Cougar Annie's Garden
Located on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, Ada Annie Rae-Arthur’s pioneer homestead and garden is a magical place steeped in history. Over the course of her seventy years here, “Cougar Annie” raised eight children, outlasted four husbands, and reportedly shot more than 80 cougars to protect her family and livestock. After Ada Annie’s death and years of neglect and rainforest encroachment, the garden was abandoned and overgrown. Reclaimed from obscurity over the last two decades, it is now a horticultural wonder and part of the newly created Temperate Rainforest Field Study Centre. Over 100 varieties of imported trees, exotic species, perennials and flowering shrubs, all planted by Cougar Annie, flourish here. On this tour, you will stay in handcrafted cedar cottages and dine in the Cental Hall on a forested ridge overlooking the garden. There will be many opportunities to learn about rainforest ecology, history, archaeology, mycology, ethnobotany, and other aspects of the rich natural and cultural history. Wind your way through the rainforest on a cedar boardwalk that connects a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, including a peat-bog, coastal estuary, lake, old growth forest, and of course, Cougar Annie’s Garden! This tour is a uniqu eeducational adventure.
» This is an educational (non-kayaking) adventure for anyone with an interest
in rainforest ecology, wildlife, casual hiking, and First Nations culture.
It is suitable for all skill levels. No paddling is involved.
General Itinerary
Day 1
We'll meet in Tofino at noon and then travel 50 km northwest by covered water taxi to Boat Basin, Hesquiat Harbour. From there, we will be transported deep into the forest several miles to the Temperate Rainforest Field Study Centre and Cougar Annie’s Garden. At the Central Hall we'll convene for a general orientation. Next, you will get to settle into your cabins and then we’ll reconvene for a tour of Cougar Annie’s Garden. You’ll be on your own to explore until dinner time. Weather permitting, we’ll dine on the beach. Our talented guide-cooks will serve appetizers followed by a wonderful dinner with fresh local ingredients, organic veggies, and homemade desserts. After dinner, there will be plenty of time to get to know each other and discuss the next day’s adventures.
Day 2 – 4
The next three days will be filled with learning experiences, private exploration, camaraderie, and personal discoveries. Possible activities include: garden tours, lectures, bog walks, old-growth forest tours, hikes to prehistoric cave sites, and more!
Day 5
On the final day of our trip, we'll meet in the Central Hall for a great breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll pack up and make our way back to Tofino.
Directions
The town of Tofino is approximately 215
km (130 miles) from the city of Vancouver,
exclusive of ferry travel. Whether you take
BC Ferries to Swartz Bay or Departure Bay,
head north on Provincial Route 19 N (also
called the inland Island Highway). Take
Exit 60 to Highway 4 and follow the signs
approximately 145 km (90 miles) to Tofino.
More travel and accommodations information for our Cougar Annie's Garden adventure.
|
|
