06 August 2008

Ruby Lake Resort

KID-FRIENDLY COTTAGING NEAR VANCOUVER | SUNSHINE COAST

We stayed in one of the cottages as seen here behind the trees and bushes. The structure in the foreground is a covered space by the lagoon that guests use for meals.



You can see more cottages on the right here and one of the barbecue huts on the left which overlooks the lagoon.



And we had breakfast in this gazebo on our last morning.



But the resort also has these charming safari-like tents. Some of which have covered back patios looking into the lush, green rain forest. The tents have fireplaces, a bed, and electricity but guests bring their own coolers and barbecues to use at the picnic tables out front. Larger family-sized tents are also available.



At the main entrance there is a popular gourmet Italian restaurant with a great patio.



There are dozens of examples of typical West Coast architecture in its most natural form. This is a large common covered area that shelters a ping pong table but would also be nice to use on a rainy day. We stumbled across it on a little hike we took one morning.



We also found this playground.



And this stunning amphitheatre.



And several organic vegetable gardens protected from deer by driftwood fences.





We stumbled across a zen garden beside a large chicken coop of sorts which also houses pheasants, a peacock, and heritage turkeys.



The gardens are fantastic. And sometimes larger than life.



At every turn there is an interesting sculpture or feature of some sort.







These driftwood sculptures are everywhere.





And interesting places to rest.



There's swimming and canoing in the lake across the road and a resident massage therapist. And all of this in a bird sanctuary.