The Cowichan
Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Region
- Publisher
- Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd.
- Initial publish date
- Oct 2009
- Category
- Western Provinces
- Recommended Age
- 13
- Recommended Grade
- 8
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781550174908
- Publish Date
- Oct 2009
- List Price
- $34.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
The Cowichan Region is the large area that lies between the cities of Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, reaching from the protected eastern shores of the island nearly all the way west to the Pacific Ocean. Its cornucopia-like shape is fitting for a place of such remarkable bounty, and this area is home to a growing number of newcomers seeking its pleasant climate, recreational activities and culinary delights. Sometimes referred to as Canada's Provence, the name Cowichan is derived from a Coast Salish word meaning "warm land" or "basking in the sun."
Celebrating this land of plenty, The Cowichan dishes up a full sampling of delights from one of BC's most fascinating and varied regions. Mountainous wilderness, large lakes and rivers, broad fertile valleys, enormous estuaries and numerous coastal harbours and islets are home to more than a dozen communities, ranging from seaside and lakeside villages to shop-and café-filled towns. Once famous for its fishing and forest resources, the Cowichan region is better known today for its dairy farms and market gardens, vineyards and wineries, alpaca ranches and a rapidly expanding "eat local and organic" culinary food scene.
Author Georgina Montgomery's compelling narrative is beautifully illustrated with photographer Kevin Oke's vibrant images, capturing the beauty of the region.
About the authors
Kevin Oke has photographed diverse landscapes and cultures throughout the world with his work appearing in numerous books, magazines and travel guides. Kevin's latest book Enchanted Isles: The Southern Gulf Islands was published by Harbour Publishing in 2007. Kevin has lived on North Pender Island, BC, since 1990 and in The Cowichan Region on Vancouver Island for the past three years, where he works as a freelance photographer and artist.
Georgina Montgomery has worked as a freelance editor and writer since 1983, co-authoring two guidebooks and writing numerous magazine articles. She has spent more than half her life in various locations on BC's West Coast. In 2007 she and her husband moved to The Cowichan, attracted by good moorage, an unusual old house, and the bounty of locally produced food and wine.
Librarian Reviews
The Cowichan: Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Region
This local history book and travel guide about the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island will be useful for research about the physical and human geography of a BC area. The book includes basic information about areas such as Duncan and Ladysmith, as well as local legends and the history of local names. Each town and city is described with inserts about events, landmarks, culture or notable people. The author includes sections about the local First Nations and Indo-Asian communities, both past and present. There is also a section on local food and the re-growth of the agriculture industry. The photographs are stunningly beautiful.Montgomery has co-written two guidebooks. Oke published the book Enchanted Isles: The Southern Gulf Islands.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2010-2011.