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I have lived on the Island for over 30 years and my list of things to
see seems to be increasing not decreasing. There are just so many
interesting and fun things happening, great out of the way restaurants
and gallery's and vineyards and hot springs and gardens and and and . . .
Vancouver island has been acclaimed by the prestigious Conde Nast
Traveler magazine for over 8 years in a row now as Top North American
Island. We have been blessed with a wide array of Artists, I don't know
if it is our natural beauty or the mild climate or perhaps our laid back
lifestyle but artisans seems to thrive here. We had a craft
co-operative back in the eighties and I was amazed at the quality and
quantity of workmanship that came in the door everyday we have an
impressive population of painters, jewelers, potters, weaver, writers,
Our outdoor Markets are also thriving, we have a new one in Honeymoon
Bay which is so much fun, they are basically reconstructing a little
town out of barn board and this and that, it is connected to a over the
top coffee shop and a community garden, a little of something for
everyone.
The Island is the perfect blend of opulence and rustic charm, often seen
in the same setting, our eclectic style is one that is not seen any
where else in the world. We enjoy such a diversity of wildlife form
whales, bears, salmon, cougar, seals, porpoises, eagles and herons. I
have heard it said that the West coast of the Island has undersea colors
to rival anywhere in the world, another thing on my to-do list. The
mild climate of the western coast of Vancouver Island makes for great
cycling weather year round, if you are prepared for the rain it is most
pleasant, not that numbing slippery harsh feeling felt in many Canadian
locations. If fishing is your passion you can spend the morning trout
fishing on Lake Cowichan and 45 minutes later be out on the Pacific
hunting down Sockeye salmon, the halibut, cod and crab.
How about Golfing, Honeymoon Bay, on the west shore of Cowichan Lake
offers a friendly very reasonably priced 9 hole course or 30 minutes up
the road there are three world class courses to chose from.
Kayaking is a favorite pass time in our area, get out on the Lake and
enjoy a sunset, except for the mid day blow up the Lake is generally
very friendly and calm. Or for a little more excitement Kayak the
Cowichan River, lots of rapids to navigate and some great B&B's which
specialize in getting your out there and teaching you the way of the
waves.
One of my favorite adventures is Hiking the west Coast Trail, I was up
to my neck in babies when a friend came over and told me to go with my
friends for 4 days. We went in at Nitinat, down to Susiet Falls and up
to Bamfield, walking all along the coast, through trails and and
pathways created many years before to help the ship wrecked sailors get
home. Talk about being transported. It was a soul lifting experience.
Vancouver Island has something for everyone, the Island has a wealth of
treasures to explore and delight in. Lake Cowichan is centrally located
to take advantage of all these adventures. Did I mention that the real
estate in the Cowichan Valley is some of the most reasonable in British
Columbia.
Love to Garden, 1.5 hours from Lake Cowichan you will step into yet
another world know as Butchart Gardens, if this 35 acre lushly
landscaped cosmopolitan eden does not inspire you to come home and grow
something nothing will. This reclaimed limestone quarry was created in
1904 by Jenny Butchart, Jenny and her family had a get a way place in
Lake Cowichan on the River for many years, it is now the Greendale B&B,
well worth visiting. Oh and did I mention tubing down the River, one of
my most relaxing days have been spent in this fashion, since the kids where
The Island consists of 32,261 square kilometers of breathtaking land,
all on Island Time, come slow down with us.
The Cowichan region is know for its vineyards and wineries, a great
place for foodies, many of the wineries are not enjoying fresh world
class restaurants. Duncan boasts 80 +/- Totem Poles, many carved by
Simon Charlie, Chemainus has become the Little Town that Did with its
many original bigger than life murals depicting the town's history of
forestry and human settlement. Lake Cowichan seems to be emerging as a
Spa haven. I can show you a vast array of places to go and get
pampered, to unwind from the outside world, forget the craziness of what
sometimes feels like the Twilight Zone. Just come and relax and be You.
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