ALERT BAY PLEIN AIR RETREAT UPDATE:
Invite friends and partners to join you. There is plenty to keep them busy on the Island.. especially if they travel with a camera!
Denise Lemaster will guide a plein air retreat, in beautiful Alert Bay on Cormorant Islanf, just a ferry ride from Port McNeill, Vancouver Island.
Painting Dates:July 24- July 28. Check in July 23. Check out July 29.
Each day will offer a different site for painting…fishing docks, totems. quaint homes, amazing views and wonderful sunsets.
ACCOMMODATION:
HOTEL: we have a bank of rooms at the Nimpkish Hotel. This seaside hotel will be the gathering spott both morning and evening!
Food is a bit tricky in Alert Bay, but the Nimpkish offers breakfast !
The Nimpkish has a covered deck for possible rainy days.
CAMPING: the Alert Bay Campground is a lovely, clean spot…great views!
There are many other choices for accommodation. Go to Booking etc Be aware that rooms sell out early. Alert Bay is a summer destination.
People from all over the world travel there for an unique cultural and nature retreat.
PAINTING SUPPLIES: please travel with what you will need. There are none available in Alert Bay.
FOOD: here is a Sports Bar and Mona offers basic food and Indian fare. There is a decent grocery store in the Bay, but it is expensive.
You can pick up daily baking and sandwiches there. I always take my basics with me.
FRIDAY NIGHT: we will all gather to show our art at Gordie’s Sports Bar.
LUNCHES: there is a caterer who will prepare a bag lunch for $15/day. We will need to let Leanne know about two weeks ahead,
TRAVEL by CAR: Alert Bay is a short BC Ferries ride from Port McNeill. This ferry does not accept reservations.
Port McNeill is a 4 hour drive from Nanaimo. I suggest making a ferry reservation to Vancouver Island, as soon as you can. there are still early bird saver fares available.
TRAVEL by PLANE: Flights are to Port Hardy. There is a commuter bus that will transport you to the Port McNeill ferry terminal. There is a taxi in Alert Bay, but those of us who have cars can pick you up.
In any case, most destinations are a walk on the lovely board walk/ The Alert Bay website is very clear.
WHALE WATCHING IF you choose to go whale watching, the Prince of Whales will pick us up on Thursday for a 4 hour tour of the amazing Broughton Arichipelago. Travel with binoculars. It will be worth it.
You will need to book and pay for your spot with Whale and Marine Adventures out of Telegraph Cove 1 888 383- 4884.
There will be time to visit the wonderful U’Mista Cultural Centre. Besides housing a world class collection of First Nations’ Art, the gift shop offers unique books, clothing and above all, art created by some of the best known artists from the west coast.
Go to the Alert Bay website for a guide to one of the most beautiful places on earth,
Please let me know if you are interested.RVPAGE@SHAW.CA
COST: $250/week. We will need a non-refundable $100 to hold your spot.
Alert Bay’s hotel space, fills up early so book as soon as you decide.
KAYAKING: If you are a kayaker, the Bay is a lovely place to put in…current and tide dependent.
See you there!