"Rustic Elegance Meets Coastal Charm: Carol-Lyn and Coltan's Autumn Wedding" 9/10/24
From the moment guests arrived, every detail was a testament to Carol-Lyn and Coltan’s thoughtful planning and unique love story. Seasonal touches adorned the venue—deep burgundies, burnt oranges, and golden yellows in the floral arrangements and décor beautifully captured the essence of fall. The couple’s outdoor ceremony took place under a canopy of vibrant autumn leaves, with the gentle sound of waves adding a touch of serenity.
The reception was a cozy affair in the resort’s warm, inviting event space. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu inspired by local flavors, sharing laughter and heartfelt toasts in honor of the newlyweds. Every moment was infused with joy, from the first dance to the final farewell.
Check out their teaser video here: https://youtu.be/mTmEatTH3v8
Amy & Ryan 05/26/18
This wedding was a BLAST! Surrounded by their sometimes wild and always loving Family and Friends, Amy and Ryan along with their amazing three sons made their family official. What a joyful day with endless laughs and a lot of pizza!
The Painted Fox Photography | Britt Lawrence
Head Quarters Salon and Day Spa | Mandy Sephton
Indira Esthetics | Ali Dykes
Winter Menu Musing
Winter menu musing with Chef Joe Volk
Yellow madras coconut curried corn bisque, melted leek & bell pepper fondue, Fleurer's hot smoked sable fish, creme fraiche & chili oil.
As brightness of the summer and fall seasons give way to the dark chill of a damp West Coast winter my disposition towards food changes. Whereas only 8 weeks ago I was craving crisp, light and refreshing fares, I am now drawn to foods to comfort and warm my soul. Quick purees, vibrant salsas and vinaigrettes are replaced with slow braised rich meats, sauces made from painstaking reduction. Delicate herbs are replaced with hard fall spices, naturally pushing inspirations towards complex Middle Eastern preparations & fruit chutneys. Local orchard fruits, winter squash and hearty root vegetables still in their peak of quality have taken the main stage, it seems like so long now since the first tomatoes, summer squash and berries hit my kitchen, gone but not forgotten.
There is a tangible sigh of relief at the end of a bustling summer season in a resort & tourist community. I am proud to be a new member of this not so little Coastal community of Quadra Island. In turn I’m seeking out the kinds of foods that bring me back yet make we feel at home like the first smell of coffee in the morning. I’m trying to create dishes that wrap you up in a warm hug. The butternut squash gnocchi achieves this for me, as a child my mom would make a simple snack of cheese, crackers & apple. The delicate winter squash dumplings are like pillows, sauteed in brown butter and herbs until their exterior crisps, a reduced crème fraiche adds a sort of bright creaminess to this rich dish, along with the kick of pungent blue cheese, all topped with sweet and juicy sliced Bartlett pear & the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. I feel so at home I can hear my mom asking me to do the dishes.
Many chefs talk about seasonality and the role it plays in influencing their menus. As with all animals and we humans are no exception to that, there’s an innate connection to our world and its changing seasons. That’s what guides us in creating these seasonal menus where we let the products that are naturally in their prime to be the stars on the plate. Where I would have to manipulate adjust and cajole an out of season ingredient I can allow a perfect fresh ingredient be itself and it shines as if all on its own. So here's to celebrating the rich warm flavours that keep us cozy during these cool month, they nourish our bodies and souls as we hideaway and dream of the summer season and all of all the dainty berries and vine ripe tomatoes to come.
Bon Appetite!
~ Chef Joe Volk
Five Spice seared scallops, root vegetable puree, candied bacon, white grape chutney, kale & brussel sprout mini salad
Photo Credit: Erin Wallis Photography
Company Holiday Parties!
We are now accepting reservations for company holiday parties!
They book up very quickly, so it's never too early to plan ahead.
We have catering and accommodation packages available, please call +1 250 285 3572 for more details.
Our final At The Table of the season, Eastern European style
Come and take a gander at our very last At The Table Menu of the season. No Christmas Goose on the menu this time around; instead, indulge in Poor Man’s Apple Pie...
Come and take a gander at our very last At The Table Menu of the season. No Christmas Goose on the menu this time around; instead, indulge in Poor Man’s Apple Pie, a delicacy which might just bring a tear to your eye. Chef Mariana and Jill Ogasawara of SouthEnd Vineyards have once again united to create a work of art, using local food, wine, and spirits as the medium, and other great minds as the inspiration. We still have availability for this Saturday, March the 7th, and we would love for you to join us.
Tickets are $87.00 per person (tax and gratuity included). Come for a feast of four courses with pairings, dessert, coffee, and the illuminating discussions with Chef Mariana and winemaker Jill.
If you can’t get home in time and need to spend the night, or would just like to make a weekend of it, we have a very special At The Table package available for $275.00 (before applicable taxes). This includes tickets for 2 individuals, a night in our boutique hotel, and continental breakfast the next morning. We also have a package designed for any single guests, which comes at the great price of $190.00 (before applicable taxes).
Call +1 250 285 3572 to book. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Next At The Table menu inspired by Latin American writers
Chef Mariana and co-host Jill Ogasawara, from Southend Farm & Winery, have just announced the menu and pairings for the next At The Table event on February 7th!...
Chef Mariana and co-host Jill Ogasawara, from Southend Farm & Winery, have just announced the menu and pairings for the next At The Table event on February 7th! Whether you’re inspired by the literary pieces they’ve selected, the menu itself, the unique pairings or all three, make sure to purchase your tickets early. With dishes like Rose Petal Stuffed Quail with Dark Chocolate Sauce this is going to be another fabulous culinary adventure!
Tickets are $87 per person and include a four-course dinner with pairings, dessert, coffee and talks by the chef and winemaker. To purchase tickets, call +1 250 285 3572.
‘At The Table’ 2014-15 Food + Drink Series
Gowlland Harbour Resort and SouthEnd Farm & Vineyards continues the 2014-2015 season for our second annual ‘At the Table’ Food + Drink Series featuring menus paired with award-winning wines, spirits, meads...
Gowlland Harbour Resort and SouthEnd Farm & Vineyards continues the 2014-2015 season for our second annual ‘At the Table’ Food + Drink Series featuring menus paired with award-winning wines, spirits, meads (new this year!) and craft beers made locally in British Columbia. This year’s theme, ‘Food & Literature, Writers & Spirits: A Pairing Event’, was inspired by a love of literature and the fact that many celebrated authors from around the world were also known for their love of food and drink — whether they wove it into the characters they wrote about or they themselves were infamous for their culinary and liquid cravings — there is always a story to tell of good food and fine drink.
Mark your calendar with the last two dates for the season: Feb. 7 and March 7. Tickets are $87 per person for each dinner and include a four course meal plus pairings, as well as a chance to meet and dine with some of the winemakers, distillers and brewmasters. Our executive chef, Mariana Gabilondo, and local winemaker, Jill Ogasawara from Southend Farm & Vineyard, will also be presenting and discussing the menu pairings. Stay tuned for more information on the menus and participating wineries. Last year, we had sell out events, so secure your tickets early by calling us at +1 250 285 3572!
2015 Dates: February 7th & March 7th
TIME:
6:30 to 10:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm)
TICKETS:
$87 per person/event (includes tax)
PACKAGE OFFER:
$275 per couple includes At The Table event plus hotel room
and continental breakfast for two the next morning
TO PURCHASE TICKETS CALL:
+1-250-285-3572
At The Table delighted with Vancouver Island oysters, rabbit and more!
The food was stunning and delicious at the last At The Table, as the photos attest, and as we’ve come to expect from Chef Mariana! The menu included Fresh Shucked Oysters with herb oil pearls...
The food was stunning and delicious at the last At The Table, as the photos attest, and as we’ve come to expect from Chef Mariana! The menu included Fresh Shucked Oysters with herb oil pearls with lime, rosemary, and port & clove; Black Truffled Pear Puree paired with a white pear cream; Tender Rabbit & Mushroom Meat Pie served with wild greens; Baked Stuffed Turkey with Rum Plum Pudding; and a selection of mignardises.
For those of you who couldn’t make it, take a peek at some of the mouth-watering photos below (courtesy of Quadra Island photographer Don Mottershead). A big thank you and shout out to the participating companies, including: 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery, Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery, Longwood Brewery, and Church & State Wines. Make sure you check out these companies’ products over the holiday season and if you can’t find them in your local liquor store, ask them to bring them in or see if the new MetroLiqour in Timberline Village in Campbell River has them in stock.
Authentic Mexican Nights are back this weekend!
Join us this weekend, Dec. 19-21, for ‘Nights from Veracruz’ when Chef Mariana features fresh spices and locally-sourced seafood and meat to create our very own authentic Mexican restaurant...
Join us this weekend, Dec. 19-21, for ‘Nights from Veracruz’ when Chef Mariana features fresh spices and locally-sourced seafood and meat to create our very own authentic Mexican restaurant for a few nights only right here at Gowlland Harbour Resort! The menu for this weekend includes:
Huachinango a la Veracruzana
Red Snapper wrapped in Banana Leaves with Tomatoes, Olives & Peppers served over rice.
Chilpachole de Mariscos
Mixed Seafood & Fish in a Thick Chili Broth with housemade Corn Dumplings.
Polla Enchilpayado
Chicken Breast cooked in a Green Chili and Garlic Cream Sauce with Sauteed Onions served over rice.
The menu will be a la carte, so you may order as many courses as you like. There will also be a few more surprises added to the menu! For reservations, call +1 250 285 3572. The next Authentic Mexican Nights will be held at Gowlland Harbour Resort on the weekend of Feb. 20-22, 2015.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Gowlland Harbour Resort
Wishing all our guests and supporters a healthy, wealthy and wise holiday season and New Year!
Christmas decorations at the Resort
Come by the Resort and see our huge Christmas tree all decked out with jubilant red ribbons and glittery decorations! Check out our annual wishing tree, too! Sit down with a latte or a cup of our famous hot chocolate...
Come by the Resort and see our huge Christmas tree all decked out with jubilant red ribbons and glittery decorations! Check out our annual wishing tree, too! Sit down with a latte or a cup of our famous hot chocolate (made with decadent chocolate ganache), fill out your wishes for the year and hang them on the tree!
Local Christmas craft fair on the island
Our annual local Christmas Craft Fair on Quadra Island is always a fun few days! Full of artists who live on Quadra — from painters, illustrators and photographers to weavers, potters, drum makers and more...
Our annual local Christmas Craft Fair on Quadra Island is always a fun few days! Full of artists who live on Quadra — from painters, illustrators and photographers to weavers, potters, drum makers and more — we have a buffet of beautiful and unique items that make perfect Christmas gifts (or gifts for any time of year!). Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses at the same time. Take a peak at some of the treasures we found in the photos below. If you want to visit some of the craftspeople who have websites, check out Red Cedar Herbs and James Pottery.
Meet the staff at Gowlland Harbour Resort
We think we have some of the best staff anywhere...
We think we have some of the best staff anywhere, so we thought we’d share some of the friendly faces who are part of the Gowlland Harbour team. Meet Maia, our organized, efficient and lovely front office person! When you call, Maia is usually the voice you’ll hear at the other end of the phone. A local on Quadra Island, she’s a wealth of knowledge for all things Quadra — from where to go hiking, to which art event is coming up or where the best spots are for swimming/hanging out/fish and chips/eagle watching, etc….next time, be sure to say ‘hi’ and ask Maia your questions about Quadra Island. She knows her stuff!
Launch of At The Table 2014-15 is tonight!
Tonight is the first evening in our four-part ‘At The Table 2014-15 Food + Drink Series’. There’s still a few tickets left!...
Tonight is the first evening in our four-part ‘At The Table 2014-15 Food + Drink Series’. There’s still a few tickets left! Prices are $87/person per event and include a four-course dinner, dessert and drink pairings with each course, as well as talks by our own Executive Chef Mariana and Southend Farm & Vineyards winemaker, Jill Ogasawara. Call us at +1 250 285 3572 to reserve your seats for this evening’s event, which features North American writers as the inspiration for the menu (click here to see the menu). Hope you can join us!
Private dining and tasting room perfect for parties!
Our Harbourview Room is perfect for private dining and tasting parties this season. With it’s warm yellow cedar walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, separate entrance and private patio...
Our Harbourview Room is perfect for private dining and tasting parties this season. With it’s warm yellow cedar walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, separate entrance and private patio, it’s a lovely option for smaller staff Christmas parties or a special evening out with friends. Enjoy the luxury of your own private room with the same service as our dining room. Minimum group booking is 6 people. Maximum guests are 12 for a sit down dinner and 20 for a cocktail-style evening. Guests can order from our regular menu or Chef Mariana can create a custom menu for your group. For wine tasting events or to book a group dinner, call us at +1 250 285 3572 for more details and to book.
Quadra Island Studio Tour Kickoff Weekend!
Looking for something creative to do to get your summer adventures started? Quadra Island artists will be kicking off the 12th annual Quadra Island Studio Tour June 7th & 8th...
Fish Chatter by Nanci Cook
Looking for something creative to do to get your summer adventures started? Quadra Island artists will be kicking off the 12th annual Quadra Island Studio Tour June 7th & 8th, where visitors get to meet the artists who are normally hidden away in their studios creating. Quadra has an abundance of resident talented artists with a variety of disciplines — from painters, potters and sculptors to wood carvers, guitar makers and jewellery designers — many of who have received international acclaim.
Visitors can explore the work of over 35 artists at 23 studios around the island, as well as at the local community centre. Many of the artists will be offering demonstrations of their techniques and there will also be activities happening at the Quadra Island Community Centre with door prizes, a silent auction and goodies!
Make sure you stop by the Gowlland Harbour Dining Room for lunch or dinner while you’re enjoying the tour. We are close by to a number of the studios and just down the road from painter Carrie McKellar and bicycle designer, Sam Whittingham’s Naked Bicycles studio.
Tickets for the Studio Tour are just $5 each (kids 12 and under are free) and are available at the following locations:
- Campbell River Public Art Gallery
- Comox Valley Art Gallery
- Impressions Custom Framing
- Hummingbird Office and Art Supply
- Quadra Island Tourist Info Centre
Can’t make it for the June 7th & 8th weekend? Don’t worry! At least 14 of the studios will remain open throughout the summer. Make sure to check out the list of artists’ studios open year-round on the Tour Map by clicking here and selecting ‘Year-Round Studios’.
Dates & Hours:
Saturday, June 7 | 10 am-5 pm
Sunday, June 8 | 10 am-4 pm
Tickets:
$5 each (free for kids 12 & under)
For More Information:
Phone | +1 250 285 2103
Website | www.quadraislandarts.com
Join us for Easter brunch on Sunday, April 20th!
Chef Mariana will be creating a sumptuous feast to celebrate the Easter weekend! Imagine the aroma of her fresh baking when you walk in the door...
Chef Mariana will be creating a sumptuous feast to celebrate the Easter weekend! Imagine the aroma of her fresh baking when you walk in the door…chocolate brioche, biscotti to dip in your latte, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and warm bread with homemade preserves! Okay, it’s not just about the Chef’s baking but it might be for some of us! Of course, there will also be delicious egg dishes and other savoury delights, along with fresh fruit, a variety of tempting buffet platters, juice and coffee or tea.
$29 per person and $15 for children 12 and under, including tax. There will be two sittings at 11 am and 1 pm, which will fill quickly, so make sure to call and reserve your table ahead of time! Call 250-285-3572 or email info@gowllandharbour.com.
Date: Sunday, April 20th
Sittings: 11 am or 1 pm
Price: $29/person and $15 for 12 & under
Reservations: +1 250 285 3572 or email info@gowllandharbour.com
Canada Day 2014 at Cape Mudge!
Mark your calendars…Canada Day at the Cape, hosted by Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, is right around the corner! This one-day celebration is going to be a HUGE event with many of the typical Canada Day activities...
Mark your calendars…Canada Day at the Cape, hosted by Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, is right around the corner! This one-day celebration is going to be a HUGE event with many of the typical Canada Day activities, like the opening Pancake Breakfast, and tours of the Sacred Potlatch Collection and ancient petroglyphs. Plus, heritage walking tours to the landing site of Captain George Vancouver, an artisan marketplace, Elder’s storytelling, and heaps of family and children’s activities!
Special highlights this year include the rededication of three historic welcome poles, which are currently under restoration, and the arrival of the Tribal Journey canoes, which will enter our territory on July 1st en route from Washington State to their final destination in Bella Bella. After the traditional welcome is completed, Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre will host a community feast followed by First Nations drumming and dancing.
Organizers are busy preparing all the details, however, an event of this magnitude requires tremendous volunteer support. If you would like information about the volunteer opportunities available, please visit the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre website by clicking here or call +1 250 285 3733.
Get your Canada flag and face paint ready!
Thank you to everyone who supported our first wine + dining ‘At The Table’ series!
A big thank you to everyone who attended our At The Table wine and dining series this 2013-2014 season! We had tremendous response — most of the events were sold out...
A big thank you to everyone who attended our At The Table wine and dining series this 2013-2014 season! We had tremendous response — most of the events were sold out — and wonderful feedback from our guests! Also, a big thanks to all the participating wineries, distilleries and craft breweries whose products we featured alongside Chef Mariana’s always creative and delicious menus! For more information on the products we used, please see the list of links below.
Have an idea for next year’s At The Table theme?
At the last event on Feb. 7th, 2014, we asked attendees to share their ideas for next year’s At The Table theme/s and we had a number of inspiring ideas but we’d like your input, too! If you have an idea you think would be a great concept for a wine/spirits/beer and dining event, email us at info@gowllandharbour.com with subject line ‘At The Table theme idea’. And if you know of a Vancouver Island product you think we should feature, we’d love to hear about it. Thanks!
New ‘Bucket List’ Kayak Adventure Offered at Gowlland Harbour Resort!
We are very excited to announce that we have partnered with Wildcoast Adventures Ltd. to offer travelers a ‘trip of a lifetime’ experience with a seven-day Premium Orca Camp tour package...
We are very excited to announce that we have partnered with Wildcoast Adventures Ltd. to offer travelers a ‘trip of a lifetime’ experience with a seven-day Premium Orca Camp tour package. The package includes four days at Wildcoast’s Orca Camp, where guests camp and kayak next to the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Straight — a sanctuary for killer whales — combined with first-class accommodation before and after at Gowlland Harbour Resort.
The opportunity to see Orca whales in their natural habitat is definitely a ‘Top 10′ bucket list adventure for many people and pairing it with a stay at a beautiful boutique retreat like Gowlland Harbour Resort provides an outstanding experience and level of service not offered by other local tour operators.
“This part of Canada offers truly spectacular wildlife, especially whales and other marine life. Paddling the waters deemed a critical habitat for both resident and transient Orca whales provides travelers from all over the world the best opportunity to see these majestic creatures in the wild!” enthuses Wildcoast co-owner and tour operator Valerie Glendenning. “Combining a luxurious stay and sumptuous gourmet meals with rustic outdoor adventure offers the best of both worlds for the discerning adventure traveler."
Killer whales migrate vast distances during the year, feeding abundantly in summer waters off the west coast of Canada. The whale population has been consistent in and around Johnstone Straight for many generations, however, given the increasing threats to their ongoing existence, there is no better time than now to book this ‘bucket list’ trip.
Guests begin and end their Premium Orca Camp vacation at Gowlland Harbour Resort where they are warmly welcomed and settled into their private room with king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom. The peaceful beauty of the Resort’s waterfront location encourages visitors to reconnect with nature by wandering the property, relaxing in the outdoor hot tub or rejuvenating in the cedar sauna. Daily breakfast includes fresh, local ingredients and homemade baking. “We cater to travelers who enjoy the quiet serenity of a small island resort along with top-notch service and amenities. This is the perfect spot to unwind, take in the scenery and delight in delicious food,” says Mariana Gabilondo, manager and executive chef at Gowlland Harbour Resort.
“This new 7-Day Orca Camp kayaking package combines the best of luxury & rustic outdoor adventure for the discerning traveler.”
On day three of the adventure, guests take a two-hour trip by water taxi to Wildcoast’s remote Orca Camp where they spend four days camping in safari tents, eating delicious meals and kayaking while watching for whales who often feed in the kelp beds just off the Orca Camp beach. Wilderness activities such as native style sauna, swimming in the mountain-fed river and venturing out on exploratory hikes are also part of the fun. Optional activities can be added during your stay at Gowlland Harbour Resort for an additional fee and range from golf and fishing charters to art studio tours, wine tasting and day hikes.
The Orca Camp Premium 7-Day Tour is offered from June 29th to September 18th. For rates and more information, visit Wildcoast Adventures’ website at wildcoastadventures.com.
