Things to Do
Sailboat (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
It's tempting enough on Denman Island to soak up the unhurried serenity, devour a stack of novels, get fresh air as required, and call it a holiday.
However, those seeking a livelier agenda can hike, bike, kayak, birdwatch, tour artist studios, visit a working orchard or chocolate factory, and shop and dine in Denman Village.
Water Activities
Lined with forest, Graham and Chickadee lakes are popular swimming holes with docks, rope swings, and no-motorboat policies that favor paddlers and trout fishing. Ocean kayakers, meanwhile, can rent gear on Denman and point their oars to sea lion-friendly Chrome Island and the beaches of Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park.
Beachcombers wander Denman's rocky shoreline from nearly a dozen access points (while stepping clear of beaches licensed by commercial oyster operations). The sand spit at Fillongley Provincial Park is easily accessible. Millard Beach looks across Baynes Sound to nearby Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island. And flat, sun-warmed sandstone rocks welcome picnickers along East Road.
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Land Activities
With its low-slung topography, Denman offers some of the easiest cycling in the Gulf Islands and, during the long lulls between ferry arrivals, the least amount of traffic. One major challenge is the steep hill just past the village leading up Denman Road to the escarpment. A 34km/21mi circle route of the island's southern half is perfect for day visitors arriving on bike from Buckley Bay.
Birdwatching, Wildlife... and Chocolate
The Denman Conservancy Association is doing a sparkling job of protecting the island's green spaces and parks from further logging, and that's good news for birders and amateur naturalists. Central Park is a known breeding spot for the endangered Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly. Brant geese feed on herring at Cable Beach. Mink and river otters scramble over shoreline rocks. And trumpeter swans frequent the island's wetlands, notably Railway Marsh. Bald eagles, hawks, great blue heron, blacktailed deer and red-legged frogs are also in the neighborhood.
One champion of the island's ecosystem is Denman Island Chocolate, internationally known for its exquisite handmade chocolate bars. The company financially supports the Islands Trust and other local environmental initiatives from its forested, bluff-side headquarters above Denman Village. Chocoholics are invited to tour the premises on Saturday afternoons by appointment.
Shopping
Browsers can spend a few fruitful hours exploring the handful of shops in Denman Village. The Denman Craft Shop showcases 60-plus island artists. The Earth Club Factory sells enviro-friendly products ranging from compostable toilets and solar panels to candles, soaps, and organic herbs.
Abraxas Books and Arts carries the work of many authors (including such Denmanites as garden expert Des Kennedy, novelist Emily St. John Mandel, and historian Jim Kirk) along with art supplies and aromatic blends made by the Denman Island Tea Company. Anabiosis Imports (next to the DVD rental shop) specializes in women's clothing and handbags. A hardware store is also in the village centre along with the Denman Bakery (great pizza!), three cafes and the 1912 Denman General Store.
Festivals, Concerts and Special Events
Spring begins Denman's festival season in earnest with the annual Home and Garden Tour. The island's museum and summer art gallery are open daily in July and August in the seniors' activity centre. Other high-season highlights include annual tours of pottery and artist studios plus the week-long Denman Readers and Writers Festival. A popular Christmas Craft Faire in early December draws as many off-island visitors as Denmanites. Performances and concerts are held year-round at the Community Hall.
Where to Begin
Pick up the free Hornby and Denman Island Visitor's Guide with its ferry schedule and annotated map of both islands. Visitor information is also available at the Denman General Store. And feel free to strike up conversations with Denmanites, most of who are happy to share insider tips with those eager to chill out and enjoy the island's low-key lifestyle.
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