ProgramPartners’ Program
Monday, September 21, 2009 - Nanaimo - Cathedral Grove- Milner Garden
The tour will leave from the Vancouver Island Conference centre at 8:30 am and return by 3:30 pm.
Cathedral Grove
Even for people that have been there before, Cathedral Grove is always a hit. "The forest that is compared to the large cathedrals of Europe, hence the name Cathedral Grove," The rare ancient Douglas-firs in Cathedral Grove are found along the narrow Cameron River valley bottom. This forest of giants extends beyond the existing highway before the terrain rises steeply. Follow a well marked winding trail trough the “giants” and experience the essence of the west coast. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes.
Milner Garden
Milner Garden is a 28 hectare estate on the waterfront at Qualicum Beach; purchased in 1937 by the Milner family who developed this English Garden over many years. Veronica Milner was a cousin of Winston Churchill, and also related to Diana, Princess of Wales; she, and the Prince of Wales, as well as the Queen and Prince Phillip stayed there. Veronica donated the estate to Vancouver Island University in 1996. It has a wide assortment of exotic plants and rhododendrons.
Lunch at Milner Garden
Nanaimo Museum
The Nanaimo Museum is located 1 minute away from the Conference Centre - a good place to finish the day.
Shopping and Browsing in the Old Quarter of Nanaimo.
Cost: $65.00 (includes admission fees and lunch)
An optional guided walking tour of historical downtown Nanaimo is available for $15.00 (2 hours)
Tuesday September 22, 2009 - Chemainus - Cobble Hill - Duncan
The tour will leave from the Vancouver Island Conference centre at 8:30 am and return by 4:30 pm.
Chemainus
Heralded as "the little town that did" Chemainus is known world-wide as the largest outdoor art gallery. With thirty-three larger-than-life historic paintings in this open air gallery Chemainus attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.
Merridale Estate Cidery
A visit to Vancouver Island would not be complete without stopping at one of the island's only cideries. Merridale Estate Cidery crafts distinct varieties of unpasteurized ciders from recipes that include 400-year old Elizabethan scripts. In the heart of the Cowichan Valley, the soil and climatic conditions mirror those of the renowned cider regions of Europe.
Cherry Point Vineyards
Located on the south east side of Vancouver Island in a pastoral setting of rolling green fertile hills surrounded by rugged mountains and majestic softwood rainforests…
A great place for lunch in the Cowichan Valley.
Lunch at Cherry Point Vineyards
First Nations Cultural Centre- Duncan
This stop will offer you excellent displays of local First Nations art and crafts, an historical overview of coastal BC First Nations; live demonstrations; and an art shop full of great gift ideas.
Cost: $66.00 (includes admission fees and lunch)
Wednesday September 23, 2009 - Cedar – Yellow Point Artisans Tour
The tour will leave from the Vancouver Island Conference centre at 8:30 am and return by 2:30 pm.
Barton–Leier Art Gallery and Gardens
Beautiful gardens and two well known artists.
Yellow Point Cranberry Farm
Interesting tour of a family run cranberry farm, from fields to finished products.
Hazelwood Herb Farm
The farm has over 400 species of herb plants and gifts for sale, as well as an excellent herb garden.
Lunch at Crow and Gate
One of the most popular neighborhood pubs on Vancouver Island.
Cost: $55.00 (includes admission fees and lunch)
The cost is based on a minimum of 10 registered participants per tour; tours will not be offered unless there are at least 10 registered participants.