Ten FREE (or all most free!) things to do in the Comox Valley

I had a chance to spend almost two weeks in the beautiful Comox Valley recently and I was really pleased to see so many things to do - and many at little or no cost.

Here are a few of the ones I discovered - and there are lots more!

1. Explore the beaches! Miracle Beach has sandy beaches and if the tide is out, lots of shallow tidal pools. Bring a chair, sunscreen, book and snacks and spend the day!

2. Watch Canada’s own Snowbirds! In May, the Snowbirds migrate to the Comox Valley to practice their maneouvers in preparation for the many airshows they will perform at during the summer. Watch them from Singing Sands or Kye Bay – anywhere along the strait is a good place to see them.

3. Comox Valley Heritage Walking Tours give you a chance to learn more about the history of the valley as well as a chance to get some fresh air and exercise!

4. Visit Seal Bay Regional Nature Park! A network of trails on the Comox Pennisula, the paths are excellent for hiking and biking. A steep path leads to the beach where visitors sometimes see seals, sea lions and other wildlife (we didn’t L )

5. Visit the Courtenay & District Museum & Paleontology Centre. The first stop on the Great Canadian Fossil Trail, the centre offers year round fossil site tours ($$) but also has a permanent display of a fossillized twelve metre long Elasmosaur dinosaur. Centre also has local First Nations and early pioneer displays.

6. The Gardens on Anderton give you a chance to relax as well as offer hands-on activities. There is no charge, but donations to their program are gratefully accepted.

7. Visit the Comox Air Force Museum and Heritage Airpark. The history of the Comox Air Base is housed at the museum. There is an extensive photo and reference display to see inside before heading outside for a walk to the airpark where historic aircrafts are on display.

8. Check out downtown Courtenay, The city is filled with trees and greenery, and there are plenty of locally owned cafes and restaurants to have a cup of coffee or meal where you can sit and watch the world go by. One of our favorites is Hot Chocolate where you can enjoy a coffee or gelato (our favorite!)

9. Goose Spit Regional Park offers a great expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out and is the perfect place to enjoy a campfire on the beach at the end of the day. There is ample parking but it does fill up fast, so be sure to come early.

10. The Comox Valley Farmer’s Market is a great place to get your groceries - straight from the producers! Every Saturday from April to October at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 12:30 from July through August on England Ave. between 5th and 6th Streets, and October - April inside at the Native Sons Hall.

So many things still to do - will have to visit again soon!

Trip to Nakusp

Been a while since I posted - thought I better start and post some pics and memories before I forget them!

For my 50th birthday, Barry arranged a trip to Nakusp Hotsprings. Neither of us had been there - but after this trip, we know this will be somewhere we will go to again.

We took the route over the Monashee's - and enjoyed the Needles Ferry (still one of the few free ferries in BC!)

Once we checked in at Nakusp Hotspring Cedar Chale ts, we headed back into Nakusp for dinner at The Hut. The Hut is a great local hangout - good burgers, chicken, fries and ice cream treats.

After dinner, we took a walk along the boardwalk - I love the walk - every town should have one like this. There are two special gardens - the Spicer Family Garden and the Japanese Garden - both beautiful.

We headed back to the hotsprings and enjoyed a late night dip before calling it a night.

On Saturday, it rained the whole day. We enjoyed the hotsprings - and the hummingbirds that were all over the place.

We decided to take a drive to New Denver and passed Summit Lake and Roseberry on the way - beautiful areas - would like to camp there one day. When we arrived in New Denver, we decided to carry on to Sandon and check out the area.

Sandon is a true ghost town - at one time a thriving community now a great place learn about an important piece of BC's past.

                                               

We did try to get up to the parking area so we could walk up to Idaho Peak - but the road was washed out. We will have to try again.

On our way back to New Denver, we were lucky to spot a beautiful cinnamon colored brown bear - who was quite content to keep enjoying his snack while we watched!

Rainy weather meant lots of water - and the waterfalls in the area were full to the brim - and so beautiful.

Victoria Falls

Ione Falls

 A great time - hope to go back soon!

Active Pass Lighthouse, Mayne Island

The original Active Pass Lighthouse was constructed at Georgina Point on Mayne Island in 1885. The current circular concrete tower was built in 1969.

The lighthouse, also known as the Georgina Point Lighthouse, is viewed by hundreds of people every day from the ferries that run between Tsawwassen on the BC mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

But to really experience it, take advantage of the fact that the lighthouse grounds are open to the public and  include it as a place to see when you visit Mayne Island.

Barry and I visited the lighthouse in September 2010 - what a great view and with no rain, we enjoyed watching the sun go down.

Daytrip to Trinidad Cuba

Our trip to Cuba in 2009 included a daytrips to Trinidad. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1998, Trinidad seemed to be Varadero in reverse - lots of opportunity to interact with Cubans and it has kept most of its old world charm - cobblestone streets and traditional stucco houses painted pastel colors combine with a beautiful setting - breathtaking!

We checked out some of the local shops - there were lots of local artisans. Painters, weavers, carvers - but the one that stands out was the gentleman who had a display of handwoven hats and bags in the front of his home. He was more than happy to have us come in and even gave us a short tour of the inside of his home. Needless to say, I couldn't leave without a straw bag - and got a very nice one.

We walked up to the Plaza Mayor, the main square.  It was interesting to see the old churches around the square - all missing their religious symbols  and icons that should have been in the wall niches. Trinidad was an interesting mix of religions - the traditional Catholic churches and then the painting we saw featuring the various saints of the Santeria religion.

From the plaza, Patti and I decided to check out the Museo Nacional de la lucha Contra Bandidos, which was once the Convent of San Francisco de Asis. The quaint yellow bell tower is one of the most photographed sites in Trinidad and from the top you get a great view of the whole city. The climb up the very narrow circular staircase and ladder was worth it.

Barry and I both said several times during our trip that we would like to visit Trinidad again - and give the Caribbean side of Cuba a try.

 

Dinner Bay Community Park and Japanese Garden

While exploring Mayne Island (between enjoying the hot tub and walking the beaches!) we discovered a great community park just across the road from where we were staying. 

An even nicer discovery was that within the community park was a Japanese Garden, established by the residents of Mayne Island to recognize the contributions on early Japanese settlers, many who were relocated to New Denver during WWII and never returned to Mayne Island.

It is a peaceful garden, filled with plants, trees, pieces of art and historical articfacts. If you visit Mayne Island, make time to visit this garden!

Japanese Garden September 2010 Mayne Island

Irish Settlers Memorial Charlottetown PEI

When we visited PEI in February 2010, we had a chance to do lots of walking and quite by accident stumbled onto the Irish Settlers Memorial.

The memorial reads as follows:

“The Irish Settlers Memorial honours over ten thousand early immigrants to this island. The granite Celtic cross symbolizes both Ireland and Christianity. The circular terrace embraces thirty-two flagstones. Distinctive relics imported from each of the counties where the settlers had originated. The Memorial faces the harbour at Three Tides, where the Immigrants entered upon their new lives.

The Celtic Heritage Assoc. for P.E.I. –  Canada Day 2001.”

Barry's family came to the Island about 1800 from Ireland, so it was a great to find this monument. Life for Irish immigrants couldn't have been easy - and from the family research I have done, they left their families and encountered many challenges trying to begin a new life in Canada, including fighting stereotypes about the Irish. I hope the descendants of those families are not only tolerant of new Canadians, but accepting as well - remembering the struggle of those who came to PEI to make a better life.

Barry at Three Tides Harbour

McLure Wildfire Monument

The summer of 2003 in BC has been dubbed the 'Summer of Fire' - one of the most catastrophic in British Columbia’s recorded history. Due to an extended drought in the southern half of the province, forest firefighters faced conditions never seen before. Lightning strikes, human carelessness and arson all contributed to igniting nearly 2,500 fires involving more than 10,000 firefighters and support personnel - and burning more than 265,000 hectares at a cost of $375 million.

While the fires in Kelowna certainly were devasting for the amount of property and possessions that were lost, I believe the fire in the McLure/Barriere area was even more devasting. Not only did these communities lose property and possessions, the Tolko Mill at Louis Creek was totally destroyed - and was never rebuilt, resulting in a lose of employment for many.

Barry was in Barriere with the team when the call came for everyone to leave as the fire was raging out of control. For those called to work the fire, it was a lengthy stay - but at least they had a home to go to when it was all over.

On our return trip from Jasper, we stopped at the McLure Wildfire Monument. It was thought provoking to stand where fire had raged - leaving nothing in its path - but not extinguishing the sense of community found in the small, rural towns of McLure, Barriere and Louis Creek.

The McLure Wildfire Monument Society created the Wildfire Dragon Monument Site and Spirit Square to permanently recognize all those who fought in the fire, helped in the aftermath, and joined hands to rebuild - and what a tribute it is.

The Golden Mile and Naramata - Day Two

Day two of our winery tour started out at NK’MIP Cellars - the first aboriginal-owned and operated vineyard and winery in North America. While the wine was exceptional, I really enjoyed the storyboards recounting this history of the vineyard and the artwork that was displayed throughout the winery.



From Spirit Ridge and NK’MIP, we headed into Osoyoos to find a little place called 'Dolci' that was highly recommended as a place to go for breakfast. Mandy wasn't wrong - Dolci's was fresh and the outdoor patio was surrounded by plants of every type - flowers, herbs, vegetables.

After a little shopping (there were great homemade preserves there), a latte and a delicious omelette, we made our way out of Osoyoos and headed up to our first stop of the day, Cassini Cellars - home of 'Mama Mia'!

We tasted several wines there, and I found that I am starting to develop a taste for red wine - as long as they aren't oaked!!

 

From Cassini Cellars, we continued up the valley, stopping at a cute little quilt store before heading to Okanagan Falls and a visit to Tickleberries. You can't stop there without trying at least a small piece of fudge or having an ice cream cone. 

  I also had a chance to add a photo to our 'Little Book of Big Things' album when I spotted an oversize adirondack chair outside. Patti F took the photo - I sure felt like Edith Ann from Laugh In (I think I just dated myself - although I might have only been 8 when I saw that show lol)

From Okanagan Falls, we headed over to Naramata - our mission - check out Blasted Church Winery and Poplar Grove Cheese. We headed to Blasted Church first -what a fun place! The wine labels alone make you want to drink the wine - which is also very good.  At the entrance to the vineyard, there is a church pew and the sign made us laugh!

From Blasted Church we headed to Poplar Grove - where they have a new wine tasting lounge - and have a separate place to try out the cheese. And what cheese!! Harvest Moon,  Double Cream Camembert , Naramata Bench Blue - all are rich and creamy - the blue has been brine salted, not dry salted, giving it no internal blue veining. It has a hint of salt, and becomes slightly runny with age. If you like something stronger, try the tiger blue! You can't go wrong with taking any one of them home!

Our last stop before heading home was a fortunate coincidence - one of Patti F.'s favorite wines is Red Stiletto, made  by Ruby Blues Winery and we happened to pass the winery on our way back down the road from Poplar Grove. We didn't expect to find Red Stiletto - but thought it would be fun to see what the winery was like.

Much to our surprise - and Patti's delight - the winery had brought out a few more cases of Red Stiletto - and there were a few bottles available for purchase. It really was a fortunate coincidence! With the bottles of Red Stiletto tucked safely away in the trunk, we headed for home with our treasures - wine, cheese and memories of a fun 36 hours exploring the wineries of the Golden Mile and Naramata!

  

The Golden Mile and Naramata Bench Wineries - Day 1

When it comes to Okanagan wineries, there are so many choices that it would be impossible  to visit them all  - but this weekend, I joined 5 other women and we managed to visit 8 wineries, 3 great restaurants, a new resort and and one of my favorite cheese makers!

We headed out from Armstrong early Sunday morning - first stop - The Jammery for breakfast. I had the 1/2 eggs bennie corned beef - and while it was okay - I was disappointed that it was sliced deli corned beef. I know to ask next time!

From there we headed non-stop to the area between Oliver and Osoyoos - and our first winery, Burrowing Owl.  For wine tasting, the cost is a minimum $2 donation which goes directly to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia (BOCS of BC). I tried several wines and purchased some to take home, including a 2010 Pinot Gris.

From tasting wine, we headed to the restaurant for lunch. Instead of a large lunch, we ordered small plates and some also opted to try the soup.  The soup was an asparagus corn soup - creamy with a few niblets and good flavour. It went well with the artisan bread. For the small plate, I ordered the Pork Rilletes which was very good. Rillettes is a similar to pate made with shredded pork and used as as spread - in this case on a fresh baguette, served with small dill pickles and a spiced fruit marmalade.

And although we were full - we all managed to make room for dessert - Patti F. and I shared the Chocolate Pate with Expresso Shortbread - which was heavenly. The others shared the 40 Creek Rye Whiskey Baba and the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut and Mascarpone Semifreddo - all were delicious! From there, we made our way to the observation area of the winery - and took in the sights before heading to our next winery.

Next stop - Silver Sage Winery. Silver Sage Winery was established by Anna and Victor Manola. Set on the bank of Oxbow Creek, which meanders gently through the Manola’s vineyard, Silver Sage Winery offers a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains and countryside and a patented wine - Sage Grand Reserve.

Those who know me know that I am pretty adamant that I don't like red wine, or dry wine and really prefer anything sweet and fuity - but a visit to Silver Sage started to change my opinion about red wines. Tasting several - 'The Passion', Sunset and several delicious dessert wines, including one that included hot peppers. They were all special in their own way and several made it into the car - won't say which - but picked up a couple of nice gifts!

Down the road from Silver Sage is Stoneboat Vineyards, a family owned and operated artisan wine producer on Lower Black Sage Bench.

The wines were very good - especially the dessert wines - different than the what the previous two wineries offered. I loved the Verglas 2009 - a beautiful wine that will be perfect for an evening with family and friends.

A wrong turn ended up being a right turn for us - leaving Stoneboat Vineyard, we turned left instead of right, and ended up a Le Vieux Pin winery. Their goal is to make wines that capture the essence of French winemaking tradition, wine that are elegant and focused, with great intensity of fruit.

It was here Patti F. discovered a great wine - one that will only taste better by the time her 60th B'Day arrives - and she now has a bottle put away for that special occassion.

Our last stop for the day before heading to Spirit Ridge was Road 13, located across the valley from the other wineries we had visited.

The staff at Road 13 are great - and a place that has a minature daschund named 'Fil' as one of their 'weinery' dogs really can't be beat! A small daschund can be found following the tractor on every wine label and the staff gave me a fridge magnet when they heard I had a mini at home too!

I was 'wined out' but enjoyed checking out the new tasting lounge, storyboards and watching the others enjoying the Road 13 wines which they did!

Road 13 was the last winery for the day - from there we headed directly to Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa for dinner and a relaxing evening.

The accomodation at Spirit Ridge was outstanding - and I would highly recommend it. Although it might be a little pricey for a couple, between the six of us sharing 3 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom and tv) the cost, including tax was $66.00 pp - very reasonable for the deck, full kitchen, living room, dining room, washer/dryer - and the view.

Don't forget your swimsuit like I did - there are two swimming pools, hot tubs, lounge chairs and a spa too! After enjoying one of our wine purchases along with a cheese platter and great hummus from room service, we headed to the restaurant for dinner.

Passa Tempo Restaurant is a great place to spend time with friends - beautiful view from the balcony - plus great staff (ask for Mandy - she will ensure your time there is memorable) and good food. I had the house salad - very fresh, light citrus dressing, followed by the Salmon with Risotto Cakes - it was a good choice. The best choice - the Mini Chocolate Creme Brulee!

Mandy recommended the 'Mamma Mia' wine - and it was a good pick - so good, we added Cassini Cellars to our list of wineries to visit on the way home!

After relaxing on the balcony, enjoying the view from the lounge - we headed back to our home away from home - to sleep and dream of all the wines we tried and the ones waiting for us tomorrow!