| e Cottage in Qualicum, BC - Rich in Regional | | | | When we return from dinner, there are two |
| History | | | | glasses of sherry and Bernard Callebaut |
| What do Bullets Johnson, Naval | | | | chocolates waiting for us. A carafe of ice water is |
| Commander Sunderland, Brigadier General Money, | | | | also sitting on our table. Outside our room is a |
| and I have in common? We're all connected to | | | | common area with comfy couches, a chess board |
| Heritage Cottage in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver | | | | set up and ready to go, fresh homemade baking, |
| Island, BC. Bullets was a Royal Canadian Mounted | | | | and self-serve drinks. Soft music is playing. |
| Policeman who was wounded a dozen times or so | | | | As someone who makes a living in tourism, |
| in bank holdups and gun battles. He retired as an | | | | I’m hard-pressed to think of anything |
| RCMP Superintendent and was one of the more | | | | that’s missing. There’s even a |
| colorful residents of Heritage Cottage. Brigadier | | | | special space to set our luggage, room in the |
| General Noel Money was the original owner of the | | | | bathroom for our toiletries, lots of mirrors and |
| land Heritage Cottage is built on. Naval | | | | other small touches - like fresh air spray in the |
| Commander Ian Sunderland and his wife Nancy | | | | bathroom and a Dixie cup dispenser. Each room |
| owned the house during the 70’s. I stayed | | | | also has a cute outside seating area. |
| there for one memorable night recently. Thank | | | | We awake the next morning to the incredible |
| goodness the bullets stopped flying over Qualicum | | | | aroma of breakfast cooking. When we arrive at |
| Beach many years ago. The average age of | | | | the dining area, we see that our breakfast menu |
| Qualicum residents is currently 60 years, so | | | | is posted on a quaint chalk board sitting on an |
| Qualicum has grown up and calmed down. | | | | easel. The breakfast is gourmet, delicious, and as |
| Heritage Cottage and the lands around it are ripe | | | | special as the accommodations and hosting. |
| with history and in the centre of Qualicum Beach. | | | | Jody is an excellent cook and we encourage her |
| Hal and Jody Volger have incorporated the history | | | | to complete the cook book she is working on. As |
| of the cottage and the area as a theme for their | | | | breakfast unfolds, we get to know the other |
| B&B. The cottage has been restored true to the | | | | couple staying here, as well as their son. The |
| vintage of the home. It is decorated with a | | | | experience of sharing breakfast with people from |
| historical theme and showcases many antiques | | | | different places and different backgrounds is what |
| that reflect the history. | | | | Bed and Breakfasts are all about. It’s what |
| We arrive late in the afternoon. Hal and Jody | | | | sets B&B’s apart from other types of |
| greet us at the front door. They escort us to our | | | | accommodations. |
| room first, then provide us with a tour of the | | | | Hal and Judy demonstrate their knowledge of the |
| Bed and Breakfast and the beautiful grounds. | | | | area and direct us to places to eat, activities to |
| It’s evident very early on that Hal and | | | | take part in, and sites to see. Qualicum Beach is |
| Jody are determined to set their B&B apart from | | | | abundant with activities and attractions. Qualicum |
| others by paying special attention to the needs of | | | | has lots of great walking trails and many are close |
| their guests. They give new meaning to going the | | | | to Heritage Cottage. There are also six golf |
| extra mile. Upon arriving we’d noticed two | | | | courses in the area and on this trip we take |
| antique cars in the parking area. Hal uses them to | | | | advantage of one of the best, Arrowsmith Golf |
| pick up guests who arrive by train, bus, or plane! | | | | Course. We like it because it is executive length |
| Bikes and fishing rods are available for guests to | | | | and the course doesn’t beat us up. It is |
| use. The rooms are full of special features and | | | | well maintained and very scenic with Mount |
| amenities, such as: gas fireplaces, under-floor | | | | Arrowsmith as a backdrop. Qualicum is a |
| radiant heating, double sound-proofing for extra | | | | golfer’s Mecca. |
| privacy, private patios, cable TV, ensuite baths | | | | We leave Qualicum knowing that we have found |
| with soaker tubs and showers, fine linens, feather | | | | one of the better B&B’s on Vancouver |
| duvets, individual robes, and quality toiletries. | | | | Island. |