Great Fall & Winter Activities

With the cooler weather and quieter locations, the fall is a great time to visit all those popular areas and experience them in a different perspective. Here are some suggestions:

• Surfing—try your hand, er feet, at surfing...there are a variety of locations where this sport is popular, especially Tofino...indulge in an all-women surf camp, or take lessons from several suppliers.

• Scuba diving—the fall and winter offer the best visibility for scuba diving in our nutrient-rich waters...experience friendly wolf eels, or giant pacific octopus...friendly harbour seals are plentiful and you may even see the elusive six-gill shark. There are several artificial reefs around the Vancouver Island region and several shipwrecks, as well as great spots for wall, current, and technical dives.

• Spa— at any time of the year, a spa treatment is a glorious experience...but what better time to go than the fall when resorts are quieter...partake in the sheer enjoyment with a massage, facial, mud or seaweed wrap, or a dip in a mineral pool...the possibilities are endless and the relaxation divine! A spa treatment also makes a great Christmas gift!

• Great places to take your dog include various off-leash parks where Bowser can run to his hearts content! Great parks include Dallas Road (Victoria), and the Cable Bay Trail (Nanaimo). Various beaches and parks allow dogs during the fall season, but keep your leash handy and obey the by-laws. We also have a variety of pet-friendly accom-modations throughout Vancouver Island.

• Golf—while the rest of the country is putting their courses to bed, Vancouver Island golfers are still enjoying golf 365 days a year! With the mildest climate in Canada, come and discover the pleasure of golfing year round!

Vancouver Island is home to all five species of North American salmon—Coho, Chum, Chinook, Sockeye, and Pink. Each fall, the life cycle of the salmon draws people from around the world to witness the spawning phenomenon of these creatures. There are a variety of locations where one can view the spawning activities such as the Big

Qualicum Hatchery which is operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to increase populations of Pacific Salmon and steelhead trout. The hatchery allows visitors to follow a self-guided tour of the site for a close up look at hatchery operations. The Robertson Creek Hatchery near Port Alberni, is the most successful hatchery on

Vancouver Island and produces millions of smolts annually: chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead trout. Additional viewing areas include Nanaimo Community Hatchery, Quatse River Hatch-ery, Cowichan River Hatchery, Puntledge River Hatchery and various parks and river systems throughout Vancouver Island.

Volume 1, Issue 3 FRESH IDEAS Fall 2004

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tourism Vancouver Island 203—335 Wesley Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9R 2T5

www.islands.bc.ca

Lana Kingston, Media Relations Manager Ph: (250) 740-1213 or lana@islands.bc.ca Denise Le Gal, Travel Trade Relations Ph: (250) 740-1215 or denise@islands.bc.ca

• Storm watching—view the fury of a pacific storm in the comfort of your luxurious ocean-front room at one of several properties in the Tofino and Ucluelet area. Or take a walk on the wild side along the Wild Pacific Trail where you can feel the ocean spray from safe view points. A variety of properties offer storm watching packages through the winter storm season...but don’t let this keep you from enjoying our mild weather at other various locations.

• Whale watching—there are a couple of operators that are still offering whale watching tours into October and November into Barkley Sound!

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

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Comox Valley Tourism Contact: Lara Greasley

larag@comox-valley-tourism.ca www.comox-valley-tourism.ca

Located mid-way up the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is a collection of mountains, lush forests and sandy beaches. The area boasts exceptional hiking and biking, golfing, diving, kayaking, fishing, skiing and more. Add to this three unique and vibrant downtown cores, and it's easy to see why the Comox Valley is one of the most diverse recreational and cultural destinations British Columbia.

Snowshoe Fondue at Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Snowshoe by headlamp with our guide through Mount Washington's snow-covered forest as you build up your appetite for an authentic Alpine Fondue Dinner at Raven Lodge. Your dinner includes a cheese fondue, followed by a meat and vegetable fondue and for dessert, a chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and coffee or tea. Fridays, 5pm at Raven Lodge. Pre-booking is required. $42.00 CAD per person. Come and experience the best Nordic facility in North America. We boast 55 km of ski trails, 20 km of snowshoe trails, and a 300 metre ‘all-natural’ luge track. We are the gateway to 250,000 hectares of backcountry adventures, bordering British Columbia’s oldest park, Strathcona.

www.mountwashington.ca

’The Outback’ - Steeper, Deeper, Wilder Nestled into the Beaufort Mountain Range overlooking Vancouver Island, mile high Mount Washington is a true snow collector receiving over 30 feet, or 9 metres, of the white stuff every winter! This season, we raise the bar and show off our backside and it’s a grand view! The Outback is a 400-acre Double Black Diamond playground of glades, steep drops and magnificent bowls. The theme continues with a brand new state-of-the-art chairlift specially designed for The Outback. It is called ’The Boomerang Quad’ and it’s Canada’s only double-offload lift system. Bear Lodge—Spoil yourself and your party this season with the decadence of slope side, ski in, ski out living. The long awaited twin to the wildly successful Deer Lodge is almost ready. The expected gala opening for Bear Lodge is February 2005 and like Deer Lodge, Bear Lodge will come with all of the bells and whistles such as luxurious furniture, appliances and a sweeping view of the resort. Mount Washington is BCs third most visited snow resort.

Emily Carr Exhibit in Comox Valley September 25 - November 13

The Courtenay Museum is presenting a selection of the works of art of renowned BC painter Emily Carr. The exhibit will be guest curated by Nicholas Tuele, independent curator and art historian and former Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. He has published numerous exhibi-tion catalogues and articles about British Columbia artists. Most recently he co-curated an extensive exhibition featuring BC artists for the University of Victoria's Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery. "Tea With Emily", will be featured on October 16th as the museum hosts actress Molly Rahrer-Newman who is known to many, including this year's Filberg Festival attendees, as the next best to Emily Carr. From 11:00 to 4:00, each hour on the half hour, Molly will present readings from Emily Carr.

www.courtenaymuseum.ca

Community to Purchase Forest for Tourism Development & Quality of Life

The Cumberland Community Forest Society is an innovative community group raising big funds to purchase forest lands surrounding the historic Village of Cumberland in the foothills of the Beaufort Range. This 100-hectare parcel of lush second-growth forest contains important heritage sites from Cumberland’s coal mining history. These en-chanted forestlands are used for mushroom picking, walking, hiking, naturalist activities and contain extensive mountain biking trails for all skill levels. With 60% of their million-dollar purchase secured, this group is developing an incredible piece of tourism infrastructure that will support both economic and social goals in the Village. The first phase of this purchase is scheduled for December 2004, providing the remaining funds can be secured. A great “base camp” for Mount Washington Alpine Resort (only 20 min away) Cumberland is a hiking and mountain biking Mecca, filled with artists and musicians and poised for exciting changes in the next few years. This purchase is one of many amazing new businesses and initiatives in this quaint little community. www.cumberlandforest.com w

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Golf & Ski Golfing has never been so much fun...where else can you golf in the morning and ski that same afternoon. With several championship courses and first class resorts, you’re sure to get your ultimate golf vacation right here! In Courtenay, Crown Isle Golf Resort’s villas offer spectacular views of the first fairway and the coastal mountain range and provide an opportu-nity to stay on-site for golfing. Golf packages start at $159 CAD and add a half-day ski lift ticket for $37, and you’ve got a multi-sport experience.

www.crownisle.com www.mountwashington.ca

Golf & Spa Escape

A bad day of golfing is better than a good day at practically anything else! But top off that day with a spa treatment, and you’ll be in Heaven! Beautiful scenery and temperate year round weather means a great day on any golf course on Vancouver Island. With six courses in the area, the Oceanside region is a natural choice for a golf & spa escape. Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Spa & Conference Centre in Parksville offers a full-service spa facility featuring a mineral pool with cascading waterfall, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy tub treatments, steam swiss showers, invigorating salt scrubs, and more. Tigh-Na-Mara’s golf package includes 2 nights accommodation, 1 breakfast per person, 1 round of 18 holes per person with a powercart, and a golf gift. The golf package is available with either Morningstar International Golf & Country Club, Fairwinds Golf & Country Club or Glengarry Golf Links and starts at $306 per person based on double occupancy. Add any one hour spa treatment for $100 per person, and you’ve got yourself one great escape.

www.tigh-na-mara.com

Golf Vancouver Island Contact: Trisha Larsen vigamarketing@shaw.ca www.golfvancouverisland.ca

Shimmering blue water, lush green forests, rolling mountain peaks and superb courses - Vancouver Island is truly a Pacific Paradise. From the world class hotels and colonial charm of Victoria in the south to the world famous fishing and seaside ambiance of Campbell River in the north, Vancouver Island has the destinations and golf you are looking for. We feature packages to the three distinct regions on Vancouver Island as well as the internationally renowned Vancouver Island Golf Trail, featuring the best golf and accommodations our Pacific Paradise has to offer. In addi-tion to our packages we can customize any kind of golf vacation to meet your specific tastes.

Golf Obsession? We’re Open Seven days a Week, 365 Days a Year!

Golf Packages Golf Vancouver Island offers a number of golf packages to suit your needs. With a mild climate, magnificent scenery, and a variety of accommodation and attractions, you’re sure to have the time of your life during your golf vacation. Featured packages include the Vancouver Island Golf Trail, a six-night package featuring several island courses; a Victoria Getaway, with three nights accommodation and three rounds of golf; a Warm Land Getaway, a two-night package with two rounds of golf in the Cowichan region; an Oceanside Getaway featuring a three-night package with three rounds of golf in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach region; and a North Island Get-away including two nights accommoda-tion and two rounds of golf. Packages include power carts, guaranteed tee times, half-price BC Ferries reservations (does not include fare), and the on-call services of Golf Vancouver Island staff. Packages start at $159 CAD per person/ double oc-cupancy. For more information and c o u r s e d e s c r i p t i o n s , v i s i t www.golfvancouverisland.ca

Fishing...Not Just a Summer Sport!

In early November, winter feeder chinook invade local waters around Vancouver Island. These are 2 - 4 year old salmon that spend the next six months in deeper layers of water fattening up on local stores of herring, anchovy and sandlance. At the end of April, just as the first runs of summer start to come into the Strait of Georgia, the winter chinook turn and head for the open Pacific. Prior to this, they provide good winter action for warmly-clad anglers. (bcadventure.com) There are many fishing operators and guides that are ready to take you to a favourite fishing hole for an adventure in angling.

Ladysmith Festival of Lights

Count down to Christmas on Thursday, November 25 with a spectacular evening of festivities, including a spaghetti dinner, Kinsmen Light-Up Parade, family entertainment, concessions and a fireworks extravaganza in beautiful Historic Downtown Ladysmith. Over 1000 volunteer hours are needed to prepare for these displays and the Light Up Night. There are over 100,000 twinkling Christmas lights in the streets, roof tops and buildings for you to enjoy until January 1st. A community effort, this festival is run by community-minded people, for the entire community and surrounding areas of Vancouver Island. The Festival of Lights has become a major attraction bringing more than 16,000 visitors from all over Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Pacific Northwest and points beyond.

www.ladysmithfol.com

Tourism Cowichan Contact: c/o Lana Kingston

lana@islands.bc.ca www.visit.cowichan.net

Here Comes the Rain Again

What better time than fall after the rain to go into the forest foraging for edible mushrooms with a connoisseur of fine foods… The Aerie Resort will once again be offering their Mushroom Tours on select dates in October. The Great Fall Mushroom Hunt begins at 10:00am and lasts for approximately 5 hours. The cost per person is CDN $120.00 (approximately US $92.00 based on current exchange rates) and includes return transpor-tation from The Aerie and a three-course lunch at 1:00pm in the resort’s award-winning dining room. During the lunch members of the award-winning Aerie culinary team will cook up the mushrooms to taste and describe the best way to prepare them along with recipe suggestions. For guests wanting to turn this into a fall getaway, The Aerie is offering room rates starting at $245.00 (approx. US $190.00). The Great Fall Mushroom Hunts are open to the public and reservations are required and may be made by calling 1-800-518-1933.

www.aerie.bc.ca

Cowichan, meaning “Warm Land”, offers a wealth of Agri-tourism products, First Nations culture and history, and outdoor adventure. Old growth forests, undulating rivers, and rolling fertile valleys forms the backdrop of the Cowichan: a place of incredible beauty, timeless traditions and tidal rhythms. Your senses will be filled with the Cowichan - its sights, its sounds and its tastes will be your guide as each day presents a new adventure.

Vine & Dine

With over nine local growers and producers of quality wines, The Cowichan is quickly gaining a well deserved reputation for award winning wines. The vineyard tour, which should also include a visit to Merridale Cidery, will take you throughout the Cowichan and you will experience first hand why this area is becoming known as “la Provence du nord”. The cuisine found here reflects the variety and quality of the products grown locally; many of the chefs take great pride in creat-ing dishes that feature Cowichan produce and wines. Where you choose to enjoy this local bounty is the challenge as there are many unique dining experiences available, from fine dining overlooking spectacular views of the Gulf Islands, to sitting peace-fully sipping local wines and watching the sunset over the vineyards, to enjoying a casual seafood feast down in Cowichan Bay. One thing we can guarantee, exploring the options is all part of the fun.

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Custom Mushroom Excursions and Workshops with Slowboat Tours

A variety of affordable, personally guided interpretive activities offered by Jim Jones, local naturalist; M.A. Environmental studies, B.Sc. Biology, will help make your visit to Bamfield a memorable and fun time." Spend a pleasant day quietly walking our local and nearby forests, trails and beaches. Learn about the ecology of our coastal temperate rainforest and discover how rich it is in spiritual values and potential wild harvest opportunities. Find out how Coastal First Nations once very success-fully stewarded all their forest, foreshore and ocean resources to legendary abundance.

www.alberni.net/jtjones

A Warm Welcome Awaits The Alberni Valley has long been known as a friendly place to visit, but now there’s a new welcome for visitors to the community. The First Nations Hupacasath Band has carved and raised a huge welcoming figure offering an arms-out greeting to all who pass that way. Strategically located on the Somass River, which is a fitting backdrop with the schools of return-ing salmon, eagles and black bears, the new welcoming figure can be seen for at least a kilometre along the Pacific Rim Highway 4. Native carvers will be adding another figure welcoming those arriving by sea, over the next year.

Running Gourmet Retreat November 5/6 & February 4/5

Running Gourmet is a weekend of incredible food, wine pairings & tasting, chocolate truffle making, nutrition talks & cooking. This weekend will give you some great new ideas about how to take the running experience to a new level. En-joy the hospitality of Middle Beach Lodge and the beauty of the West Coast, a perfect relaxa-tion opportunity. Packages include: 2 or 3 nights accommodation, welcome reception, workshop sessions, Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner and Sunday breakfast. Rates at $250 + taxes per person, double occu-pancy, or $350 + taxes per person, single occu-pancy. Inquire about our 3rd night special.

www.middlebeach.com

Pacific Rim Tourism Contact: c/o Lana Kingston lana@islands.bc.ca www.islands.bc.ca

The Pacific region of Vancouver Island is renowned for pristine beaches, whale watching, wilderness camping and hiking, incredible fishing, and awesome winter storms. The region is comprised of the four main communities of Bamfield, Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino, and includes Long Beach and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Port Alberni— www.avcoc.com Ucluelet— www.uclueletinfo.com Tofino— www.tofinobc.org Bamfield— http://bamfieldchamber.com/

Salmon & Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

To view returning Chinook and Coho salmon and all the bears, eagles and wildlife that get in on the excitement, the Stamp River system close to Port Alberni is the place to go. Walk the riverside trails at Stamp Falls Provincial Park to see the schooling fish fin through the deep pools and try to jump the raging waterfall. Federal Fish-eries fish ladders allow the salmon to be counted as they make their way upstream. At Robertson Creek Hatchery you can see the salmon line up in the lagoon to enter their birth place. The hatchery’s popular open house and salmon barbe-cue takes place October 17th. www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/

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Storm Seekers Get the Best View With Long Beach Nature Tours

Get beyond the view from the lounge....don your raingear & hiking boots, grab your daypack & binoculars, and head out with us in search of the classic west coast storm - a dynamic & exhilarating display of nature's raw fury. You will be guided to semi-protected viewing locations along the shoreline where you can safely witness the majesty and power of the world's largest ocean perform-ing with peak force - hurling itself against the shoreline in a never-ending series of mountainous breakers.

www.oceansedge.bc.ca/bill.html

The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) is poised to officially open the Rix Centre For Ocean Discovery. This state-of-the-art facility will increase BMSC’s ability to continue attracting and supporting scientists whose world-class research is at the forefront of marine and coastal science. With its distinctive, scalloped-shaped roof and striking scenic backdrop, the Rix Centre will become a landmark on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Featuring three lecture theatres, seminar rooms and geographic setting known for rich biodiversity, the Rix Centre is an ideal venue for conferences, workshops and retreats. The reception hall, with its spectacular view of Barkley Sound, is a perfect space for dialogue between scientists, students, industry and the public. BMSC is Canada's premier coastal research and training facility. Operating year-round, the Centre provides research facilities to a world community of scientists, offers univer-sity-level courses in marine and coastal sciences, and runs hands-on public education programs for students of all ages. During summer months, BMSC welcomes the general public to join us in a program of discovery that includes a behind-the-scenes guided tour. Tours and customized tours are available all year with advance notice. www.bms.bc.ca

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Artisans' 16th Annual Country Christmas Tour November 25 - 28, 10am—5pm

We’ve been preparing all year and invite you to come and visit our studios, shops and farms in the Cedar and Yellowpoint districts and enjoy our latest creations during our Country Christmas Tour. While you're here, stay a while and have a meal, a drink, stock up on necessities, play golf, take a kayak tour or stay a few days! There's a lot to do and see.

Artisans and galleries include Kathy Barnson, The Doll House Gift Shop, Woodwind Studio & Gallery, Goatwillow Studio, Barton & Leier Gallery, Gift Horse Ceramics, Blue Poppy Farm, Faces Plus by Faye, West Coast Creations, Cranberry Cottage, Hazelwood Herb Farm, Howling Hounds Farm & Gardens, and JoVic Pottery.

Cedar District was named in the mid 1800's by early surveyors, after the native Cedar trees. Yellow Point was named after the brilliant yellow flowers of the Stonecrop plant, which still grows in profusion on the rocky shoreline in this area. For a map and gallery listings, as well as regular opening days and hours, please visit the listings at www.cyartisans.com

The Port Theatre’s 7th Season If you haven’t been to the Port Theatre along Nanaimo’s waterfront, you haven’t really been to Nanaimo. It is here, in one of the busiest theatres on the west coast, that you can feel the energy of the harbour city. Over 250 events are held in this state of the art facility annually. Performances range from local theatre group offerings to international touring performers. The Port recently announced its seventh season line up, and to say it is varied would be an understatement. Here is just a taste of what is included for the fall line up; Vancouver Arts Club’s Number 14, Ballet Victoria, Sarah Harmer, Stuart McLean, Vancouver Island Symphony, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Rita MacNeil, Kirkwood Academy’s presentation of the Nutcracker, and Winter Harp. For more detailed information visit www.porttheatre.nisa.com or call their ticket line at 250 754 8550.

Fall camping

So summer is winding down and the signs of fall are in the air; but you still have that camping itch. The symptoms are hard to miss; daydreams of crackling campfires and s’mores, visions of hiking along river foot-paths and sleeping under the stars. Well a fall camping trip in Nanaimo’s backyard may just be the remedy. Gather up a group of your family and friends and set up camp. The local private campgrounds and Newcas-tle Island Provincial Marine Park are sure to have a site to suite your camping style. The private campgrounds offer a full range of sites and services; full hook-ups (some with cable TV!), to basic tent sites. A few of them even have cottages and cabins. All of the campgrounds have some waterfront access, be it river, lake, or ocean and in some cases more than one! There are a number of advantages to camping late in the season; discounted rates and fewer people. You will enjoy the various upgrades operators carried out; the kinks are worked

out and the new sites are broken in. The local campground operators have been preparing for your visit all year long! Newcastle Provincial Marine Park- offers well spaced tent sites and a large group site great for family reunions. As there is no vehi-cle access to the island, this is a tenting only campground making for a very tranquil hide-away beside the sea. Please note there is no ferry service to the island after the Thanks-giving Weekend. For more information visit www.newcastleisland.ca Living Forest Campground- offers over 100 acres of ocean and riverside camping. This is Nanaimo’s largest private campsite with almost 200 sites nestled along the banks of the Nanaimo estuary south of the City centre. Rates range from $20.00-$30.00 per night. Ph 250 755 1755 Rondalyn Resort- boasts a heated pool, club house, stocked trout pond and great hiking. Rates range from $22.00-$29.00; they also

have a cabin available at a rate of $90.00 per night. Ph 250 245 7343 Brannen Lake Campsite- this is a great rural lakeside campground offering some-thing for the whole family. During the sum-mer months there are hayrides and a small animal petting farm. Rates range from $18.00-$23.00 per night. Ph 250 756 0404 Jinglepot RV Park- Centrally located in Nanaimo this campsite is immaculate; it’s like camping in a well groomed garden! Challenge your family to a bocce ball tourna-ment or try your hand at horseshoes. Rates range from $22.00-29.00 per night. Ph 250 758 1614 Westwood Lake RV Park- located near one of Nanaimo’s favourite parks this camp-ground offers access to great lake swimming and fishing and lakeside trails. They also have one bedroom cabins available, but book early for the high season as they are very popular! Rates range from $16.00-$22.00 per night. Ph 250 753 3922

www.tourismnanaimo.com

Tourism Nanaimo Contact: Hannah King

hannah@tourismnanaimo.com www.tourismnanaimo.com

Located on central Vancouver Island, Nanaimo with its natural beauty, attractions and activities, is waiting to be explored. World-class diving; shopping; accommodations; culture; hiking/biking/kayaking; and a protected harbour second to none make getaways for leisure, conventions, seminars, corporate travel, and tours that much more enjoyable. Nanaimo is also the only all-purpose city on Vancouver Island, with every facility required to serve both the commercial and recreational needs of business and tourism.

A self-taught potter and sculptor, Darlene revels in the sensuality and textures available in mediums of glass and clay.

There are well over 20 studios and galleries located in the Oceanside region. In fact, there are more studios and galleries located in the Coombs, Hillers, and Qualicum area per capita than anywhere else in British Columbia. www.oceansidetourism.com

With the fall weather being unpredictable, it’s a great time to learn a new craft or hobby. Darlene Kellett of The Garden Gallery offers classes in fused glass, pottery and yoga. Located outside Parksville and nestled amongst the trees is The Garden Gallery, similar to an open air gallery with everything on display with freedom and ease. Classes are offered to both young and young-at-heart, to groups or individuals.

Christmas Craft Explosion

Participate in a variety of craft fairs taking place this November when hundreds of artists from all over British Columbia descend upon the Oceanside Region. Craft fairs continue all month long, but if you want to shop till you drop then get ready for the explosive talent of these creative artists & crafters.

The fun kicks off Wed. Nov. 17 in Qualicum Beach with ‘Moonlight Madness’. The streets adorned with lights, garland and wreaths welcome everyone to shop by the light of the moon. Shops are open late and the savings are hot. Then get ready for the ‘Explosive Weekend’ of Nov. 25-28 when an avalanch of craft fairs welcome visitors into the Christmas Spirit of giving.

The 11th annual Kris Kringle Craft Market

will get you into the Spirit of Christmas as this exceptional one of a kind juried art and craft show features over 120 quality crafters in a beautifully decorated show.

The 25th annual Village Christmas Craft Faire located in the Qualicum Beach Com-munity Hall from Nov. 26-28 features out-standing exhibits by local award winning arti-sans. Choose from hand-blown glass and pot-tery to quilting, jewelry, and everything in be-tween.

Stroll through the Qualicum Heritage Inn and enjoy the annual Christmas Craft Sale from Nov. 26-28. Beautiful stained glass, wreaths, angel card reader, hand blown glass, handmade soaps and more.

Round out your visit with Music on Sundays at Old School House Gallery in Qualicum Beach.

Complete the weekend celebration at Milner Gardens & Woodland by celebrating the festive season with “Lights and Music in the Garden” from 6:30—8:30 pm. Stroll through the decorative gardens, festive lights, holiday displays and enjoy the many talented musicians. Santa and his elves will be on hand for the kids as well as the Christmas Bear ready to help direct people around the gardens. For more information on these events, contact 1-888-799-3222 or (250) 752-2388.

Murder Mystery Weekends A hush falls over the Inn, whispers are barely heard, shadowy figures lurk in the hall-ways...you hear a scream...a gunshot… It’s up to you to solve the crime. Enjoy your Murder Mystery Weekend at the Qualicum Heritage Inn which includes a special wine and cheese costume reception, 2 nights accommodation, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and deluxe Sunday brunch. The cast may be disguised as staff or a guest and the solution of the murder is up to you. If you are the first to name the murderer, you will win a grand prize of 2 nights accommodation at the scene of the crime—the Qualicum Heritage Inn. Packages from $249 per person based on double occupancy. www.qualicumheritageinn.com

Ghostly Getaway

Experience the ghostly happenings at Tigh-Na-Mara Spooky Seaside Spa Resort as they celebrate their first murder mystery weekend. Slip unnoticed through the pumpkin patch or lurk around the cemetery, as you try to uncover who has committed the heinous crimes that are revealed over the weekend. In association with Whirlwind Entertainment from Victoria, BC, the 22-acre property of Tigh-Na-Mara will act as a stage for twists, turns, murder and mayhem. The weekend package includes two nights accommodation, a Ghostly Grotto Gala, Saturday breakfast, a ‘Samhain Supper’, admission to the Banshees’ Ball, and the murder mystery entertainment. Package price is $699 per couple. www.tigh-na-mara.com

Oceanside Tourism Association Contact: Luba Plotnikoff luba@oceansidetourism.com www.oceansidetourism.com

A welcoming cluster of fascinating, colourful communities and many of the Island's best beaches are at Oceanside. This sheltered eastern region of Vancouver Island welcomes visitors from around the world who want to escape the crowds and sample the true spirit of Vancouver Island. From Nanoose in the South to Deep Bay in the North, the towns, villages, and islands of the region are strung like pearls scattered in the sand along the slower paced 'Oceanside Route' of the original coastal Highway 19A and the ocean is just the beginning.

Gallery Tours

VANCOUVER ISLAND FESTIVAL & EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

October 8-22, Cobble Hill. Harvest and Pressing Festival at Merridale Ciderworks. This is a magical time of year when our vintage cider apples are picked and pressed to make "Canada's best Ciders". We welcome you to join us in our tasting room to sample previous vintages, and catch a glimpse of the largest rack and cloth press in Canada. www.merridalecider.ca. Contact Andrea or Shawna at 250-743-4293 or info@merridalecider.com

October 9-11, Gabriola Island. Thanksgiving Studio & Gallery Tour all around Gabriola: Annual self guided tour of artists' home-based studios

featuring 56 locations, over 80 artists. Largest event of its kind in the region. www.festivalgabriola.ca. Contact Virginia Ebbels at 250-247-7409 or festivalgabriola@shaw.ca

October 16-17, Cowichan Lake. Salmon and Mushroom Festival. It's the celebration of Cowichan specialties. Enjoy entertainment, workshops,

and tasting. Contact Ingeborg Woodsworth at 250-749-6291 October 18, Victoria. The Victoria Toy Show at Mary Winspear Centre (Sanscha Hall), Sidney, 2243 Beacon Avenue. The Victoria Toy Show

has toy collectors , dealers and enthusiasts from Western Canada, the States and the United Kingdom. Thousands of toys from all areas for sale and trade. The show starts at 10am to 4pm. Admission $3, kids with adults are free. www.victoriatoyshow.com. Contact: David Shelton at 250-727-2403 or 250-385-4292.

October 22-24, Ladysmith (various locations). Vancouver Island Pumpkinfest. A fun, family-oriented festival for all ages. Parade, contest and the

largest pumpkin pie weigh-in. www.vanislepumpkinfest.com. Contact Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce at 250-245-2112 or info@ladysmithcofc.com

October 23 2004 City: Galiano Island. Lions Octoberfest: The food, drink, and music of Germany.

www.galianoisland.com. Contact 250-539-539-3171 October 23, Bamfield. 2nd Annual Bamfield Mushroom Festival at Bamfield Community Hall. $5

admission includes entry to Monster Mushroom Derby, Mushroom Identification Display, Forest Mushroom Walk, Mushroom Slide Show, Mushroom Cooking Contest, and Mushroom Art Raffle. Additional events include the Fungus Feast, and Toadstool Stomp Dance. Contact 250-728-3168 or jtjones@alberni.net

October 30, Courtenay, Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner at Crown Isle Golf Resort. $35 per person plus tax. Buffet dinner in the ballroom at

starting at 6:30, with 7:30—9:30 pm scheduled for the Murder Mystery…www.crownisle.com. Call for more details 1-888-338-8439 October 31, Ucluelet. Halloween Howl at Ucluelet Recreation Hall. Haunted house, bonfire, fireworks, dance, and "catch and release" pumpkins.

www.uclueletinfo.com. Contact 250-726-4641 November 6, Saanich 3rd Annual Wine Maker’s Dinner at Deep Cove Chalet. Starting at 6:45 pm at the winery with appetizers, followed by a 6-

course dinner at the Chalet paired with our Award Winning Wines—including Ortega, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. Reservations required, 250-656-3541. Designated driver service available by calling 250-213-2901. www.chaletestatevineyard.ca

November 12-14, Courtenay. Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire at 411 Anderton Ave., Florence Filberg Centre. A 3-day juried arts &

crafts faire featuring over 60 local artists, live entertainment, draws, $2 admission. Contact Janet Campbell at 250- 339-9891 or dickens_faire@hotmail.com

November 20, Tofino. Clayoquot Oyster Festival. Outrageous Oyster Extravaganza! You may see oysters smoked, simmered, chowdered, pan

fried, breaded, tossed, BBQ'd, hemped, deep fried, baked steamed, rolled, shucked, slurped, thrown, and chased by the now infamous Slurping Contest. Music, Fun, and lots of oysters. www.oystergala.com. Contact 250-725-4222

November 25, Ladysmith. Ladysmith Festival of Lights. 1st Avenue and Coronation Mall. Count down to Christmas in the last Thursday in

November. A spectacular evening of festivities, including a spaghetti dinner, Kinsmen Light Up Parade, family entertainment, concessions and a fireworks extravaganza. Enjoy the Christmas light display until January 1st. www.ladysmithcofc.com. Contact Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce or Festival of Lights at 250-245-2112 or info@ladysmithcofc.com

November 26 - December 5, Qualicum Beach. Milner Christmas Magic: An old fashioned, family-oriented festival of lights and music in the

Garden. Santa will be here! Friday-Sunday. www.milnergardens.org. Contact: Milner Gardens at 250-752-6153 or milnergardens@shaw.ca December 1 - January 6, Victoria. Christmas At Butchart Gardens: Annual Christmas Celebrations take place at the Butchart Gardens where

tens of thousands of lights hail the arrival of the holiday season at Victoria's most famous garden. This winter wonderland is made even brighter by strolling carollers, children's entertainers, the Festive Brass Band and fabulous food. www.butchartgardens.com. Contact 250-652-4422

December 4—5, Comox. Vancouver Island’s Originals Only Art Show at Comox Community Centre. See the only exhibit on Vancouver Island

dedicated to traditional forms of fine art (painting and sculpture) with the works of over 40 fine artists (all original pieces) on display. For more information, call Joe Smith 250-335-2578.

December 11, Ladysmith. Christmas Light Harbour Cruise, sponsored by the Mt. Brenton Power Squadron. Participate or simply watch this

beautiful evening parade of boats with spectacular displays of Christmas lights. Warm yourself by a giant bonfire at Transfer Beach to watch the lighted flotilla pass our shores. Hot Chocolate and hotdogs offered up by the Kinsmen club. Contact Harry Erikson, Cruisemaster at 250-245-2307 or info@ladysmithcofc.com

Please note that this is only a small representation of festivals & events happening in the Vancouver Island Region. For additional listings, please visit www.islands.bc.ca