gather - a little shop filled with thoughtfully designed goods from independent makers and brands, with a focus on products that are well-made, practical, colourful, and a little bit different.

If Lake Cowichan is known for one thing, this is it. You climb into an inflated tube, lean back, and let the Cowichan River carry you right through town. It sounds far too simple to be worth doing, until you've done it. Then you'll be the one telling your friends they have to go. For most of the run, the river moves at roughly walking pace. The water is cool and clear, the trees lean in overhead, and the gravel bars invite you to stretch your legs. Every so often a stretch pi