~ About ~
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Manna House consists of two buildings, connected by a covered walkway, on 2 acres of oceanfront land on Denman Island, one of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. The three guest rooms are newly renovated, completed in the Fall of 2020, with upgrades carried out during April and May 2021, and November - April 2022.
Your hosts, Mitra and Mark, have lived and worked here since 2003; both are artists and long time practitioners of art and photography, gourmet cooking and gardening. Manna House is professionally managed, the owners and/or managers are in the adjoining building, available to be of assistance 24/7. About Denman Island
Denman Island (Indigenous name Taystay’ich) is one of British Columbia’s Northern Gulf Islands, off the east coast of central Vancouver Island on the traditional, unceded territory of the Pentlach people including the K'omoks, Sliammon and Qualicum First Nations. Denman is home to approximately 1,400 year-round residents. The island is notable for its thriving artistic community, its festivals and its beautiful natural environment. Denman is a relatively small island (approximately 51 square kilometres or 19 square miles) separated from the east-central coastline of Vancouver Island by Baynes Sound. The island is approximately 19 kilometres (12 miles) long and 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) wide with a mix of farmland, apple orchards, residential lots and forest. There are arbutus and second-growth western red cedar and Douglas-fir groves and also some of the original forest of the Coast Douglas-fir biogeoclimactic zone, which you may enjoy at the Lindsay-Dickson Nature Reserve, of which only 1% of this eco-system remains in its natural state in Canada.
(Visit Denman Island for more information) |
Manna House on Google Earth ↕
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One of the Safest Places on Earth!
Denman Island has to be one of the safest places to roam around, on the planet! There's no crime, so we have no police (unless they are passing through on their way to Hornby Island). There's no cougars (which is why we have so many deer), no bears, and there are no poisonous snakes.
Denman Island has to be one of the safest places to roam around, on the planet! There's no crime, so we have no police (unless they are passing through on their way to Hornby Island). There's no cougars (which is why we have so many deer), no bears, and there are no poisonous snakes.
The Weather
Denman Island traditionally enjoys mild and largely dry weather in spring, summer and fall, with most rainfall from November through January. The closest Environment Canada weather station at Comox Airport records average regional summer highs in the mid 20°C range (70°F) and winter lows a few degrees above freezing. What's wonderful about Denman is the micro-climate it enjoys, in the rain-shadow of the Beaufort Range on Vancouver Island where it might be pouring, whilst here there's bright sunshine!
Denman Island traditionally enjoys mild and largely dry weather in spring, summer and fall, with most rainfall from November through January. The closest Environment Canada weather station at Comox Airport records average regional summer highs in the mid 20°C range (70°F) and winter lows a few degrees above freezing. What's wonderful about Denman is the micro-climate it enjoys, in the rain-shadow of the Beaufort Range on Vancouver Island where it might be pouring, whilst here there's bright sunshine!
Some Weather, from the front deck, March 2022
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However, as we all know, the weather is becoming more unpredictable and this Spring (2022) was been the coldest/wettest in a long while (since the 1980's I heard), but better here than elsewhere in BC apparently. Last year the "heat bomb" that descended over British Columbia mid-summer was mitigated, at least on this property, by the cooling sea breezes. This year the heat hasn't been so extreme so far and it's not been so dry; and an odd year for plants with some dying whilst others are going ballistic. What is for sure is that whatever the weather, it's always beautiful here!
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The Denman Island Bus Service
DIBS consists of three main components, the Summer Service, the Community Service, and a Charter Service.
The Summer Service will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-6pm from July 1st - September 5th, providing a 16-passenger shuttle from BC Ferries' Denman West Terminal to Gravelly Bay Terminal approximately every 45 minutes, connecting foot and bicycle passengers to and from Hornby Island (Ja-dai-aich).
The Community Service, starting in June, will run in a separate 7 passenger van, and is oriented towards providing a transit option for residents of Denman Island, connecting them with the staples of island life, such as the Farmer's Market, the Medical Clinic, Food Bank, and the General Store, not to mention popular swimming and hiking spots as the weather warms up.
The Charter Service, will be available for public and private entities alike to book a safe ride to and from events and other adventures around Denman, and, by prior arrangement, even beyond. The standard rate for this service will be $80/hr.
The Summer and Community Services will both operate via a series of pre-arranged stops, and by roadside hailing, where safe.
https://www.denmanislandbus.ca
Association for Denman Island Marine Stewards (ADIMS)
We have many vibrant voluntary organizations on Denman, but ADIMS deserves a special shout out, not only for their tireless work in keeping our beaches and waters clean, but so many other great initiatives, including, "a direct line can be drawn" from ADIMS to Canadian and International bans on single use and micro-plastics, via the educating of and lobbying by Gord Johns, our local MP.
If you visit Denman Island and feel grateful for the experience, remember that it's the waters that surround us that everything depends on. If you'd like to express that gratitude, please consider donating to ADIMS, (you get an automatic tax receipt, so why not?) and you can stay connected to Denman Island by becoming a member! https://adims.ca/donate
We have many vibrant voluntary organizations on Denman, but ADIMS deserves a special shout out, not only for their tireless work in keeping our beaches and waters clean, but so many other great initiatives, including, "a direct line can be drawn" from ADIMS to Canadian and International bans on single use and micro-plastics, via the educating of and lobbying by Gord Johns, our local MP.
If you visit Denman Island and feel grateful for the experience, remember that it's the waters that surround us that everything depends on. If you'd like to express that gratitude, please consider donating to ADIMS, (you get an automatic tax receipt, so why not?) and you can stay connected to Denman Island by becoming a member! https://adims.ca/donate
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"We advocate for the protection of the Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel and surrounding waters... ADIMS pursues positive actions that show respect for and commitment to our marine ecosystem." "We are dedicated island dwellers who advocate respect for marine creatures and the ocean they live in. We believe in accepting responsibility to help protect, conserve, restore, and maintain the wealth and beauty of the life that surrounds us." https://adims.ca |
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About Hornby Island
Manna House is 5 minutes drive from to the Gravelly Bay ferry terminal. The ferry runs every hour until 6:00pm (leaves Hornby) except on Friday, when the last ferry is 9:30pm. The sailing is 10 minutes. ( BC Ferries Current Schedule ) For a day-trip, Hornby is pretty flat and easy cycling (apart from the hill between the Village and Fords Cove), but that might be what you'll end up spending most of your time doing. If you want to "do Hornby" in a day, I'd suggest that you take the car, so that you'll be able to see all the highlights - Fords Cove (marina), the Village (lunch), Helliwell Park (walk) and Tribune Bay (swim), and perhaps a wine tasting at a vineyard in-between? Just don't miss the last ferry! |
Hornby Island by Google Earth ↕
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"Tucked in the middle of the Salish Sea, our community will draw your creative soul. Ours is a world of sandy beaches, lush forests, and joyful reveling. Many of us came for a visit, and stayed for life!
"With white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and a rich biodiversity complemented by a laid-back island vibe, it’s easy to understand how Hornby earned its nickname as Canada’s Hawaii.
"Here, we care deeply for our island and community. We tread lightly on the land and treat others with love and respect. Our Hornby is something you have to see for yourself. We think you’re going to love it." http://hornbyisland.com
Helliwell Provincial Park Hiking Guide ►
Hornby Island: Mount Geoffrey Nature Park Trails; Interactive Map ► for Walking, Biking & Horse Riding
"No crowds. Breathtaking coasts & old forests. Fantastic trail designs." (Yeti Adventure Films)
Hornby Island: Mount Geoffrey Nature Park Trails; Interactive Map ► for Walking, Biking & Horse Riding
"No crowds. Breathtaking coasts & old forests. Fantastic trail designs." (Yeti Adventure Films)
Hornby Island Bus Service
During July and August, Hornby Island has a free bus service every day! HornbyBus.com
During July and August, Hornby Island has a free bus service every day! HornbyBus.com
The World's Longest Cable Ferry!
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Crossing Baynes Sound between Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island and Denman Island West, the ferry runs basically every hour during the day, with less frequent sailings in the evening until 9:30pm off-season and 11:00pm during the Summer. It's a 10 minute sailing but allow 5 minutes each side for loading and unloading.
BC Ferries Current Schedulle, Denman - Vancouver Island ► ↕
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The Baynes Sound Connector is the first and only cable ferry in the BC Ferries fleet, replacing the MV Quinitsa in February 2016.
The crossing of approximately 1900 metres is the longest cable ferry crossing in the world. Built by Seaspan in its Vancouver Shipyards at a cost of CAD$15M; 258-foot-long, designed for 150 passengers and 50 vehicles. The Hornby Ferry runs in synch. with the Denman Ferry, i.e. every hour, but not as late in the evening, except on Fridays.
BC Ferries Current schedule, Denman - Hornby Island ► |
What to Bring : (Suggested) Clothing & Personal Items
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Where to Buy Your Groceries
(Weekly grocery shopping including the fresh produce/bread grown and baked on Denman Island is available on request.)
Denman Island:
Weinberg's in Buckley Bay - Also a 10 minute ferry ride away but in the opposite direction, is a totally organic grocery next to the ferry terminal and behind the PetroCanada Station. If the timing is right when you arrive it's an excellent place to stock up on your way over, so that the fresh stuff is as fresh as possible. During your stay, if you can carry your shopping there's no need to take the car, you can do a "walk-on" to the ferry. Weinbergs are open every day, 10-5.
Edible Island Whole Foods Market in Courtenay - Drive 20Km North to Courtenay and head for 6th Street. It's nearly all organic produce. Otherwise Thrifty's is the first store you reach and Canadian Superstore is 5 minutes on, across the river.
(Weekly grocery shopping including the fresh produce/bread grown and baked on Denman Island is available on request.)
Denman Island:
- Denman Island General Store where you can get all the basic groceries.
- Ima's Kitchen is an excellent organic bakery with a middle-eastern bias, including wonderful bagels, pita bread, chalah bread, sourdough loaves, rustic loaves, focacia, cinamon buns and chalah donuts! However, they only bake twice a week, on a Friday when it's a good idea to order ahead, and for the Saturday Morning Market, where they sell out fast so get there early! They also sell vegan ice cream from the freezer, every day.
- Saturday Morning Farmers Market (seasonal), various organic farms and producers.
- Two Roads Organic Farm with a year-round Roadside Farm Stand.
- Corlan Vineyard and Farm, our Gold Medal winning organic/vegan boutique winery.
Weinberg's in Buckley Bay - Also a 10 minute ferry ride away but in the opposite direction, is a totally organic grocery next to the ferry terminal and behind the PetroCanada Station. If the timing is right when you arrive it's an excellent place to stock up on your way over, so that the fresh stuff is as fresh as possible. During your stay, if you can carry your shopping there's no need to take the car, you can do a "walk-on" to the ferry. Weinbergs are open every day, 10-5.
Edible Island Whole Foods Market in Courtenay - Drive 20Km North to Courtenay and head for 6th Street. It's nearly all organic produce. Otherwise Thrifty's is the first store you reach and Canadian Superstore is 5 minutes on, across the river.
About the Art
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From our collection, representing an eclectic cross-section of contemporary art that we published by over 50 artists from Canada, the US and Argentina, as Mima Fine Art Publishers Inc. & Mima Gallery. In 2008 Mima became the supplier of art to 'The Bay' (The Hudson Bay Company, founded 1670) in Downtown Vancouver, followed by the Victoria and Nanaimo stores in 2009. That lasted 3 years, followed by 30+ stores and galleries throughout BC, until we folded Mima in 2016. The continuing online "Closing Sale" consists of 'ex-stock'. (Click here for the full story...)
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See the entire collection, on sale, at www.mimagallery.com ►
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If you've looked at the website and are interested in purchasing an artwork, we'd be happy to show you the real thing, by appointment.
Art by the hosts Mitra & Mark : Although some is displayed in the rooms, most of it is stored in the main house and is not included in the online "Closing Sale". If you are seriously interested in buying, having seen examples on the walls or something online, please make an appointment with Mark to view the actual artwork(s).
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"Blue Lake", 21"x 11", Natural Inks, Mineral & Vegetable Colors, Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze on Rice Paper www.MitraGhaffari.com ►
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"Calligraphy of Birds, vol. 1 no.19", Photograph on Fine Art Rag Paper Photography by Mark Prior ►
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Fine Art Printing, Image Editing & Consultation Services for Photographers, Artists, and Corporate Clients.
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Specializing in large prints for exhibitions & architectural installations; printing on aluminum, paper and canvas.
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We settled in British Columbia in 2003, when the 'digital revolution' was still in it's infancy. Our relatively remote location meant investment in reliable fine art digital printing equipment, and after a couple of years we co-founded Mima Fine Art Publishers & Gallery, to promote other artists' and photographers' work alongside our own by creating fine art giclee editions. Since then the art market has changed dramatically with the demise of the high street gallery and rise of the Internet, and so we’ve evolved into providing printing services for self-publishing photographers and artists. We replaced ‘Mima’ with ‘Print Art Photography CA’ in April 2016, to better reflect the 'new' nature of the business, and by now I’ve reproduced and printed many thousands of artworks and photographic editions, some of which are hanging in the Manna House guests' suites. (Find out more...)
Denman Island from Union Bay ↕
*COVID 19 : Protocol & Cleaning Regime
All cleaning is done to comply with strict COVID-19 protocols; after deep cleaning, frequently handled surfaces are sanitized, and the guest is the next person to enter the room.
All cleaning is done to comply with strict COVID-19 protocols; after deep cleaning, frequently handled surfaces are sanitized, and the guest is the next person to enter the room.
Manna House Rental : Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions apply specifically to bookings made directly with Manna House. When booking through a third party, e.g. Airbnb, their terms and conditions supersede these Terms & Conditions.
Payment: A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The balance of 50% (non refundable) is due 30 days from the reservation date, or immediately if the reservation date is less than 30 days from the start of the stay.
Security Damage Deposit: The security damage deposit of $300 is due by the arrival date and will be returned to you after a post check-out inspection confirms that the property and furnishings have been left undamaged, the room is in the same condition as check-in and there are no missing or damaged items. If you have paid by credit card, a hold will be put on your card automatically for the duration of your stay without actually drawing any money, and released automatically within 7 days of your departure.
Cancellation Policy: Guest receives 97.00% if cancellation occurs at least 31 days before arrival; Guest receives 50.00% if cancellation occurs at least 7 days before arrival; No refunds within 7 days of arrival.
By Booking a Unit Directly with Manna House: You are agreeing to the House Rules, and these Terms and Conditions.
These Terms & Conditions apply specifically to bookings made directly with Manna House. When booking through a third party, e.g. Airbnb, their terms and conditions supersede these Terms & Conditions.
Payment: A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The balance of 50% (non refundable) is due 30 days from the reservation date, or immediately if the reservation date is less than 30 days from the start of the stay.
Security Damage Deposit: The security damage deposit of $300 is due by the arrival date and will be returned to you after a post check-out inspection confirms that the property and furnishings have been left undamaged, the room is in the same condition as check-in and there are no missing or damaged items. If you have paid by credit card, a hold will be put on your card automatically for the duration of your stay without actually drawing any money, and released automatically within 7 days of your departure.
Cancellation Policy: Guest receives 97.00% if cancellation occurs at least 31 days before arrival; Guest receives 50.00% if cancellation occurs at least 7 days before arrival; No refunds within 7 days of arrival.
By Booking a Unit Directly with Manna House: You are agreeing to the House Rules, and these Terms and Conditions.
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House Rules: This is a Retreat Property where our guests come to stay in a natural and quiet atmosphere. We respectfully ask that you follow these House Rules:
1] Avoid loud noise:
3] Adults only; No Pets |
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