Around the residency

The residency is within a 1.5-hour drive of some of the most beautiful natural sites Vancouver Island offers. Here, ancient forests are rich biomes of 1,000-year-old trees, ferns, moss, and red soil. The tide pools are a mesmerizing world of marine life waiting to be explored.

Rugged ocean beaches stretch along the coast, with quaint seaside towns dotting the island. They are full of character and provide a glimpse into the laid-back island life.

The crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls are idyllic for a refreshing retreat and swim. And if you're up for a scenic hike, the rolling mountains around the island offer trails with stunning views. Vancouver Island's diverse landscapes promise many experiences close to your doorstep.

Retreat, explore, create, experiment

  • Mystic Beach

    Mystic Beach

    A stunning 2-hour hike through dense coastal rainforest forest to the sand beach and eroded cliffs of Mystic Beach.

  • Avatar Grove

    Avatar Grove

    Explore a protected old-growth forest famous for 20-foot-wide ancient trees whose bark flows like water. Then take a break at the seaside town of Port Renfrew for fish and chips.

  • Englishman River Falls

    Cascading waterfall, hiking through lush forests, and swimming in the river above the falls. Make a day trip to the falls, Cameron Lake, and Cathedral Grove's ancient trees.

  • Skutz Falls

    Just a 10-minute drive from the residency, spend hours hiking and documenting along the Cowichan River.

  • Sombrio Beach

    You will relax on the beach at the southern tip of the island, looking down the Straight of Juan de Fuca towards the Pacific Ocean. A short walk down the beach, you will find a secret cave waterfall.

  • Gordon Bay

    A 10-minute drive from the residency is a stunning swimming spot on Cowichan Lake with forested hikes.

  • Cowichan Bay

    Come explore the historic seaside town of Cowichan Bay. Amazing baked goods, restaurants, local shops, and the marina. Quick trip for endless hiking on Mount Tzuhalem.

  • More to come

    As we keep exploring the island together, we will have more documentation. Much more to come!