News and Events
"Rivers of Voices, Ocean of Stories: Coming Together" Conference 2022
Activities & Tours
Activities and Tours
Thursday, May 26, 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.
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. 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.
*NEW* Our three featured tellers, Noa Baum, Elizabeth Ellis and Loren Neimi, will be offering one-on-one consultations on May 26th only. learn more here.
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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, 2022 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!
Book your Whale watching with:
Local: 1 (778) 732-5040 Toll-free: 1 (866) 748-5333
They offer Whale and Marine Wildlife Adventures departing daily from the picturesque beach town of Parksville BC. The northern reaches of the Salish Sea that surround the Parksville and Qualicum Beach area are teeming with whales and wildlife. Our experienced team is excited to share their passion and intimate knowledge of the whales and wildlife of the Salish Sea. We are dedicated to responsible and ethical wildlife viewing. (This is only a short drive from the resort.)
OR
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
1-250-667-5177
www.vancouverislandwhalewatch.com
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. (Nanaimo downtown is about 30 minutes from the resort.)
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Adventure Sea Kayaking!
A must-do adventure!
Sea Lion Tour
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!
This is a great little tour as you paddle over to see the California Sea Lions, which make this particular spot in Nanoose their home from September to the end of May. You do not need any previous kayaking experience to join this tour.
Also, if you or anyone else in your group, is over 6’2” or 220 lbs., please let us know so we can bring the appropriately sized kayak. If you wish to reserve any double kayaks, please confirm with your reservation. Please note that according to the size of the tour, you may be asked to be in double kayaks to adhere to the safety protocols set out by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC for guests:guides ratio and number of kayaks. With bigger groups, most people will be in double kayaks. Thank you.
Since we do not know at this time what the state of any virus will be in the foreseeable future, we ask that for safety of the public and staff, to follow Adventuress’ Covid-Safe Guidelines. These Guidelines include protocols on social distancing, kayak and gear cleanliness, instruction, payment and signing of waivers.
We ask that you NOT attend if any of the following applies to any member of your household:
· ANY cold, flu or COVID-19 like symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue or loss of appetite)
· you and/or your household have traveled to any country outside of Canada within the last 14 days
· have been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19
· have been told to self-isolate by Public Health
If you have any questions, please call Jan at 250.755.6702 or email adventuress@shaw.ca.
The tours offered by Rainforest Nature Tours in 2020 have been cancelled until 2023. There will NOT be a Forest Bathing Tour or an Interpretive Walk in Cathedral Grove.
However, if you have a vehicle, the drive to Cathedral Grove is about ½ hour from Parksville on the way to Port Alberni. It is truly a magnificent walk. You can couple this trip with a stop at “Goats on the Roof” on your way back (see below).
Goats on Roof
(Coombs Old Country Market)
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 in B.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 https://oceansidetaxi.ca/
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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Robert Held Glass Hot Shop
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.
There will be glass artists working regularly in the studio who will invite you to come in and watch the process.
SADLY, their Hot Glass Experiences where you work one-on-one with a glassblower to create a one-of-a-kind piece, is not available due to COVID concerns. However, the glass art in the showroom is well worth the trip.
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.
708 East Island Highway Parksville, B.C.
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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 the Pacific 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!
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Early Evening
Beach-Fire Storytelling Circle
A Free Event
We invite you to join others and tell stories around the fire on the Beach
(weather and fire regulations permitting).
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.
No need to reserve a spot.
Just show up.