'It's a big boom for us': Tubing returns to Cowichan River as temperatures climb
Vancouver Island residents are flocking to the Cowichan River this week to beat the heat with a tube ride.
"It’s smoking hot out so we just want to get on the water,” said Miles Sheppard, of Victoria, around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The mercury had already climbed to nearly 30 C.
"I’m just waiting to get on the river," said Graham Miller, standing with his tube.
A traffic jam had formed on the dock beside the Tube Shack rental office.
"Definitely on the hotter days we notice it’s a lot busier," said Erika Friese, a Tube Shack employee.
"Early this morning, we said we’re leaving and we’re just going to go for a little girls' adventure,” said Carly and Devon from the comfort of their tubes.
People have filled the town looking for a bit of relief from the heat. It’s not just people hitting the river. Marley needs to stay cool as well.
“He’s got a lifejacket on that we got at Bosley’s because we’re going to go on a river ride,” said Jacklin as she pointed to her dog.
“We can pick him up and dunk him,” said Jacklin as she showed off the handle on the life jacket.
Marley with his owner, waiting to get on the river on July 26, 2022. (CTV News)
On Tuesday, the tubing business was good. But the season got off to a very slow start.
“We went a couple of weeks ago in the middle of June and there were maybe two of us,” said Diane Paulin from Victoria.
"This year it was pretty miserable so we didn’t open up until later in July," said Friese at the Tube Shack.
"It’s a big boom for us," said Lake Cowichan Mayor Bob Day.
"Our local businesses as you can see around us here are thriving right now and that’s what they wait for," said Day.
It’s only going to get busier as the Sunfest Country Music Festival arrives this weekend, expected to bring up to 14,000 people to the area.
"It’s going to be busy, that’s all it’s going to be," said Kristle Nowlin, co-owner of the nearby JV’s Diner.
JV's Diner in Lake Cowichan, B.C., on July 26, 2022. (CTV News)
In case there is a line up outside the restaurant, the diners has misting stations turned on to keep those waiting in line cool.
“People just stand underneath and enjoy it,” said Nowlin.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
One dead after potential wrong way crash on Highway 401 in Milton: OPP
One person is dead and another is in life-threatening condition after a driver was travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Milton Sunday, according to police.
Hamas says latest ceasefire talks have ended. Israel vows military operation in 'very near future'
The latest round of Gaza cease-fire talks ended in Cairo after "in-depth and serious discussions,"{ the Hamas militant group said Sunday, reiterating key demands that Israel again rejected.
B.C. man wants homes for thousands of books he soon won't be able to read
In the 10 years since John William started to lose his vision, he's been finding new ways to enjoy his vast personal library.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc insists
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
'The Fall Guy' gives Hollywood a muted summer kickoff with a US$28.5M opening
"The Fall Guy," the Ryan Gosling-led, action-comedy ode to stunt performers, opened below expectations with US$28.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, providing a lukewarm start to a summer movie season that's very much to be determined for Hollywood.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.