family vacations.

The month-long Parksville Beach Festival and Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition are summer-musts for many. Nearby, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park draws hikers, anglers and picnickers, while Top Bridge

Welcome to Breathtaking!

- cave theatre - self-guided caving - cave tours - mild to wild

Regional Park is a haven for mountain bikers, and caving at Horne Lake Caves is a thrilling experience for all ages.

QUALICUM BEACH

About 10 minutes north of Parksville, the charming town of Qualicum Beach is a pedestrian-friendly gardener’s paradise, home to the beautiful Milner Gardens and Woodland, Qualicum Beach Museum, quaint boutiques, galleries, antique stores and cozy cafés.

ARROWSMITH COOMBS

Arrowsmith Coombs Country offers more sightseeing and activity options.

The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve is a unique micro-climate and ecosystem that has received UNESCO designation.

OPEN YEAR ROUND Ranked #1 Attraction

250-248-7829 HORNELAKE.COM ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

33

C E SNO TU RA L ISLAND TH

Timberlodge RV & Motel

Timberlodge is renowned for its hospitality and excellent service.

22 Motel Rooms 39 R.V. Sites Seh-mi Japanese Restaurant 250.735.9415 Restaurant 778.421.2220 2404 Timberlane Road Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8P2

www.timberlodgerv.ca

34

Not-to-miss attractions include the Orchid Garden at Butterfly World and Gardens, with more than 800 living orchids for your enjoyment, North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, Tiger Lily Farms and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks & MooBerry Winery (complete with farm tours). At the Old Country Market in Coombs, watch the antics of the goats grazing on the market’s grass roof before you explore the eclectic market and neighbouring shops. Pick up a picnic lunch and stroll the paths of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.

LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY

Lighthouse Country is a picturesque coastal area with marinas, restaurants, art studios, shops, amazing scallops from Qualicum Bay Scallops.

Also check out the Deep Bay Field Station Centre for Shell-

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

BOOMER JERRITT PHOTO/COURTESY VISITPARKSVILLEQUALICUMBEACH.COM

fish Research, sitting like a giant open clam on the shores of Deep Bay. Visit visit visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com. In Parksville, stop by the Visitor Centre, 1275 East Island Hwy, or call 250-248-3613; In Qualicum, visit 2711 West Island Hwy, call 250-752-9532.

Aug. 12 – Tofino Lantern Festival, May 27 – Qualicum Beach Tofino Botanical Gardens, Family Day, Civic Centre raincoasteducation.org Fields, qbfamilyday.com Aug. 16 to 19 – CULTIVATE: PerformJune 1 to 3 – Tofino Food & ing Arts Festival, Gabriola Island, Wine Festival, tofinofoodantheatrefest.artsgabriola.ca dwinefestival.com Aug. 17 to 19 – Vancouver Island June 9 – Pride Parade and Exhibition, Beban Park, Nanaimo, Festival, Downtown Nanaimo viex.ca and Maffeo Sutton Park, nanaimopride.ca Aug. 18 – Show ‘n Shine Car Show, Ladysmith, June 9 – Butterfly Effect, ladysmithshowandshine.ca Painted Lady butterfly release and Hospice fundraiser, Port Aug. 18 & 19 – Bulls, Broncs and BarAlberni, albernihospice.ca rels, Coombs, viwesternheritage.com June 16 – Seaside Cruizers’ Aug. 23 to 26 – Summertime Street Dance, 6 to 10pm, Blues Festival, Nanaimo, SUSIE QUINN PHOTO downtown Qualicum Beach, nanaimobluesfestival.com The Jane Austen Festival returns to Port Alberni July 6 to 8. seasidecruizers.com Sept. 1 – Lighthouse Country Fall Fair, June 16 – Port Day, Port Alberni’s Tyee Landing Qualicum Bay, communityclub.ca July 28 – Grand Prix d’Art painting race and and Maritime Heritage Discover Centre, Art in Action Fair, Qualicum Beach, Sept. 1 to 5 – Clayoquot Salmon Festival, focs.ca albernichamber.ca theoldschoolhouse.org Sept. 6 to 9 – Alberni District Fall Fair, Port June 17 – Edge to Edge Half-Marathon and 10K, Aug. 3 to 5 – 40th annual Coombs Country Alberni fairground, albernifair.com Ucluelet, edgetoedgemarathon.com Bluegrass Festival, chrco.org/bluegrass Sept. 6 to 9 – Carving on the Edge Festival, June 17 – Father’s Day Seaside Cruizers Show & Aug. 5 – Van Isle Shriners Show & Shine Car Tofino, carvingedgefestival.com Shine, Qualicum Beach, seasidecruizers.com Show, Parksville, parksvillebeachfest.ca Sept. 28 to 30 – Queen of the Peak Women’s June 21 to 24 – Milner Gardens’ Fairy Houses, Aug. 9 to 18 – Nanaimo Fringe Festival, Surf Championship, Tofino, queenofthepeak.com Qualicum, viu.ca/milnergardens/ nanaimofringe.com/ Sept. 30 – Harvest Celebration and Dance at June 23 – Party in the Park, country-themed Aug. 10 to 12 – Shaker Music & Art Festival, McLean Mill, Port Alberni, mcleanmill.ca music, Nanaimo, partyintheparknanaimo.com McLean Mill National Historic Site, mcleanmill.ca Oct. 12 to 14 – Harvest Music Festival, June 24 to Sept. 30 (Sundays) – Music in Aug. 11 & 12 – Thunder in the Valley drag race Old Schoolhouse, Qualicum Beach, the Park, McLean Mill National Historic Site, event, Port Alberni, albernidragracing.com harvestofmusic.com mcleanmill.ca Aug. 12 – Kidfest, Parksville Beach, kidfest.ca July 1 – Canada Day! Enjoy festivities throughout the Island.

July 1 – Tri-Conic Challenge – Race the Train marathon, half-marathon, 10K and kids’ run, • FISHING • SHOOTING SPORTS triconic.ca • CLOTHING • WADING & MORE July 1 to 8 – Pacific Rim Summer Festival, performing and visual arts in Tofino, Ucluelet Your One Stop Shop! and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, t COURTENAY NANAIMO PORT ALBERNI pacificrimarts.ca/festivals #3-2720 Cliffe Ave. 600-2980 N.Island Hwy. 4985 Johnston Rd. July 3 to Aug. 18 – Bard to Broadway Sum250.723.1172 LOCATIONS 250.334.2007 250.758.7726 mer Theatre, Qualicum Beach, 250-248-0444, gonefi shinshop.com b2btheatre.com July 6 to 8 – Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival, nanaimodragonboat.com July 6 to 8 – Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby, tofinosaltwaterclassic.com July 6 to 8 – Jane Austen Festival, Port Alberni, centennialbelles.ca July 13 to 15 – Canadian Open Sand-sculpting Competition, Parksville; sculptures displayed to Aug. 19, parksvillebeachfest.ca July 15 – Silly Boat Regatta, Nanaimo, Maffeo Sutton Park, sillyboat.com July 20 to 22 – Nanaimo Marine Festival & World Championship Bathtub Race, bathtubbing.com July 27 to 29 – Ukee Days, Ucluelet, ukeedays.wordpress.com

C E SNOT U RT AH L ISLAND

What’s happening

on the Central Island

3 GREAT

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

35

CENTRAL ISLAND

C ESNOTU R TAH L ISLAND

Paradise on the

PACIFIC RIM

V

ancouver Island’s celebrated Pacific Rim is home to spectacular scenery and numerous outdoor adventures.

PORT ALBERNI

Port Alberni, west of Parksville off Highway 4, is a renowned sport fishing destination teeming with natural and cultural attractions.

At the heart of Vancouver Island’s awe-inspiring Pacific Rim region, fishing charters operate year-round and saltwater rewards include halibut, cod and salmon. Freshwater anglers take to local streams for cutthroat, rainbow and steelhead trout. Other activities range from golfing to wildlife viewing.

Just outside Port Alberni, along Highway 4, is the majestic Cathedral Grove with centuries-old trees, and the peaceful splendour of Cameron Lake.

An excellent network of heritage attractions includes the Alberni Valley Museum and a 35-minute scenic steam train excursion from the Port Alberni Railway Station near the harbour to the McLean Mill National Historic

Cathedral Grove, just outside Port Alberni, is home to centuries-old trees – some more than 800 years old.

Site. The Rollin Arts Centre and Gardens features work by local artists and summer tea on the terrace, while the Alberni Harbour Quay is a colourful collection of waterfront shops, galleries and eateries where you’ll also find the Maritime Discovery Centre and the boarding area for the MV Frances Barkley, a passenger and freight vessel offering scenic trips to Bamfield and Ucluelet. Near Port Alberni, popular spots include Sproat Lake Provincial Park and J.V. Cline Bird Sanctuary.

Port Alberni info: 250-724-6535, albernichamber.ca or the Visitor Centre, 2533 Port Alberni Hwy.

TOFINO, UCLUELET & PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

Along the Pacific Rim Highway is the Island’s year-round West Coast playground of Ucluelet, Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park, home to surfing, winter storm-watch-

FOUR AMAZING TOURS experience them all!

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ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca Whale Centre — Cruise through the spectacular waters of Clayoquot Sound waters of Clayoquot Whale Centre — through the spectacular Sound Whale Centre — Cruise Cruise through spectacular waters of annual Clayoquot Sound in search of whales as they journeythenorthward during their migration.

ing, beach combing, wildlife excursions and more.

On the edge of spectacular Barkley Sound and bordered by ocean on three sides, Ucluelet is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Fishing guides and charters will get you on the water or join the local experts on a West Coast wildlife tour. In harbour, visit the Ucluelet Aquarium.

Kayaking opportunities range from the inner harbour’s calm waters to the challenging Broken Group Islands, while favourite hikers’ destinations include the Wild Pacific Trail.

Take to the trees for a ziplining adventure and return for winter stormwatching.

Just past Long Beach, overlooking Clayoquot Sound, Tofino is a tourism destination in the heart of pristine wilderness. To help to protect this spectacular region, Tofino was designated BC’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Outdoor activities include whalewatching, fishing, kayaking, diving and guided bear-watching tours. Hikers enjoy many trails in the Long Beach area and surrounding the townsite. Tofino is also Canada’s surfing capital, with year-round opportunities to catch a wave and fine surf schools to get you started.

Unique attractions include the Whale Centre Museum and Hot Springs Cove. Despite its popularity, Tofino retains its peaceful, rustic ambience, with quaint shops art galleries and cafés blending easily with world-class resorts and fine dining establishments.

For Ucluelet info: 250-726-4641 or the Visitor Centre, 2791 Pacific Rim Hwy, 250-726-4600; ucluelet.ca. Tofino Visitor Centre: 250-7253414, 1426 Pacific Rim Hwy; tourismtofino. com For the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, call 250-726-4212 or see pc.gc.ca/pacificrim

SO TH H II SS LL A AN ND D N OU RT

COMOX VALLEY

Adventures from sea to sky

N

estled between the Beaufort Mountains and the Strait of Georgia, the Comox Valley’s stunning scenery, exceptional amenities and array of activities combine in one of the Island’s most popular vacation destinations.

With a mild year-round climate providing exceptional hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, diving and skiing, the Valley comprises several distinct communities. Courtenay is the commercial centre and a hub for arts and culture with downtown art galleries and studios, boutiques, theatres and restaurants. Outlying areas also feature a variety of farms, parks and beaches. Excellent marina facilities and a quaint downtown make Comox a popular destination where attractions include the Comox Air Force Museum and Heritage Airpark and the historic Filberg Lodge and Park, where annual events include the August long weekend’s Filberg Festival, one of BC’s finest arts, crafts and entertainment celebrations. Cumberland celebrates its history as a former coal-mining town – learn about its fascinating past at the Cumberland Museum and Archives. Nearby is Comox Lake, a crys-

tal clear, glacier-fed paradise perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, with a full-service campground, picnic area, boat ramp and hiking trails.

Get off the beaten track with a visit to Denman Comox Marina and Hornby Islands, just offshore and accessible via BC Ferry from Buckley Bay, south of Courtenay.

Favourite escapes for hiking, cycling, diving, swimming and kayaking, don’t miss Hornby Island’s Tribune Bay, where the summer sun warms shallow waters, ideal for swimming. Visitors also enjoy the islands’ many art studios.

Merville/Black Creek is home to family fun, with one of the region’s best beaches at Miracle Beach Provincial Park, plus minigolf, go-karting, farms and horseback riding.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a hot spot for skiers and snowboarders in

PHOTO COURTESY DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM

the winter and hikers and mountain bikers in summer or hike into the spectacular 250,445-hectare wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park.

CONT. ON PAGE 38

Valid thru 2018

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

37

N RTH ISLAND SOU

North Island Attractions

CONT. FROM PAGE 37

Down the mountain, golfers tee off on year-round courses, while paddlers and boaters explore scenic waters. An ever-growing list of culinary events and agritourism opportunities highlights the Valley’s diverse farm-to-fork possibilities.

The Comox Valley hosts several amazing summer festivals celebrating the performing arts and local artists and artisans. Gardeners will love the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens and the Filberg Lodge and Park while history buffs will want to explore the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre and Cumberland’s historic streets and fascinating museum.

Learn more with a self-guided Heritage Experience tour – pick up a brochure from the Visitor Centre or download copies from discovercomoxvalley.com

COMOX VALLEY Comox Airforce Museum – CFB Comox, 250-339-8162, comoxairforcemuseum.ca Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre – 207 Fourth St, 250-334-0686, courtenaymuseum.ca Cumberland Museum and Archives – 2680 Dunsmuir Ave, Cumberland, 250-336-2445, cumberlandmuseum.ca Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens – 6183 Whitaker Rd, Courtenay, 250338-6901, woodlandgardens.ca

Visit the Comox Valley Visitor Centre at 101-3607 Small Rd, just off the Inland Island Hwy. at exit 117, call 1-855400-2882, or see discovercomoxvalley.com

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38 ISLAND VISITOR 2018 Courtenay, BC | www.islandvisitor.ca

Comox Valley, Vancouver Island BC

Seaview Game Farm – 1392 Seaview Rd, Black Creek, 250-337-5182, seaviewgamefarm.com CAMPBELL RIVER Aboriginal Journeys – Whale watching, grizzly bear tours, 1-888-455-8101, aboriginaljourneys.com Coast Mountain Expedition – Sea kayak expeditions in the Discovery Islands, near Campbell River, 250-285-2823, coastmountainexpeditions.com Destiny River Adventures – Guided river rafting tours and snorkeling with salmon, 250-287-4800, destinyriver.com Discovery Marine Safaris – Whale watching, grizzly bear excursions, 1-866-501-6722, adventurewhalewatching.com Discovery Pier – landmark fishing pier, 700-block Island Hwy, rivercorp.ca Discovery Passages Aquarium – At the entrance to the Discovery Fishing Pier, 250-914-5500, discoverypassageaquarium.ca Maritime Heritage Centre – 621 Island Hwy, 250-286-3161, bcp45.org Museum at Campbell River – 470 Island Hwy, 250-287-3103, crmuseum.ca GOLD RIVER Get West Adventures – Adventure cruises aboard the historic Uchuck III, 1-250-283-2515, getwest.ca TELEGRAPH COVE Stubbs Island Whale Watching – BC’s first whale watching company has set the standards for an ethical, safe, remarkable experience. 250928-3185 or 1-800-665-3066, stubbs-island.com Telegraph Cove Resort – We know where the bears are. We’ll take you there, 250-928-3131, 800.200.4665, info@telegraphcoveresort.com, telegraphcoveresort.com Tide Rip Grizzly Adventures – A wildlife adventure getaway destination for the whole family! 1.888-643-9319, 250-339-5320, tiderip@ telus.net, grizzlycanada.com North Island Kayak – Wildlife Kayaking Tours, 2 hours to 8 days. Suitable for all. 1-250-928-3114, 1-877-949-7707, Tours@KayakBC.ca, KayakBC.ca Whale Interpretive Centre – Marine mammal education, 250-928-3129 (from May to September), killerwhalecentre.org ALERT BAY U’mista Cultural Centre – First Nations art and culture, summer dance performances , 250-974-5403, umista.ca PORT HARDY Cape Scott Water Taxi – Marine transportation and tours, Port Hardy, 250-949-6541 or 800-246-0093 capescottwatertaxi.ca Port Hardy Museum – 250-949-8143, 7110 Market St, porthardymuseum.com

on the North Island

SET SAIL FOR SPECTACULAR WEST COAST SCENERY

Frances Barkley – Cruise spectacular Barley Sound on the Frances Barkley. There are year-round sailings to Bamfield, and June to September sailings for Ucluelet and the Broken Group.

EXPERIENCE THE WILDERNESS OF BARKLEY SOUND

Sechart Lodge Enjoy a relaxing and affordable retreat in a scenic wilderness setting Kayak rentals and water taxi services available Closest Accommodations to the Broken Group Islands

Departure to Sechart available through Lady Rose Marine Services

Tel: 250-723-8313 Toll Free: 1-800-663-7192 April to September www.ladyrosemarine.com ladyrosemarine@telus.net

Saturdays, through October – Comox Valley Farmer’s Market, 9am to 1pm at the Exhibition Grounds.

May 16 to 21 – Victoria Day celebrations, Cumberland, facebook.com/ cumberlandsvictoriaday/ May 20 – Art in Bloom Festival, Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, Comox Valley June 2 & 3 – Quadra Island Studio Tour, quadraislandarts.com June 8 to 17 – BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival, Comox Valley, bcshellfishfestival.com June 14 to 17 – 60th annual June Sports – community events in Alert Bay, facebook.com/namgisnation/ June 22 – Summer Solstice Party in the Park, Cumberland Village Park, cumberlandvillageworks.com June 22 to 24 – Miners Memorial Weekend, Cumberland, cumberlandmuseum.ca June 22 & 24 – Nootka Marine Adventures’ Salmon Enhancement Derby, nootkamarineadventures.com June 23 – Kusam Klimb, Sayward, kusamklimb.com July 1 – Canada Day festivities around the North Island July 5 to Aug. 25 (Thurs to Sat) – T’sasala Native Dance Performance, Alert Bay Big House, tsasalaculturalgroup.com July 13 to 15 – Vancouver Island MusicFest, Courtenay, islandmusicfest.com July 19 to 22 – Tahsis Days, villageoftahsis.com July 21 & 22 – FILOMI Days, celebrating fishing, logging and mining, Port Hardy, facebook.com/filomiday/ July 21 – Downtown Courtenay Market Day, downtowncourtenay.com July 21 – River City Arts Festival, Campbell River, rivercityartsfest.com July 27 – 36th annual Alert Bay Seafest, alertbayseafest.com July 27 to 29 – 11th annual Alert Bay Artfest, alertbayartists.org July 28 – 17th annual Alert Bay Musicfest, alertbayseafest.com Aug. 2 to 11 – Hornby Island Festival, hornbyfestival.bc.ca Aug. 3 to 6 – Filberg Festival, Comox, filbergfestival.com Aug. 4 to 6 – Comox Nautical Days Festival, comoxnauticaldays.ca Aug. 10 to 12 – Salmon Festival and Logger Sports, Campbell River, crsalmonfestival.com Aug. 10 to 12 – Sointula Salmon Days, sointulasalmondays.com Aug. 18 & 19 – Cumberland Wild music festival, cumberlandvillageworks.com Aug. 24 to 26 – Comox Valley Exhibition, Courtenay, cvex.ca September – Foggy Mountain Fall Fair, Cumberland, cumberlandmuseum.ca

NORTH ISLAND

What’s happening

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

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N OU RT H I S L A N D SO

Discovery Pier

CAMPBELL RIVER, QUADRA & CORTES ISLANDS

W

hile Campbell River is reknowned as “the Salmon Capital of the World,” visitors soon find so much more to love about this city by the sea.

Building upon its reputation for exceptional saltwater fishing, the friendly north Island community is also spreading the word about its exceptional scuba diving, golfing, kayaking, hiking, rafting and more. Walk on the wild side with whaleand marine wildlife-watching tours, bear viewing, bird watching and diving.

Explore local seas at the Discovery Passage Aquarium at the Discovery Fishing Pier, a 185-metre-long fishing pier complete with equipment rentals and fabulous views. Nearby, the Maritime Centre is home to the BCP45 historic seine boat.

By sea or land, natural amenities abound here. Discover Elk Falls Provincial Park, featuring stunning waterfalls, forested trails and a new suspension bridge. The Quinsam Hatchery is popular with nature enthusiasts, especially in

Your Vancouver Island Real Estate Connection

summer and early Suspension bridge fall when salmon at Elk Falls return to spawn.

Home to about 33,000 people, Campbell River offers visitors ample accommodation and dining opportunities.

Downtown, find shops, art galleries, theatre and the 4km Rotary Beach Seawalk. Just south of downtown, the Museum at Campbell River highlights the area’s Aboriginal heritage and its fishing and forestry past. Haig Brown House, the former home of nature conservationist Roderick Haig Brown, is an interesting historical stop featuring displays, seminars and courses.

QUADRA & CORTES ISLANDS

Port McNeill

With Three Offices: Campbell River • Gold River • Courtenay

VIEW AREA LISTINGS www.northislandrealestate.ca

CAMPBELL RIVER

GOLD RIVER

arbutusrealty@century21.ca

COURTENAY

Toll Free 1.888.771.2111 Each office independently owned and operated.

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ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

Campbell River also serves as an excellent base for exploring Strathcona Provincial Park, accessed 59km west on Highway 28. Find freshwater lakes for paddlers and anglers, excellent hiking, camping and stunning scenery.

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Managing Broker/Owner

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From downtown Campbell River, take a 10-minute BC Ferry trip to Quadra Island, another prime destination for saltwater fishing, kayaking, hiking and diving. One more ferry trip – about 45-minutes – from Quadra Island leads to tiny, quiet Cortes Island, with a lovely landscape of orchards, lagoons and beaches.

Call the Campbell River Visitor Centre at 250-286-6901 or 1-877-286-5705 or visit at 1235 Shoppers Row; campbellriver. travel. Learn more about Quadra Island at quadraislandtourism.ca

Telegraph Cove

NORTH ISLAND

ORUTTHH IISSLLAANNDD NSO

DISCOVER THE

STUBBS ISLAND WHALE WATCHING, TELEGRAPH COVE, STUBBS-ISLAND.COM

Totem and the Dalrymple Nature Trail, a 23km looped trail up Mt. H’Kusam. Fish off GOLD RIVER, TAHSIS the pier at the Kelsey Bay wharf on Johnstone Strait, tee off at the par 3 golf course and book AND NOOTKA SOUND a marine adventure.

West of Campbell River, through StrathThe beautiful Nimpkish Valley offers cona Provincial Park, sits Gold River and a challenging hiking trail at Mount Cain, stunning Nootka Sound. Revered by sports fishers, Gold River also boasts pristine waters boating at Lake Klaklakama, picnicing at welcoming kayakers and divers while hikers Hoomak Lake and, 22km off the highway, renowned fishing at Vernon Lake. Zeballos is and walkers enjoy everything from 20-minute forest walks to the three-day Nootka Trail. a quiet logging community that once bustled Caving is another growing activity.

From Gold River, the scenic, 64km “Treeto-Sea Drive,” a well-maintained gravel road, brings you to the Village of Tahsis in just over an hour. Along the way, explore the Upana Caves, visit the Conuma River Salmon Enhancement Facility, see the Three Sisters Waterfalls, swim at Malaspina Lake and visit OF KN I G HT I N L E T the President’s Tree.

In Tahsis, outdoor activities include fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, diving Grizzly bear tours depart daily and kayaking, and families will enjoy Tahsis from May 15 to October 1 Days on the third weekend of July. Amenities include lodging, a marina, fuel, grocery store, from Telegraph Cove liquor outlet, pub and dining options. The by covered water taxi with Tahsis Heritage Museum and Tourist Centre on-board washroom. welcome visitors from July 1 to Labour Spring & Summer trips feature Day.

with gold mining activity. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the historic buildings and Zeballos Heritage Museum, where tales of the gold rush and the resulting boomtown are told with pictures and artifacts. Enjoy fishing, diving, boating, hiking, caving, rock climbing and kayaking and visit the Zeballos River estuary, designated a Wetland Reserve.

For Sayward, 250-282-3821 or 250-282-0018, and Visitor Centres at Sayward Road and Hwy 19 and the Sayward Futures Office on Kelsey Bay Wharf.

GRIZZLY

BEARS

For Gold River details, 250-283-2202 or villageofgoldriver.ca. For the Village of Tahsis, villageoftahsis.com or 250-934-6344.

SAYWARD, NIMPKISH VALLEY AND ZEBALLOS

Heading north from Campbell River along Highway 19, stop by the Seymour Narrows Lookout, a viewpoint and hiking trail overlooking Ripple Rock, a submerged mountain that caused dozens of shipwrecks before it was blasted apart in 1958 with the world’s largest man-made, non-nuclear explosion.

At Sayward, see a building surrounded in 2,700m of steel logging cable, the Iron Man

viewing from boat.

In the fall,

Telegraph Cove, BC 250-339-5320 Toll Free 1-888-643-9319

www.grizzlycanada.com

TIDE RIP GRIZZLY ADVENTURES ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

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N SO R UTTH H IISSLLAAN ND D

B

eyond the communities of Port Hardy and Port McNeill that anchor the northern part of Vancouver Island, discover a fascinating collection of towns ideal for exploring.

Humpback whale

PORT HARDY & AREA

Port Hardy is a bustling community of about 5,000, renowned for year-round adventures, including guided hiking, kayaking and caving tours. Fishing is always popular and operators provide everything from rentals to fly-in fishing camps, while the prolific marine life, water clarity and tidal action also attract divers. In town, the museum explores both European and First Nations history while the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre, open mid-May through September, is dedicated to salmon conservation and education.

Fort Rupert features First Nations artists at the Copper Maker Gallery. Holberg is known for beautiful Ronning Gardens and the Shoe Tree, a cedar snag covered in shoes, and is also the starting point for Cape Scott Park adventures. Winter Harbour is a tiny settlement with a boardwalk waterfront and great fishing charters.

Port McNeill Museum or stroll the 1.5-hectare Shephard’s Garden. Fishing is superb here, as freshwater streams abound with trout and steelhead and offshore waters are famous for salmon, halibut, cod and snapper. Try a heli-fishing trip to the remote wilderness or a wildlife-watching excursion by land or by boat – another of Port McNeill’s most popular activities, along with kayaking, golfing, diving, caving, wind surfing, cultural tours and forestry tours.

PORT MCNEILL

PORT ALICE

Tucked into the forest and overlooking beautiful Broughton Strait, friendly Port McNeill is the hub of the North Island logging industry and an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Get a feel for the region at the

VANCOUVER ISLAND

STUBBS ISLAND WHALE WATCHING, TELEGRAPH COVE, STUBBS-ISLAND.COM

In the recreation haven of Port Alice, fresh and saltwater activities abound on the shores of the Neroutsos Inlet. Natural attractions include Beaver and O’Connor lakes and the 1,512-hectare Marble River Provincial Park.

North Coast Trail Shuttle Cape Scott Water Taxi

Port Hardy to Cape Scott North Coast Trail

One stop land and water transport

1-800-246-0093 250-949-6541 northcoasttrailshuttle.com A historical gold mining village fast becoming a favourite destination for kayakers, sportsfishers and nature lovers who want to experience the wild west coast of Vancouver Island.

Campsites, comfortable accommodation and several cafés welcome visitors.

250-761-4229 ~ www.Zeballos.com 42

ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

email: info@capescottwatertaxi.ca

Village of

Gold River www.goldriver.ca

Victoria Lake and Alice Lake are popular for Telegraph swimming, boating and fishing, andCove paddlers can visit both with just a short portage between.

SOINTULA

BC Ferries connects Port McNeill with island communities of Alert Bay and Sointula.

Sointula, founded more than a century ago by Finnish settlers, has retained much of its Finnish flavour and the museum is the best place to explore Sointula’s past. Visit local art studios and galleries, or take in natural amenities including Lions Harbour, a popular boating stop. Choose from a variety of accommodations.

ALERT BAY

Alert Bay on Cormorant Island is rich with First Nations culture. Visit the renowned U’mista Cultural Centre, with its remarkable display of the repatriated Potlatch Collection and exhibits exploring the fascinating traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw, and the Alert Bay Library-Museum, with a variety of artifacts and photographs. The ‘Namgis Burial Grounds, easily viewed from the roadside as entry to the site is not permitted, is another must-see historic site, along with the world’s tallest totem pole. Stop by the Visitor Centre for a brochure highlighting the many totem poles around the Island. The traditional ‘Namgis Big House can be viewed from the outside only, unless you’re visiting during July and August when the T’sasała Cultural group

Visitor Centre Open Weekends ~ May 19- July 1 (Fri,Sat Sun) Open Daily ~ July 2 - September 3, 2017

Tel: 250-283-2418 Off Season Phone: 250-283-2202

Corporation of the Village of Gold River

Gold River Visitor Centre www.villageofgoldriver.com

Sunshine Coast May 19 – May Day in Pender Harbour, penderharbour.ca May 25 to 26 – Lund Shellfish Festival, freshcooked seafood, entertainment, tours and more, Lund Harbour, lundbc.ca June 1 to 3 – Pender Harbour Blues Festival, with live performances by musicians from across BC, penderharbourbluesfestival.com June 11 to 23 – PRISMA, concertns from the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy, prismafestival.com June 15 to 17 – Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival, exciting live jazz performances at various venues, coastjazz.com July 1 – Celebrate Canada’s birthday with community events on the Sunshine Coast, sunshinecoastcanada.com July 6 to 13 – BC Bike Race, seven-day mountain bike stage race, bcbikerace.com July 8 – Texada Annual Fly-In, private aircraft fill the skies and the beach, plus pancake breakfast, displays, contests and barbecue, Gillies Bay Airfield, Texada Island, texada.org July 28 & July 29 – Texada Artists Studio Tour, Texada Island, texada.org Aug. 4 & 5 – Texada Blues & Roots Festival 2018, Texada Island, texada.org Aug. 10 & 11 – Sleepy Hollow Rod Run & Show n’

Sept. 1 & 2 – Sunshine Music Festival, music from across Canada and around the world in a picturesque waterfront setting, Powell River, sunshinemusicfest.com Sept. 29 – Oktoberfest, a family event with lots of food, music, fun and a great selection of craft beer, Sechelt, secheltdowntown.com Oct. 11 to 21 – Sechelt Arts Festival, embracing arts and culture through dance, music, theatre, spoken word, visual art, multi-media and heritage events. Sechelt, secheltartsfestival.com Oct. 12 to 14 – Sunshine Coast Mushroom Festival, with displays, vendors, cooking demos and all things mushroom, Pender Harbour, scshroom.org Oct. 19 to 21 – Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, from Langdale to Earls Cove, meet artists in their studios and experience the vibrant local arts & culture community, sunshinecoastartcrawl.com.

ern Stor t s e e AW AND

so much more…

dances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1:15pm.

TELEGRAPH COVE

Founded in 1912 as a one-room telegraph station, Telegraph Cove is today an acclaimed fishing and adventure destination, calling kayakers, divers, fishers, boaters and bird, bear and whale-watchers.

Most of the community’s buildings are perched over the water on pilings. Wander the boardwalks to watch the fishing vessels, yachts and whale watching boats enter the cove.

Rent a kayak for your own adventures or book a whale- or wildlife-watching excursion.

On shore, be sure to visit the Whale Interpretive Centre, a marine mammal education centre open mid-May to October.

Several accommodation options are available, along with dining, supplies and various adventure packages.

S U N S H I N E CO A S T

on the

Shine, classic cars, hot rods and specialty vehicles.

Hackett Park, Sechelt, coasterscarclub.com Aug. 16 to 19 – Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, Canada’s longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, Rockwood Centre, Sechelt, writersfestival.ca Aug. 17 to 19 – Pender Harbour Chamber Music Festival, welcoming world-class chamber music, penderharbourmusic.ca Aug. 18 & 19 – Hackett Park Arts & Craft Fair, sunshinecoastartscouncil.com/hackett-park Aug. 24 to 26 – Rogue Arts Festival, an outdoor, multidisciplinary arts festival including music, performance and visual arts, workshops, vendors, and demos, Gibsons, roguefest.ca Aug. 26 – Run the Rock Marathon 2018, Texada Island, texada.org Sept. 8 – Texada Paint Out 2018, texada.org

NORTH ISLAND

What’s happening

Men’s & Ladies Western & Casual Clothing

Souveniers • Moccasins • Native Carvings • Artifacts Belts & Buckels • Hats & Caps • T-shirts, Sweat shirts & Hoodies 250.286.3554 Phone/Fax 920 Island Hwy., Campbell River ‘Historic Pier Street’

For Port Hardy: 250-949-7622 or 7250 Market St, visitporthardy.com; Port McNeill: 250-956-3131 or the Visitor Centre in the Port McNeill Museum, portmcneill.net; Port Alice: 250-284-3391.

Sointula: 250-973-2001, sointulainfo.ca. Alert Bay: 250-974-5024, alertbay.ca

A Western Store and So Much More ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

43

S U N S H I N E CO A S T

Kayaking the Sunshine Coast

Shine on in the

L

ocated across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver Island, the BC Mainland region of Powell River and the Sunshine Coast is accessed from the Island by BC Ferries’ Comox terminal.

Founded more than a century ago as a logging community, Powell River today is the largest town on the Coast and an excellent jumping off point for year-round recreation and cultural experiences. Discover not only the many things this historic town has to offer, but also the picturesque communities along the Sunshine Coast, including Lund, Pender Harbour, Sechelt and Gibsons.

Discover more of the region’s artistic talents with the Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Guide and during festival season take in the Lund Shellfish Festival, the annual Spot Prawn Festival, the Blackberry Festival, Sunshine Music Festival and more. Prefer quiet cultural explorations? Stroll the community to view landmark buildings like the Patricia Theatre and Dwight Hall, then at the Powell River Historical Museum, find the funky collection of logging equipment and Sliammon First Nations art.

The Sunshine Coast is also a premier destination for hikers, paddlers divers, bikers and other outdoor adventurers who appreciate the region’s four-season possibilities. Hiking and biking trails, tranquil lakes, several golf courses and numerous beaches combine to create endless outdoor possibilities.

A gateway to Desolation Sound marine recreation, Lund is a picturesque fishing village connected by a waterfront boardwalk winding from the SunLund By-The-Sea campgrounds to the Historic Lund Hotel, offering craft shops and a harbourfront cafe

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ISLAND VISITOR 2018 | www.islandvisitor.ca

SUNSHINE COAST

COURTESY SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM

boats from Lund. The best way to get along the way. Circa 1905, the Lund Hotel is around is to cycle from beach to beach. the heart of the village with a popular pub, Prime stops include South Beach, Duck dining room, art gallery and well-stocked grocery store carrying everything from beach Bay, Sutherland Beach and the Malaspina Promenade. toys to fresh deli sandwiches. From the Lund The Coast Salish village of Sliammon, Marina, visitors can catch the water taxi to just north of Powell River, boasts a history Savary Island, book a Desolation Sound boat tour, arrange an educational kayak tour of the dating back more than 2,000 years, and visitors can enjoy free interpretive hikes wildlife sanctuary at Mitlenatch Island and with a First Nations guide. The Sliammon more.

Salmon Hatchery Texada Island is BC’s offers public tours largest Gulf Island of the hatchery. and ferries leave from Island Insider While in 1792 Powell River’s WestThe Sunshine Coast Trail is Canada’s Captain George view ferry terminal longest hut-to-hut hiking trail, stretching Vancouver named for the 30-minute trip. across 180km of beautiful forest, mounDesolation Sound The island has plenty tain and oceanfront landscapes. Learn for its remoteness, to offer the outdoor more at sunshinecoast-trail.com today its pristine enthusiast, including isolation is one of its excellent hiking and prime attractions among pleasure boaters mountain biking trails, more than 250 speand paddlers. Warm waters, wildlife and cies for avid bird-watchers, and a nine-hole breathtaking scenery make this a mustgolf course, while history buffs will enjoy the experience destination. Grace Harbour, two museums. Water recreation includes Prideaux Haven and Tenedo’s Bay are three kayaking, skim-boarding, scuba diving, main destination anchorages among the swimming and exploring the protected karst many sheltered bays and inlets. Popular accaves near Davies Bay. tivities include scuba diving, saltwater and Much smaller than Texada, Savary Island freshwater fishing, and walk-in wilderness is a warm-water destination with stunning camping. Water taxis, guided kayak tours, white sand beaches, with highly sensitive cruises and boat charters can be arranged ecosystems ranging from sand cliffs to dune from Lund and Okeover Inlet. meadows and ancient forested dunes. While Continuing to the southern coast toward the island does have private holiday homes, Vancouver, highlights include Gibson and there is no power and no public campsites or washrooms, though several cottage rentals, Pender Harbour.

B&Bs and a private campsite are available.

Learn more about Powell River and the Daytrippers can be dropped off and picked Sunshine Coast at 604-740-6170, 866-941up at the public wharf, with many visitors 3883 or sunshinecoastcanada.com arriving by water taxi or aboard chartered