Vancouver Island Hotel Blogs

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.

Popularly known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River, which is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, BC, is one of the most enchanting places in the world.

Rediscover Campbell River

Although there may be a number of destinations out there more entrancing, Campbell River is truly a magnificent place waiting to be experienced; it boasts scenic views of majestic mountains, islands and coastlines. While it may not be the most popular attraction on Vancouver Island, it is a  haven for fishers, hikers, kayakers, adventurers, and nature lovers.

One way to spend a wonderful vacation and experience the natural, breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest Coast is to go to Campbell River and its surrounding areas. Campbell River clings to the shores of Discovery Passage which is the start-off point to explore and enjoy the marine spots of the Discovery Island.

Enjoy Whale Watching Excursions

It is also the perfect jump-off spot to go Grizzly Bear Watching and Whale Watching. You can also experience the spectacular and amazing view, with shorelines stretching from rocky beaches spread with bleached driftwood to cliffs growing from the water’s edge

One of the world’s most popular killer whale sanctuaries can also be found in the Campbell River BC area, particularly  the Robson Bight sanctuary, in the upper area of Johnstone Strait. It is rated by the World Wildlife Federation as one of the Top 3 Whale Watching areas worldwide.

Accommodations

The Campbell River is a very popular tourist attraction for the whole year. So, if you have plans to visit this magnificent place, make sure reserve your accommodation beforehand in order to avoid any hassles. One of the best selections of hotels includes one of the major sponsors, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Austrian Chalet:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Austrian Chalet

462 S Island Highway, Campbell River, British Columbia V9W 1A5

Phone: 250/923-4231 | Fax: 250/923-2840

Commonly preferred by majority of executives on business trips and mainly for tourists, the Austrian Chalet is one of the finest hotels in Campbell River BC. Experience its premier services and world-class amenities which include a business centre, modern conference centre and meeting rooms. Having established as a family-cultured hotel, it provides very comfortable accommodations at affordable rates. This haven is located just a few minutes away from the stunning Pacific Ocean beaches. So, go ahead and experience the utmost comfort and convenience this hotel can provide you during your stay.

For travel information check out our Vancouver Island travel page.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Amazing Vancouver Island and a clickable link back to this page.

At this time of the year, people from all over the world flock to Vancouver Island, BC to witness up close and personal the sheer beauty and majestic view of different species of whales. When visiting the area, Victoria and Nanaimo are among the ideal jump off point to getting in and around the whale watching locations.

If you want to make the best out of your travel, here is a complete guide on the different popular hotspots along with key information on whale watching activities.

Victoria & Gulf Islands Whale Watching

Among the different hotspots, this is the most famous location to go whale watching, especially the area around Juan de Fuca Strait and Haro Strait on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Tours and trips are just an easy excursion booking out of Victoria.

Whale Sightings. There are different types of whale species that frequent in these waters including gray whales, orcas (or killer whales), humpback whales and minke whales. Dall’s porpoises, California sea lions, Stellar’s sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, elephant seals and harbour seals are also among the other animal species you will see. In addition, you can also discover hundreds of marine bird species around this area.

Best time to go. Starting from the end of April up to the end of October will be the peak viewing season. However, you can always visit and join a tour anytime the whole year round since there will always be a lot to view.

Northern Islands & Johnstone Straits Whale Watching

There are several prime whale-watching locations that exist at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. There are also a lot of small communities operating in whale-watching tours including the communities of Port Hardy, Alert Bay, Port McNeill, Sointula and Telegraph Cove.

Whale Sightings. Here you will discover transient orcas, entertaining humpback whales and migrating gray whales. A lot of these whale classes summer in the Strait. You will also be able to find Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour seals and other types of seals. The Island also offers an important area for some of the greatest salmon fishing.

Best time to go. There are 19 pods enclosing more than 170 orcas that travel in the Strait. Thus, the best time to visit the area is between the months of April and October. At this time of the year, if you visit by the end of the peak view season, you might still view a number of whales and other animal species but your comfort might be compromised because the weather is quite temperamental.

Tofino, Pacific Rim & Ucluelet Whale Watching

This famous whale-watching area is located in the west coast and is popular for its migrating gray whales for each month of March and April. The location is wild and rugged, enclosing a lot of sounds filled with coves, bays, channels and inlets.

Whale Sightings. Although the most widely known species of whale you can see is the gray whale, occasionally you will also see humpback whales. Also, don’t miss the California sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters and many bird species.

Best time to go. The most appropriate time to view the gray whale is during their yearly migration between the months of March and April. All throughout summer however, whale-watching happens on the Pacific Rim. There are about 40 to 50 gray whales do a stopover to spend the summer nourishing off this coast.

Accommodations

After of few nights of fun and pure revelry, you can look forward to spending a luxurious and relaxing stay at among some of the best hotels in Vancouver Island, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN Northgate Inn:

BEST WESTERN Northgate Inn

6450 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 2L8

Phone: 250-390-2222 | Fax: 250-390-2412

Conveniently located at the center of the northern end area of Nanaimo, the Northgate Inn provides tourists and traveling guests all the modern facilities to ensure a very comfortable stay for those family holiday vacations and weekend getaways. The hotel has been newly renovated and it features a wide collection of well-appointed guest rooms all decorated in contemporary designs.

The Northgate Inn is near some of the biggest shopping malls in Vancouver Island and as well as fine restaurants. Having maintained a flawless reputation of constantly providing top-rated accommodations and world-class quality and service, the hotel offers everything you need including those on business trips such as a conference centre and a meeting room.

For the different transportation options in getting around the different key whale watching areas, check out our Vancouver Island travel page.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to and a link to Amazing Vancouver Island.

Courtenay Kicked Off April With A Morning Serenade

Last April 2, Monday, pianist Sarah Hagen and cellist Ariel Barnes serenaded on stage to the delight of Courtenay locals and tourists for their finale concert of the 2011/2012 Mattina Musica season. The well-attended event was indeed one of the best ways to jumpstart a flurry of activities in Vancouver Island, BC for April this year.

The two came back due to popular demand as people flocked to watch them show off their intense, intricate fusion and unique brand of music. The pieces Beethoven’s final well profound Sonata and Debussy’s sublime Cello Sonata were among the highlight of the programme. These two pieces presented a magnificent and truly enthralling collaboration of piano and cello.

Mattina Musica, an Italian term for “Morning Music”, is a chain of 4 concerts, each happening every Monday morning. Supporters for this type of music are invited to proceed to the Sid lobby at 10 am for coffee, tea and conversations before the concert, which starts at exactly 10:30 am. What a better way to spend your Monday morning, right?

Ariel Barnes – Cello

Ariel Barnes is a cellist and was featured by the Vancouver Sun as a musician of real importance because of his technical prowess and luscious tone. He enjoys a different career as a soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. He has performed in major countries over the past few years including the United States, Canada and Mexico, from contemporary solo cello concerts to Mozart’s chamber music. Barnes is definitely comfortable in various types or genres of music ranging from the baroque to the modern era. Being a passionate chamber musician, he has performed and appeared at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, MusicFest Vancouver, Music at Port Milford, Northern Lights Music Festival and Mendocino Music Festival. He is also the present Vancouver Opera Orchestra’s Principal Cello.

Ariel Barnes is also a member of the Vancouver-based string trio – the Trio Accord. His colleagues are Andrew Brown and Mary Sokol-Brown. Their trio has been acclaimed for its “extremely moving,” “exhilarating,” and “enchanting” performances. The Trio Accord’s debut album which was out in the fall of 2008 was nominated for Classical Record of the Year. This was done at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

Sarah Hagen – Piano

Sarah Hagen is a pianist, chamber musician and a sought-after soloist. She has performed in various concerts across Canada and also France, the United States, Germany, Sweden and Italy. Her type of music is critically acclaimed with technical ease, tonal purity and with a rarity of musical excellence. Sarah’s interpretations have been labeled as “outstandingly inventive,” and done with “infinite skill.”

Since Sarah is an idealist and a visionary, her shows are usually conceptually innovative which involves dance, theatre and photography. She has been motivated with the belief that regardless of knowledge or age, music is the instrument to be a window into our souls. Sarah is also expected to perform this upcoming season in Spain, Sweden and northern BC and also a show with the Victoria Symphony on Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 1. Back in 2009, her solo album, Glass House Dancing was nominated at the Western Canadian Music Awards for Classical Recording of the Year.

Accommodations:

If you are planning to stay in Courtenay, make sure to have your accommodations reserved beforehand. This is to avoid any hassles. In Vancouver Island, you will be able to discover several great places to stay including one of the 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

Whether you are travelling for leisure of business, you will find out that the Westerly Hotel is totally equipped to satisfy your expectations from a premium hotel with all of its modern conveniences. Located at the center of Comox Valley, you can experience a full-service accommodation at its best.

For the different transportation options in getting around Courtenay and its neighboring regions, check out our Vancouver Island travel page.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Amazing Vancouver Island and a clickable link back to this page.

Back in 1991, the very first Brant Wildlife Festival was organized by volunteers from the Mid Island Wildlife and was established to be held every April. This happens when the Pacific Geese stop in the area to feed and rest before going to their Artic breeding areas. This is where the Pacific Brant Carving and Art Show got its roots from, in the Parksville/Qualicum area in Vancouver Island.

A wildlife woodcarving contest is one of the attractions at the Brant Festival, which is sponsored by the Vancouver Island Woodcarvers Club. The Nature Trust of British Columbia took over this event in 2006 and was moved to Victoria back in 2010. It was then that the name of the festival was changed to Pacific Brant Carving and Art Show.

Over the past three years, the festival has been one of Vancouver Island, BC's popular wildlife woodcarving contests and has been featured in a US publication, “Wildfowl Carving Magazine”. The show also expanded in having a woodturning contest and has also included commercial booths showcasing the Island’s well-known wildlife artists. It has attracted a lot of popular BC wildlife artists, sculptors, photographers and as well as giving talented turners and carvers from Canada and across the Pacific Northwest a place to feature their work and compete against each other for cash prizes and ribbons.

Hoping that the fabulous venue will become the new haven for the show, this year’s festival will be held in Sidney, BC, at the Mary Winspear Centre. This will be the grandest festival to date and will showcase the Island’s popular wildlife photographers and artists. Woodcarvers from the US and from across Canada will compete for cash awards and recognition and most of their carving will be for sale. Another event that also attracted top wood turners last year was the wood turning competition.

A wood turning contest, carvings and photographs, fish carvings, wildlife art, door prizes, live and silent auctions and free seminars by the carvers and artists are among the activities of the show. Completing the show is a Saturday night “meet and greet” by the artists and carvers with refreshments and as well as a live auction of wildlife art.

Accommodations

At this time of the year, It is absolutely advisable to book ahead of time when visiting one of the beautiful places and sought after Vancouver Island travel destination in order to avoid the tourist crowd.

There are a lot of amazing places for you to stay in Sidney and one of the established ones include our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn

2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2

Phone: 250/656-4441 | Fax: 250/655-1351

The Emerald Isle Motor Inn provides you with convenient and comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates. It is a great place for you stay, presenting an ideal option for accommodating families and other large groups.

This wonderful place is just about five minutes away when driving from the Victoria International Airport and aside from other terminals and ports, the Emerald Isle Motor Inn is absolutely very easy to locate, making it highly accessible. Known for its hospitality and premium service, the Emerald Motor Inn is your budget friendly home away from home.

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

Nanaimo is one of those charming places you think you have already explored every nook and cranny and had all figured out – only to find out more interesting facets and attractions awaiting to be discovered. Being a local and a self-imposed tourist ambassador of Vancouver Island, BC, I have been and seen every attraction Nanaimo has to offer, or so I thought.

A Pleasant Surprise

Then I came across with some pretty great reviews on Newcastle Island, which  piqued my curiosity. Reading comments such as “It’s the loveliest part of Nanaimo”, “Jewel of an Island” and “Amazing views!”, I thought this is something I have to personally see and experience for myself.

And so I scheduled a trip to Newcastle Island with a family member,  and much to our delight, it certainly is a place of natural rugged beauty.  The island is breathtaking in its stark simplicity and it’s one of those places that seem to beckon to world-weary souls.

An Accessible Sweet Escape

Newcastle Island is situated in Nanaimo Harbour, which is just mere minutes away from downtown Nanaimo, BC. You can access the island via a private boat or by Nanaimo Harbour Ferry, which leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park.  the view from afar, one can easily sense its colorful history and rich character that will never fair to stir the interest of both locals and tourists.

There are a number of activities you can do on Newcastle Island, such as, hiking, biking, tent camping, swimming, picnicking, and kayaking. One of the highlights of the island is the 1930’s era pavilion, which showcases historical displays along with a concession stand and camp store. However, you have to note that there are no motorized vehicles on this island except for its grounds keeper.

Spend a Day of Leisure

You can enjoy a few hours of strolling, swimming or you can camp overnight.  I particularly like the lack of posh amenities and facilities, which in a way force you to go back to the basics and spend more time interacting with your family and friends instead of being overly distracted with the fancy trappings that usually come with most vacation hotspots.

You can enjoy the view from Newcastle Island at sunset, where it sets a stage for a magnificent view of  Nanaimo's boat marina and it's downtown. There are many small bays that present perfect coves for swimming and fun activities to keep kids preoccupied and happy all day long.

Without a doubt, Newcastle Island is a great refuge for people who simply want to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. The great news is, you don’t need to travel far and wide to find this truly wonderful oasis.

Accommodations

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

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Northgate Inn is located at the hub of Vancouver Island and offers incredible value and an ideal location to area sights and businesses. Guests enjoy beautifully appointed rooms, fully equipped with high-speed internet, refrigerator, microwave and satellite television. Select rooms feature king size beds or Jacuzzi® suites, and the BEST WESTERN PLUS Northgate Inn features meeting and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 75 people.

Contact info:  BEST WESTERN PLUS Northgate Inn, 6450 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 2L8, CA.  Toll Free: (800) 661-0061; Local: (250) 390-2222; Fax: (250) 390-2412. Email: info@bestwesternnorthgate.com

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

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

Ever heard of the McLean “Steam” Sawmill? Well, if you are planning to visit Port Alberni, BC, don’t dare miss this historical adventure. Visit the only commercial steam-operated sawmill on Vancouver Island, BC or more accurately the only one in Canada to be exact. While some people may wrinkle their nose at the thought of a seemingly “boring” excursion, you will be pleasantly surprised to know this particular attraction has a number of interesting and entertaining activities.

Steam Sawmill, What is it Exactly?

While this concept may be foreign to many, in the simplest terms, it is exactly what it says. A visit will show you how the sawmill cuts wood for demonstration purposes and puts it up for sale, you also get to personally see and enjoy the steam it generates. This is a wonderful presentation of how people used to do it back in the day and appreciate their ingenuity – most of which became the basis of the modern innovations.

Travel Back in Time

Get a glimpse of the simple life a few decades ago. You will be entertained by shows on stage performed by the resident Tin Pants Theatre Company. History comes to life at the Nikkei Theatre daily. In addition, you can also see various restored logging equipment within the site such as logging trucks, lumber carriers, graders and even a steam donkey. If you have kids in tow, it can be a treat to witness all these large trucks up close.

A walk around the site will allow you to experience being transported back in time as you enter the old original buildings. But the entertainment is not solely for adults. Children will also get to experience and learn through stories about the characters from the past and even interact with some puppets. Visitors of any age are sure to get a sense of what kind of life people lived in the past in this camp.

Other Great Attractions

After enjoying your adventure, you can dig in to a sumptuous meal at the Steam Pot Café, which presents a perfect end to a wonderful day. If you want to purchase gifts and souvenir items, make sure to drop by the Mill Store before heading back home. Take a piece of history with you or at the very least what it represents.

About McLean Mill

With a pioneering get-it-done attitude and a showcase of sheer inventiveness, the McLean Mill was run from 1926 to 1965 by R.B. McLean and his three sons. One can say that such attributes really commemorate the history of saw milling. In fact, the mill was named a National Historic Site in British Columbia in 1989. Even though it is just a typical mill in a remote sawmill complex and coastal lumber camp the thing that makes the site so memorable, are the people who worked there, which gave the whole place an endearing character of its own.

The land where the sawmill is located was donated by Macmillan Bloedel. To name a few, Forest Renewal BC, Heritage Canada, BC Community Futures, the BC Heritage Trust, the City of Port Alberni and the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot are the different establishments and institutions supporting and funding the site in order for it to be fully restored from 1995 up to the present day

Accommodations

The quaint town of Port Alberni never fails to draw in tourists mainly because of its charming beauty and friendly locals. No wonder it remains to be a prime Vancouver Island travel destination. If you are planning to visit the place, make sure to make all the necessary preparations to ensure a comfortable stay, starting with booking your accommodations ahead of time.

There are a number of great places to stay in Port Alberni as well as its neighboring cities, including our sponsor, BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel

4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni,

British Columbia V9Y 7X8

Phone: 250/724-7171 | Fax: 250/724-9691

Any type of vacation starts with a luxury accommodation. You can easily find that comfortable haven in Barclay Hotel. Known as the largest full facility hotel in the area, it boasts a full host of modern convenience and facilities all available to make your stay memorable.

After a long day of adventure, sink into the plush beds in any of the well-appointed guest rooms. More than just a place to stay, the hotel has strived to provide a welcoming place that never fails to attractive tourists and local guests. In fact, a number of its business is generated through word of mouth and various recommendations.

Whether it’s a short trip, or you’re in for a full week of sightseeing and tour, Barclay Hotel is definitely the most ideal place to stay.

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

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.

Be a Part of a Great Cause – the Fashion Inferno 10!

Since childhood, fire fighters have been viewed as local heroes. It’s no wonder, most kids at some point wanted to be one, with me included. Watching them in action is simply awe inspiring. But when taken to a different level, that’s definitely something else.

If you are from Campbell River, BC, one of the great Vancouver Island travel destinations all year around, then take part in one of the great events for a cause during your visit.

Fashion for a Great Cause

Fire fighters have their own way of raising funds for the benefit of the community. For about ten years now, the members of IAFF Local 1668, and the Campbell River Fire Fighters have done this  activity. On March 3rd 2012, in partnership with the Campbell River community and together with the support of the BC Professional Fire Fighters, they will be hosting the  Fashion Inferno event.

This Event, done yearly in Campbell River, on North Vancouver Island, BC – is an occasion to celebrate Fire Fighters, solely dedicated to the people in the community. Specifically, it is called Fashion Inferno 10! For more details you can call via phone through 250-286-6266. This is located at the Campbell River Community Centre at 401-11th Avenue.

It’s a Popular Annual Event

Tickets to this annual fundraiser always gets sold out right away so make sure you get your tickets as early as possible so you won’t miss this event. The event showcases both a silent and live auction; there is dinner plus drinks and best of all, the fashion show.

Of course, this fundraiser’s proceeds will go to the BC Professional Firefighter’s benefit for their Burn Fund. The ticket cost is affordable ranging from $50.00 each or if you want to go as a group or as a family, or you may purchase a table with 10 seats for only $400.00.  To buy the tickets,  contact Stewart Dumont at 205-203-8311 or just go directly to the #1 Fire Hall in Campbell River.

Celebrating A Decade of Dedicated Service

“Preventing Victims, Empowering Survivors!” This is the theme for the event by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund established 1978. The Burn Fund extends life supporting, life saving and life enriching services to the people in BC. From fifty communities, there are more than 3,700 enlisted fire fighters in British Columbia along with Yukon who are striving to further the fund’s vision. Their skills and time are highly dedicated to the burn survivors and as well as to strengthen the community’s knowledge about fire safety and all issues about fire along with its Burn Awareness, Research and Prevention Programs.

Accommodations

Campbell River attracts tourists all year round. So if you are planning to visit the area, make sure to book your accommodations ahead of time to ensure a comfortable stay. One of the best options includes one of our major sponsors, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Austrian Chalet:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Austrian Chalet

462 S Island Highway, Campbell River, British Columbia V9W 1A5

Phone: 250/923-4231 | Fax: 250/923-2840

The Austrian Chalet is easily one of the finest accommodations you can find in Campbell River, BC. In fact, it is the widely preferred places to stay mainly for tourists and executives while on business trips not only for its world-class amenities and premier services, include modern conference centre, business centre and meeting rooms. It has also established itself as the ideal family-friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates.

Located just a several minutes away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches, you can only expect the utmost convenience and comfort, all at close proximity to many of the popular attractions around area. All guest rooms are also well-appointed with a host of modern conveniences, complemented with magnificent views of the ocean.

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

If you get the chance to visit  Cowichan Valley, BC, there are actually some of the best and the top local artisans there, ready to blow your mind with their various works of art. Some of the famous ones include Mary Fox Pottery, Jo Ludwig and Ken Broadland. These three have certainly taken their craft into a whole new level.

Whether you are looking for an eye catching addition for your home or for your personal collection, feast your eyes on the masterpieces that take up different forms – from ceramics, wood and glass. It’s no wonder Cowichan Valley is slowly carving its name as the ultimate collector’s haven in Vancouver Island, BC.

Mary Fox Pottery

One exciting way to enjoy your life is through contemplating works of art. Mary Fox, a popular local ceramic artist, offers you beautiful vessels for you to appreciate and perhaps flaunt as stunning centerpieces in your home.

 Mary Fox, at a very young age of 13, had already ventured into creating  magnificent ceramic pieces.????? She has focused on making beautiful forms that depict mostly subtle methods and simple lines, these wonderful art pieces are truly worth owning.

She mentions that she has yet to grow weary of any aspect of her works.  Full of inspiration and energy, she loves going to her studio everyday making bowls, mugs, casseroles and jugs. She always bears in mind that the designs she makes have a variety of colours, designed to suit every buyer’s preference and whim.

Exhibiting regularly in the international and national markets and events, what is important for Mary Fox is that all her works were done with contemplation in mind. She finds great joy observing people view and appreciate her work. You can actually select either from her decorative or functional works of art.

Mary Fox Pottery -- Ceramic Artist

Address: 321 3rd Avenue, Ladysmith, BC

Phone: 250-245-3778

Website: http://www.maryfoxpottery.com/

Business Hours: Tuesday-Saturday

Jo Ludwig

Another popular local artist is Jo Ludwig who came to Canada in 1977. He makes glass craft vessels. Jo completed a Heavy Duty Mechanic apprenticeship in 1983 and then enrolled in a Philosophy Honours program in 1986 at the University of Alberta. He then decided to pursue Philosophy of Art, as a postgraduate degree. Jo opened KilnArt Glass Studio with his wife Peggy Brackett when they moved to Victoria, BC in March 1997.

Jo Ludwig’s works on fine craft glass vessels and has been especially known from his work on Things of Beauty (TOBs). In addition, he also makes lighting fixtures and architectural glass panels. Lastly, he  works on larger vessels when he is not making TOBs, which are inspired mostly by Frank Lloyd Wright, and some Jugendstiel artists such as, Egon Schiele and Gustave Klimt, Piet Mondriaan and recently by Norval Morrisseau.

Jo Ludwig -- Craft Glass Vessels

Address: 1588 Adelaide St., Crofton, BC

Phone: 250-246-3991

Website: www.kilnartglass.com

Studio visits welcome by appointment

Ken Woodland

A retired Conservation Officer, Ken enjoys turning salvaged wood into useful items. He has eighteen years of experience in lathe-turning, he has the ability to determine trees with character and strength, and picture the finished work within the log. Ken then forms the final designs through practical and simple methods, which allows nature’s  beauty to speak from the wood itself.

Ken works on different types of trees, most from southern Vancouver Island, but mainly showcases Arbutus and Maple, since these trees are popular with customers because of their character. His specialty is not only  servers and salad bowls but he also produces hand-crafted and lathe-turned things such as kitchen utensils, lidded containers, cutting boards, artistic pieces and coasters. These magnificent creations are displayed in Ken’s post-and-beam studio located west of Duncan, right beside his log home.

Ken Broadland – Woodturner

5846 Curry Rd. (off Gibbins Rd.), Duncan, BC

Phone: 250.746.5480

Website: www.heartwoodstudio.ca

Open year round by appointment

Accommodations

If you are planning to visit one of the popular Vancouver Island travel destinations, especially for art connoisseurs and collector’s, make sure to book your accommodations ahead of time for superior convenience. There are actually a number of wonderful places to stay in Cowichan Valley and its neighboring cities. One of the established and widely preferred is BEST WESTERN Cowichan Valley Inn:

BEST WESTERN Cowichan Valley Inn

6474 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 6C6

Local: (250) 748-2722 Fax: (250) 748-2207

Email: info@cowichanvalleyinn.com

The ultimate travelers and tourist haven, the Cowichan Valley Inn strives to provide the best convenience at reasonable rates. Whether you on a business trip needing access to a conference centre and meeting rooms, or you are simply keen on enjoying a weekend getaway, this is your home away from home.

From well-appointed guest rooms, to luxuriously furbished amenities, friendly hotel staff – you name it, Cowichan Valley Inn is committed to ensuring your utmost convenience and comfort.

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