How to Curl up for Cozy Season: 5 Easy Steps for a Relaxing Island Holiday
For many islanders, this is our favourite season. Summer packs up and we tuck ourselves in for winter. It’s a time for low-key living and an easy-going pace. It’s when we hibernate, regenerate, and create—relaxing into the rhythm of nature and feeling the heartbeat of the islands slow.
Wondering how to settle in and slow down this season? No matter which of the Southern Gulf Islands you visit, there are a few tried and true steps. Here’s how to curl up for cozy season.
1. Build a fire in the wood stove
Nothing warms your body and soul quite like the heat from a wood stove—it’s a primal comfort. And no visit to the islands is complete without relaxing in the glow of crackling flames. Pull up a big chair and let the heat lull you into island time.
2. Put your knits on
The key to staying cozy is choosing the right fibres for both warmth and comfort. Islanders know that wool insulates even when wet, plus it wicks away moisture if you’re out for rainy day hikes. On Salt Spring, find all of your wool accessories at Sunset Farm or knit something yourself with alpaca yarn from Pender’s Hinterland Farm.
3. Light a Candle
Ambiance is a key feature of coziness and lighting helps make spaces feel relaxed and warm. Since candlelight isn’t too bright, it creates a feeling of comfort and intimacy. Choose your favourites from one of our talented island candlemakers, whether clean burning plant-based candles from Salt Spring Island Candle Co., beeswax candles from Clapham’s, or locally-inspired scents from The Cove Candle Co.
4. Get your favourite hot beverage
Did you know that hot drinks promote relaxation? Luckily, the islands have plenty of cafes with cozy season comforts. Don’t miss the teas, lattes, and seasonal flavours on offer at Vanilla Leaf Bakery, Switchboard Cafe, Sturdies Bay Bakery, and Sunny Mayne Bakery.
5. Find a good book
The islands are full of bookish people—readers, writers, and bookstore owners—which means there are plenty of great recommendations for you to curl up with your next read. Here are just a few favourites by island authors:
Astra by Cedar Bower – Jack at Galiano Island Books
Home on the Strange by Susan Lundy – Adina at Salt Spring Books
Orphans of Empire by Grant Buday – Gail at Books on Mayne
Salt Spring: The Story of an Island by Charles Kahn – Cat at Black Sheep Books
Stung by Bill Deverell – Wren at Talisman Books
Bonus: Take a hot bath
Lull yourself into even deeper relaxation this cozy season with a hot bath. Island artisans can help with that, too. We love the body gelato from Salt Spring Soapworks, the bath bombs from Island Soap Co., and the incredible soaps from Kama Natural Soap, Nomads Essentials, and Galiano Island Soapworks.
Happy cozy-ing!
