They were brought from Vancouver to Victoria for an exhibition race held for a day. Exceeding the expectations of many, the event was a grand success. This led to the festival becoming one of the largest and the most popular summer events of the city.

Over the years, it has received great support from various partners in the community. They include the Royal Canadian Navy, the City of Victoria, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. Additionally, the national and local sponsors have also supported this event generously. 

Dragon boating has become one of the world’s fastest growing sports. There was no dragon boat team that could be seen training in Victoria when the festival began in 1994. Today, several teams have emerged from different parts of Vancouver Island.

Origins of Dragon Boating

The roots of dragon boating can be traced back to a popular Chinese legend. In order to save a respected poet called Qu Yuan from drowning, the villagers made some desperate attempts. They carried boats and dumplings to the middle of the river, but were unsuccessful in their attempts. Later, they sounded the drums and splashed water with their paddles. 

This was done so that the evil spirits and fish could be kept away from the body of the poet. Rice was thrown into the water as an offering to Qu Yuan. The purpose of this was also to distract the fish away from his body. One night, Qu Yuan’s spirit appeared before his friends. 

He told them that it was a river dragon that had killed him. The spirit of Qu Yuan asked them to wrap their rice into three-cornered silk packages. These packages would ward off the dragon. Years later, these packages became ‘zongzi’, which is a traditional Chinese food. 

Today, the reed leaves are used to wrap lumps of rice instead of silk. The act of racing to search for Qu Yuan’s body in boats became the tradition of dragon boat racing. These races are held annually on Qu Yuan’s death anniversary. 

How dragon boating brings communities together

It is the mission of the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival to bring people together as individuals, teams, and businesses. This is achieved by sharing culture and camaraderie in dragon boating. Many commercial organizations are realizing the importance of training in dragon boating. 

They see it as a wonderful way of building community and teamwork in their offices. New paddlers training in dragon boating are discovering that it results in a total body workout. They have also discovered that while training builds their muscles, it also builds confidence and new friendships. 

The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival also gives visitors from different parts of the world some memorable experiences. They can cheer for the teams, sample a variety of cuisines, and dance to the tunes of local bands.

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Whether you want to explore the elegant restaurants or go shopping, Comox Valley would be an excellent choice. Here are some of the things you can do while exploring Comox Valley:

1. Sample locally-made sweets

When you’re on the 5th Street in Courtenay, don’t miss ‘Hot Chocolates’. It has been a local favorite on this boutique-lined street since the late 1980s. Their charming storefront never fails to attract the attention of passers-by. It often displays some assorted hand-crafted Belgian chocolates. 

The sweets are also infused with cream, wine, house-roasted nuts, and fruit. All these ingredients come from the local sources. If you have a sweet tooth, these locally-made sweets can be an excellent treat.

2. Visit Mount Washington

Over 1,500 acres of terrain suited for skiing can be accessed by exploring Mount Washington Alpine Resort. This vast terrain is serviced by 5 lifts and 4 Magic Carpets at this resort. It can keep the snowboarders and skiers occupied for a couple of weekends during winters. 

You can choose to rent a condo to enjoy more than 55 kilometers of this winter wonderland. This is not just a destination for winters. Summer and fall can be equally exciting with chair lifts to the top of Mount Washington. You can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of Comox Valley during these rides.

3. Explore the Bear Bait Trail

The name may seem intimidating, but you must certainly not miss this scenic trail. It extends to more than 4.5 kilometers and has a minimal elevation. You can park your bike near the picnic area and look for the signage. This trail follows the Puntledge River and passes through a forest that’s picture-perfect. 

Upon reaching an unpaved road, you can head right. Move further until you notice a sign for the fish hatchery. When you arrive at the hatchery, you can either loop back or continue towards Nymph Falls and Barber’s Hole.

4. Go kayaking to the Tree Island

Also called the Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park, the Tree Island is an excellent kayaking destination. The kayakers can embark on a half-day or full-day trip to this small island. Those who are interested in the full-day trip can begin near the Courtenay Air Park. For a shorter paddle, they can launch from Goose Spit or Union Bay. You can also choose to go with a guide by booking with any of the local tour operators. 

5. Enjoy shopping at the boutiques on 5th Street

You can find book stores, coffee shops and restaurants besides the stylish fashion boutiques on 5th Street. The locals consider it a shopper’s paradise and you’ll get the same feeling while exploring its fabulous offerings. In some of the boutiques, you may also get the chance to chat with the owner. 

You can begin at 5th Street and stroll on one side of the street up to Fitzgerald Street and then loop. An artfully crafted expresso at Mudsharks Coffee is highly recommended.

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Between 2011 and 2016, more than a thousand new residents moved to this village. Cumberland’s population is now growing and it is estimated that it would go up to 8,500 by 2030. With some fabulous offerings in music, art, and outdoor recreational activities, your time in Cumberland would be truly memorable.  

Here are some of the things that makes this charming Canadian village worth visiting:

1. The Cumberland Community Forest

The vast network of trails at this site has become a reason for its popularity among hikers and mountain-bikers. The Cumberland Community Forest is Vancouver Island’s largest community forest with diverse flora and fauna. It has two watershed systems, wetlands, and fish-bearing creeks. 

This community forest connects with Coal Creek Heritage Park located on the southern border of the Cumberland village. It is managed by the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS).

2. Atmosphere Gathering

This vibrant community is devoted to music, dance, art, and personal expression. It comes alive in August by putting up a great tent within the Cumberland village. Around this tent, an exciting festival takes place with several workshops, camping activities, musical performances, and other events. 

Some of the greatest talents come together to make this boutique festival unforgettable. What makes it even more delightful is the backdrop of a fascinating coastal forest and the Beaufort Mountains.

3. Comox Lake

This enchanting lake fed by the glaciers is massive and gives outdoor enthusiasts a wonderful time. They can have loads of fun by indulging in kayaking, canoeing, and water-skiing on Comox Lake. The lake campground can be a fantastic place for setting up camps and parking RVs. 

A protected sandy beach along the lake’s shores allows families with kids to enjoy some exciting water-based activities. The swimming dock can give the right doses of thrills for the adventure-seekers.

4. Cumberland Museum & Archives

Originally established in the late 19th century, Cumberland village has a rich and colourful history. It began as a coal-mining town and was home to one of the largest Chinese communities in the country. The Jewish, Italian, and Japanese communities of immigrants who came to work in the mines also flourished here. Mining had its own risks and the workers who risked their lives had to be protected. 

This cause was taken up by the union agitator, Ginger Goodwin. Many such interesting stories and historical events have been kept alive at the Cumberland Museum & Archives. You can get to know the intriguing past of this village through the museum’s historical exhibits.

5. The Cumberland Brewing Company

Cumberland is home to its very own brewpub called the Cumberland Brewing Company. Here, you can enjoy the locally-produced drinks and savor its jovial atmosphere. The community taproom would give you opportunities to make new friends. One of the things not to be missed during your visit is the CBC beer. The Cumberland Brewing Company also donates brew regularly to several fundraising events.

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One of the biggest benefits are the welcome bonuses that you get upon registration. These welcome bonuses include deposit bonuses or free spins on a certain slot game or both. You’ll clearly see the advantages of online casinos when you visit their sites. Among them is the vast selection of online slots that they have, based on varying themes. Here are some of the top Canadian online casinos:

1. Rizk Casino

This online casino’s lobby abounds with games from the best gaming software providers, such as Microgaming and NetEnt. Upon registering on Rizk Casino, you’ll be given a welcome bonus split over 3 deposits. Special features available on this online casino include Rizk Races and Wheel of Rizk. 

It accepts payments through the cards of Visa and Mastercard. Other methods of payment supported on this site are Bank Transfers, Skrill, Euteller, Trustly, and Paysafecard. Customer support is available via phone, live chat, and email.

2. Vulkan Vegas

New players on this casino website are offered 50 no-deposit free spins upon sign-up. The welcome bonus on Vulkan Vegas consists of a match bonus of up to C$1,000 and 125 free spins. This is split between two deposits. 

This casino site lists some of the best real-money games from Play’n GO, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming. Among the payment methods accepted on Vulkan Vegas are cards of Visa and Mastercard, bank transfer, Skrill, and Interac. Customer support is offered via phone, live chat, and email.

3. Jackpot Village

The grand welcome bonus offered on Jackpot Village is split over 3 deposits. There are more than 1,200 games to choose from on this casino website. They have been provided by Microgaming, Play’n GO, Bally, and many other gaming software providers. 

Jackpot Village lives up to its name as it offers nearly 50 jackpots. Some of the main prizes on this online casino reach up to C$1,000,000. You can use the cards of Mastercard and Visa as payment methods on this site. Other options include Paysafecard, Interac, and Skrill. Customer support is available for players only via live chat and email.

4. Yaa Casino

If you’re a new player on Yaa Casino, you’ll be welcomed with a bonus of 200% match up to C$300. As if this was not enough, this casino website offers 10% cashback for its players every day. It has more than 1,500 games, which include one of the largest live casino lobbies. 

Payment methods accepted on Yaa Casino are cards of Visa and Mastercard and e-wallets like ecoPayz, Interac, and Paysafecard. You can reach out to the support team of this online casino only via live chat and email.

If you’re new to online casinos, it would be a great idea to learn more about them first. For this purpose, there are many excellent casino review sites that have some extremely useful information about online casinos. Such websites also have important details about some of the best online casinos. 

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It is now a historic village, having worn many hats and witnessed several changes over the years. You can find this beautiful village nestled against the Beaufort Range’s foothills. It is situated just under the shadow of Comox Glacier. This village with a population of less than 3,400 is quaint, inviting, and has many stories to tell.

People, Places, and History

One of the most endearing aspects of Cumberland is its community of friendly residents. If you tour Cumberland at the right times, you’ll come across some fascinating cultural activities and festivals. You’ll also get to meet some wonderful artists and experience some adventurous activities outdoors. It is owing to such incredible offerings that this village in Comox Valley has become a hotspot for tourists. 

When you begin exploring this village, you’ll find it hard to take your eyes off those historical structures. They were mostly built during the 19th and 20th centuries. These breathtaking structures include the Victorian mansions and cedar-shingled cottages. Many of those who’ve visited this village have described it as something straight out of the movies. 

Besides being home to such fantastic offerings, Cumberland is a gateway to Strathcona Provincial Park. It is British Columbia’s oldest provincial park and the largest on Vancouver Island. This park is no less than a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, rock-climbing, mountain biking and many other activities during your visit to this park. 

A must-see for those interested in history is the Cumberland Museum and Archives. You can embark on a self-guided walking tour during your visit to the village. It’ll give you an opportunity to get some interesting insights into its historic neighbourhoods and the beautiful downtown.

Getting to Cumberland

Cumberland is a small part of the highway that runs to Port Hardy from southerly Victoria. The presence of an excellent transportation system will give you several options, such as air, ferry, and bus. If you’re planning to travel to Cumberland by car, it can be reached within 3 hours from Victoria. The drive from Nanaimo would take about an hour and 15 minutes. 

Located in Comox, the Comox Valley Airport serves the village and its surrounding areas. The airport was constructed by the Royal Air Force, the aerial warfare force of the United Kingdom, in 1942. It shares the airfield with CFB Comox, which is the primary air-defence installation on the Pacific coast of Canada. This airport is centrally located on Vancouver Island’s east coast. 

It takes a 25-minute drive from Cumberland to reach the Comox Valley Airport. If you’re planning a vacation to Vancouver Island, it’d be a good idea to spend a few days in Cumberland. It’s one of the most picturesque places on the island with an incredible natural beauty and historic places.

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This popular Canadian destination has some wonderful offerings for you even if you’ve arrived at the last minute. Here are some of the fantastic festivals and events celebrated on Vancouver Island:

1. Brant Wildlife Festival

The wildlife festival is held in Qualicum Beach and Parksville in early April. It celebrates the migratory stopover of Brant geese on the island. During spring, many flocks of Brant geese arrive on the shores of this Canadian island. They make this stopover for their food before continuing their journey northwards to Alaska. 

The Qualicum Beach and Parksville communities celebrate this amazing natural event with a three-day festival. This festival involves guided tours of marsh, seaside habitats, and forest. It also includes photography workshops, nature talks, and birding competitions. 

2. Victoria Film Festival

The Victoria Film Festival is a ten-day celebration of films. held in february each year. The organizers bring you some fabulous films you might not otherwise have the chance to see. Often, you’ll also notice the filmmakers at this event. All these films are brought to this festival from different corners of the world. 

You’ll also get the opportunity to hear what the filmmakers have to say besides watching their films. Many people buy film passes to see their desired films every day throughout the event. They can also choose from  the discounted 10-film or 5-film packages.

3. Swiftsure Sailing Race

In May, you’ll get to witness the exciting annual Swiftsure race on Victoria Island. This festival involves a fleet of the most competitive racing sailboats. It is the longest-running race of yachts in the Pacific Northwest. 

This annual event is hosted by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. It attracts about 200 boats competing in short, middle, and long-distant races. Competitors get to sail across the Juan de Fuca Strait and back during these races. They offer spectators the chance to see the splendid display of yachts.

4. Pacific Rim Whale Festival

From mid-March to early April, you can see the northward migration of Gray whales along Vancouver Island’s west coast. They are estimated to be around 21,000 in number. This migration has been heralded as the arrival of spring for thousands of years. The Gray whales travel close to the shore and stop to feed in the shallow waters. 

You can watch these whales in action from strategic shore locations. Many of them remain in local waters to feed before returning to Mexico. Whale researchers and ocean scientists present educational programs about whale migration during this festival. They also provide valuable information on the conservation efforts that have prevented these whales from extinction.

5. Jazz Fest International

If you’re a fan of jazz music, this is the festival you must explore. This music festival is held in June every year. In Jazz Fest International, you’ll get to see live performances of some of the world’s talented jazz musicians. This festival is hosted for 10 days and nights at several indoor and outdoor venues in Victoria’s downtown.

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They founded Union Coal Mining Co., which was named to honor the union of British Columbia with Canada. Towards the end of the century, this company was bought by Robert Dunsmuir. He was a Scottish-Canadian industrialist and politician from British Columbia.

The fire of 1933

Towards the end of the 19th century, the coal mine was yielding nearly 1,000 tons of coal per day. A Canadian railway contractor and entrepreneur named Sir William Mackenzie purchased the Dunsmuir mines in 1910. They were purchased through his company called Canadian Collieries. The village of Cumberland was originally named ‘Union’ after the Union Coal Company. 

A new townsite of Cumberland was laid out adjacent to the neighborhood in 1894 with lots for sale. The name ‘Cumberland’ was adopted in 1898 for its incorporation as a city. A fire that occurred in 1933 destroyed about 11 houses and 18 business establishments. It also affected three hotels, namely, The King George, The Cumberland, and The Victory.

The Cumberland was rebuilt almost immediately and continues to operate even to this day. The King George was also rebuilt, but it closed in 2014. A theater called Ilo-Ilo was also destroyed in the fire. It had opened as an opera house, but later hosted dances and even showed silent movies. This theater was also rebuilt after the fire, but closed in 1957. 

Incorporation of the Village of Cumberland

A year later, the community was re-incorporated as the Village of Cumberland. Over the decades, it has become a popular destination for various outdoor activities, cultural shows, and tourism. An Economic Development Strategy for 2018-2023 was also prepared by the village to address several challenges.

A little more than a kilometer to the west was a Chinatown. About 100 business establishments served its population that had peaked around 2,000. The residents of the town had created one of the largest Chinese communities in Canada. This happened by the end of the First World War. 

The residents of the town had drained the wetlands and planted market gardens. However, during the Great Depression, many of the unemployed individuals left Chinatown. A fire destroyed half of the town’s buildings in 1935. 

When the Second World War had ended, several buildings were dismantled and the materials were salvaged. In the 1960s, the plans to restore the destroyed buildings as historical tourist attractions were derailed. This was owing to a lack of funds. Collectors ransacked what was left of the site. The area was leased by The Rod and Gun Club until the beginning of the 21st century.

The creation of Coal Creek Historic Park

About 2.4 kilometres to the west of Cumberland was a Japanese village. It had about 36 homes and two stores. A traditional tea garden was operated by women at Comox Lake until 1939. The residents had to abandon the site permanently in 1942 during the Second World War. The reason was their relocation to internment camps for Japanese Canadians. 

West Fraser Timber, which was then known as ‘Weldwood’ had purchased large tracts of land from the colliery. It gifted the site covering the Chinese and Japanese settlements in 2002 to the Village of Cumberland. The area was named Coal Creek Historic Park in 2008.

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