I have said it many times before, but it’s worth saying again…we have incredible talent here on Vancouver Island. This is most definitely the case when it comes to the large driftwood creations you can spot scattered around. You’ll find them on beaches, hidden in the forest, in a few local businesses, or standing on the side of the road.
Over the last few months, I’ve made it my mission to try and find as many as I can. I call it a driftwood creations treasure hunt.
It’s been such an enjoyable task that I thought our readers would enjoy it too.
Below you’ll find clues to where you too can find these amazing structures.
Let the driftwood creations treasure hunt begin!
North Island Driftwood Creations Treasure Hunt
Seagle and Beagle
This magnificent duo hangs out at a well known Royston resort and spa.
With a garden so inviting, one has no choice but to sigh “Ahhhh”
Not only are the oceanside accommodations and restaurant top notch
You’ll be safe and sound with these two eagles keeping watch.
Fergus
This sly fox has had a few mishaps
Been stolen twice by some greedy chaps
He’s back at home and hidden quite well
Among the Oyster River Nature Park Trail.
Buckminster
This grey owl has a home along Highway 19A
Where he stands on a beach near a creek and a bay
Oh the stories he’d tell if he could only talk
You’ll find him turning left from the parking lot
Sarah
Sarah found a home thanks to some donors to the Public Driftwood Art campaign
Now this Raptor lives on a beach with Willow Point as its name
With the beach to your left, head down the path
She’s hiding among a few bushes and tall grass
Peabody
The official Campbell River greeter is Peabody the Racoon
Waving hello and telling you to come back soon
He’s located along the sea wall north of Rotary Beach Park
Or along the same walk south of the 50th Parallel Mark
Richard
This One-Eyed Seal hangs upside down at Dockside
Hoping for some fish and chips and other things fried.
Keep watch in the harbour waters for its namesake
The real Richard may be swimming behind the boat wakes
Chadwick
A strong looking beast made out of driftwood sticks
This Cougar’s home is at the Tyee Spit
Much like Fergus above, he’s painted orange black and white
Which helps him blend into his surroundings just right.
While you are there…
The driftwood art sculptures mentioned in the above treasure hunt are all located along Highway 19A. While travelling along this oceanside route, there are plenty of other great things to see and do. You can check out our favourites by reading this subsequent article:
The Creator
The driftwood art found at the locations mentioned above are made by the talented Vancouver Island artist named, Alex Witcombe. Since creating his first driftwood sculpture in 2015, Alex has gone on to create unique West Coast-inspired driftwood pieces for resorts, spas, developers, cities, and events, as well as private clients.
You can find more information about Alex by visiting his website: Drifted Creations Art
A Few Notes
The above-mentioned driftwood creations were the ones I searched for. However, my search does not complete the entire collection of driftwood art found in the northern part of Vancouver Island.
In fact, another very notable creation by Alex is found on Quadra Island. Mayhew the Sasquatch, resides near Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park.
To find Mayhew, go up the hill past the office of Wei-wai-kai Campground. At the end of the campsites, follow the trail going down to the ocean on the side facing Cortez. At the bottom of the trail, turn left and you will find him close by.
(If you turn right and walk for about ten minutes there is a very interesting memorial to a plane crash years ago).
South Island Driftwood Creations
Esquimalt Lagoon must hold the record for having the most driftwood creations!
People flock to this beautiful area near Victoria to birdwatch and sunbathe. However, in amongst the people and waterfowl, you’ll find many unique creations made by an artist called “Brother Paul”.
While there, we found 12 of his creations dotting the beach path. All 12 were various types of birds, and each one was just as incredible as the next.
How many can you find?
A creation made by Alex (the artist mentioned above) is also found on this same beach. McGnarly the Beach Ent was created for the 2017 Eats and Beats Festival. And is now the protector of the Lagoon, keeping a close eye out for the birds and wildlife.
Ringwald
One last sizable creation (that I know of) made again by Alex, lives at Royal Bay Beach Park. Originally created for “Driftwood Days”, Ringwald the Mammoth and her calf now greet you when you arrive at the beach.
Answers to the Treasure Hunt
If you are not familiar with the areas mentioned in the above treasure hunt, you’ll find the following google map link quite helpful. However, to keep it fun, only use the map if you are really stumped.
Google Map of driftwood creations by Drifted Creations.
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1 Comment
These are so beautiful! I saw a few whenever I visit the islands…