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.

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  • 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.

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  • Flowing mountain stream cascading over dark rocks.

    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.

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  • Dense forest with tall trees, moss-covered ground, and fallen logs

    Skutz Falls

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

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  • Sunset over a calm ocean with distant mountains in the background and the sun reflecting on the water.

    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.

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  • A calm body of water with a forested shoreline on the right, mountains in the background, and a cloudy sky above.

    Gordon Bay

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

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  • View of a marina with sailboats and motorboats docked at piers on calm water, with a large body of water in the background.

    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.

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  • Dense green plants and moss growing on a rocky surface.

    More to come

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