Top Ten Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus

Top Ten Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus

by | Apr 15, 2023 | Cowichan Valley

Top 10 Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus

Why take a shuttle? It’s your wedding and you want the best: the best venue, the perfect ceremony, and a party you’ll never forget. This is your once in a lifetime after all! You want your guests to talk about this event for years!

Taking a wedding shuttle bus, especially the Cheers Cowichan bus, is an easy, worry-free way to make sure guests get to where they need to be on time and in comfort.

Here are the top 10 reasons to take a wedding shuttle bus.

1. It’s Safe

Safety is the most important reason to use the services of a wedding shuttle bus. It’s your special day and you want only the best memories associated with your wedding. Having a shuttle bus means your guests won’t be drinking and driving. They and you, can really enjoy the reception knowing they have a safe ride home. The responsibility shifts to the shuttle bus driver and we’ve got the best!

If your wedding is at a large venue, be aware that many venues now require shuttle buses for insurance purposes. Even for a smaller more intimate wedding, having a shuttle bus protects homeowners from being responsible for the actions of those that have had a few too many after leaving their personal property.

2. It’s Convenient

What could be more convenient for you and your guests than having them picked up by a wedding shuttle? No worries about guests getting lost or being delayed getting to the ceremony or the reception. And no arguments about who will be the designated driver! The shuttle bus picks them up and drops them off when and where they need to be.

3. No Parking Problems

No car. No parking. No problem! Parking can be a real challenge in some locations, especially if you’ve chosen a unique, off the beaten track site. With a shuttle bus, guests don’t have to worry about driving around looking for a parking spot that’s not a 10-minute walk to the venue, and what if it’s raining or you’re carrying a wedding gift? The shuttle will drop them off at the door, avoiding the walk, the weather, and the hassle of parking.

4. It’s Comfortable

A wedding shuttle bus provides a comfortable way for guests to travel to your wedding in style. Buses are climate controlled, have comfortable seating, and provide amenities such as Bluetooth connections for your favourite playlists. Travelling by shuttle ensures the guests get to the wedding in a comfortable, stress-free atmosphere.

5. It’s Environmentally Friendly

Want to feel even better about your wedding? How about taking more than 30 cars off the road? Taking a wedding shuttle to transport a large group of people is the environmentally friendly option. By removing all those cars driving to the wedding venue from the road, carbon emissions are reduced and Mother Nature thanks you!

6. It’s Better for Traffic

Multiple cars on the road all going to the same place means more traffic congestion and more chances of traffic jams and fender benders. Taking a shuttle bus smooths away these potential bumps in the road!

7. It’s Cost-Effective

Are you having a destination wedding? Are guests coming from out of town? A shuttle bus transports a large group of people at once, saving money for guests who would otherwise have to rent a vehicle or take a cab.

8. Increased Attendance

A wedding shuttle bus can also increase attendance at the wedding. Guests who may not have been able to attend because of transportation issues can now be there for your special day because there is a shuttle bus available.

9. It Provides Unique Photo Ops

As wonderful as your formal wedding photos will be, nothing quite beats the candid, unposed selfie for catching the spirit and joy of the day. The shuttle bus can provide great photo opportunities. Guests can take photos of themselves and others on the bus, and the bus itself can be a unique backdrop for wedding photos, adding a fun and interesting element to the pictures.

10. It Bonds Yours Guests

Last but certainly not least, taking a wedding shuttle bus can provide a great bonding experience for your guests. It extends the wedding experience to include the journey. Chatting with one another, taking photos, practising speeches, all help to promote a sense of camaraderie among your guests.

When planning your wedding, consider arranging for a wedding shuttle bus to make your guests feel as special as you do.

 

Cider: Beer’s Hipper, Younger Brother

Cider: Beer’s Hipper, Younger Brother

by | Mar 31, 2023 | Brewery Tours, Cowichan Valley, Wine Tours

Cider: Beer’s Hipper, Younger Brother

Beer had already been around for 8,000 years when the builders of the Egyptian pyramids paid their workers four to five litres of beer daily. By comparison, cider is relatively young. Julius Caesar’s invading troops first observed the Celts creating cider from crabapples in 55 BCE.

The word cider comes down to us from Middle English meaning “liquor made from the juice of fruits” and later “beverage made from apples”.

Ciders vary from dry to sweet so there is something for every palate. They may appear cloudy with sediment, absolutely clear, or anything in between. The colour varies from pale, almost completely clear to amber through to brown. These variations are mostly created by differences in filtering during production. Cider may be alcoholic (sometimes called hard cider) or non alcoholic, and still or sparkling, although sparkling cider is more common. Ciders are typically classified as Modern, Heritage, and Specialty.

Heritage ciders

Originally, ciders were made from crabapples or locally available wild apples such as Golden Russet in areas with cool climates such as Great Britain and parts of western Europe. Today, Heritage ciders are produced using culinary and cider apples including wild apples, crabapples, heirlooms, and bittersweet and bittersharp.

Heritage ciders are typically made from apples such as Roxbury Russet, Kingston Black, and Dabinett and have higher tannin levels than modern ciders. The colour ranges from yellow to amber and clarity from brilliant to hazy.

“Loyalist-style” ciders are quite dry, and are a variety of heritage cider made in Canada using McIntosh apples.

Modern ciders

Modern ciders are made from culinary apples such as Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonagold, and McIntosh. They are more acidic but lower in tannins than other types of cider. Colours range from pale to yellow, and appearance varies in clarity from brilliant to hazy. Modern ciders that are mass-produced look very similar to sparkling wine while traditional types are darker and cloudier. These traditional brands are often stronger and have a more powerful apple taste.

Low alcohol or sweet cider has a strong apple aroma and flavour, while high alcohol or dry cider is fruitier in aroma and flavour.

White cider, as its name suggests, is almost colourless. It is sweeter and some feel, more refreshing than other ciders. It is usually 7-8% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Black cider is a dry premium cider that is, strangely, amber in colour and typically has an alcohol content of 7–8 % ABV.

Specialty ciders

Specialty ciders have no restrictions on the types of apples to be used and therefore come in many different styles such as spiced, hopped, sour, wood-aged, fruit, and iced ciders.

Spiced ciders have spices such as cinnamon or ginger added before, during, or after the fermentation process. Hopped ciders have hops such as Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, and Cascade added during fermentation. Sour ciders use non standard yeast and bacteria to elevate acid production for that mouth-puckering taste!

Wood-aged ciders are fermented or aged in wooden barrels. This adds woody, earthy flavours to the final product. Fruit ciders have other fruit or juices added to the production process, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Ice ciders are made from apples naturally frozen outdoors or from pre-pressed frozen juice.

Cider in Canada

Cider is widely enjoyed across Canada with Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan being the only Canadian provinces that do not produce cider.

Canada has strict regulations for the sourcing and alcohol content of cider. Under the Canadian Food and Drug Act Regulations, cider is defined as the alcoholic fermentation of apple juice. In addition, it must contain at least 2.5% but no more than 13% ABV. Aside from that, the list of ingredients that may be added during production is fairly flexible, allowing for the seemingly endless varieties of cider commercially available.

Cowichan Valley Cider

The Cowichan Valley’s climate, soil and water are ideal for growing apple trees. The long growing season creates apples that have time to develop complex flavours during slow ripening. No surprise then, that the craft cider industry has been taking hold in recent years.

Whether you’re out exploring for the day or a serious cider enthusiast, visit one of our local cideries and tickle your taste buds!

Merridale Cidery and Distillery:

One of the oldest cideries in the Valley, Meridale’s orchard has over 20 varieties of apple trees and produces a range of ciders, from dry and crisp to sweet and complex.

Valley Cider Company:

This small-batch, traditional cidery produces ciders using heritage and modern apple varieties. Unique offerings include Afternoon Delight, Bloo, and Cherry Bomb.

Affinity Ciderhouse:

The Cowichan Valley’s latest up-and-coming craft cidery produces a Heritage Dry, a Modern Dry and Pome Blend (apples, pears, and quince).

 

Spotlight on Chemainus

Spotlight on Chemainus

by | Mar 22, 2023 | Cowichan Valley

Spotlight on Chemainus

The Cowichan Valley is nestled in the middle of southern Vancouver Island and includes the historic lands of the native Quw’utsun people from whom it takes its name. The word “Quw’utsun” itself comes from a word in the Hul’q’umi’num language which means “to warm one’s back in the sun”. Residents of the Cowichan Valley are blessed with the warmest year–round temperatures in Canada which is why the area is known as “the Warm Land.” Chemainus is one of the many picturesque little towns in this area.

Chemainus is right on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island and has a permanent population of about 4,000 people.

A Brief History

Like many towns on Vancouver Island, Chemainus has roots in the native indigenous peoples and is named after a shaman and prophet “Tsa-meeun-is” which means “broken chest”. According to legend, Tsa-meeun-is became a powerful chief after surviving an arrow to his chest in battle. His people became the Stz’uminus First Nation, taking his name in tribute.

In 1858, Chemainus was founded as a logging town. The railway came through in the 1880s bringing European settlers and the area continued to grow and thrive. However, the forest industry declined towards the middle of the 20th century and in the 1980s its large sawmill closed, replaced by a smaller mill. It was around this time that local business people, in particular, Karl Schutz, decided to revitalize the town and try to draw in tourism dollars. The mural project was born!

Those Fabulous Murals

Chemainus is probably best known today for its unusual “living murals”. The 53 large scale murals cover the sides of buildings, some as tall as two stories, and were commissioned to showcase the town’s history and culture.

Dozens of artists have lent their talents to the mural project since its inception in 1982. Each painting tells a story visually using colourful, realistic figures in detailed settings. The murals include depictions of life from the town’s historic logging and mining industries, as well as local wildlife and marine life, and important community events.

Visitors come from around the world to stroll through this “living museum” celebrating the legacy of Chemainus. Guided walking tours allow participants to learning about the stories behind each of the murals and examine them up close.

The “Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest” mural covering the side of a building near the main street shows whales, bears, and eagles and is a popular favourite. Another is the “Chemainus Valley” mural, which portrays the town’s lush green forests and rolling hillsides. The Festival of Murals Society maintains, restores, and adds murals and artwork to the outdoor art collection.

Aside from saving the town’s economy by attracting tourists, the Chemainus murals preserve its history and legacy for the future, and are an enormous source of pride to the town’s residents.

The Chemainus Theatre

The Chemainus Theatre Festival presents a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year at its beautiful white domed, award winning, building. Past productions include The Importance of Being Ernest and Mama Mia! This season will feature a fantastic selection of musicals, comedies, mysteries, and thrillers. There is something for everyone! The theatre has a full dining room and a beautiful gift shop displaying the work of more than 100 artisans including pottery, paintings, prints, jewelry, clothing, glass, wood, books, and sculptures.

Want to Explore Other Options?

Chemainus may be small but there is plenty to do and see. The town is home to a thriving arts scene, with several galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. There are a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as several parks and beaches. Take a stroll through Waterwheel Park, which has a working waterwheel built in 1912, head over to Kin Beach Park for a picnic and a swim, take in a round of golf at the 75 year old Mount Brenton Golf Course, or check out the Chemainus Valley Museum to learn more about this fascinating town and its heritage.

For the outdoorsy, hiking and camping in the surrounding forests and mountains of Chemainus will reconnect you to nature’s majesty. Nearby Mount Brenton offers views of the Gulf Islands and is a popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The Chemainus River and Fuller Lake are also great places to go fishing or kayaking.

Whether you are interested in art and culture, outdoor adventures, or enjoying the small-town vibe, Chemainus is charming and unique destination for visitors to the Cowichan Valley.

When is a Pub not a Pub?

When is a Pub not a Pub?

by | Mar 16, 2023 | Brewery Tours, Cowichan Valley, Pub Shuttle

When is a Pub not a Pub?

Remember when, if you wanted to go out for a drink you just went to a local bar? Well, welcome to the age of choices! Now you and your best pals can be shuttled to bars, pubs, brew pubs, craft breweries, microbreweries, and gastropubs. Confusing, right? Let’s see if we can clear this up.

Bars, Pubs, or Taverns

Ale as a drink predates the occupation of Great Britain by the Roman Empire in the first century AD. The construction of the system of Roman roads led to the appearance of the first taverns (known as “tabernae”) serving food and drinks.

A Taphouse is a tavern consisting of a building with a bar and public rooms; often providing light meals.

Bars typically do not serve food and you go to the counter or bar to order drinks, hence the name. There is an age limit for patrons and bars can be attached to other businesses such as hotels.

Pubs, short for “public houses”, became established around the beginning of the 19th century and have been the social centre of the villages and towns of England and those countries once part of the British Empire ever since.

Pubs generally occupy their own building and serve casual food and drinks with a focus on beer and wine although they also provide non-alcoholic drinks. Pubs provide a social gathering place for locals as well as those just passing through.

Microbreweries or Craft Breweries

A brewery, sometimes called a beerhouse, is a commercial establishment that creates and sells beer. It can produce millions of barrels of beer per year.

As its name suggests, a microbrewery produces much less annually – no more than 15,000 barrels. It must be licensed by the Government of Canada, and be independently owned. Microbreweries make specialty beers and most are sold and drunk on site.

Trying to pin down a definition of a craft brewery or microbrewery is difficult as there is no consistency across Canada. Most craft breweries are small and locally or family owned. According to the BC Craft Brewers Guild, member brewers must be majority owned in BC and produce less than 200,000 hectolitres of beer per year.

Brew Pubs

Brew pubs gained popularity in recent years as an extension of the movement towards supporting local businesses using locally-sourced ingredients sustainably. Essentially, a brew pub is a combination of a brewery and a restaurant.

The beer is brewed on the premises and often served directly from the brewing tanks providing a unique look at the technical skill and methods used to create a top-quality beverage. Food offered is typical pub fare.

The Cowichan Valley has become a popular center for the craft beer industry. Take a pub crawl through these local brew pubs:

  1. Red Arrow Brewing Company: Located in Duncan, the Red Arrow brews small batch high quality beer taking every opportunity to use locally sourced ingredients. The food menu features classic pub fare with vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
  2. Small Block Brewery: A family-run brewery with a cozy atmosphere, Small Block even features live music on the weekends. The menu features craft beer, cider, and snacks.
  3. Craig Street Brew Pub: Offering a range of handcrafted beers brewed on site, the pub has a cozy fireplace for winter and an outdoor patio for warmer weather. Food on offer covers the range of appies to desserts.
  4. The Oak Taphouse: Fostering community and connections, The Oak serves up local craft brews and delicious home-grown eats.
  5. Riot Brewing Co.: Located in Chemainus, the Riot Brewing Co. offers a full lounge license, outdoor patio, sleeves, and sample flights. It’s kid- and dog-friendly.
  6. Bayview Brewing Company: Locally owned and operated in Ladysmith, Bayview offers wonderful craft beer and appies, bowls, and sandwiches sure to please anyone.
  7. Sawmill Taphouse and Grill: Another reason to stop in Chemainus, the Sawmill features Pacific Northwest craft beers and forno oven pizzas. Authentic farm-to-table tapas and appetizers complete the incredible atmosphere.

Gastropubs

Gastropubs first made an appearance in England in 1991 when the new owners of The Eagle pub decided to offer “restaurant quality” food in their pub moving the focus away from a purely drinking establishment. The word gastropub was created by combining “pub” and “gastronomy” to emphasize the inventiveness and quality of the food on offer.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of beer, a foodie, or just want to hoist a few and kick back with good friends, the Cowichan Valley offers a diverse range of establishments for visitors to explore.

 

Top 10 Reasons for an Outdoor Wedding

Top 10 Reasons for an Outdoor Wedding

by | Feb 24, 2023 | Cowichan Valley

Top 10 Reasons for an Outdoor Wedding

It may be difficult to imagine having an outdoor wedding when it’s cold and rainy outside but for those brides who definitely want a summer wedding, this can be a fabulous way to celebrate “the big day” with family and friends!

Here in the Cowichan Valley, we’ve got it all: flower filled gardens, rolling green hillsides, primeval forest, rocky or sandy beaches, picturesque vineyards, country casual farms, and mountain tops with panoramic views. If you can dream it up, we’ve probably got it.

Here are the top 10 reasons to plan an outdoor wedding.

1. Natural Beauty

They don’t call us “Super, Natural British Columbia” for nothing! The stunning natural beauty of this area provides endless opportunities for your photographer to capture the perfect moments you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

2. More Space

Outdoor weddings offer more space for your guests. Large or small you won’t have to cut down your guest list to fit an inside venue’s space allowance. Your guests won’t feel cramped or overcrowded and they’ll enjoy socializing in a more relaxed and open environment.

3. A Chance to Personalize

Unique settings give you more opportunities to personalize your wedding making your day truly your own. A forest fairy tale? A romantic European vineyard feel? Toes in the sand beach chic? You choose the colours, decor, and seating arrangements to suit your taste, style, and budget.

4. A Relaxed Atmosphere

Not comfortable in a formal setting? Prefer bare feet on the beach over stilettos in the ballroom? An outdoor wedding is a great way to create a relaxed and easy atmosphere for your day. The fresh air, picturesque environment, and open space can help everyone to feel happier and more relaxed. Your wedding will feel more like a celebration than a formal event.

5. More Flexibility

Outdoor weddings offer more flexibility when it comes to your schedule. You won’t have to worry about strict venue rules about decor or time restrictions. You can choose the time of day so take your vows at sunset and dance the night away under the fairy lights in the trees if that’s your dream.

6. More Privacy

Prefer an intimate celebration with your nearest and dearest? Outdoor weddings can provide that private, cozy venue you’ve been looking for. With fewer people, less noise, and less traffic, you and your guests can relax in a peaceful and secluded setting, making your wedding feel more special and exclusive.

7. A Chance to Explore

Whether it’s taking a romantic walk through a garden, strolling along the beach, or exploring a beautiful park, an outdoor wedding can be a chance to enjoy and experience nature.

8. More Fun and Activities

With more space and flexibility, outdoor weddings can offer more opportunities for fun and activities for your guests. Are kids coming to the wedding? From lawn games to photo booths, outdoor weddings can provide a range of entertainment options that can make your wedding day even more memorable.

9. More Natural Lighting

Dreaming of a sunset wedding? Natural lighting can make for incredible wedding photos. The soft, natural light of the sun can help to create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere that can make your wedding photos truly stunning.

10. Unforgettable Memories

Finally, an outdoor wedding can create unique moments in time that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime. The stunning natural surroundings, relaxed atmosphere, and unique experiences can make your wedding day truly unforgettable, and create memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.

No matter the size of the wedding, your personal style, and the budget, an outdoor wedding can be the perfect venue.