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After a sunshine-filled hike through Stanley Park this weekend, a group of friends and I were already thinking about next summer. Someone mentioned the notion of spending a week on glassy lake waters, causing me to quickly turn my mind to one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved bodies of fresh water.

Photo: PrincessAshley on Flickr

A 20-minute drive due west of Duncan, Cowichan Lake is the indisputable anchor of the Cowichan Valley. Stretching more than 30 kilometres, the lake is a top draw for recreation enthusiasts and boasts fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, swimming and windsurfing.

Map: Google Maps

It’s not difficult to see why Cowichan Lake is a favourite escape for tourists and Island locals alike…

Photo: bmann on Flickr

Photo: nep on Flickr

Photos: thorinside on Flickr

Like most everywhere on Vancouver Island, Cowichan Lake is no stranger to wildlife and limitless flora and fauna. Of particular note are the bountiful brambles of blackberries. Each year on the Labour Day weekend the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market celebrates this juicy fruit with a blackberry festival, featuring jellies, jams vinegar and more pies than you can imagine. This year’s Honeymoon Bay Blackberry Festival will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2010 on the south shores of the lake.

Photo: Cowichan Valley Photos

Photo: ciboulette on Flickr

Photo: bmann on Flickr

Photo: D G Brown on Flickr

Dirt roads spider out from the west side of Cowichan Lake, connecting hikers and bikers with a straight shot to the West Coast Trail by way Bamfield and Port Renfrew. Those less ambitious can take advantage of the gentler trails that encircle various parts of the lake.

Photo: mrjonathanpotter on Flickr

Photo: ozzieguy on Flickr

Sometimes “getting away from it all” only requires a short drive down a country road.

Photo: D G Brown on Flickr

For more information on Cowichan Lake and the nearby town of Lake Cowichan, please visit the Lake Cowichan online.

The shores of Vancouver Island are home to many smaller gulf islands, each with their own unique character and beauty. Within the Comox Valley are Hornby Island and Denman Island. While most will only ever drive across Denman Island to reach the aquamarine waters of Hornby Island, Denman is one that should not be missed.

Photo: jdww on Flickr

Safe from the perils of being a top choice destination as its easterly neighbour, Denman Island has remained mostly untouched. Home to a few more than 1,000 year-round residents, it’s a haven for artists, retirees, potters, gardeners and those who simply wish a slower pace of life. Denman Island is roughly the same shape and size as the island of Manhattan.

Map: Google Maps

Photo: darkthirty on Flickr

The Denman Village, a short walk uphill from the ferry, is the heart of the community. Built in 1907, the General Store serves as the island’s flagship and is flanked by the near-century old community hall, bakery, art gallery and a handful of quaint shops begging to be explored. Don’t leave out a quick stop at Denman Island Chocolate for an indulgent treat!

Photo: BillFromSpokane on Flickr

Photo: J. Woodward | iconoco on Flickr

There’s certainly no shortage of ways to keep busy on Denman Island. Fillongley Provincial Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, beachcombers and campers alike. However, if you’re planning on camping on Denman Island, reserve well in advance as Fillongley is the only campground on the entire island.

Photo: Rob__ on Flickr

Photos: J. Woodward | iconoco on Flickr

Photo: Alex Ristea on Flickr

Photo: sal de mar on Flickr

Aside from the obvious farm animals, Denman Island is home to a number of wildlife, including seals, bald eagles, sea lions, herons and deer.

Photo: sal de mar on Flickr

Photo: TylerIngram on Flickr

Photo: DragonWoman on Flickr

Another intriguing place to see is Tree Island – also known as Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park – dancing on the northern tip of Denman Island. Camping is allowed but note that campfires are banned year round and there’s no source of fresh drinking water.

Photo: Oceanwood on Flickr

Photo: Marvilus on Flickr

Photo: ☞Ћę ®ə◗ ℘∀ℕĐ▲☜ on Flickr

Those wishing to visit Denman Island or who seek more information about planning a trip to see it should visit Denman Island Online. The island is accessible by a 25-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay, approximately a 20-minute drive south of Courtenay and 50 minutes north of Nanaimo.

If there’s one thing that would make Etsy better it would be the ability to see, smell, feel and admire all the fine finds in person. That’s precisely the beauty in the annual Filberg Festival at Filberg Lodge and Park in Comox, British Columbia.

Opening its gates every BC Day long weekend, this year’s event was flooded with lots of sunshine and warmth. I spent a day wandering the flora and fauna with my mom, admiring everything from handmade soaps and organic cotton skirts to one-of-a-kind paintings and covet-worthy collections of pottery.

One particular vendor that caught my eye at this year’s event was Gord Langston. This Sidney-based sculptor works with almost anything he can get his hands on – particularly scrap metals.

His recycled metal art boasts cow bells made from fire extinguishers, garden decor crafted from once-loved eating utensils and drawer pulls shaped from junkyard scraps. The showstopper of his collection was undoubtedly this reflective eagle, cast in deep tones with exquisite detail.

The incredible crafts on hand aren’t the only thing awe-inspiring. Filberg Park is situated directly on the water, enhanced by spectacular views of Vancouver Island’s mountain range and the Comox Glacier.

It’s impossible not to indulge yourself in one or three things, but with my bank account still recovering from New York City, I showed some restraint. I’ve long marveled at Sarah Jane’s StixNStones, envying girls who can toss their hair up with a Bic pen in the flick of a wrist. My hair’s incredibly slippery, so I was convinced that the hair sticks weren’t for me. With just 30 seconds of instruction, Sarah Jane showed me how to twist and roll like the best of ‘em and I’m now inseparable with my hair stick. I only wish I’d bought a few.

(The website is currently being built, but you can still click over there for photos of her creations. Send a quick e-mail if you want to order a few of your own – something I’d highly suggest, ladies.)

A large roster of talented musicians was also on hand to keep everyone entertained, but we unfortunately didn’t have the time to check out any of the listed acts. However, sipping cherry lemonade is the perfect excuse to make a quick stop and smell the flowers.

Each year the Filberg Festival shines the spotlight on a guest artist. This year Canadian artist MONK shared her stunning West Coast paintings with the crowd, pieces that dance in dreamy watercolours.

2010 marked the first year that a guest artist encouraged attendees to create art of their own. The lush greens of Cathedral Grove were open for embellishment in a collaborative tribute to fallen Olympic athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili of Georgia. Budding artists could add a personal touch to the painting which will be presented as a gift to the people of Nodar’s home country.

For more information on the annual Filberg Festival, and to stay in the loop for tickets prior to next year’s extravaganza, visit the Filberg Festival’s official website.

Few berries pack the power of a cranberry and the benefits are undisputed. Bursting with health-boosting antioxidants, cranberries are also a great source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. They make for my favourite kind of muffin and, as it so happens, they’re also right outside your door.

Photo: sweetbeetandgreenbean on Flickr

Cranberries are one of the easiest fruits to stock up on and adhere to the 100-mile diet. Due south of Nanaimo you’ll find Yellow Point Cranberries, a family-run farm dedicated to producing and harvesting some of the freshest and tastiest cranberries you’ll find in British Columbia.

Nearly 10 years ago, what was once overgrown farmland slowly began the transformation into 43 acres of functioning farmland, 15 acres of which is now dedicated solely to cranberries. In addition, the adjacent Cranberry Cottage and Cranberry Cafe will tempt you with everything from cranberry salsa, cranberry squares and even cranberry lemonade!

Photo: Yellow Point Cranberries

Now that summer is officially here and the sun is shining, it’s a great time to explore the abundance that Vancouver Island has to offer. Yellow Point Cranberries shouldn’t be missed, and now that the farm is offering tours, there’s no reason not to. For only $5 per person, The Express Tour will get you acquainted with how this healthy super-fruit is developed, grown, harvested and processed. A number of other tours are also offered such as The Cranberry Lover – including a guided tour, light lunch and cranberry-themed gifts. And yes, sampling is most definitely included in all tours!

Yellow Point Cranberries is located at 4532 Yellow Point Road in Ladysmith. All tours must be booked in advanced by calling (250) 245-5283 or by e-mail. Visit the website for more information, including some scrumptious recipes!

Round or square, hard or soft, creamy or crumbly… any way you slice it, cheese has more than its fair share of adoring fans. The ways in which it can be devoured are as limitless as the varieties of cheese to tease your palate. With endless acres of dairy farms on Vancouver Island, it’s now more simple than ever to discover a bounty of cheeses all within the 100-mile diet.

On a recent visit to Urban Fare‘s extensive deli, an “expert en matière de fromage” told me that even with all the imported bries from France Urban Fare carries in-store, the very best brie he’s ever tried comes from the Comox Valley. Harvesting homestyle Swiss techniques, Natural Pastures Cheese Company prides itself in environmentally sustainable cheese-making from local dairy milk – without using rennet! This winning combination has translated into solid gold, as Natural Pastures has received numerous awards, specifically for their brie and triple cream camembert varieties.

Located at 635 McPhee Avenue in Courtenay, visitors are encouraged to try before they buy at the cheese shop. Natural Pastures’ cheese is also available in most grocery stores across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

Due south and a short drive out of the Comox Valley, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks operates as, what they like to call, a good old fashioned dairy farm. After visiting the farm last summer with Rebecca, I believe it’s safe to say that it’s so much more than just a dairy farm. This fully-functioning farmland is home to no less than cows, pigs, goats, a berry winery and an ice cream bar.

The assortment of cheeses produced by Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is enough to ensure that there’s something for everyone. While Rebecca preferred the squeaky curds, my favourites included the Rathtrevor raw milk cheese with hints of roasted nuts and the über creamy fromage frais swirled with crushed raspberries grown on the farm.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is located at 403 Lowry’s Road in Parksville (a little bit north of town, between Parksville and Qualicum Beach). Make sure you give yourself a few hours to visit – there’s lots to explore!

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Amongst the rolling hills and expansive fields of the Cowichan Valley, Hilary and Patty Abbott were inspired to create artisan cheese from both dairy and goat milk. This hidden treasure is quickly becoming a foodie favourite, particularly known for their strongly-flavoured blue cheese. Hilary’s Artisan Cheese has been formulating fromage for close to a decade, putting a lot of local love into their hand-made creations.

Hilary’s Artisan Cheese shop can be found at 1737 Cowichan Bay Road in Cowichan Bay, but if you can’t make it there in person, Hilary’s cheeses can be purchased at a number of BC grocery retailers.

Photos: Salt Spring Island Cheese Company

A quick ferry ride from Crofton will have you docking on Salt Spring Island and only steps away from not one but two phenomenal cheese producers. It’s difficult to miss the fanciful, floral works of goat cheese art from Salt Spring Island Cheese in any deli. Adorned with edible flora and fauna, seasonings and herbs, Salt Spring Island Cheese produces mainly soft, ripened cheese, specializing in the chèvre and feta varietals. Their cheesemakers take what they make quite seriously, and the entire process is a labour of love with many steps involved. Visitors are encouraged to partake in “Cheesemaking 101″ in an effort to further appreciate the process from the farm to the fridge.

If visiting Salt Spring Island Cheese is on your travel agenda, you can find them at 285 Reynolds Road, not far from Fulford Harbour. Those in a hurry can also pick up some fresh cheese at the Saturday Market at Grace Point Park.

Photo: Moonstruck Organic Cheese Inc.

Last, though certainly not least, a cheese tour cannot be complete without a stop at Moonstruck Organic Cheese. A small, purebred herd of Jersey cows provide the milk used to produce simple, organic cheese with unparalleled flavour. With an emphasis on their celebrated blue cheeses, Moonstruck is quickly making a name for itself. Open to the public during the summer months, the famous Moonstruck Jersey cows welcome visitors to come and sample their masterpieces.

Located at 1306 Beddis Road, Moonstruck Organic Cheese is open May though September and by appointment during the winter months. Also available at the Saturday Market and in local grocers, Moonstruck Organic Cheese is easy to find.

Hugged by the mighty ocean on all sides, it’s not difficult to find a Vancouver Island shoreline worthy of stealing your breath. Though the salt water is the same no matter where you find yourself on the Island, the contrasting and varied landscapes are a testament to just how creative Mother Nature can be.

With the bright rays of Summer on the horizon, I’ve got beaches on my mind. There are few things I enjoy as much as spending a sun-drenched afternoon by the sea before winding down the day with yummy cocktails on a patio while shaking sand out of my hair and from in between my toes. That said, this week’s Island Profile is dedicated to just a few of the countless beaches that reach around Vancouver Island, working north to south.

The Alders, Cape Scott Provincial Park

Photo: nrtphotos on Flickr

Campbell River

Photo: Counteract. on Flickr

Stories Beach

Photo: max8989 on Flickr

Miracle Beach

Photo: WindyWinters on Flickr

Kye Bay

Photo: ianredan on Flickr

Goose Spit Park

Tribune Bay Beach

Qualicum Beach

Photo: Van Felt on Flickr

Parksville Beach

Photo: Steven Hart on Flickr

Rathtrevor Beach

Photo: 9-lives on Flickr

Long Beach, Tofino

Photo: justthisguyyouknow on Flickr

Roberts Memorial Beach

Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr

Shell Beach, Galiano Island

Photo: stephengg on Flickr

Sombrio Beach

Photo: BinoCanada on Flickr

French Beach

Photo: p.m.graham on Flickr

Botany Bay

Photo: tibchris on Flickr

Oak Bay, Victoria

Photo: turbulentflow on Flickr

Dallas Road shoreline, Strait of Juan de Fuca

For more information on beaches and parks across Vancouver Island, visit the BC Parks official website.

Whomever was responsible for coining the phrase “blink and you’ll miss it” surely must have visited the sleepy town of Crofton at some point or another. A near-hidden part of the Cowichan Valley, Crofton is home to just 2,500 people.

Photos: Rick McCharles on Flickr

Situated directly across the water from Vesuvius on Saltspring Island, Crofton hugs the shores of the Georgia Strait about half-way between Chemainus and Duncan. Largely driven and economically stabilized by the local forest industry, Crofton is home to one of Vancouver Island’s largest pulp and paper mills.

Map: Google Maps

This is one town that’s always latched on to a soft spot in my heart. I spent many summers as a teenager and in my very early 20s working at Camp Qwanoes, a sprawling year-round retreat over-looking the water. In fact, I can’t tell you how many scoops of Island Farms ice cream I tucked into hand-made waffle cones at Ice Cream Island (pictured below).

Photo: Studio 3

While the area of Crofton was scarcely populated by First Nations people, the area saw great growth in the mid-1800s around Osborne Bay by settlers drawn to local mining opportunities. Mt. Sicker had abundant copper, a prospect that an Australian man by the name of Henry Croft could not deny. Though the town’s population plummeted when copper prices did the same, Crofton was already established by local forestry and fishing, preventing the town from becoming a ghost town.

Photo: Gypsy and The Fool on Flickr

View to Crofton from Saltspring Island
Photo: diffuse on Flickr (used with permission)

Today the community of Crofton is truly as quiet and tranquil as the waves that lap its shoreline. A handful of parks, a small community school, tree-lined streets where children ride bikes and locally-run shops all add to the town’s charm.

Photos: Rick McCharles on Flickr; Gypsy and The Fool on Flickr

Photo: RobertCiavarro on Flickr

Photo: Satoru Kikuchi on Flickr

Though not particularly known as a tourist hot spot, ferry access to Saltspring Island brings many travelers through Crofton in the summer months. Golfing at one of the several courses nearby, a hike on Maple Mountain, beach-combing on serene and deserted beaches, a picnic at Osborne Bay Park or a visit to the Old School House Museum are all ways to fill a day in Crofton.

Photo: RobertCiavarro on Flickr

Photo: James R. Page on Flickr (used with permission)

Both Photos: thorinside on Flickr

Some of my most favourite memories of summers spent here involve simply laying on the dock for hours on end and marveling at the stars. Simple? Yes. Breathtaking? Absolutely.

Photo: Gypsy and The Fool on Flickr.

Photo: Cowichan Valley Travel, Tourism and Photography Information

If a visit to Crofton is on your itinerary this summer, finding your way there is easy. On the stretch of Highway 1 between Ladysmith and Duncan, watch for the signs. If north-bound, turn right on to Mt. Sicker Road; turn left if you’re south-bound. A quick left on Westholme Road will lead you to Crofton Road, the quickest route into town. For more information on tourism in Crofton, please visit the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.

If Tofino was a superhero, Ucluelet would be its trusty sidekick – the one that does all the heavy lifting without taking much credit. While Tofino is beautiful in its own right, on the opposite stretch of sand that is the Pacific Rim National Park lies the sleepy town of Ucluelet – affectionately known as “Ukie” by Islanders.

Photo: Karl McCabe on Flickr

Slightly more than 100 kilometres west of Port Alberni on Highway 4, Ucluelet is the district municipality you’ll find if you steer south at the West Coast junction. Home to a tight-knit population of less than 2,000, this much less discovered community boasts more than a few unique bragging rights.

Map: Google Maps

While it’s thought that First Nations inhabited the West Coast of Vancouver Island for more than 4,300 years, Ucluelet wasn’t discovered by European explorers until 1787 when Charles William Barkley (the explorer that Barkley Sound was named for) arrived in search of pelts. Settlement was extremely slow in the area and nearly 100 years passed before Ucluelet was established as a trading post. Ucluelet would have to wait another 100 years before infrastructure such as churches and schools began to spring up.

Photo: revertebrate on Flickr

Photo: riacale on Flickr

Ucluelet’s culture is largely governed by the presence of the Yu-cluth-aht tribe, meaning “people of the safe landing place” or “people of the safe harbour”. The historical roots of Ucluelet dictate that the area has relied heavily on the fishing and logging industries to stay financially afloat. The same is true of the town’s population today, as most of its proudly hardworking residents deem these industries essential for survival.

Photo: magictoken on Flickr

Photo: quaelin on Flickr

Mother Nature is wild and unpredictable and this is especially recognized by residents of Ucluelet. Treated to an annual storm season, the thrashing ocean is both a sight to behold and a volatile force waiting to be unleashed. As such, Ucluelet is home to both the Amphitrite Lighthouse and acts as a key base for the Canadian Coast Guard.

Photos: san paco martire on Flickr; gabindu on Flickr

Photo: Loutron Glouton on Flickr

This community’s beauty is found not only in its natural expanses, but also in the charm and humour lining quiet streets and safe harbours.

Photo: roaming-the-planet on Flickr

Photo: Choconancy1 on Flickr

Ucluelet is also the home of furry and feathered dwellers including deer, whales, bald eagles, black bears, seals, sea lions, cougars and ocean-loving birds. Controversy brewed last summer after CBC News reported that the BC Environment Ministry was concerned over the welfare of a black-tailed deer named Bimbo that had been living with a Ucluelet woman as her pet for five years. The woman was ordered to release the deer or turn it over to a rehabilitation centre.

Those interested in a more in-depth look at the creatures of the local sea can visit the Ucluelet Aquarium [website] near the government dock on the waterfront.

Photo: Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bezaire on Flickr

Photos: Yogue_style on Flickr

With its pristine beaches, jaggedly striking escarpments and toasty sunshine, it’s no surprise that tourism is rapidly becoming a vital component to Ucluelet. Visitors can occupy their time with any number of activities, not limited to hiking, surfing, fine dining, beachcombing, kayaking, fishing, relaxing at the spa and wildlife watching. Golf fanatics will be in seventh heaven as a Jack Niklaus Signature Golf Course is being developed – albeit controversially – to cover 220 acres at Wyndansea on the north end of town.

Photo: busysignals on Flickr

Photo: basic__sounds on Flickr

A lot of people tend to gently tease me for my ceaseless love for any and all things Vancouver Island, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why it causes my heart to skip a beat. The extraordinary beauty is simply breathtaking and the sense of tranquility is inescapable. The air really is different on the other side of the Georgia Strait.

Photo: Yogue_style on Flickr

Photo: the PhotoPhreak on Flickr

For more information on visiting this quaint jewel of the West Coast, please visit the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce [website].

There’s a place on Vancouver Island that many hear of, most pass through and few ever experience its true beauty. With rolling hills, sea-kissed shores and lush, dense forests, the Cowichan Valley is a truly unique and unparalleled region.

Photo: ciboulette on Flickr

Stretching from the west coast to the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Valley is certainly the Island’s most expansive area, covering more than 3,400 square kilometres. With a population of more than 76,000, the Valley is compromised of several First Nations reserves and a number of individual communities including Chemainus, Ladysmith, Crofton and Duncan.

Map: McPopa Real Estate

Water isn’t hard to come by in the Cowichan Valley. Though ocean shores lap each side of the Valley, it snuggles primarily around its namesake river and lake. The serene lake, located slightly northwest of Duncan, spans 30 kilometres. The Cowichan River is a popular swimming spot for locals and winds its way from the lake all the way to the Georgia Straight at Cowichan Bay.

Photo: Greg.b. on Flickr

Deeply steeped in a rich First Nations history, the Cowichan Valley is home to the largest First Nation tribe in British Columbia. With more than 3,800 registered members, about half reside on the nine local reserves. These reserves are comprised of seven traditional villages, specifically Kw’amutsun, Qwum’yiqun’, Hwulqwselu, S’amuna’, L’uml’umuluts, Hinupsum and Tl’ulpalus. [source]

Photo: Cowichan Tribes

Archaeological evidence points to the existence of the Cowichan band as far back at 4,500 years ago. Proudly self-sufficient, it’s currently governed by a chief and 12 councillors. Under the provisions of the Federally-enacted Indian Act, the band is responsible for making decisions that affect the community in the specific areas of child and family welfare, healthcare, housing and community social development.

Photo: Cowichan Tribes

Perhaps one of the most famous legacies of the Cowichan band is the fashion fever sprung out of their one-of-a-kind sweaters. Cowichan knitting originated with a two-bar loom method after being spun on a spindle and whorl. The earlier creations included blankets and leggings made out of mountain goat wool and dog hair before European-influenced production saw the emergence of the sweaters in the late 1800s.

Being that I was born and raised in a community with a strong First Nations presence, traditional Cowichan sweaters are something my family has worn for as long as I can remember. Pretty cute, right? Fashion mavens have been avidly seeking the Cowichan style through both locally-developed TNA sweaters and, more recently, the Cowichan-influenced sweaters sold by the Hudson’s Bay Company for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The sweaters proved to be quite the controversy between the the Cowichan band and HBC as the Cowichan band were purportedly never offered the opportunity to provide genuine sweaters for the Olympics. After negotiations between both sides, the Cowichan band were eventually given licensing rights, allowing their creations to be sold at related pavilions during the Games.

Photo: ecstaticist on Flickr

Photo: timbarton on Flickr

Known as “The Warm Land”, the Cowichan Valley is quickly becoming one of Vancouver Island’s hot spots for wine and cider production. With barrels full of vineyards popping up in recent years, agri-tourism is notably boosting the region’s economy. In addition to vino, foodies will be easily tempted by the number of cheesemakers, jam makers, lavender growers and ethically-farmed chicken and lamb. Most of these producers operate out of farms that are open to the public, so do your research and plan some fun.

Photo: timbarton on Flickr

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

It’s nearly impossible to run out of day-trip ideas when in the Cowichan Valley. Lazy afternoons at Cowichan Lake, a quick ferry ride to Saltspring Island or exploring antique shops are some of the activities that can entice almost anyone.

Photo: RobertCiavarro on Flickr

Photo: hradcanska on Flickr

Driving through Duncan, it’s impossible to miss the world’s largest hockey stick. Originally built for Expo 1986, the stick now strikes across the local ice rink. Perhaps even more fascinating is the collection of handcrafted totem poles; Duncan is dotted by a whopping 80 poles.

Those instead interested in western arts and culture can stop in at the Chemainus Theatre in neighbouring Chemainus. The theatre’s stage often comes alive with plays year-round that are nothing short of impressive.

Photo: junemaffin on Flickr

Photo: Len not Lenny on Flickr

Sometimes the best things to spend your time doing are really nothing at all. The indescribable and natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley has to be experienced to be understood. Pine-scented air, sunsets that sparkle across the ocean and comforting breezes are nothing short of breathtaking.

Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr

Photo: MISTER_BLACK on Flickr

The view from the top doesn’t hurt either…

The Cowichan Valley is located south of Nanaimo and north of Victoria along Highway 19. For more information on the region and its activities, accommodations and visitor information, visit the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s official website.

The southern region of British Columbia has been bathed in sunshine for days on end, making February akin to April or May. In the spirit of all things warm and bright, I thought it would be rather fitting to check out some sunny snapshots of Vancouver Island.

Photo: chispita_666 on Flickr

Photo: cwangdom on Flickr

Photos: Rachel Fishman on Flickr; Paphio on Flickr

Photo: ecstaticist on Flickr

Photo: H2O Alchemist on Flickr

Photo: www.jeremylim.ca on Flickr

Photo: quaelin on Flickr

Photos: footloosiety on Flickr; Author’s own

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Photo: Zbigniew Braniecki on Flickr

Photo: mel_j_ellis on Flickr

Photo: Author’s own

Photo: Cam in Van on Flickr

Photo: BaylorBear78 on Flickr