Bullets Over Qualicum

Heritage Cottage in Qualicum, BC - Rich in Regional History

What do Bullets Johnson, Naval Commander Sunderland, Brigadier General Money, and I have in common? We're all connected to Heritage Cottage in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, BC. Bullets was a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman who was wounded a dozen times or so in bank holdups and gun battles. He retired as an RCMP Superintendent and was one of the more colorful residents of Heritage Cottage. Brigadier General Noel Money was the original owner of the land Heritage Cottage is built on. Naval Commander Ian Sunderland and his wife Nancy owned the house during the 70s. I stayed there for one memorable night recently. Thank goodness the bullets stopped flying over Qualicum Beach many years ago. The average age of Qualicum residents is currently 60 years, so Qualicum has grown up and calmed down.

Heritage Cottage and the lands around it are ripe with history and in the centre of Qualicum Beach. Hal and Jody Volger have incorporated the history of the cottage and the area as a theme for their B&B. The cottage has been restored true to the vintage of the home. It is decorated with a historical theme and showcases many antiques that reflect the history.

We arrive late in the afternoon. Hal and Jody greet us at the front door. They escort us to our room first, then provide us with a tour of the Bed and Breakfast and the beautiful grounds. Its evident very early on that Hal and Jody are determined to set their B&B apart from others by paying special attention to the needs of their guests. They give new meaning to going the extra mile. Upon arriving wed noticed two antique cars in the parking area. Hal uses them to pick up guests who arrive by train, bus, or plane! Bikes and fishing rods are available for guests to use. The rooms are full of special features and amenities, such as: gas fireplaces, under-floor radiant heating, double sound-proofing for extra privacy, private patios, cable TV, ensuite baths with soaker tubs and showers, fine linens, feather duvets, individual robes, and quality toiletries.

When we return from dinner, there are two glasses of sherry and Bernard Callebaut chocolates waiting for us. A carafe of ice water is also sitting on our table. Outside our room is a common area with comfy couches, a chess board set up and ready to go, fresh homemade baking, and self-serve drinks. Soft music is playing.

As someone who makes a living in tourism, Im hard-pressed to think of anything thats missing. Theres even a special space to set our luggage, room in the bathroom for our toiletries, lots of mirrors and other small touches - like fresh air spray in the bathroom and a Dixie cup dispenser. Each room also has a cute outside seating area.

We awake the next morning to the incredible aroma of breakfast cooking. When we arrive at the dining area, we see that our breakfast menu is posted on a quaint chalk board sitting on an easel. The breakfast is gourmet, delicious, and as special as the accommodations and hosting.

Jody is an excellent cook and we encourage her to complete the cook book she is working on. As breakfast unfolds, we get to know the other couple staying here, as well as their son. The experience of sharing breakfast with people from different places and different backgrounds is what Bed and Breakfasts are all about. Its what sets B&Bs apart from other types of accommodations.

Hal and Judy demonstrate their knowledge of the area and direct us to places to eat, activities to take part in, and sites to see. Qualicum Beach is abundant with activities and attractions. Qualicum has lots of great walking trails and many are close to Heritage Cottage. There are also six golf courses in the area and on this trip we take advantage of one of the best, Arrowsmith Golf Course. We like it because it is executive length and the course doesnt beat us up. It is well maintained and very scenic with Mount Arrowsmith as a backdrop. Qualicum is a golfers Mecca.

We leave Qualicum knowing that we have found one of the better B&Bs on Vancouver Island. My only disappointment is that I didnt get to the Coombs Country Market for an ice cream cone and that I couldnt have a drink with Bullets Johnson.

Ron Kirstein is the owner of a Canadian Travel & Tourism Web site (since 1995). Ron has traveled the length and breadth of Vancouver Island BC Canada in search of adventures - see - http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/travelmagazine Aubrie Blog45229
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