SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND – THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

By: Jeff Morrow

At its best, southern Vancouver Island offers residents and visitors alike a veritable cornucopia of world-class outdoor activities! Just a few of which include tidal and fresh water angling, horseback trail riding, scuba diving, whale watching, bird watching, spectacular nature and wildlife viewing, eco tours, ocean kayaking, sailing, golfing, hiking and so much more!

Toss in well established vineyard tours, visits to historical sites and museums and opportunities to sample Spa and Wellness treatments including Reflexology, Massage, Reiki, and Reiki enhanced Massage , a couple can enjoy ‘personal time’ that is difficult to surpass.

Elk Ridge Estate, (www.ElkRidgeEstate.com) located just minutes west of Duncan in the southern reaches of the Cowichan Valley, is at the epicenter of this ‘horn of plenty’ – a gift that just keeps on giving. Owned and operated by Stephanie Aikenhead and husband Shawn, the majestic Elk Ridge Estate appears to visitors in a clearing within the forest as if a small fragment of heaven has descended to earth. An authentic ‘west-coast’ style log home, it is constructed from gorgeous west coast Douglas fir trees . Elk Ridge Estate is a serene place to relax and reflect while enjoying any one or a combination of immensely satisfying activities.

“My wife, Linda, and I have had the privilege of traveling to many foreign countries and have enjoyed many wonderful people and places. Elk Ridge Estate and all of its amenities is a truly world-class experience. Stephanie and Shawn are amazing hosts, so much so that visitors are almost immediately made to feel like family,” explains Jay Silverberg, a resident of Parksville.

It’s true. Elk Ridge Estate provides guests with all of the so-called ‘modern comforts’ in a serene, natural setting, surrounded by beauty, birds, wildlife and nature. With a focus on couples, the Aikenheads provide luxury and complete privacy in an exquisite two-bedroom suite featuring a wood-burning fireplace, library, pool table, wet bar, hot tub, laundry facilities and a fully appointed kitchen. Guests may enjoy their purchases of delicious local wines, cider and beer, while participating in a game of badminton , volleyball, croquet or bocce ball on the lush, expansive front lawn. Occasionally a large herd of up to 25 Roosevelt elk, indigenous to the Cowichan Valley, will wander through the property, providing awe inspiring viewing and photo opportunities.

And that’s only a great way to end a day. Stephanie offers guests a stunning array of activities and pastimes that can be included in any package visitors wish to customize.

“That is really our area of expertise; packaging a holiday specific to our guests desires. We will arrange tidal and fresh water fishing charters, dive charters, trail rides, cultural and eco tours, bird watching and Marsh tours, vineyard, winery and cider works tours, scenic nature tours, whale watching, golfing, rain forest hikes, and specialty Spa and Wellness Services.”

Stephanie explains. “We welcome scuba divers and their gear, and know that they will thoroughly enjoy our new artificial reef, Xihwu, the Boeing airplane recently sunk just off of Chemainus! Divers appreciate our fresh water rinsing station and drying facility, as well as the lock up, available to stow their gear while enjoying the many other exciting activities the Cowichan valley has to offer.”

Do not be misled by this expansive menu. The activities and services available to be packaged are all provided by expert ‘contractors.’

Tidal salmon and halibut adventures depart from Port Renfrew on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Port Renfrew is a scenic drive of about one hour from Elk Ridge Estate. All guides are professional and definitely deliver results. Fresh water adventures are provided on the world famous Cowichan River by local high-liner Dave Gunn; owner/operator of River Quest Charters. ( www.riverquest.ca ) Dave has lived in the Cowichan Valley for his entire life and is widely recognized as the premier professional guide working the Cowichan. Steelhead adventures peak between January and March, while the autumn coho salmon runs, between September and November, can literally wear out an avid angler.

During a December visit to Elk Ridge Estate, Jay enjoyed a drift down the Cowichan River with Dave in his sturdy, comfortable drift boat. While the action was somewhat slow on that particular day, Jay described the experience as; "… spectacular! Far better than any ride at Disneyland. The fishing may have been a bit off, but who cares? It was a terrific way to spend the better part of a day."

Trail rides are provided by Circle M Trail Rides. (www.circlemtrailrides.com) Guests are treated to custom rides that feature awe-inspiring scenery - such as stunning views of the region from Mt. Prevost.

"The folks who operate Circle M are first-class people, ready to accommodate seasoned riders, 'tenderfoots,' individuals, couples and small groups. Expect remarkable wildlife viewing, deer trails, abandoned railway beds and logging trails. No experience is necessary, but this isn't a pony ride at the fair, either!" remarks Steph. "And, you just can't help but love the horses at Circle M!"

One great way to recover from a vibrant day of fishing, golfing, birding, hiking or horse-riding is to take advantage of the wellness professionals contracted by Elk Ridge Estate. Lise LeLievre owns and operates Integrative Wellness Solutions, (www.enhancedwellness.ca) and is available at an hourly or packaged rate for guests' needs.

IWS offers a unique, holistic, integrative studio based and mobile service. Lise has the expertise and ability to combine a sound understanding of the human body with powerful healing practices that include Reiki, muscle testing and body balancing massage. These perspectives work in harmony to offer a balanced, integrative approach to assist in achieving optimum natural health and well-being.

“A session with Lise may be enjoyed beside the hearth of a crackling wood-fire in the privacy of your suite, and may include advanced Reiki, Reiki enhanced massage, oil therapy, passive stretching, pressure point work, and chakra balancing.” adds Stephanie.

Furthermore, if that’s not enough for guests, Steph also provides sessions with local couple Ron and Vonda Derksen, both registered Advanced Reflexologists and Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Masters.

Reflexology is a natural art based on the principle that reflexes in the hands, feet and ears correspond to every gland and organ in the human body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relives tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural functions of the body.

For golfers, Steph will book tee-times at the spectacular Duncan Meadows Golf Course. This outstanding Championship course is a mere 2-minute car ride from Elk Ridge Estate. Transportation, when needed, is provided by Elk Ridge Estate, to the golf course, trail rides, Cowichan River drift fishing, and the local vineyard. Dive charters and sailing outings will also be arranged for guests who make the request. For those who enjoy fine wines, the Cowichan Valley is home to some of the finest wineries in the Pacific Northwest. Tours are always available.

Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? Perhaps too much of a good thing can be a bad thing – but that’s certainly not the case at Elk Ridge Estate.

Elk Ridge Estate is accessible by helicopter, landing right at the doorstep of the luxurious suite. Stephanie also hosts corporate meetings and retreats, small intimate weddings, and other special events.

For more information, contact Stephanie toll free at; 877.746. 3675 or email her at info@ElkRidgeEstate.com

JEFF MORROW is Vice-President of Central Market Media in Victoria, B.C.