Easy Access to Vancouver Island
Denman is located 1 hour north of Nanaimo, BC, and 2.5 hours north of
beautiful Victoria. The twin cities of Courtenay and Comox are just 25
km north of Denman and provide all the amenities of an urban centre wrapped
up in a popular tourism destination. This proximity to larger cities offers
Denman's residents all the goods and services one is accustomed to, while
enabling a rural lifestyle.
A Gardener's Delight
Denman Island is in a unique West Coast rain forest ecosystem and maintains a temperate climate through the changing seasons. The island boasts some of the most fertile land in the region and avid gardeners can plant and harvest year-round.
An Outdoor Adventure Playground
Featuring sandy beaches, rocky coves, lush forests and open, rolling pastures, Denman provides ample opportunity for outdoor adventure. There are two Provincial Parks with plenty of hiking trails and beachfront suitable for swimming, kayaking or fishing.
Boyle
Point Provincial Park, located at the south tip of the island
is an excellent place for hiking and eagle watching. During the
spring herring run, one can observe literally hundreds of bald eagles
fishing for a meal. Occasionally, even golden eagles venture up from the
U.S. to take part in the feast. Visible from Boyle Point is the Chrome
Island lighthouse. At the right time of year, you can walk over to Chrome
Island at low tide and see ancient Indian petroglyphs on the rock faces!
Fillongley Provincial Park is located on the east side of Denman and features both peaceful beaches and some of the largest Douglas Firs on the island. There are some beautiful walking trails through the trees and camping is also available here, though advance booking is usually required.
For
those who enjoy wildlife, Denman's prolific population of birds
(including eagles, hawks, falcons, herons, and pheasants), deer,
otters, minks and beavers will provide endless opportunity for
observation and enjoyment (not to mention some challenges—get that
deer fencing up around the garden!) When visiting the island,
be sure to bring lots of film for the camera—you'll be surprised by how
approachable some of the animals are, providing excellent fodder for photographs.
Tourists visit Denman Island to experience its unique environment
while on vacation, but those who live here can immerse themselves
in its natural beauty every day.
A Small Village Full of Activity
Denman Island's small population of about 1200 allows for an incredible amount of space and privacy, something difficult to find in the city. The residents form a strong, varied community and in many ways are self-governing.
There
are several community-organized events that take place throughout the
year that offer the opportunity to discover the unique character of the
island and the broad range of talents possessed by its residents. BC Tourism
boasts about the popularity of the early summer House & Garden
Tour, where visitors can explore the unique West Coast architecture
and landscaping of some of the island's most beautiful properties. The
Christmas Craft Fair, held the first weekend in December, draws thousands
of people for original hand-made gifts and food. In May, you can go on
the Annual Pottery Tour and visit the studios of some of Canada's best-known
potters. September's popular Fall Fair brings the bounty of the harvest
season to the field next to the Community Hall.
In addition to the benefits listed above, Denman Island also has many
more amenities that make it a very desirable place to live, including
a new medical clinic located in the Village. For families, there is a
pre-school and an elementary school equipped with the latest computer
technologies. In addition, the Community School offers many interesting
courses for adult learning. The large Community Hall is used for concerts,
theatre, lectures and dances. Adjacent to the Hall, is the Denman Island
Regional Library that is open 7 days a week and can order you any books
available through the Vancouver Island branches. Across the road is the
Seniors Hall, which provides facilities for bridge, badminton, tai chi,
yoga and movie nights, and also includes a local museum chronicling the
rich history of the region.
There
are two general stores on the island: Rawganique Café includes
groceries, DVD's, snacks, ice cream and specialty foods, while
the historic Denman Island General Store has gas and propane available,
as well as a post office and liquor outlet. The hardware store, RE/MAX
The Islands and Abraxas Books are also located in this village area in
the Denman Village Square. Around the corner, is the Denman Island Bakery
and Pizzeria, featuring hand-made breads, pizzas and other specialties.
The Health Centre is located next to the Pizzeria and is the centre for
health services on Denman Island.
Other stores and services on the island include the cooperative Craft Shop, the Earth Club Factory Bistro, several B&B's, and much more! There are also two churches on the island: a United church and an Anglican church, both with weekly services.
Whether you seek Denman Island real estate for a family home, farming opportunities or a getaway retreat, we're sure that you will be enchanted by Denman's unique island charm. Contact RE/MAX The Islands today for more information about available real estate on Denman Island. We look forward to introducing you to our island paradise.
