Step out between Dashwood and Union Bay into the 2026 Rte 19A Arts Festival , September 12-27 ! 16 days of visual and performing arts at our doorstep thanks to the many organizers, artists, performers, donors, venue hosts and volunteers delivering this enjoyment ! Three main events are taking place beginning with a Juried Fine Art Exhibition weekend featuring 24 artists , followed by a 12 day live Music Series and ending with with a weekend of Artist Studio Tours featuring 24 artists. For more info and tickets , visit: www.route19a.com
Lighthouse Country encompasses almost 300 square kilometers and that it was in the late 1890’s that a road was completed to connect Lighthouse Country to the small villages to the south ( Qualicum and Parksville) and to the north ( Courtenay and Comox), thus making this are more accessible to new settlers. The local business association first used the name “Lighthouse Country” in the early 1980’s to describe this area since a lighthouse can be seen from almost any vantage point . Names that had been in use, such as “North End” or “Shaw Hill-Deep Bay” were too cumbersome. Soon, other organizations as well were using the catchy new phrase. This and more local info found in “Images & Voices” by Rita Levitz & Leah Willott, for sale at TOMMs Food Village, Salish Sea Market & Georgia Park Store.
