Archive for the ‘Must Read’ Category
Island Profile: Cowichan Lake
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.
2. I’m once again fundraising for the BC-SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, aiming to raise $2,000 by September 12, 2010. As of today, I’ve already reached 25% of my goal and have only a few weeks left! Please consider donating to my effort and support this worthwhile cause.
Island Profile: Denman Island
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.
2. I’m once again fundraising for the BC-SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, aiming to raise $2,000 by September 12, 2010. As of today, I’ve already reached 25% of my goal and have only a few weeks left! Please consider donating to my effort and support this worthwhile cause.
Guest Post: Adopt-A-Pet Q & A
One of the most common topics in e-mails I receive from readers is with regard to pet adoption. Those who have been following my blog know that I adopted a three-year-old rescue dog from a foster home in April, 2009 and have been raising and training him since that time. Though I was initially hesitant about bringing home an older dog, a little bit of education on the topic soon made my choice clear.
Unfortunately, pet adoption is often plagued with misconceptions – particularly the idea that shelter pets have behavioral or health issues. I can assure you that this is simply not the case, as anyone who has met my dog, Jordy, can attest to. To help clarify a few basic questions about pet adoption and general pet ownership, I’ve asked the fantastic folks behind Adopt-A-Pet to answer some of the most common queries I receive.
Q: “Although there are millions of pets in shelters needing homes each year, many pet-owners-to-be don’t consider pet adoption when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Why do you think this is?”
A: Many people who want to get a pet are not aware of how many great pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets in shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal. In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem, but because an owner died, moved, or simply didn’t have the time or money to care for the animal. In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Rescued pets are wonderful – just ask anyone who has one!
Q. “I’m looking for a particular breed, so is adoption an option for me?”
A: Some people are seeking purebred animals or puppies and think these animals are not available in shelters. In fact, nearly 25% of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone will buy an expensive purebred animal and then attempt to breed that animal to recoup their money. Often these animals are not placed in homes and end up in the shelter. Also, keep in mind that many rescue groups deal only with particular breeds, so a quick internet search can point you in the right direction.
Q: “I’m interested in getting a puppy [or kitten] rather than an older animal. How can I go about this without supporting pet stores or breeders?”
A: Puppies and kittens often end up in shelters as well, but it is important to note that younger animals require a lot of work and training as they can be quite destructive (peeing on the carpet or chewing shoes). Puppies and kittens are great, but often people are much happier getting a pet who is older, and whose size and temperament is a known quality.
Q: What are the 5 most important things a potential adopter should consider when choosing their new pet?
A: 1. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life. Consider the cost of food, health care, toys, treats, grooming and vaccinations. These expenses can really add up if you’re not ready for them!
2. Verify in advance that you’re allowed to keep a pet where you live.
3. Never adopt a pet on a whim or because you feel it’s love-at-first-sight.
4. Provide sufficient exercise and stimulation, particularly during the first few weeks, as this will help the pet adjust.
5. Make any necessary modifications to your home, yard and fence to provide for your pet’s safety.
Q: What are 5 positive aspects of pet adoption, and why is it a good option?
A: 1. When you adopt an adult animal, you can see his or her size and temperament. This helps ensure that the pet is right for you and your family.
2. It feels great to know you have saved an animal’s life!
3. Adopted pets are extremely loyal and seem to intuitively know they have been given a new home.
4. Adopting a pet can be an important lesson to teach your children– both about the value of life, and also about civic responsibility and even recycling – in this case “recycling” a living and loving animal into a new home.
5. Choosing a mixed breed animal can help avoid many of the genetic health problems that have developed in purebred animals due over-breeding and inbreeding.
I want to offer a huge and sincere thanks to Adopt-A-Pet for taking the time to provide some insight into animal adoption. It’s a huge undertaking for anyone and takes some serious consideration. However, the benefits and joys of bringing a rescued animal into your life are most definitely worth the effort! Please visit Adopt-A-Pet’s website to start your search for animals in your area that are looking for a loving home.
Island Profile: Cheese, Please
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.
Island Profile: Beaches
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.
Island Profile: Crofton
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.
Island Profile: Ucluelet
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].
Farmers’ Markets On Vancouver Island
With endless blue skies, sunshine and warm weekends in the near future, various farmers’ markets across Vancouver Island are gearing up for another deliciously successful season.
Quickly becoming internationally renowned for its artisan cheeses, homegrown bakeries, decadent table and dessert wines, jams, fresh eggs, organic fruits, sweet honey and lavender, Vancouver Island is a virtual paradise for “foodies”. From the North Island to the Gulf Islands to the Capital Region, there are delicacies waiting for everyone.
Photo: Nomade Moderne on Flickr
Campbell River Pier Street Farmers’ Market
- Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Maritime Heritage Centre – 621 North Island Highway
[website]
Cedar Farmers’ Market
Colwood Farmers’ Market Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Coombs Old Country Market Denman Island Farmers’ Market Downtown Duncan Farmers’ Market Errington Farmers’ Market Gold River Farmers’ Market Hornby Island Farmers’ Market James Bay Community Market (Victoria) Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market Port Alberni Farmers’ Market Quadra Island Farmers’ Market & Bazaar Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market Salt Spring Island’s Saturday Market Sayward Summer Sunday Market Sidney Summer Market Sooke Country Market Tofino Public Market Many markets open in April, some in May and a few not until June. Check the websites for more specific information. If you know of another great farmers’ market on the Island not listed above, please feel free to add it in the comments! Get outside, enjoy the bounty our Island has to offer, and don’t forget your SPF and reusable shopping bags!Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
2313 Yellow Point Road
[website not available]Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre – 1767 Island Highway
[website]Saturdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds – 4835 Headquarters Road
[website]Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Highway 4A between Parksville and Port Alberni.
[website]Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Recycling Centre at Marcus Isbister Old School Centre on Denman Road
[website not available]Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Corner of Lois Lane and Craig Street in downtown Duncan
[website]Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1390 Errington Road
[website]Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location to be determined – Contact Christine O’Neil with community input and feedback
[website]Saturdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hornby Island Community Hall – corner of Central Road and Sollans Road
[website]Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Corner of Menzies Street and Superior Street
[website]Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front Street
[website]Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Foot of Argyle Street at Harbour Quay
[website]Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Quathiaski Cove – West Road
[website]Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Corner of First Street and Memorial Avenue in downtown Qualicum Beach
[website]Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine)
Centennial Park in the town of Ganges
[website]
Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sayward Heritage Community Hall – 1257 Sayward Road
[website]Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Beacon Avenue (closed to vehicular traffic)
[website not available]Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
2047 Otter Point Road
[website]Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Village Green – Corner of Third Street and Campbell Street
[website not available]
Island Profile: Cowichan Valley
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.
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.
Island Profile: Sunshine
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