Category: Cowichan

A Day in Chemainus

We were visiting family in Victoria in August and decided to drive the hour and a half up Hwy 1 to catch a show at the Chemainus Theatre. As my son is only 7 we enjoyed the matinee of James and the Giant Peach originally a book by Roald Dahl. This production was dramatized by Richard R. George and was just delightful. It was entirely geared to a young audience with songs, audience participation, funny costumes and wonderful puppets. The Chemainus Theatre boasts an entire festival season of 6 to 8 productions throughout the year (http://chemainustheatrefestival.ca). It was lunchtime when […]

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Cowichan Bay

Cowichan Bay is a small coastal village on Vancouver Island that’s about a 55 minute drive from Victoria. The objective of our mini off season getaway was not to be in a city and not to feel hustle and bustled. We did however have Victoria obligations. But we were willing to do the drive. Speaking of timing, due to what seem to be normal traffic snarls around McKenzie Ave and the View Royal neighbourhoods, I recommend budgeting an hour to drive into downtown Victoria from Cowichan Bay. Since I’m on the tangent of driving tips, this route has the Malahat […]

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Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay

Cowichan Bay is a village north of Victoria and south of Duncan that is wonderfully off the beaten path. We chose to stay at Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay because it was really the only hotel in town. And with a couple of children, the suite with a kitchenette was helpful as it’s just too expensive to eat out all the time. The kids also enjoyed the pool, even though the change area does need an upgrade. Perhaps the best part was the view from the restaurant. We had a great breakfast there and it was quiet and everyone was […]

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Gardens of the Cowichan Valley

Gardeners all over the Cowichan Valley are going full tilt this month (May 2013) as blooms are bursting forth everywhere you look. A quick tour of my garden today shows an array of the best ever iris. Rhodos in bright red, white with yellow centres, mauve, pink, magenta and another yet to come. Hostas are getting bigger every day. Lillies are growing taller and getting ready for next month’s display. Meanwhile my newly planted annuals are settling in. Spent the afternoon visiting some very experienced gardeners who love to share their garden successes. Find out more at Jacquie Gordon’s Bed […]

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Wild Flowers on Mt. Tzouhalem

The months of April and May certainly bring out the wildflowers. The south western slope of Mt Tzouhalem, home to Gary Oak Trees has been set aside as a wild flower reserve. Keeping this area free of Scotch Broom allows the sun to awaken the beautiful little flowers and fill the meadow with an amazing array of colour. Today [April 23, 2012] we enjoyed blue Camus, pink shooting stars, yellow spring gold, white saxifrage, and amazingly large yellow balsam root. Growing on the rocky edges are sedums. White Easter lilies are slowly fading and a few chocolate lilies are still […]

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Courtenay in a Hurry

The editors of this website asked local businesses for the essential recommendations for Courtenay. We asked them: “If you imagine that someone has come to you and they are on a totally tight time line, and asked you these questions, what would you tell them?” 1. Where should I eat that I should not miss in Courtenay? Answer: The Silverado West Coast Grill at the Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community. 339 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay, BC 2. If I only have time for one outdoor activity, what should I see or do in Courtenay? Answer: Go skiing at Mount Washington […]

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Nanaimo, Duncan and Saltspring Island Eateries

Here are the Nanaimo, Duncan and Saltspring Island eateries I always go to and wouldn’t hesitate recommending: 1. Aladdin’s Caf

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Thoughts on Vancouver Island: Chemainus

Last summer, August of 2009, I had the opportunity to visit Chemainus, BC, to see a friend in their annual summer musicals. I had never been to Chemainus before and didn’t know what to expect. However, after only about an hour after arriving I realized I had fallen in love with the place! It is located in between Duncan  and Nanaimo, and you can either take a ferry from Vancouver to Duke Point, or Vancouver/Tsawwassen to Schwartz  Bay and drive up from Victoria. Each summer, Chemainus has a Musical Theatre Festival in their beautiful, newly renovated downtown theatre. I saw “Oklahoma” […]

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Cowichan Overview

To reach Thetis Island, which is one of the least developed of the

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