May 23, 2012

VACATION IDEAS ACCOMMODATIONS EVENTS AND MORE

Cowichan LakeCowichan Lake2012 Visitor Guide

Yours to explore!

Find adventure... ... just up the road

Cowichan Lake... A home for business A home for life

Cowichan Lake...Cowichan Lake...

Cowichan Lake is the second largest on Vancouver Island – 34 km in length. We are located just 26 km west of Duncanon Highway 18. Enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, waterskiing,fi shing, camping, cycling, hiking, tubing, golfi ng, recreationsports, summer community events.

The Cowichan River starts at the weir. This heritage river has been known as the Fly FishingCapital of Canada since the early 1900s. Come and discover what we have to offer.

Cowichan Lake District Chamber of CommerceOur Visitor/Business Centre is located in the log cabin at Saywell Park on South Shore Rd.

Open Daily Beginning May 18 through September 3250-749-3244 l www.cowichanlake.ca l [email protected]

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Vacation Capital ofVacation Capital ofVancouver IslandVancouver Island“YOURS TO EXPLORE”“YOURS TO EXPLORE”

2 May to September 2012 Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide

PO Box 10, Lake Cowichan, BCV0R 2G0

250.749.4383offi [email protected]

www.lakecowichangazette.com

Published by Black Press

Publisher Dennis Skalicky

Editor Tamu Miles

follow usTwittter @LakeCowichanNewFacebook Lake-Cowichan-Gazette

Cowichan Lake is situated on the southern half of Vancouver Island, halfway between the island’s east and west coasts. Thirty-four kilometers from the town of Duncan, the lake is an ideal vacation destination with its many beaches, trails, and temperate weather.

The Cowichan Lake area sits in the midst of a temperate rain forest, making for lots of rain in the winter and lots of sun in the summer. Known by the areas First Nation communities as Kaatza, or “the big lake,” Lake Cowichan is 3o km long and is one of the largest bodies of fresh water on Vancouver Island.

The lake is home to six communities, including Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay, Caycuse, and Nitinat. Port Renfrew, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is also accessible from the lake by taking the Pacific Marine Circle Route out of Mesachie Lake. The Circle Route is a paved, meandering highway beside which visitors can view ancient old growth trees, explore trails, and much more.

This Visitor Guide provides information on many of the areas attractions, events, and communities, but it only begins to scratch the surface in terms of what the area has to offer. Take advantage of swimming, boating, kayak-ing, water skiing, and canoeing. Camp in one of the many campgrounds, or take part in one of the many events hosted by the local town-ships every summer.

The Cowichan River has also become increasingly popular over the years. River enthusiasts often park in Lake Cowichan and ride inner tubes or inflatable rafts down to Skutz Falls, or drive to Marie Canyon and tube to Stoltz Pool.

Lake Cowichan is the largest community at the lake, with roughly half of the area’s 6,000 residents. It has an abundance of accom-modations including hotels, cottage rentals, bed and breakfasts, and plenty of camping. There are excellent stores, restaurants, water-ing holes and a multitude of other services.

WelcomeWelcome to Cowichan Lake to Cowichan Lake

72 Cowichan Lake Road, Lake Cowichan 250-749-6350

Lake Cowichan’sPremier Restaurant• Breakfast all day• Daily lunch & Dinner Specials• Kid’s Menus• Fully Licenced• Banquet Room

THESHAKER

MILL

Welcome to Cowichan Lake

The Lake Page 4

The River Page 5

Camping Page 6-7

Kaatza Museum Page 9

Tubing Page10

Best Beaches Page 11

Circle Route Page. 12

Area Map Page 13

Golfi ng Page 14

Things To Do Page 15

Lake Cowichan Page 16

Mesachie Lake Page 17

Honeymoon Bay Page 18

Youbou Page 19

Lake Days Page 20

Bay Days Page 21

Youbou Regatta Page 22

Great Lake Walk Page 23

May to September 2012 3 Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide

What’sWhat’s insideinside

TravelTravel Info Centre Info CentreIf you have decided to vacation in the Cowichan Lake area, it is definitely worth your while to make the Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Centre your first stop. The centre is located in the middle of town at 125C South Shore Road and has all the information you need to make your vacation the best it can be.

The centre is open every day throughout the summer, from the May long weekend through until September. The capable staff, student employees, and volunteers will help find exactly what you need and provide you with valuable local information. During the off season the Visitor Centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Visitor Centre building is a log cabin situated in beautiful Saywell Park. Beside it is a large grass area with picnic tables, perennial flower and shrub beds, and shade providing deciduous trees, all with the bottom end of Cowichan Lake and the river beyond. Once inside the building, find brochures for local businesses, maps, historical information, safety and logging road tips, as well as information about the Cowichan Lake area, the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, and the rest of B.C.

New this year is a forest display. From this beautiful three dimensional, lifelike display, learn facts about the various tree species harvested by local logging companies; local wildlife such as eagles, woodpeckers, and bears; as well as indigenous flowers, ferns, and other foliage.

The helpful staff will be able to provide information on the best accommodations, sightseeing locations, and events such as Lake Days, Heritage Days, and other community informal events.

When the Visitor Centre is closed, you can always visit cowichanlake.ca, call 250-749-3244, or visit one of two information kiosks the centre provides in Lake Cowichan and Mesachie Lake. The first is located just outside the Visitor Centre in Lake Cowichan. The second is located next to the Mesachie Lake Skydome ball field. Get to Mesachie Lake by driving east for only a few kilometres down South Shore Road. This kiosk provides information on the Pacific Marine Circle Route, along with the communities of Sooke, Port Renfrew, Victoria, Duncan, and the many communities in between.

The Visitor Information Centre is managed by the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the town of Lake Cowichan.

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Lake Cowichan welcomes boaters!Come and enjoy family fun on and around beautiful, pristine Cowichan Lake.

Be courteous and consider-ate. Residents, other boaters, and beach-users deserve no less.

Be muffled! Remember to maintain your muffler in good working order and to disconnect muffler cut-outs or by-passes so they cannot be easily recon-nected while the vessel is in operation ( as per item 1,000 of the Small Vessel Amendments to the Canada Shipping Act.)

Yours to explore Yours to explore The LakeThe Lake

If you're looking for a place to cool off, while surrounded by a a warm, beautiful landscape, Cowichan Lake is the place for you.

Visitors come to the Cowichan Lake area for many reasons, but mostly it's to play on or in the water.

Every summer boaters, swimmers, water skiers, kayakers, canoers and even sailors head for the water to cool off and have great holiday fun.

There's plenty of room on the 34-kilome-

tre long lake to accommodate many recre-ational uses.

If you are planning to go water skiing, head out for a day of relaxing lake fishing or perhaps a group of you want to cruise the lake, look no further than the two marinas on Cowichan Lake for easy access to the water.

The Cowichan Lake Marina is located in Lake Cowichan, off Point Ideal Road. Just turn right after the Visitor Information Centre.

The marina provides 115 moorage slips, including some capable of accommodating boats up to 55 feet.

There are boat rentals, including deck boats, open aluminum boats, Sea-Doos and bow riders.

There is also a boat launch ramp, fuel, holding tank pump out, a convenience store that sells fishing licences, tackle and bait.

For more information call 250-749-3530, or go to cowichanlakemarina.com

Galloping MoonGalloping MoonWelcomes YouWelcomes You

Open Daily 10 am – 5 pmCome, visit & enjoy!Bob & Jane Culmer, Proprietors

87B South Shore RoadLake Cowichan

Stop by for the best espresso, cappuccinos,cremas & lattes made with coff ee

Cool off with Italian Sodas or Amalfi ’sSit outside or browse the store

• Hand-made jewellery by Jane• Stones, pendulums, angels • Gargoyles, wall plaques,

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• Cards for all occasions

• Great selection of imported British

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Yours to explore The LakeLake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide May to September 2012 5

Yours to explore Yours to explore The RiverThe RiverFor those interested in slightly more turbulent water, the Cowichan River is here for you.

The river flows some 30 kilometres from Cowichan Lake through the Town of Lake Cowichan and Duncan to its estuary in Cowichan Bay.

The Cowichan River is designated as a Provincial Heritage River and a National Heritage River and provides opportunities for swimming, canoeing, tubing, whitewater kayaking or rafting and camping. It features calm waters through Lake Cowichan, but downstream there are several rapids, including those at Skutz Falls, that should be respected by recreationists.

The Cowichan River is world famous for its fishing, especially fly fishing. Several types of salmon and trout are swimming about, just waiting to nibble your bait.

You can access the river from several spots in the Town of Lake Cowichan, including the Duck Pond (off Park Road), Saywell Park and Central Park, Little Beach on Greendale Road and from the Trans Canada Trail or via the Skutz Falls turnoff from Highway 18, about 10 kilometres east of Lake Cowichan.

Cowichan River Provincial Park, east of Lake Cowichan, is a 1,414-hectare park that stretches alongside more than 20 kilometres of the river.

The river is also a hiker’s heaven, with 20-kilometres of winding trails on both sides of the river that provide many spectacular views of the river, as well as the chance to see a variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. The trails link in several locations with the Trans Canada Trail.

There are 800 sites at campgrounds along the 75 kilometres around Cowichan Lake. The main camping season extends from the long weekend in May to the Thanksgiving Day weekend in October. Lakeview Park Campsite MunicipalLakeview Park has 69 sites, 28 of which have lake views. Wireless internet is available and there are free children’s programs and family movie nights. Be sure to book your boat moorage beforehand, online, otherwise you’re likely to find yourself out of luck. Moorage comes at a cost of $16/night. Campsite fees include HST and are $32/night for non-power sites and with power sites costing $8 more.

For more details or reservations call 250.749.6681 (from June to August call 250.749.3350) or visit their website online at www.town.lakecowichan.bc.ca/camping.

Beaver Lake Resort PrivateJust west of Lakeview, this private resort features 65 camping

RV and tent sites, with full connections to hydro. There is also a lakefront cabin for rent, laundry facilities, free hot showers, flush toilets, water craft rentals, a horseshoe pit, guest programs and crafts for the younger kids. Call 250-749-7792 for rates.

Gordon Bay Provincial Park ProvincialGordon Bay is a large provincial campground on the shore of

a small bay and has many amenities, making it one of the most popular in the B.C. Parks system. There are 126 campsites with water on tap. Gordon Bay has a large sandy swimming beach with a floating boundary of large boom logs, an amphitheatre, an adventure playground for children and a shower house that is wheel chair accessible. The fee is $24 a night per party, $12 for seniors. Reservations at the park are recommended, especially for summer camping. There is a $2 sani-dump fee. Call B.C. Parks at 1-800-689-9025, 250-749-3415 (local number) or www.discovercamping.ca.

TimberWest Sites (4) Forestry Camping at TimberWest sites is $20/night (drive-in) or $25/night with a reservation. Senior's rate is $15/night and $20/night with a reservation. Firewood will be available on-site while campfires are permitted for $8/ level whell barrow load. Fees are collected daily by an attendant. Call 250-749-3873 for more information.

1. Heather Campsite Located on the west end of the lake there are 47 camping sites.

The beach sites are very popular, although they require campers to carry in all gear and supplies. Water is available from taps, but it should be boiled before drinking. Garbage can be disposed onsite.

2. Heather Campsite Located on the shores of a small lake stocked with rainbow trout,

Kissinger has 26 sites among trees, eight with a lake view and is on the road to Nitinat.


www.beaverlakecamground.com

1/4 PageLC Computers

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ENJOY YOUR STAY!We welcome visitors to our area

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Lake Cowichan, 15 North Shore RoadLake Cowichan, 15 North Shore Road

Royal Canadian LegionRoyal Canadian LegionBranch 210 Branch 210

Royal Canadian LegionBranch 210

GOLDEN AGERS SENIORS CENTRE55 Coronation Avenue. Beside the Post Offi ce

We invite all seniorsvisiting the area todrop in for a visit, meetother “golden agers” and enjoy a cup of coffee orsomething from the kitchen.

WelcomeSeniors

Yours to exploreCamping

We Welcome Visitors!We Welcome Visitors!

SUMMER HOURS:Open 7 Days a weekek

Home Hardware Lake Cowichan 250-749-4400

Come in andcheck out our

great selectionof water toys,

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3. Caycuse CampsiteShady during the hot summer weather, Caycuse is on the south

side of the lake with 26 sites among the forest, some with lovely lake views. Boiling the water is advised.

4. Kissinger Lake CampsiteNorthwest towards Youbou on the site of an old log dump at Little Shaw Creek, this small site has five camping spots, all of which are carry-in.

BC Forest Recreation (3) ForestryCamping per party per site: $15

Waterfront sites are plus $2 premium. Firewood is available when fires permitted. There are pit toilets — just to be on the safe side, make sure to take your own bathroom tissue. Quiet time is from 11 p.m., gate is closed at 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. Visitors are asked to leave by 8 p.m. Sites are family oriented. A host will collect fees on a daily basis. Call 250-746-4555 for more info or go to www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca

1. Maple Grove Campsite Another rustic camp that has 61 campsites; some in the open but

many under tall trees with lovely southern views across the lake. Four sites are walk-in. There is a paved boat launch (for boats no longer than 14 ft.) and a gently sloped gravel beach for sunning and swimming. It is also a good hiking area.

2. Pine Point Campsite A rustic site, with 58 sites. There are beautiful views across the

lake, a paved boat launch and a beach of small gravel. There are no water taps or pumps, so campers should bring their own water. In order to keep from attracting bears, there are no garbage cans, so

bring strong black garbage bags to carry refuse away from the site.

3. Nixon Creek Campsite On the south side of the lake and is heavily treed with an older

stand; a West Coast feel. The narrow road leading down into the site is about 1.5 kilometres. The campground is a Forest Service site with 48 campsites, a gravel boat launch and a scenic walking trail along the beach. There are no garbage cans or water on tap, so be prepared to carry water in and garbage out.

Lubin’s Campground PrivateLubin’s is located on Cowichan Lake in Youbou. It offers RV

hook-ups and a boat launch. Call 250-745-3464.

Peter's Pond PrivateLocated in Honeymoon Bay, this facility includes camping for

tents and trailers with power, moorage and gas. 250-749-6687 or 250-715-7490.

May to September 2012 7 Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide

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Keep your eyes open while enjoying the clear waters of Cowichan Lake, as you might just catch a glimpse of the stin-qua, Cowichan Lake’s very own Oogo-poogo like serpent.

For years residents have claimed they have seen this mysterious creature cruising the lake’s waters. The Kaatza Station Museum files report the creature to be “50 feet long, with a very large head, furious eyes and enormous mouth and teeth. He is seen periodically swim-ming about the lake seeking whom he can devour.”

It is believed that there are under-ground tunnels between Cowichan Lake and Port Renfrew which allow the crea-ture to stay illusive. Over the years there have been many sightings of the stin-qua, though none have been able

to prove its existence. The Leader, Lake Cowichan’s newspaper in the 1930s, reports that local residents were anxious to come across the creature and photo-graph or capture it so as to have proof of this “fish story.”

However, this legend did not begin with the first European settlers in the area. The First Nations, who used Cowichan Lake and the surrounding area as hunting and fishing grounds, also have stories about the stin-qua. Legend says that three young women were swal-lowed whole, boat and all, by the serpent when returning home from taking their husbands to Bald Mountain to hunt for the day.

You might also want to watch for signs of Tzun-a-quat, or Mesachie Man, when hiking local trails or camping in

local campgrounds. Mesachie Man is supposed to have been half man and half gorilla, and it is said he escaped from a sailing vessel that went down off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The First Nations in the area held Mesachie Man in awe and parts of the lake were taboo because it was thought these areas were his territory. Many peo-ple claim to have seen or heard this crea-ture with at least one account of a local resident hearing blood-curdling yells and seeing an evil looking face with a pro-nounced brow and prognathous jaw.

Mesachie Man has drawn atten-tion from around the world, and many have written about him, including John Bindermagel, who included the mysteri-ous man-like creature in his book “North America’s Great Ape, the Sasquatch.”

a glimpse of the very own

stence. The Leader, Lakewichan’s newspaper in the 193

reports that local residento come ac

localthe clear wa

might just catch

Yours to explore Yours to explore LegendsLegends

Yours to explore Legends

Explore the many displays and wonders the Kaatza Station Museum has to offer. Here is where you will find historical information on the areas extensive logging industry, the railway, and the families who forged a community out of temperate rainforest wilderness.

Kaatza museum staff will be happy to take you through the many exhibits, including a pioneer life display with a 12-foot-high mural depicting life in Cowichan Lake in the 1920s; the John Padjen Room illustrating the history of the IWA in Cowichan; as well as a store, a post-office, a mine shaft and much more.

The museum consists of three buildings: the main building (or old train station) where the majority of the museum’s collection and gift shop items are on display; the Bell Tower School where you will find a collection of photographs by Wilmer Gold; and the Mesachie Lake school building with a workshop for volunteers and more display items.

Kaatza Station Museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Cowichan Lake rail line and will have a new display commemorating this historical event for visitors to browse. This display will be ready just in time for Heritage Days beginning May 18. A second new exhibit features Harry Wright, a local rail enthusiast who passed away in 2009 leaving the museum his collection of steam locomotive texts and memorabilia.

Outside the museum find rail and logging industry machinery, including a 1927 Shay locomotive, flatcar, and 1916 caboose. There is also a 1927 Plymouth locomotive and a speeder. Volunteers work hard to keep these machines maintained, and this year they are giving the caboose a makeover. It will be receiving a fresh coat of orange paint and will look like new once damaged and old sections are repaired.

The museum is located 125 South Shore Road, in Lake Cowichan. The main building is open from:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday from June 4 to September 30For more information, go to:kaatzamuseum.ca email: [email protected], or phone 250-749-6142

The John Padjen Room:Illustrating the history of the International Woodworkers of America in Canada

The Mill Room: Telling the story of the three mills that were in Cowichan Lake area The Wilmer Gold collection:

Consisting of many large format photos of the logging industry in the 1930s and 1940sThe Harry Wright Library:

Containing over 600 books about railways, both their

history and operationA 1949s era classroom displayA fine collection of antique

logging equipment, including power saws and mill equipmentExtensive archives, chronicling

the history of the Cowichan Lake area people. It includes newspapers dating back to 1921, maps, and various other historical articles.1927 Shay locomotive, a log

car, a 1916 caboose, a 1927 Plymouth locomotive and a speeder

May to September 2012 9Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide

Kaatza Station Museum and Archives

Museum Fast Facts

Yours to explore Yours to explore HistoryHistory


Just before the snow begins falling, covering up the area’s annual mushroom bounty, the Salmon and Mushroom Festival has the area’s mushroom enthusiasts come out to celebrate the season.

The Cowichan Lake area is prime for collecting mushrooms, Salmon and Mushroom Festival organizer Ingeborg Woodsworth said in advance of last year’s event, which yielded the biggest turnout yet.

“I thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” she said, of her initial arrival in the Cowichan Lake area. “The variety! It’s a privilege to be here.”

This year’s Salmon and Mushroom Festival will be the 12th annual event. With every year’s event growing even larger than the year previous, big things are expected during this year’s event.

The event will run from September 29 to 30, and will include mushroom identification activities, the sale of mushrooms, workshops, and many other mushroom-related things. The salmon side of things will be represented by the local Lake Cowichan Salmonid Enhancement Society. The annual event is a community effort, with local vendors, restaurants, and businesses involved in raising funds for the community.

For more information on the festival, Woodsworth can be contacted at 250-749-6291, or by e-mail at [email protected].

With groups of people dotting Cowichan River with inner-tubes, dinghies, and other floatable devices throughout the summer, tubing down Cowichan River has never been more popular.

“Our parking lot gets filled up during the summer!” local Chamber of Commerce Visitor/Business Centre Coordinator Katherine Worsley said, of the influx of tubing tourists.

The peak tubing season comes during the warmest summer months of July and August, when tubers can enjoy a combination of the hot sun and the cool of the water.

With tubers, though, comes various concerns from the Cowichan Lake area’s riverside residents.

As such, the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society plans on installing several humorous signs along tubers’ route eastward through town, this summer. Their main tips include; don’t litter, trespass, drink alcohol, or curse while tubing down the river. It is a family activity, after all.

Be sure also to jump out by Little Beach, located a few kilometres downstream of Lake Cowichan; a trip that should take under two hours, from a starting point of Saywell Park. Otherwise, you’ll be floating down the river for a few more hours before hitting the potentially dangerous Skutz Falls.

An alternative point to jump in the Cowichan River is at Central Park, where a small stairwell, hidden in brush, will lead you down into the water.

Cowichan Lake has many trails, and even caves, to offer the outdoor enthusiast. The trails and caves vary in length and difficulty, and pro-vide outdoor fun for every age and skill level.

From the 70.2 Trestle Loop and Friendship Trail Park, both accessible from downtown Lake Cowichan, to Mesachie Mountain and Christopher Rock, there is something to satisfy everyone. Honeymoon Bay even has a wildflow-er reserve which provides an easy walk through forest and riparian habitat.

When it comes to caves, Skutz Falls has several to choose from, one being home to a population of bats! The Caycuse Caves mean a bit of a drive, but are great for novice spelunkers who want a taste of underground exploration.

For more information on the areas trails and caves, pick up a copy of “Our Favourite Hikes in the Cowichan Lake Area” by John and Georgie Clarke and Rick Nott at the Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre in downtown Lake Cowichan.

Hikers and spelunkers are advised to use caution when exploring the area, bring plenty of water, and dress appropriately.

TubingTubingSSalalmonmon and

MushroomFestival

HikingHikingandand

CavingCaving

FOOTWEAR CENTRE42 South Shore Road (beside the Post Offi ce)

250-749-3721

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CavingLakeview Park Lake CowichanLarge sandy beach area with little shade. Nodogs are allowed on the beach. The Town owned facility is a kilometre west of town onSouth Shore Road. Drive past the arena and look for the sign on your right.

Riverside Park Lake CowichanQuaint park on the river known to locals as the Duck Pond: picnic tables, washrooms and a playground, sandy beach and floating dock. Turn onto North Shore Road and turn left at Park Road or take the footbridge across the river into downtown Lake Cowichan.. No lifequards on duty but the river flows slowly.

Little Beach Lake CowichanSmall but popular swimming hole on the Cowichan River. Turn onto Greendale Road, follow it for about half a kilometre. Located on the right past the houses.

Spring Beach Meades CreekPleasant wooded park with washroom and picnic tables. Named for it’s natural springs that flow year round. Follow North Shore Road until you reach Meades Creek Road and

follow it until you get to the forest plantation, look left for a yellow gate on the left. Park along the road and the beach is a short walk in.

Bear Lake Park Mesachie LakeSmall park set under mature trees complete with picnic tables, lawn area, fishing dock and boat launch. Drive west on South Shore Road to Mesachie Lake, turn right on to Bear Lake Road and follow it to the end, where it turns into Fish Road. At the end of Fish Road you will find the park.

Lily Beach Honeymoon BayFive minutes west of Mesachie Lake, turn right on Beach Drive and turn into the parking lot. You can only access the beach via a short trail. This small beach provides plenty of shade and there’s a small dock. No boat access is allowed.

Central Beach Honeymoon BayTurn right onto Park Road from South Shore

Road. The beach is below the parking lot. Washroom facilities are at the top of the parking lot.

Gordon Bay Park Honeymoon BayBeach access is available to the public. The beautiful pebble beach offers a swimming area surrounded by a log boom and a kids’ play area. Drive through Honeymoon Bay, turn right at the fork in the road onto Walton Road. The park is at the end of Walton Road.

Price Park YoubouFern-lined walking trails lead to secluded, natural beaches. Swordfern Creek, an important spawning ground for fish, flows quietly through the park. From Youbou Road turn left onto Miracle Way opposite the ‘Welcome to Youbou’ sign. The park is at the end of Miracle Way.

Arbutus Park YoubouDrive through Youbou until you reach the west entrance to Elder Crescent. Arbutus Park is the only life guarded park on the lake. It has a beach, dock, slide, diving board, wash-rooms and picnic area.

Heather CampsiteLocated on the west end of Cowichan Lake, this campsite has a nice sandy beach, a boat launch and scenic view. It can be reached by driving about 38 kilometres on either side of the lake, through Youbou or Honeymoon Bay, via a gravel road.


BeachesLakeview Park L

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Gordon Bay ParkcheseYours to explore

hchesh sYours to e

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Mayor and CouncilTown of Lake Cowichan

Welcome toLake Cowichan

Gateway to the Great Outdoors Gateway to the Great Outdoors


Yours to explore

The Cowichan Lake area is a well connected tourist destination, with recent upgrades to the Pacific Marine Circle Route improving matters significantly.

The Circle Route is a series of highways and roads that start at Victoria, and goes north through Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, and Duncan. The road then goes west through to the Cowichan Lake area, and then south to the coastal community of Port Renfrew. The road then winds back east through Sooke to Victoria.

In addition to linking traveling tourists to the Cowichan Lake area from other Island tourist destinations, the Circle Route provides access to the tourist-spot-filled road out to Port Renfrew, starting near the community of Mesachie Lake, a few kilometres west of Lake Cowichan. There is signage to direct people new to the area.

But remember to gas up before you leave, as there aren’t any service stations until you reach Sooke.

After about 29 kilometres of traveling south of Mesachie Lake, one will reach the Harris Creek Spruce Tree, an old growth forest, with one particularly large tree singled out for tourists to view in closer detail. The big tree is circled with a wooded platform you can walk around.

There are also two well-maintained beautiful campsites next to small lakes

along the road, including Lizard Lake, at 38 kilometres from Mesachie Lake with 28 campsites, and Fairy Lake, at 49 kilometres from Mesachie Lake, with 36 campsites.

Logging trucks can be expected on the road, so drivers are cautioned to watch out for them. Recent forestry has opened up some views of the various mountains, increasing opportunities for wildlife viewing along the remote road.

Once one reaches the coastal community of Port Renfrew, there are a myriad of sites to enjoy. The area is world-renowned as a prime place for studying marine life, with tidal pools trapping sea life for observation.

Strange geophysical shapes are carved into the area coastline, with lots of photograph opportunities being provided. There are also various hiking trails and lots of ocean fishing opportunities in the area. Circle RouteRoute

Nanaimo

VANCOUVERISLAND

ChemainusCrofton

Duncan

Pacific MarinePacific MarineCircle RouteCircle Route

LakeCowichanMesachie Lake

Port RenfrewJordan River

Sooke

Mill Bay

Pacific MarineCircle Route

Cowichan Bay

HoneymoonBay

N VictoriaVictoria

If one sets their travel odometre to zero as soon as one enters the road out to Port Renfrew in Mesachie Lake, the following mileage will be enough to provide simple and precise direction. Be aware, there is some active logging.

0.0 KM Signs: Circle Route Pt. Renfrew, turn left8.7 KM Signs: Circle Route, Pt. Renfrew, right turn.14.4 KM Tree stump on the left with sign: Hillcrest Main.16.0 KM Harris Creek watershed, creek on left side.19.6 KM Series of very sharp switch back turns on steep

down grade.29 KM Harris Creek, huge spruce tree at left. (Must see).31 KM Steep downhill with curves.33 KM Narrow bridge over the narrow, deep and unique

canyon of Harris Creek.37.3 KM Narrow and bumpy pavement starts39.5 KM Sign: Nino Creek. San Juan River is left below

(south).41.7 KM Narrow bridge over Harris Creek.43.7 KM Narrow bridge over Granite Creek.47.1 KM Fish Hatchery and control gates in Granite Creek.48.5 KM Fairy Lake: recreation area with camping.49.9 KM Narrow bridge over Fairy Creek.54 KM Sign: Turn right for West Coast Trail head.55.3 KM Pascheedaht RV and campground on waterfront

of Port of San Juan. 55.7 KM Cross San Juan River into Pt. Renfrew.

Cowichan Lake MARINACowichan Lake MARINA

Point Ideal – turn right at the A&W • 250-749-3530www.cowichanlakemarina.com • www.towropewatersports.com

• Fuel & Floating StorePremium boat gas, ice, pop, candy, ice cream, black water pump out.

• Ski & Board ShopWakeboards, Skis, Tubes, Ropes,Clothing, Accessories

• Tow Rope Water SportsCAC/WSWC Certified Coaching, Beginner to Advanced

Boat & Jet Ski RentalsBoat & Jet Ski Rentals

Route


Lake Cowichan

Mesachie Lake

HoneymoonBay

Gordon BayProvincial Park

CaycuseCampsite

Nixon CreekCampsite

HeatherCampsite

Kissinger LakeCampsite

Maple GroveCampsite

Pine PointCampsite

WildflowerPreserve

Springs Beach

Beaver LakeResort

Bald Mtn.

Caycuse

Youbou

hanLake Cowich

Mesachie Lake

HoneymoonBayBay

Gordon BayProvincial Park

Maple GroveCampsite

Pine PointCampsite

Wildfloweii rPreserve

Springs Beach

Beaver LakeBeaver LakeResort

Bald Mtn.

Youbou

Cowichan LakeN

LegendCampsite

Boat Launch

Picnicking

Swimming

CLUB SERVICESCLUB SERVICESShop in our beautifully stocked Pro Shop

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It starts with a modest par-three first hole and ends with as challenging a finishing hole you’ll find anywhere. In between that first tee shot and the last putt is the beautifully laid out, picturesque March Meadows Golf Club at Honeymoon Bay, considered one of the best nine-hole courses on Vancouver Island.

It is the home course of pro golfer Dawn Coe-Jones, who for the past two

decades has cut out an impressive career on the Ladies Professional Golf Association

tour. March Meadows is rated one of best nine-hole golf

courses on the island. It is not an overly long course, at 6,408 yards over 18 holes – playing the white tees on the front and the blue tees on the back – and 5,736 from the red tees over 18 holes, but don’t think you get off easy. You have to watch out for the many sand bunkers on this challenging course. Accuracy is the key on these rolling and treed fairways. The sixth hole, a sharp dog leg par four, is a perfect example. Sutton Creek meanders through the property and comes into play on several holes, most notably the ninth.

The course, which opened in late 1970, is built on the old hay meadow of the historic farm that had been established by pioneers Henry and Edith March at the turn of the century, thus the name March Meadows.


Yours to explore GolfGolfhf

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Dadecad

on the Ltour.

M h M d

It starts with a modest par-three first allenging a

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7 days a weekOpen until 10:00pm

July & August

For all your needs• Groceries • Service Deli• Produce • Fresh Bakery• Meat • Bulk Food

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83 Cowichan Lake Road

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oor,

This summer… Swim Lessons: Four 2 week sets of Red Cross Lessons, Jul 2–Aug 24. Day Camps: Mon-Fri on the Curling Rink Dry Floor, Weekly themed programs available, Jul 2- Aug 24 Specialty camps: Soccer & Dance Camps Lake Days Dance Video Dance Party: Sat, Jun 9, doors at 8:30 am. Tkts $15 each, available at the Arena, Curves in Lake Cowichan, or at the Cowichan Theatre Centre Box Office - Duncan Community Garage Sale: Saturday, Jun 23, 10 am - 2 pm, on the Curling Rink Dry Floor. Tables for rent @ $15 each. Canada Day, Cowichan Lake Area Event: Sun; Jul 1 at Mesachie Lake Hall and ball field, 5-9pm. “Celebrating our Home” Live music, concession, arts, crafts, games and more. All welcome, no cover charge. Summer Hockey School - Steve Lindgren, Head instructor: Aug 13 - 18, Traditional School and Power Skating. CLS Arena Youbou Regatta: Sat, Aug 11, 10:30 am, at Arbutus Park. Swim races, canoe races, volleyball tourney and tons for the whole family. Everyone welcome to participate. This event is followed by the Re-gatta Adult Dance at Youbou Hall. Doors open at 9 pm. BC Hockey Officiating School: Aug 6 - 10, CLS Arena Summer Mixed Curling bonspiel: Aug 23-26, hosted by CLR.

Ice is available for rent after Aug 5 Watch for more “fun in the sun” things to do listed in our sum-mer Playbook, coming in June! For more info on bowling pro-grams, hall or field rentals, hockey school, playschool, curling

or ice rentals, call 250-749-6742. “Home of the only known sanctioned bowling alley in Canada that still uses human beings for pinsetters”. Our other facilities include the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena and Curling Rink, Youbou Hall, Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall, Mesachie Lake Hall, and Honeymoon Bay Hall.

or

GolfVisit the Kaatza Station Museum The museum is located in Saywell Park, behind the Info Centre. It is open seven days a week through the summer, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Play volleyball or tennisThere’s a volleyball court in Lake Cowichan’s Saywell Park (bring your own ball) and tennis courts on Cowichan Avenue for friendly games all summer.Walk the floating dock at Lakeview Park Located about a couple of minutes west of Lake Cowichan on South Shore Road, this floating dock is linked to a beautiful forest trail.Go kayaking Kayaking has become more and more popular at Cowichan Lake. Go water skiing Located in Lake Cowichan off Point Ideal Road, Cowichan Lake Marina can outfit you for an exhilarating day on the lake. Check out historic murals in Honeymoon Bay Hall In 1952, Western Forest products commissioned George Jenkins to paint the murals depicting the rich forestry history of the region. Visit the Honeymoon Bay Ecological ReserveFormerly named the Honeymoon Bay Wildflower Reserve it is located on South Shore Road about 2.5 km west of Honeymoon Bay.It has largest known concentration of pink fawn lilies (Erythronium revolutum) in B.C. Two dozen species of other wild

flowers are also represented there.

Go for a picnicThere are plenty of parks around Cowichan Lake and along the Cowichan River to eat and enjoy nature. Go fishing Cowichan Lake,Cowichan River, Bear Lake and Mayo Lake, offer fishing at its best. There are several stores in Lake Cowichan, Youbou and Honeymoon Bay that sell the gear and licenses that you need.Go swim in 5 different spotsWith easy access to the lake and the river you can spend the day finding your favorite places. Visit the Forest Workers’ Memorial ParkThis park on South Shore Road recognizes the rich logging history of Cowichan Lake and remembers the men and women who helped develop this area.Take a hikeThere’s the Trans Canada Trail, whose western terminus is in Lake Cowichan, or the winding paths along the Cowichan River, as well as several excellent trails in and around Youbou. Go bowlingTake a drive to Youbou to see the home of the only known sanctioned bowling alley in Canada that still uses human pinsetters. Call 250.749.6742 to book the lanes. Visit artist and artisan studiosDrop by the Cowichan Lake District Visitors’ Centre for a list of local studios open to the public. Anything from violin maker to mixed media and more.


Things to doThi t dThi t dVisit the Kaatza Station Museum

There are plenty of parks around CowichaCowichan Riv

an Lake and alongg


Yours to explore Lake CowichanThe town of Lake Cowichan is situated at the east end of Cowichan Lake along the banks of the Cowichan River. Just a 20 minute drive from Duncan, known as the City of Totems, Lake Cowichan is the ideal destination for any summer vacation.

The town of Lake Cowichan was incorporated as a municipality in 1944 and currently has a population of approximately 3,000 people. This number more than doubles in the summer months.

Before settlers arrived, local First Nation bands from both the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island used Lake Cowichan for fishing and hunting and utilized the area’s large cedars for building canoes. There is no evidence that any one tribe lived in the area year round.

European settlement of the town of Lake Cowichan began in about 1833 when William Forest arrived in Cowichan Bay. Soon after he and James Tolmie (the older brother of a later premier of British Columbia) toured the lake with the help of the First Nation Ikilass brothers. After assuring the provincial government that at least 12 settlers would move to the area, Forest was authorized to build a road to the town. This project was completed in 1886.

The town’s ties to the logging industry began with these first settlers, and though through the years it had its ups and downs, the industry flourished until January 2001, when the town of Youbou saw the closure of the last mill on the lake. Visitors are reminded to maintain caution when driving any of the roads in the area, as active logging still takes place and logging trucks are a common sight.

As you can imagine, Lake Cowichan is rich with history. For instance, the Riverside Inn, which is located just before the South Shore Road Bridge, was originally built in 1883, and still provides a watering hole for customers today.

Other notes of interest include Dr. Stoker, who lived in Marble Bay, and had two famous brothers. One was a surgeon for the royal family, and the other was infamous Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. The 1883 Stoker and Simpson home, located at Nels Beach, is now used for the University of Victoria’s Centre for Field Studies.

Today, the town boasts several fine bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, a grocery store, a bakery, a marina, as well as a variety of commercial outlets.

If you plan to take advantage of the lake and do some fishing, water skiing, sailing, or kayaking, the marina is a great place to start. It is located at 415 Point Ideal Road and provides moorage, rentals and much more. June hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July and August 10 a.m. to sunset. You can also access the lake through the public boat launch off North Shore Road.

In recent years tubing down the river has become a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. Get in the water at Lake Cowichan and enjoy a lazy ride down to Skutz Falls, or choose a more challenging route and begin your journey at Marie Canyon and ride down to Stoltz Pool. Tubers are reminded not to litter and to respect the many private residents that line the banks of the river.

For more local information, go to the local Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre and staff will be happy to help you find accommodation, local attractions, activities, and much more. The centre is located by Saywell Park on South Shore Road (see page 3).

Town Parks The Friendship Park Fisheries Trail is located beside the Country Grocer store on Cowichan Lake Road. The path winds along Oliver Creek, with several bridges and benches along the way.

Central Park is alongside the river in downtown Lake Cowichan next to the traffic bridge. There is a fountain, picnic tables and an outdoor stage. The fountain is in honour of Dr. William Carpentier who grew up in Lake Cowichan and was a physician to the astronauts of the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Lake Cowichan’s war memorial is located beside the stage.

The Duck Pond, officially called Riverside Park, is located on Park Road off North Shore Road. Here you can take a relaxing dip in the Cowichan River. See page 11 for more details.(Pictured)

Saywell Park is located at the head of the river, next to the tourist information booth in downtown Lake Cowichan on South Shore Road. This park is home to many summer activities.

Lakeview Park Campground is just west of town on South Shore Road. It has a beautuful public beach and day picnic area, as well as 72 campsites. See page 6 for camping details.

lto explorelloreto explore Lake Cowich

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Keep watercraft backfrom spillgates and weir

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Play it SafeBe aware of hazards nearthe weir on Cowichan Lake


Mesachie Lake is a tiny village located about five minutes west of Lake Cowichan on South Shore Road.

Visitors can also arrive by way of the Pacific Marine Circle Route,

via Port Renfrew, a distance of approximately 55 kilometres. In Mesachie Lake you will find it’s like stepping back in

time, with two peaceful streets lined by old company homes beautifully painted and maintained, several with verandahs overlooking colorful gardens surrounded by picket fences.

At the north end of Forestry Road is a provincial government forestry research station where island conifers are grown and studied in order to produce strong stock from which good seeds can be harvested.

A natural tree museum made up of a variety of heritage

trees can be toured in a leisurely walk along the main road and throughout the town area.

Tree locations and varieties can be found using a map on a large sign located on Bear Road.

Amenities include a community hall and ball field – called the Skydome — where the local area firefighters host a huge slo-pitch baseball tournament and dance every Father’s Day weekend, June 19th and 20th this year, to raise money for muscular dystrophy research.

There is a small boat launch and park at the end of Bear Road, a miniature golf course near the tree identification sign and a tiny post office if you are of mind to send a post card home with an unusual name on the post mark.

For more information about the Pacific Marine Circle Route and local area history, see page 12 or go online to www.mesachielake.ca.

Area Parks • Mesachie Lake Skydome & Park This park includes a ball diamond, playground and a community hall.

• Bear Lake Park There is a beach and a boat launch, at the end of Bear Lake Road in Mesachie Lake.

Yours to explore Mesachie Lakelt ploreto explore Mesach LMis a tiny village located about Tree location

large sign located on Bear Road.ng a map on a

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10am - 2pm

Outdoor MarketOutdoor Market

Look for in-season local produce, sewing, baking, preserves, woodworking, soap and body care productsoriginal art & more!

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Honeymoon Bay, whose inviting name seems to promise newfound pleasures, is located on the south side of Cowichan Lake.

It can be reached by following South Shore Road for approximately 10 minutes west of Lake Cowichan.

Visitors can also arrive by way of the Pacific Marine Circle Route, via Port Renfrew to Mesachie Lake, a distance of about 55 kilometres.

Honeymooners and the rest of the world’s campers, boaters, golfers, history buffs and nature lovers can find much in and around the town to enjoy.

Central Park stretches north from Honeymoon Bay Hall through a grassy field graced by children’s seasonal artwork banners, past the carved wooden welcome sign across the road to a swimming beach at the waterfront.

Near the hall is Memory Lane, where special trees have been planted to honour lost family and friends.

The hall is the heart of the town and the

roadside reader board lists a wide variety of enjoyable local happenings hosted by its active community society. It is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

There is a meeting room whose walls hold historic murals by an artist of stature, George Jenkins, as well as a large panel painted by old time resident Vince Allen that displays scientific but still beautifully painted diagrams of the wildflowers found in the wildflower reserve west of town — whose bleeding hearts, trilliums, pink fawn lilies and yellow violets are glorious in spring.

Popular annual summer events include Bay Days, held June 30 -July 1 this year, that features fireworks show at dusk on June 30 and the Blackberry Pie sale usually on the Labour Day long-weekend at the Honeymoon Bay Market.

Each Saturday from spring to fall there is an outdoor market on the grounds of the Coffee Mill across from the general store/meat market and fire hall. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beyond the Coffee Mill is Walton Road, which leads to beautiful Gordon Bay Provincial Park complete with woodland trails, camping, swimming and a boat launch.

West of the town is the scenic March Meadows Golf Course, voted the best nine-hole course on the Island (see story on page 14).

Lastly, where the pavement ends, is a complex crossroads nicknamed Chicken Joe’s. From there it is possible to continue around the lake, but remember it is a logging road, headlights are mandatory and logging trucks have the right of way.

For more information on the Wildflower Reserve and the history of the community, go online to www.honeymoonbay.com.


Area Parks• Central Park. There is a beach, playground

and baseball diamond.• Lily Beach Park. Nature park with beach.

d id d b d li id i B d h C ff Mill i W l R

Yours to explore Honeymoon BayHoneymoon Bay, whose inviting name

seems to promise newfound pleasuresroadside readerof enjoyable local happenin

active community society. It is openon weekdays. trails, camping, swim

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Welcome Visitors!Welcome Visitors!

Duncan Mall Administration250 Trunk Road, Duncan BC

250.748.2942

Ardène

Great Canadian Dollar Store

Lee’s Chicken

Nature’s Place

Northern Reflections

Pack Your Bags

PetSmart

Real Canadian Super Store

Sport Chek

Staples Business Depot

Tim Hortons

The Source

Winners

Alberni Outpost

Ali Baba Pizza

Cowichan Cycle

Duncan Liquor Plus

Fan Fever/Front Side

Hub International Barton Insurance

London Drugs

Play & Trade

Rockabilly’s Clothing

Sally Beauty

Shoe Warehouse

Reitmans

Warehouse One

White Spot

A-One SafetyAha Sushi

Greyhound Coach Lines

Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery

Michaela Davidson Art & Gift Gallery

Panago Pizza

Sears

Vogue Hair Studio

Wine Kitz

Cowichan Valley Roses & More

Dollar Giant

Island Haircutting Co.

LMG Pringle Insurance

Mister Sweeper

Pennington 14+

Sea Breeze Laundromat

Sports Traders

Starbucks Coffee

DUNCANMALL

“The Centre of Town”

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VILLAGE

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Youbou, pronounced yoo bow, is a scenic

village with a permanent population of about 900 people.

Located on the north side of Cowichan Lake, it is a popular spot for summer residents and has many vacation cottages, as well as a good beach front park for day use.

To get there, drive for about 15 minutes along the Youbou Highway, which begins the minute one takes the gradual right turn where Highway 18 reaches the Cowichan Lake welcome sign.

The older part of the village stretches for about five kilometers along the shoreline, with newer developments east of town along the North Arm of the lake.

The welcome to Youbou sign was hand carved by a local resident and its attractive flower garden is voluntarily planted and maintained by a Youbou family.

Youbou hosts the Youbou Regatta on August 11. See page 22 for more details.

Youbou has one of the best ball parks at the lake. To get to the Little League Park, turn left off Bremner Road, which is just before the first store. It has baseball field, playground and

horseshoe pitches.The Youbou Lanes bowling alley is a great

place to go for a change of pace. It’s the only known sanctioned handset 10-pin bowling alley in Canada, built in mid ’50s. It has historic Youbou photos on the walls. It’s open Saturdays in the summer; phone 250-745-3431 for recorded hours of operation.

West of Youbou a gravel road continues around the lake. Remember to drive with lights on and give logging trucks the right of way on bridges.


Area Parks• Arbutus Park. On Youbou

Road, just before the old post office, this waterfront gem includes a sandy beach, dock, diving board, swimming lanes, swings, a volleyball court, a covered picnic area, picnic tables and plenty of trees for shade. There are lifeguards here from the end of June to the Labour Day long weekend.

• Swordfern Park. Located right off Youbou Road, the main highway into Youbou. It has a hiking trail along Price Creek to a little beach.

• Nantree Park. This is a lakefront park with a wharf and floats.

• Price Park. This is a lakefront nature park with trails.

• Marble Bay Park. This is a nature park with trails located at Meade Creek.

• Mile 77 Park. This new park marks the distance of the old CN Rail line from Victoria.

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village with a permanent population of about 900 place to goknown sanctioned handset 10-pin

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Prepare yourself for the biggest community event of the year, because organizers are promising that this year’s Lake Days festival will be the most exciting yet.

The festival will kick off at noon, June 3, with its most popular event; the Soap Box Derby!

Expect to see many additional racers, as interest in the event skyrocketed, forcing organizers to purchase additional

racer kits. Hand-crafted racers, containing soap box enthusiasts of all

ages, will race down Stone Avenue.The events will continue at

6 p.m., Monday, June 4, with the annual Lady of the Lake Strawberry Tea at the Lower Centennial Hall. This is your chance to meet this year’s nine

Grade 11 Lady of the Lake candidates, who are vying to represent

the Cowichan Lake area throughout Western Canada and United States.The Lady of the Lake Grand ball will

then take place at the same location, Friday,

June 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The winning candidates will be crowned at Saywell Park at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 9, in the midst of the main festivities.

Most events will be held at Saywell Park, which is located in the middle of town, on South Shore Road. It’ll be easy to find, with a large crowd of people, a stage set up for live musicians, and a multitude of activities for families to enjoy.

Saturday’s events will kick off with a grand parade along South Shore Road, beginning at 11 a.m. Festivities will then begin taking place at Saywell Park.

This year will feature a Lumberjack Exhibition. Live musicians, beer gardens, a community fair and sidewalk sale, will also last throughout the day, which will culminate in the Lake Days Dance, beginning at 8:30 p.m. The dance will feature interactive Video Jockey and will be held at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.

For more information, visit their website www.cowichanlakedays.com.


June 8 beginning at 5:30 p m Th

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www.chancescowichan.ca436 Cowichan Way, Duncan, BC

Thank you for taking the drive from theLake Cowichan area to visit us for some... FUN!!!

On your next visit to Chances Cowichan present this couponat Players Restaurant and enjoy a 2 for 1 lunch.

One coupon per person per day.To redeem this coupon you must be 19 years of age or older.

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Cowichan Lake Recreation has quite a few activities available, for both locals and visitors to the Cowichan Lake area.

A structural highlight for the organization is the recent completion of $7.6 million in upgrades to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, located in the Town of Lake Cowichan. Although the ice is out in the arena from May 15 to August 7, upgrades to the curling rinks, wherein

cement was installed in place of the gravel, have opened up that area to community events.

A Community Garage Sale will be the curling rinks’ first off-season event will take place Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables will be for rent at a cost of $15 each. So, come out and see what the Cowichan Lake area’s many friendly residents have to offer.

There are many other events taking place throughout the summer months; one of the more popular being the Summer Mixed Curling bonspiel, Aug. 23-26. Cowichan Lake Recreation also offers swim lessons, day camps and a hockey officiating school. For more information call 250-749-6742 or go to their website: cvrd.bc.ca

Featuring a parade, games, a dance and the biggest and best fireworks display in the Cowichan Valley, the annual Bay Days brings with it enough family-fun activities for everyone.

Although the day’s events are structured as a community festival, visitors are always out in abundance, as well, and are more than welcome to join the festivities.

This year’s Bay Days event will take place on the Canada Day weekend — June 30 and July 1.

The parade will marshal on Saturday morning, June 30 followed by activities and at dusk the fireworks. Sunday morning features a pancake breakfast.

Yours to explore Bay Days

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A little extra caution is an item well worth taking on any camping trip whether it is in the back yard or the great outdoors.

Have a great summer and enjoy Lake Cowichan.

Fire Safety isn’t something you can afford to take a vacation from!

“Stay Alert...Stay Safe” even when you and your family are

away on a camping vacation.

Lake Cowichan Fire DepartmentSUMMER FIRE SAFETY TIPS• Clear the area around your campfire of all debris for at least (1) metre.• Set up tents at least (5)meters upwind of grills and campfires.• Keep your fire small and use it only for cooking and warmth• Don’t leave children unattended and never leave them near a campfire alone.• Never use water to control grease fire flare ups on gas barbeques. In a fierce flare-up turn off the gas and remove the food and the grease will burn off in a few minutes.• Make sure that your fire is out before going to bed.• Keep a supply of water near your fire.• Check and maintain gas connections and fume vents on camping trailers.• Develop an escape plan and keep a small axe handy for emergency escapes.• Use only battery operated lights in your tents. Never use matches, candles or an open flame in a tent.• Never use gasoline or naptha (camp fuel) – it can cause an explosion.• Never cook or smoke in your tent – it’s a fire hazard and a carbon monoxide danger.• A fire extinguisher is a must for every camper’s equipment.• It is also recommended a portable smoke detector be part of every holidayer’s equipment. • If fire gets on your clothing or someone else's, remember – stop, drop and roll to smother the flames.


One of the busiest days of the summer happens at Arbutus Park in Youbou on August 11.

The Youbou Regatta boasts the shortest parade in the world, starting at 10:30 a.m. from the Youbou Hall to Arbutus Park, but it’s certainly one of the most enthusiastic.

Following the parade, Arbutus Park comes alive with activity.

The first splash hits the water with the Clarence Whittingham Memorial Quarter Mile Swim. A tugboat owned by Whittingham — an iron vessel for towing logs on the lake, takes the swimmers a quarter mile out and they swim back to the dock.

This is followed by kids and adult swimming races, cannonball and belly flop competitions, watermelon eating, three-on-three volleyball and canoe races.

There is a dance in the Youbou Hall that evening. Call 250-749-6742 for more information.

Yours to exploreYours to explore Youbou RegattaYoubou Regatta

It’s not every morning that people wake up before dawn breaks, to set forth on a 56-kilometre walk.

But, that’s just what many people from all around the province – and sometimes even further – do every September, during the annual Great Lake Walk, around Cowichan Lake.

This year’s Great Lake Walk, will take place Saturday, September 15.

The 56-kilometre walk challenges the body, the mind, and

more often than not has resulted in great triumph.The communities and people of Cowichan Lake come

together to organize and pull off this activity, starting with a pre-dawn breakfast in Youbou, 12 all-service rest stops along the route and a loud welcoming committee at the finish line.

Various community groups and businesses also host a number of rest stops along the route, complete with light snacks, water, and even port-a-potties. A unique aspect of the Great Lake Walk is that entrants can raise money for their favourite charities. So far over $500,000 has been raised for worthy causes.

For more information or to register, go to: www.greatlakewalk.com.


Bed & BreakfastThe Cowichan Lake area has some of the Island’s most beautiful

bed and breakfast locations. The owners’ personal touch is a step away when sleeping and dining in these lovely homes. One would have to go to an expensive five-star hotel to get the kind of attention bed and breakfast owners are known for giving.

Regardless of where they are located in the Cowichan Lake area, these bed and breakfasts are guaranteed to be a short walk or drive from scenic waterways ready for you to enjoy in various ways, including but not limited to kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Yours to exploreYours to explore Great Lake WalkGreat Lake Walk

Phone 250 749 7790Toll Free 866 749 7790

518 Point Ideal Drive(Box 1152)

Lake Cowichan, BCCanada V0R 2G0

[email protected] www.kiddsbb.com

KIDD’S B&BDavid & Beth Kidd

COWICHAN RIVERCOWICHAN RIVER••Wilderness LodgeWilderness Lodge ••

Situated on 16 picturesque acres overlooking the Cowichan River, we offer four air-conditioned, spacious rooms.

Relax and get away from it all in our luxurious surroundings or book a guided fi shing adventure with our own professional guides here at the lodge.

Proprietors Kyt and Kenzie Cuthbert7461 Hudgrove RoadLake Cowichan, BCPO Box 1342 V0R 2G0

250-749-3594250-749-3594

www.cowichanriverwildernesslodge.com

Yours to explore Youbou Regatta

WATERFRONT • RECREATIONAL • RESIDENTIALWATERFRONT • RECREATIONAL • RESIDENTIAL

Call Keith or Sharon fora look at some of the mostbeautiful waterfront propertieson Vancouver Island!

Call Keith or Sharon fora look at some of the mostbeautiful waterfront propertieson Vancouver Island!

What somepeople call a greatvacation spot…you can call home

Toll free page 1-800-729-3246

145 South Shore RoadLake Cowichan

250-749-6660www.lkc.ca

Keith Nelson Sharon Kelly

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May 23, 2012