Museums near Ganges BC (7 Result(s))

The Cowichan Bay Wooden Boat Society was originally conceived in the 1970's and started off as a boat building school. The first location was a small building at the Bluenose Marina. The present buildings were built on site and designed by Tim Richardson, a member of the Society, and were placed along an old Chevron Oil facility extending approx 82 meters into Cowichan Bay This is probably the longest dock in the area. These buildings are called Galleries and now house many maritime artifacts which reflect the history of the Cowichan Valley. The first three Galleries are open at each end which allows the public to walk through and view the displays. The end Gallery is a two level enclosed unit which contains many of the more environmentally sensitive artifacts such as model boats, pictures and a marine library. In addition to the historic displays, the Center conducts several wooden boat building classes annually which are available to the public for a fee. These classes are conducted in a large workshop which includes many fine woodworking tools and equipment. There is a marine ways which caters to the hauling and cleaning of wooden boats. It is well patronized especially during the summer months. The Society is committed to the restoration and repair of wooden craft, along with preserving the history and heritage of BC's maritime past. Boats are often up to 40 feet in length. Unfortunately, simultaneous restorations are often restricted by the limited amount of outdoor covered space. We organize and participate in many community events such as the Celebration of BC's 150th Birthday, Fast and Furious Boat Building Festival, the Christmas Sail Past and a Pirates Festival, to name just a few. We also travel to many local communities to support their events-Tall Ships Victoria in 2005 and 2008, Ladysmith coming events, Maple Bay Boat Show, Duncan Home Show are all examples of our involvement in other communities.

Parks Canada offered the use of the building to the Pender Island Museum Society with a long term lease at negligible cost if the Society would restore the building to a condition suitable for public access as a museum. The Society would also assume full responsibility for all maintenance and annual operating expenses and would receive no financial assistance from Parks Canada. The Society accepted the offer and began a two year restoration process that included replacing the posts with a proper perimeter foundation and the reconstruction of the missing front porch and portico.The purpose of the Pender Islands Museum is to acquire, catalogue, display and preserve historical artifacts, documents and photographs related to the Pender Islands and to make them available for public viewing, education, and research with peripheral inclusion of varied community activities. We are in the process of digitizing our collection and progress can be seen here: http://ehive.com/account/4763The Museum was officially opened in July 2005

Saturna Island Family Estate Winery is the premier winery in British Columbia's Gulf Islands. We are centered in a unique marine ecosystem which attracts whale watching, kayaking, and diving enthusiasts (click here for map and directions). Our micro climate is unique to the region, and is described as similar to the northern Mediterranean. We are committed to producing wines of superior style and quality: wines that exemplify our unique terroir and climate. Saturna Island Family Estate Winery boasts 60 acres of vineyards that are ideal for the cultivation of classic European grape varietals. We have Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Merlot under vine. Our summers are warm, and our winters are mild; the ideal conditions for a long growing season. There are four vineyards that comprise the 60 acre site. These are Rebecca, Robyn, Longfield, and Falconridge. Each one was established in different years, beginning in 1995 with the entire property completed in spring, 2000. Tours of the vineyards and winery are conducted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff on a regular basis, and by special arrangement for large groups. Visitors are welcome at the wine shop at any time during operating hours. Following the tours, complimentary wine tastings are held in our wine shop. Visitors may purchase wine directly from the wine shop together with an array of unique merchandise. Our bistro is open for lunch from May to October, and provides a wonderful atmosphere to soak in the charm of Saturna Island Family Estate Winery.