About this space
Enjoy stunning, expansive mountain and lake views from the comfort of this brand new, upscale 2 bedroom suite that is kitted out with everything you will need for a weekend or extended stay. The Blue Suite is the larger of two suites at The Ark on Bowen Island, which is a large lakeside home above Killarney Lake. You can access to the extensive trail systems of Crippen Park and Mount Gardner right from the property. This is the perfect place to connect with nature while staying in comfort...
The space
Perched high above beautiful Killarney Lake, the Blue Suite at The Ark on Bowen is a brand new, upscale, self-catering suite perfect for couple who want space. Whether you want to swing in the hammock and read, go on an adventure on the enchanted forest and lake trails that adjoin the property, dive into the ocean nearby, or amble down country lanes, the Blue Suite at the Ark is the perfect place retreat. The house is a short 10 minute drive from Snug Cove (where the ferry comes in), or a beautiful 45 minute walk or a 20 minute bike ride along the stunning old growth forest trails of Crippen Park, which can be accessed right off the ferry. We provide lots of support to our guests if they want tips, and those who are more independent will find a detailed offering of local tips in our guest manual.
THE SUITE:
Totally renovated, updated, and rebranded from its former incarnation as the Hideaway B&B, the Blue Suite at the Ark is launching in the summer of 2020. The Blue Suite is the larger of two suites at the house (the other is called The Green Suite at The Ark on Bowen). One could rent both suites to accommodate up to 6 people on separate beds.
The Blue Suite is suited to a couple or max of three people if you’re comfortable using a daybed or mattress on the floor to accommodate the third guest. It has a has a private entrance accessible from ground level at the front of the house, where you will enjoy fantastic views of forested mountains, the peaceful waters of Killarney Lake, and eagles soaring.
The main, open concept room in the Blue Suite includes the kitchen, dining area nestled by large windows overlooking the front garden with lake views, and a King sized bed that can optionally be pulled apart to make two Twin XL beds (please let us know your preference when you book). The suite also includes an adjoining room that can be used as a cozy and sunny office or second bedroom. It has a daybed that is equipped with two 5" thick foam mattresses. You may use this room to sleep an additional 1 or 2 adults or children, or for a pack n' play for an infant. Alternatively, the room can be used as a private office with a desk and daybed. In addition to access from within the suite, the room has its own separate entryway from the garden. Fresh linens, duvets, and extra down alternative pillows are provided for the beds in the main room closets. There are blackout curtains in this room for our littlest guests (you’re welcome, parents!).
The kitchen is fully equipped (bar fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, Keurig coffee and espresso machine with milk frother, dinnerware, glasses and stemware, pots & pans, etc.). We also provide fair trade, organic tea and Ethical Bean coffee (compostable pods). The room has a large bathroom equipped with a full size bath and shower combo, toilet, and an antique wood vanity with a vessel sink and fountain faucet.
We provide 100% organic cotton towels, a hairdryer, hand soap, body soap, daily shampoo and conditioner (a Montreal based, Canadian company that produces ethical, unscented products). We only use natural, unscented, ethically sourced cleaning products and laundry detergents.
There is a small TV equipped with Roku so you can enjoy Netflix and other platforms that stream shows using your personal accounts, or free offerings.
CLEANING/ COVID-19 RESPONSIVENESS:
Our revised cleaning and disinfecting protocol is guided by the new guidelines, which were designed in consultation with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the US. We commit to following these guidelines carefully in order to ensure the safety of ourselves, our guests, and our island home.
In order to maintain the 3-hour “rest” between guest check out times and cleaning/disinfecting to prepare for the next guest, we have instituted a slightly earlier checkout of 10:30am, and a slightly later checkin of 3:30pm. We will be flexible with check in and check out times when we can be (for example, when there is not another guest checking in after you leave). We appreciate your understanding in this as we are instituting these policies for everybody’s safety.
In order to minimize contact during these unprecedented times, we have instituted a self check in, and will maintain physical distance should we need to make contact with you in person. Your host will be available by phone and text at any time.
PET POLICY:
We are not opposed to four legged guests, but please inquire before booking because we need to be sure that (1) your dog will not be disruptive to other guests; (2) you are willing to bring a dog bed and not allow him/her onto the furniture; (3) that you are willing to pay a cleaning fee that is dependent on the length of your stay because we must undertake a much more thorough cleaning protocol after your stay to ensure that allergy-prone future guests are not affected.
ATTENTION FAMILIES:
We warmly welcome families with children. We have a small wading pool that families are welcome to fill and use in the hot summer months, provided of course that young children are supervised. We also have a water table with toys that little ones really enjoy. The suite is equipped with drawing supplies, games, and books suitable for kids 0-8 years old. If you need use of a stroller, pack n’ play, bikes, or anything else for use with infants/toddlers, just ask—we've got it all!
Please be advised that the property is perched on a hill that is steep in places. There are wire fences that are meant to prevent adults and kids from falls, but it is advisable that very young children be watched closely when they are outside. The gardens are fun, but potentially dangerous for little ones who do not have sure footing.
If you are in need of babysitting, please let us know wand we may be able to help you out.
Guest access
The Blue Suite has ground level access at the front of the house. You will have your own entrance and key to get in and out. You will have access to the garden at the front and side of the house. You can also access the trails of Crippen Park and the Killarney Lake loop trail from the bottom of some stairs at the front of the house, OR via the trail entrance you will pass very near the top of our driveway.
Other things to note
* The Blue Suite is the larger of two suites at the Ark on Bowen. The other is called The Green Suite at The Ark on Bowen. The Blue Suite can accommodate up to 4 people and 1 infant, and the Green Suite can accommodate up to 2 adults (King or 2x Twin XL beds) and one more adult or child/infant on a foam floor mattress or pack n' play. Our listing calendars are linked and so if you need more space for your party, look into dates when BOTH are available. We can accommodate up to 6-7 people on separate beds between both suites.
* If you are driving, the last stretch of road leading to the house (Fernie Road) is a bit of an adventure as it is a gravel road. Cars with especially low clearance are not recommended, though many have braved it successfully by going slowly and maneuvering around the inevitable pot holes that pop up now and again.
