Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the embodiment of Canada's spectacular West Coast. Moss-laden Hemlock and Yellow Cedar tower over an extensive network of DH mountain bike trails that range from fast and flowy to steep and technical. Add a jaw-dropping view that span the Island's rugged mountains to the blue waters of the Pacific and you have a destination that riding dreams are made of!

Mount Washington has put some serious focus on the beginner trail network and the new Green Line trail is the best place to start! The trail is wide, forgiving, and it's the perfect venue for learning how to ride DH.

The resort's signature expert freeride trail, Back in Black has been heralded as the perfect blend of dirt and wood. If you're into perfectly sculpted dirt jumps, big drops, and even bigger wall rides with more flow than the kitchen tap then look no further. Back in Black will soon make it to your top ten trails list.

In addition to riding some of BC's best trails, the Island bike park hosts a number of acclaimed mountain bike events to keep your stoke on throughout the summer. Check out one of the world's top mountain bike slopestyle events, the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle on August 3+4, the BC Cup Provincial Championships return to the Island on August 24-26, and our Fall Freak Out Bike Fest September 1+2.

For the complete bike event listing, visit Mount Washington Bike Park.

What are some of the best ways to enjoy Mount Washington's Bike Park this summer?

• Riding our Green Line beginner trail, learning to ride has never been easier
• Bearclaw Invitational One of the world's top mountain bike slopestyle events - August 3+4
• Lesson programs that include Learn to Ride for the family, the Ride On three-day program, and Kids Day Bike Camp

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the natural choice for your next summer getaway. Fly direct from Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver into the Comox Valley International Airport (YQQ). It's only 35 minutes from the airport to the resort. Mount Washington is located 50km south of Campbell River and 100km north of Nanaimo. The resort is just 3 hours north of Victoria and 3.5 hours from Vancouver- including a 90-minute cruise with scenic BC Ferries. (See location map here).

From Mount Washington Bike Park website.

If you love food you then you will want to add a visit to the Comox Valley to your list of things to do! You will find many ways to entertain your taste buds in this thriving community of chefs, farmers, vintners and foodies.

Here are a few ways you can explore all the Comox Valley has to offer:

• Come and fill your basket at our Farmer's Market where you will find fresh garden  produce, locally made artisanal foods such as award winning cheeses to tasty tamales, excellent fresh-baked breads and pastries, fish from local fishers, tender lamb, bison, beef, venison, goat and pork fed on valley grains and grasses, and so much more. Saturday markets are year around and often feature live entertainment. Please check our website for location and times based on season.
• Take a cooking/dinner class from one of the regions many great chefs, organized by Beyond The Kitchen Door
• Buy fresh fish direct from fisherman at the wharf, availability varies, boats in after 5 pm
• Take a tour with Island Gourmet Trails and meet a few of the artisan food producers, farmers, wine makers or brew masters of the Comox Valley. The tour may include a brewery or fruit winery, a seafood processing plant, a chocolatier, a coffee roasting house and/or traditional bakery. Plus you will enjoy a gourmet buffet picnic showcasing some of the best food produced in the region.
• Spend an afternoon wine tasting with one of our growing list of local wineries gathering acclaim, such as Beaufort, Blue Moon, and 40 Knots. Prefer something stronger? Take a tour and a taste at Shelter Point Distillery.

The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre offers a Culinary Tour Package for 2 people that includes a day tour with Island Gourmet Trails, one night accommodation, hot breakfast, and one $50 gift card for The Flying Canoe West Coast Pub. Starting at $218 per person.

There are fine pieces of arts you can appreciate in museums, and then there are those you can find in the most unlikely places. Who would have ever thought you could create stunning works of art with a chainsaw? It’s hard enough for any ordinary person  to wield such heavy and dangerous equipment, much less use it to make an intricate masterpiece with great attention to detail. Not quite sure what I’m talking about? Visit Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery and see for yourself.

I have heard a lot of rave feedback from friends about chainsaw carving, which of course, prompted me to include it in my must-see places in Courtenay, BC. Several months later, the opportunity finally presented itself, when I also had a scheduled business trip to the area. The detour sure paid off. The place, along with its collection of twisted, quirky art forms were pure delight.

Not Your Regular Gallery

Nestled just along the side of the Brown River in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, you will discover a little piece of paradise. I’d personally like to think it’s very much of a fantasy world for adults as it is for kids. Several strides into the place, I was immediately greeted by beautifully painted garden rocks and chainsaw carvings. The place was practically teeming with art – in that eccentric, charming kind of way.

If you do get to visit the place, make sure to bring along your kids. Their vivid imagination will certainly run wild here. 

Chainsaw artists Kevin Lewis and Angela Kroeker  actually carve out British Columbian, and Canadian wood, with the skillful flicks of their chainsaws. The images were simply stunning, and the attention to detail could easily rival those made with chisels.

I found out Kevin has 15 years of experience working as a chainsaw artist, and specializes in carving mythical creatures such as tree spirits, faeries and dragons. He also has a fine collection of carved eagles, frogs, bears, all of which mostly made use of bird’s eye yellow cedar and birds eye maple. This talent has taken him all over Vancouver Island, BC and other key areas in Canada.

Other Great Attractions

Much to my dismay, I soon discovered that the two and a half hours I had allotted for the visit was simply not enough to fully enjoy what the place has to offer. For those planning to visit, consider blocking off a whole afternoon to visit Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery to allow leisurely appreciation of every beautiful detail.

Aside from the outdoor carving gallery, the trail will also lead you to the sewing/upholstery area, where you also have a chance to observe other craftsmen in action. There is also a Sole Comfort Reflexology Studio, which presents a welcome respite for tired, achy feet of tourists after hours of walking. They also feature Dream Shapers Hair Studio, if you fancy snipping off some locks.

Over all, the visit turned out to be more than I expected and proved a worthwhile visit, especially for families.

Address:

Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery

4010 Forbidden Plateau Rd.

Courtenay, BC V9J 1P9

Phone: 250-338-1603

Email: forbiddenstudios@yahoo.ca

Web: www.forbiddenstudiosoutdoorgallery.com

www.kevinlewiscarvings.ca

Accommodations

When planning to visit Courtenay, make sure to book your accommodations well ahead of time. You will discover that the area has a number of great places to stay, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre:

BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 2K4

Phone: 250/338-7741 | Fax: 250/338-5442

Are you traveling for business or for leisure? Whatever the case may be, you will find the Westerly Hotel fully equipped to provide you all the modern conveniences you have come to expect from a premium hotel. Enjoy full-service accommodation at its finest right at the heart of the Comox Valley.

Guest rooms provide spectacular views and are fully furnished with flat screen televisions and walk in showers. They also provide free Internet access and cable satellite TV.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had your share of fun over the holidays. As we usher in 2012, its always fun to jumpstart things towards the right direction, which will hopefully set a more upbeat tone for the rest of the year. Whether you are checking out great ideas to extend the holiday cheer or you are simply looking forward to a nice trip to Courtenay on Vancouver Island, you definitely want to take a look what the local folks have lined up for the first month of the year.

Antler Measure Day

 (January 14, 2012)

If you share an affinity for hunting like some of the local residents in Vancouver, BC or your just curious what this is all about, the Antler Measure Day offers a great way to socialize with everyone. This event is open to the public, with no admittance charge. Local and regional hunters are invited to show off their prized horns, antlers or mounts for measurements, which will be conducted by BCWF.

This event presents a wonderful opportunity to swap stories with fellow hunting enthusiasts. Whether you plan to vie for a trophy or simply share your own hunting experiences, come along and you’re guaranteed to have great time.

Event Details: Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association

3780 Colake Rd. Courtenay, BC

Event starts at 10:00 AM

Registration for measurement is $ 5 (non-members)

Kiwanis Club Prents: Mamma Mia Sing-A-long

(January 21, 2012)

If you happened to have watched and adored the movie ‘Mamma Mia!’, then perhaps you and your friends want to belt out a few songs of your own. Have fun as you join the rest of the audience to sing (more like scream) everyone's favorite movie soundtracks, such as the crowd favorite “ Dancing Queen”. Relive the  fun and excitement of the movie, but this time not just as a spectator. Sing along with everyone, karaoke style and share a few rounds of laughter.

Event Details: Sid Williams Theatre

442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

Open to patrons of all ages

General Admission: $ 20

The Backyardigans Live in Courtenay!

(January 23rd, 2012)

For kids and kids at heart, this is one rare treat you don’t want to miss. Produced by Koba Entertainment, this musical event features Broadway-style choreography along with scenic and hi-tech 3D video design. The show is under the supervision of the artistic Patti Caplette.

With 21 eclectic songs by The Backyardigans'TV series composer Evan Lurie, this engaging musical brings together Koba's artistic director Patti Caplette for direction and Broadway-style choreography and Beth Kates for scenic and state-of-the-art 3D video design. Join the Backyardigans gang – such as Tyrone the moose, Pablo the penguin, Tasha the hippo, Austin the kangaroo and Uniqua the purple-spotted creature as they are whisked to another great adventure.

Event Details: Sid Williams Theatre

442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

Open to patrons of all ages

General Admission: $ 27.75, Reserved Seating

Show starts 6:30 PM

Accommodations

If are planning to visit Courtenay in Vancouver Island, BC, you should considering booking your accommodations ahead of time for a fuss-free vacation or weekend getaway. There are a string of great hotels in the area, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre:

BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 2K4

Phone: 250/338-7741 | Fax: 250/338-5442

Look forward to a comforting and luxurious stay at The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre. The entire hotel staff eagerly welcomes guests, tourists and business travelers all year round. Known for its premium service and well-appointed guest rooms, you will be surprised to find out that accommodations are offered at reasonable rates.

Located at the heart of the Comox Valley, the hotel has all the amenities and facilities to ensure the comforts you can expect from a Best Western Plus hotel. Ask for a room at the Mountain Wing and enjoy spectacular views complete with modern conveniences, including a 37-inch flat screen TV and a walk in shower, among others.

Hotel staff are ready to provide you 24 hour service, should you require any form of assistance at any time during your stay.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

History comes alive at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre, in Courtenay, BC on north-eastern Vancouver Island.  During the year the Museum provides outdoor and indoor programs for all age groups covering First Nations history, history of the Comox Valley, amazing fossils, logging history and geology. The Museum is a member of the The Great Canadian Fossil Trail.

Courtenay Museum's Prehistoric Displays

Although Courtenay is a small town the artifacts and fossil sites have garnered international interest. The Museum has been featured on television documentaries on the Knowledge Network and the Discovery Channel.

Courtenay's surrounds were once teaming with undersea prehistoric life such as the elasmosaur, a fearsome looking marine reptile with a long neck and lot of teeth.

Courtenay Museum Photo Collections

A wonderful collection of photos to take you back in time.

• Business and Industry - boots hop, cafe and others
• Celebrations - fairs, weddings and picnics
• Comox and Comox Valley - harbour, ships, docks and streets
• Courtenay - main streets, houses and totem poles
• Farming - early farms and farming equipment
• Forbidden Plateau - black and white photos of this beautiful and rugged area
• Hotels & Inns - Port Augusta and Elk hotels
• Logging - early loggers and logging tools
• Public Buildings - schools and government buildings
• Recreation - women's grass hockey, fishing and baseball

Courtenay Museum Artifacts

A unique collection of artifacts to bring history to life.

• First Nations - some amazing masks on display
• Military Gallery - from badges to helmets and more
• Accessories Gallery - purses, shoes and jewelry
• Hats Gallery - men's hats, including a top hat, and women's hats
• Children's Clothing Gallery - no blue jeans or tank tops here
• Fan Gallery - exquisite fans

Capes Escape

Capes Escape is a 1930's home connected to the 7 acre Capes Park and  just a few minutes from downtown Courtenay. The 1,700 sq ft home named after Katherine Capes, a Founder and Patron of the Museum, is available for rental.

Katherine Capes was an avid preservationist of both cultural and natural heritage as well as  one of the first female Canadian archaeologists.  She donated the Capes family home in 1997 to the Courtenay and District Historical Society.

Courtenay Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The Best Western Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225. This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.

Contact info: Best Western Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 (800) 668-7797  Telephone: (250) 338-7741 (250) 338-7741  Fax: (250) 338-5442 Email: info@bestwesternbarclay.com.

Enjoy all that Courtenay has to offer and please tell your friends.

The Nymph Falls Nature Park is a 53 ha (100 acre) park and forest on the north side of the Puntledge River in the Comox Valley - a short drive from Courtenay BC on Vancouver Island.  It features nature at its best with spectacular views and several trails for bikers, hikers and just walkers.

The park offers nature sightseeing in a forest wilderness, waterfront, an easy walk to the Nymph Falls, swimming during the summer as wells as horseback riding, hiking and biking trails.  There is a picnic area with picnic tables and toilets.

In the summer the waters are calm and quite suitable to swim. However, in the winter it a raging high current river.

The park has well maintained walking, hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels. There is a longer loop trail and a shorter loop trail that leads to the fish ladders and the Nymph Falls.

Nymph Falls Nature Park

The park and the Nymph Waterfall is located on Puntledge River.  The woods are a second growth forest that is regenerating.

Some 70 years ago blasting was done to create ladders through the falls to allow the spawning salmon to swim upstream.  You can expect to see the salmon in fall months of October and November.  A good location to view the returning salmon is from benches on an exposed terrace on the rock.

Nymph Falls

The waterfall is absolutely beautiful and fairly easy to access.  You can enjoy a cool dip in the nippy waters of the lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall.
Nymph Falls is located along Plateau Road en route to Forbidden Plateau. After you cross the Inland Highway watch for the park about 2 km (1.2 miles)  just before the hatchery.

Hiking, Biking & Walking

The park is great for some easy hiking on a sunny afternoon.  Except for the sounds of nature, the park is very quiet. Remember to bring drinking water as it can be warm and humid.

For more advanced mountain bikers there are trails noted in red on the map. There are also multi-use trails suitable for beginner bikers and hikers.  The pedestrian only trails are noted in green and bikes are not allowed.

Getting to Nymph Falls Nature Park

Travelling north on Highway 19, turn left onto Plateau Road. The park entrance is adjacent to 4478 Plateau Road - about 16 km (10 miles) from Courtenay.

Courtenay Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225. This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.

Contact info: BEST WESERN PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 Tel: (250) 338-7741  Fax: (250) 338-5442  Email: info@thewesterlyhotel.com

Enjoy all that the Courtenay area has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.