Honeymoon Bay, whose inviting name seems to promise newfound pleasures, is located on the south side of Cowichan Lake.
It can be reached by following South Shore Road for approximately 10 minutes west of Lake Cowichan.
Visitors can also arrive by way of the Pacific Marine Circle Route, via Port Renfrew to Mesachie Lake, a distance of about 55 kilometres.
Honeymooners and the rest of the world’s campers, boaters, golfers, history buffs and nature lovers can find much in and around the town to enjoy.
Central Park stretches north from Honey-moon Bay Hall through a grassy field graced by children’s seasonal artwork banners, past the carved wooden welcome sign across the road to a swimming beach at the waterfront.
Near the hall is Memory Lane, where special trees have been planted to honour lost family and friends.
The hall is the heart of the town and the roadside reader board lists a wide variety of enjoyable local happenings such as movie evenings or bazaars hosted by its active community society. It is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
There is a meeting room whose walls hold historic murals by an artist of stature, George Jenkins, as well as a large panel painted by old time resident Vince Allen that displays scientific but still beautifully painted diagrams of the wildflowers found in the wildflower reserve west of town.
Popular annual summer events include Bay Days, held July 30 – August 1 this year, and the Blackberry Festival on Saturday, September 4 at the Honeymoon Bay Market.
Each Saturday from spring to fall there is an outdoor market on the grounds of the Coffee Mill across from the general store/meat market and fire hall. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. One can enjoy delicious coffee and baked goodies while strolling to each vendor’s table to peruse local arts, crafts, preserves, hand made soap, healing plants, garden offerings and more.
Beyond the Coffee Mill is Walton Road, which leads to beautiful Gordon Bay Provincial Park complete with woodland trails, camping, swimming and a boat launch.
West of the town is the scenic March Meadows Golf Course, voted the best nine-hole course on the Island (see story on page 14).
Past the golf course is a Wildflower Flower Reserve, whose bleeding hearts, trilliums, pink fawn lilies and yellow violets are glorious in spring.
Lastly, where the pavement ends, is a complex crossroads nicknamed Chicken Joe’s. From there it is possible to continue around the lake, but remember it is a logging road, headlights are mandatory and logging trucks have the right of way.
For more information on the Wildflower Reserve and the history of the community, go online to www.honeymoonbay.com.
AREA PARKS:
• Central Park. There is a beach, playground and baseball diamond.
• Lily Beach Park. Nature park with beach.
