Olde Mill House B&B Marion's welcome

Exchange with Olde Mill House B&B, Chemainus, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada 1 Marion Hawkins, a woman in her sixties, exudes a warm and genuine sense of hospitality. Despite her petite and reserved demeanor, she manages her Bed and Breakfast with remarkable generosity and attention to detail. Stepping into her establishment feels like stepping into the quintessential B&B—one that we’ve always imagined and hoped for. It’s no exaggeration to say that Marion is the queen of B&Bs.

Exchange with Olde Mill House B&B, Chemainus, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada 2 The atmosphere at Marion’s place is palpable. As soon as guests arrive, she greets them with an aperitif—a delightful spread of three different wines accompanied by crackers, cheese, and pâté. It’s a welcoming gesture that sets the tone for a memorable stay.

Originally from New Zealand, Marion has called British Columbia home for the past 25 years. She attributes her move to a series of opportunities that led her to seek something more rewarding. Her Kiwi roots, along with the influence of Australian culture, have kept her spirit fresh and ready for whatever life throws her way.

One evening, in the beautifully appointed Victorian-style dining room, we sat down with five other guests. Among them were Wendy and Ralph Burgess, the owners of the charming Bed & Breakfast “Wilp Gybuu” (named after the wolf’s house in an Indigenous language) in Tofino—a picturesque port town on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Also present were Colleen and Ron Wike, who run the nearby “Sage House Studio,” a delightful craft store.

As the conversation flowed, Ralph, who hails from an Indian background, shared an observation: “The beauty of Europeans is their ability to express themselves freely, without reservation—even when discussing politics!” His words resonated, reminding me of spirited debates I’ve witnessed at L’Etoile, where I’d often summon the courage (or pour myself a good Belgian beer) to keep the conviviality alive around the guest table.

Marion, having prepared an excellent meal for us, took a moment to rest. Her joy was evident as she observed her enthusiastic guests, fully immersed in the magic of the Olde Mill House B&B’s unique atmosphere.

Exchange with Olde Mill House B&B, Chemainus, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada 3 Ron, hailing from Washington state in the USA, often finds himself not countering the criticisms aimed at his homeland’s status as a superpower. Interestingly, during this journey, I’ve observed an increasing fondness for Europe among many. Could it be that our European charm is perceived as a mark of intelligence? Or perhaps the euro serves as a tangible symbol that Europe is a force to be reckoned with.

Lately, there’s been a noticeable uptick in conversations about President Bush facing undue criticism. We’re certainly not in Texas, and while Canadians may not seek to export their worldview, their economic ties with the USA are undeniable, leaving them in a somewhat precarious position.

The digital photographs on my laptop never fail to impress; the scenic beauty of France and the areas around La Bastide-Puylaurent appear almost celestial to onlookers. Trails like the Régordane or the Cévenol inspire a yearning to leap through the screen. “You manage all this by yourself?! Even the evening meals?!” they exclaim in wonder. Marion, ever the understanding host, nods thoughtfully, her mind already wandering to her next sojourn across the Atlantic where she’ll relish her time at “L’Etoile” and enjoy a well-deserved respite.

Chemainus, a quaint seaside town, captivates with its expansive murals adorning the streets. Following the painted footprints on the sidewalks, visitors can embark on a journey through all of Chemainus, admiring the artwork and exploring the charming craft and antique shops, such as “The Old House,” a neighbor to Marion’s abode.

Olde Mill House B&B, Chemainus, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - Map