News and Events
Conference 2020 [CANCELLED]
Field Trips
The 2020 Annual Conference in Parksville, British Columbia, which was scheduled for May 27 to 31, is cancelled.
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Activities and Tours- Thursday, May 28, 2020
Please note: We are going to do the activities and tours differently than we have done in the past. In prior years, we have had people sign up and pay for the tours on the website when they register. This year all field trips will be registered for directly through the tour operators.
The tour operators have requested that everything goes to them directly so they can monitor available seats, etc. Also, they will collect their own payments directly and SC-CC will not be involved in the finances of the tours/activities.
However, we will advertise them on the website as options available for that Thursday. People can then choose whatever activities or tours they wish to participate in. Some of the activities will be available outside the Conference dates as well.
~ MORNING ~
Sea Lion Tour- Adventure Sea Kayaking, a must-do adventure!
2 Hours
No experience necessary
An adventure of a lifetime! Paddle your kayak on the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean to visit the many sea lion migrating for the winter months. Bring your camera for unbelievable pictures to post to your friends!
Share a cab for a ten-minute drive to the launch. If you sign up for this tour, then please notify the Conference Committee at conference2020@storytellers-conteurs.ca. Put “Kayak Tour” in the subject line. We will help organize the group going to this tour.
Time to be determined depending on tides by January 2020.
$55 + 5% goods and service tax an offer a 10% discount to conference attendees once there are 10 people or more.
Full price includes tour, guide, equipment, and kayak: $57.75/person. The discounted price with tax is $51.98.
Book your adventure ASAP with:
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Coastal Tours Co Ltd- Explore the History of Nanaimo!
If you love history this is the tour for you!
$35 per person
Carolyn will pick you up at Tigh-Na-Mara at 9:30 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m.
Join Carolyn on the scenic 30-minute drive to Nanaimo harbour city centre. There you will visit the Nanaimo Museum and the Historical Bastion built in 1853. Finishing off at a local bakery to indulge in the world- famous Nanaimo Bar. Admissions included in price.
Book your tour with:
Carolyn at Coastal Tour Co Ltd
250-741-4420
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Ancient Forest Tour
Interpretive Forest Walk in Cathedral Grove, and time at the Coombs Old Country Market (“Goats on the Roof”) with Gary and Ronda Murdock!
Vancouver Island is known as Canada’s “Paradise on the Pacific,” famous for its beaches, forests and artisans. Our Ancient Forest Nature Tour has a taste of it all, from Parksville Beach to “Goats on the Roof” Coombs Country Market, followed by travel along scenic Cameron Lake to Cathedral Grove for an interpretive forest walk with retired B.C. Forest Service technician, Gary Murdock.
See some of the largest Coastal Douglas Fir old-growth trees on Vancouver Island and one of the most endangered plant communities in Canada. Enjoy an exceptional and awesome experience of standing next to trees 250 feet tall, 9 feet in diameter which are over 800 years old. You will see culturally modified trees and learn how First Nations used and conserved the forests for thousands of years.
Minimum 2 people. Maximum 13 people
$59.00 per person + 5% tax for up to 13 participants
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., May 28, 2020
Transportation pick up and drop off included.
For more information and to book call 1-250-248-3667
~ AFTERNOON ~
Pacific Rainforest AdventureTours Ltd. - Forest Bathing Experience
Unplug from technology and find a better connection in the forest.
Experienced &knowledgeable eco-tour guides, Gary and Ronda Murdock, invite you to come relax, rejuvenate and soak up nature's restorative medicines on a slow-paced,sensory, and mindful forest bathing experience.
Minimum 2 people, Maximum 13 people
$40.00 plus GST
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Transportation pick up and drop off included.
For more information and to book call 1-250-248-3667
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Stories in the Grove
A storytelling walking tour in majestic Cathedral Grove with storyteller Margaret Murphy.
The bus, with Margaret on board, will pick you up at Tigh-Na-Mara at 1:00 p.m. and bring you back to Tigh-Na-Mara at 4:00 p.m.
Join Vancouver Island resident and storyteller Margaret Murphy as we explore the grandeur and magic of the old growth forest, visiting with Douglas Fir, Hemlock and a variety of rainforest plants, in a storytelling and walking tour of world-renowned MacMillan Provincial Park, also known as Cathedral Grove.
The 90-minute walking and storytelling tour takes place in protected forest, on gentle paths. No climbing is involved. Margaret will share myths, legends and historical anecdotes about the forest and its inhabitants.
There will be time for quiet reflection and picture-taking on this magical site.
Price: $25.00 per person
To register for Stories in the Grove
Call or text Dorothy at 250-713-2243
Or email Dorothy at peace4u@shaw.ca
Maximum: 10 people
~ ALL DAY INDEPENDENT TOURS & ACTIVITIES ~
Goats on Roof: The ‘Number One’ tourist attraction on Vancouver Island
Carpool to take the less than $35.00 taxi ride to Coombs with Oceanside Taxi. Driving a car and willing to take others? We will provide you with a map.
“Goats on Roof” Old Country Market is for those who want the ultimate shopping experience. Taste the best ice cream inB.C.: Island Farms ice cream. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Cuckoo’s Trattoria. Or just eat doughnuts at Billy G.'s Donut Shop.
Oceanside Taxi 250-954-8294
Goats on Roof is open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cuckoo Trattoria is open 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
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The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara
You Deserve It! Treat Yourself to Pampering!
Book early. Don’t be disappointed.
Includes facials, body wraps, body glows, massages, manicures and pedicures. Most treatments focus on West Coast natural ingredients. Book alone or book a ‘social-spa’ catering to your group.
To ensure your preferred treatment, date and times are available,advanced booking is advised. Booking: 4-6 weeks ahead of your stay is recommended. Walk-ins may also be available.
To book:
Call 1-800-663-7373 or 250-248-1838
Email: relax@grottospa.com
www.grottospa.com
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Sky Diving Vancouver Island
See Vancouver Island from the sky!
Book your Skydiving experience between May 25th and June 5, 2020 with our SC-CC Promo Code and receive $40.00 off your price.
Please call or text before booking: Sandy Cole @ 1-250-616-2731 for the Promo Code
Then book your jump with:
Sky dive Vancouver Island
www.skydivevancouverisland.com
Cell: 250-580-5867 or Toll free: 1-877-360-5867
#9 – 1000 Ravensbourne Lane (Qualicum Beach Airport)
Qualicum Beach, B.C.
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Walk the 1.9 km or carpool for the less than $10.00 taxi ride with
Oceanside Taxi (250-954-8294)
Just shop and browse.
OR! There will be glass artists working regularly in the studio who will invite you to come in and watch the process.
OR BETTER STILL, participate in one of their Hot Glass Experiences. You will work one-on-one with an experienced glass blower to create your own one of a kind piece for $75.00.
The studio prides itself on providing its customers with a large selection of affordable hand-blown gift items. Robert’s glass work has also been chosen for many prestigious awards and collections. His goblets were selected to grace the table of the Governor General’s “Perfect Setting” and his newest commissioned piece: a glass bowl encasing 23rd karat gold maple leaves and sparkling dichroic glass now sits in Her Majesty’s Royal Collection.
Appointment is required, call to book 250-586-4353/ 1-800-665-0725
Book ASAP to avoid disappointment!
Please Note: Arrange to either pick up or have your creation delivered the following day www.robertheld.ca
708 East Island Highway Parksville, B.C.
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Vancouver Island Whale Watching!
An Exciting B.C. Adventure
B.C.'S MOST SUSTAINABLE WHALE WATCHING - OWNED AND OPERATED BY MARINE SCIENTISTS
Book your whale watching experience between May 25 and June 5, 2020 with our SC-CC Promo Code and get 15% off.
Experience B.C.'s most sustainable whale watching on an unforgettable day at sea aboard an open zodiac-style boat or a semi-covered vessel.
You will be taken through the Salish Sea ecosystem to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. Our coastal wilderness is home to killer whales, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals, eagles, and more! Our three to four-hour whale watching tours depart daily from downtown Nanaimo B.C., April through October. Your captain and vessel are certified by Transport Canada, and your tour is professionally guided by a marine naturalist with an academic background in marine biology. Many of our guides are also whale researchers and can share the latest information on local marine conservation and research.
Please call or text Heather Goldston @ 236-334-4659 before booking to obtain the Promo Code
Book your Whale watching with:
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
1-250-667-5177
www.vancouverislandwhalewatch.com
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Freebies Will Be All Around You!!!
Hang out at Tigh-Na-Mara with a good cup of coffee or tea; or find an old friend! Sit in a lounge. Go to the restaurant or bar. Gather in a group to share your past year, tell a story, or discuss the recent storytelling challenges and successes! Walk along thePacific Ocean’s sandy, white beaches! Perhaps, just sit on a blanket contemplating the sea. Or, build that sandcastle on the beach! Walk to Rathtrevor Beach! Look for eagles along the way. There are many quiet corners to sit and read, start creating that new story, or just people watch.
Make a new friend! Laugh lots, share much, cry a few tears, and have tons of fun! Make time for an adventure, make a new friend and spend time with your old friends too. And remember you’re visiting the most popular Canada’s playground, so make memories you’ll never forget!
~ EARLY EVENING ~
Beach-Fire Storytelling Circle
A Free Event
We invite you to join others and tell stories around the fire on the Beach. The fire will start at 6:00 p.m. and will be maintained by the Tigh-Na-Mara staff for an hour. Come and tell your own short story, or just listen to others. There will be marshmallows to roast and laughs to be had.Come for a relaxing experience around the fire.
No need to reserve a spot. Just show up.
Contact person: Heather Goldston by call or text 236-334-4659