Riversong
Where the heart sings....
RIVERSONG
Riversong is a beautiful 3,500 + sq. ft. Lodge on Vancouver Island, near Shawnigan Lake. On the Koksilah River it's surrounded by forest, and is completely private, with its own large swimming and beach area. This is a perfect place for a small or large family holiday or reunion, a 'friends weekend' get-away, a yoga or meditation retreat, a self-development workshop, an executive company retreat, an arts, crafting or writing workshop, or a special custom wedding. Accommodation is comfortable for between 6 and 17 people, and with the summer cabin, sofa-beds, air-beds, and RV and tenting options, it's possible to accommodate 25+. At any time of year, Riversong is a balm for the soul. Come to Riversong and let your heart sing!
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Please note that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Riversong is accepting a maximum of 14 guests at one time.
FACILITIES
Private Swimming Oasis
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The property is located on the beautiful Koksilah River and overlooks a provincial park. The private beach and large swimming area are directly in front of the property. There are inflatable 'toys' for the water, including a dinghy, a kayak and inner tubes, and there is a sand box, a paddling pool and a small picnic table for the toddlers. Beach chairs and towels are provided. Riversong has over 10 acres of natural woodland and riverfront to explore.
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Wifi
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Wifi extends throughout the house and a large screen TV is located in the main lodge area with access to Netflix.
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Indoor Games
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There is a large selection of DVDs, books, boardgames and puzzles for all ages.
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Kitchen
There is a large fully equipped kitchen with all the appliances, utensils, crockery and cutlery you will need. There is a separate 'prep' area with a second sink, and there is a BBQ on the deck. The kitchen is open-plan to the Lodge dining and lounge areas, enabling the cooks to join in the fun.
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Open Living Area
The lodge living area has a soaring ceiling, comfortable couches, and a propane fireplace. It is open-concept, connecting with the dining area and kitchen. Large windows and sliding doors look out over a large deck and beyond to the river and surrounding forest.
The large dining table seats ten, and a second table seats four. There are also fold up chairs and TV Tables for extra seating. The outside deck has tables with umbrellas, and seating for twenty-four.
Yoga or Meeting Room
Great for yoga or meditation retreats (full equipment for 10+), or it can be used for meetings, art, writing or sewing workshops, or just as a relaxing, calm space. Alternatively, it can be used as an additional bedroom, with 2 single beds and there's room to add up to 3 single airbeds.
Washer and Dryer
There is a washer and dryer available, as well as an iron and ironing board, and hairdryers in the bathrooms.
Outside Toys
As well as the water toys, there are other outside games, such as bocce ball or racket games. Bring your own bikes to explore the local area and ride the trails.
ROOMS
GALLERY
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Bedroom 1: Loft style with 5 singles
(or 1 king and 3 singles)
Bedroom 2: 2 singles (or 1 king)
The Lodge
Yoga Studio
Bedroom 5: 2 singles
The Chalet
Bedroom 3: 2 singles (or 1 king)
Bedroom 4: 4 single beds (or 2 singles and 1 king)
(Plus single sofa bed in living area)
The Cottage
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Bedroom 6: 2 singles (or 1 King)
(Plus double sofa-bed in living area)
The Bothy
A summer cabin perfect for extra sleeping space (with larger groups), and /or teenagers.
Bedroom 7: 2 singles
GALLERY
RESTORE
&
REPLENISH
Booking Retreat Space
Retreat space is available during the Spring, Fall & Winter seasons. A minimum three night booking is preferred, but two night retreats are also possible.
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Riversong is perfect for yoga, meditation, healing, self-development, and spiritual retreats, creative workshops such as crafting, writing, or sewing, work retreats, or simply to relax and replenish with a group of like-minded people.
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We can accommodate up to 15 guests (10-12 for yoga), and there is a separate cottage for 2 (or 3) facilitators.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Chris for more details (link below).
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Riversong Getaways
Occasionally Riversong offers space to 'just be', to relax and unwind, to spend time going inward, space for whatever you need. Stay for a minimum of 3 nights or longer.
Included in your stay:
- Morning or evening yoga (gentle & restorative),
- Time to meditate, relax, nap, read, & journal
- Mornings spent in gentle quiet
- Healthy, simple, delicious meals & snacks
- Maximum of ten participants.
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Note: Prices are set just to cover expenses , as a way to share the spirit of Riversong, as affordably as possible. Cost is based on the type of room booked (2-bed rooms, or 4 or 5 bed dorms, and proximity to bathrooms), and is per night (for a minimum of three nights), and includes 3 meals each full day.
So if you'd like to give yourself the priceless gift of a self-care stay at Riversong.... please click below to sign up to our mailing list.
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Why not let your heart sing?
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THINGS TO SEE & DO IN THE AREA
Winery Tours
There are several wineries and cideries in the immediate area and up into the Cowichan Valley. Designate a driver, and make a day of it!
Eating Out
There are too many restaurants to mention them individually, but you'll find many options close by, from fast food to gourmet. Closest is the Lakeside Restaurant, and in Shawnigan Village, you can find fish and chips, Japanese, Thai, pub food and pizza . There are many restaurants in Cowichan Bay and Duncan. For a special lunch try Merridale Cidery or Cobble Hill Golf Course - phone ahead to make sure you can book a table.
Golf
There are many golf courses nearby - it's easy to look them up online, and most have reasonable fees and accept visitors. Try Arbutus Ridge in Cobble Hill - it's a great lunch spot:
Horse-back Riding
Again, several to choose from. Try Alpine Stables in Cobble Hill
Museums
To name just a few:-
The Shawnigan Lake Museum
The Cowichan Valley Museum
The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
The Hand of Man Museum
BC Forests Discovery Centre
Hiking & Biking Trails
There are many trails for biking and hiking, including the Trans-Canada Trail, which goes over the historic Kinsol Trestle Bridge and is only a short distance away, and the Cowichan Valley Trail which runs from Duncan up to Lake Cowichan. Then there are trails around the Koksilah Provincial Park, another up nearby Baldy Mountain, Mt Tzouhalem, and many more, both short and long, easy and challenging - something for everyone!
Parks and Recreation
Provincial Parks: Koksilah PP, West Shawnigan Lake PP; Memory Island PP; Cowichan River PP, Spectacle Lake PP, Regional Parks: Bright Angel, Cobble Hill Mountain Region, Kingburne Park, Sandy Pool, Stoney Hill, Currie Park, Stebbings Road Park, Glenora Riverside Park, Jack Fleetwood Memorial Park, Cowichan Bay Marine Gateway Park - and many others! Ladysmith has a lovely waterfront park, with the warmest waters north of San Diego!
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Wildlife Watching
The area is teeming with wildlife, though many are shy and elusive, which is probably a good thing if we are talking about bears and cougars! But you may find their tracks or their scat as you hike through the woods. Then there's the resident bald eagle, who is often spotted from the deck, and river otters and trout can be seen in front of the Lodge too. And you can take a Whale-Watching or a fishing trip from nearby Cowichan Bay. Visit the Raptor Centre in Duncan and see these magnificent birds up close (go at showtimes for the best experience).
Art Galleries
To name just a few:-
Shawnigan Lake: Maria Art Gallery (Create art with the artist, host an art party),
Cobble Hill: Clearwater Studio (Contemporary Art and Woodcraft)
Cowichan Bay: Invisible Sun Arts Gallery,
Duncan: Genoa Bay Gallery; The Ou Gallery (Contemporary art space)
Chemainus: JD Stevenson Gallery; Cinder & Sea (artist Nicholas McMaster: Woodcraft, sculpture, diorama)
Ladysmith: Mary Fox Pottery; The Jolda Gallery (Ted Jolda - Glass artist;
Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery (non-profit arts organization, supporting &
celebrating local artists from Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands
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Antiquing & Thrifting
There are several interesting retro/antique shops around, in Shawnigan Lake Village, in Cobble Hill, Duncan and along the main highway. There are three or four thrift stores for those who enjoy hunting for bargains. Downtown Duncan is lovely to browse around, and of course, if you're really keen to shop, then downtown Victoria is less than 45 minutes away!
Boating & Picnicking at Shawnigan Lake
Rent a or a at the lake, and and go exploring or water-skiing. Perhaps tie-up somewhere for a picnic - Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park or Mason's Beach are great spots.
Dirt Bike Riding
Dirt Bike Adventures is just up the road. Neighbour Chris gives lessons and can show you the best trails on Vancouver Island, for all levels of ability.
Other Things to Do
There's lots of other things to do in the Cowichan Valley region, such as renting kayaks or taking a sail-boat or fishing tour from Cowichan Bay. Or check out GBs Glassblowing or the many other local artists who live in the area, or take in the aboriginal culture in the Duncan and Chemainus areas.
Chemainus is a sweet little town, with its famous wall murals, nice beachfront park, theatre and shops.
A day out in Victoria or to the famous Butchart Gardens is always rewarding, if you can pull yourself away from the peace & tranquility at Riversong!
GUEST REVIEW
BOOKING INFORMATION
Riversong can be booked for your family vacation, a yoga or meditation retreat, a group getaway, a creative workshop, a custom wedding, or almost any other event or gathering.
The main house can accommodate up to fifteen people in single beds (15). The cottage can sleep another two (2). With the use of sofa-beds (2), airbeds (3), and the summer sleeping cabin (2)., we can sleep up to 24 indoors. With tenting, it can easily increase to 30+ people. There is also hook-up for one RV. Please note that until further notice, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to accommodate larger groups.
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To book Riversong, you pay for the number of people staying, with a minimum charge for up to 6 guests, and then a per person/per night charge for additional people. The rate also varies according to the season and number of nights booked. There is generally a 3-night minimum, and a 5-night minimum in the high summer season.
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If you're interested in running your own retreat or workshop at Riversong, please send an email and we can discuss all the options.
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