Innovative sleeping barrels provide vital accommodation to support Cumberland’s growing tourism season.
To offer visitors a unique experience, Cumberland Lake Park Society installed five sleeping barrels overlooking Comox Lake. The project, which was announced on October 11, 2023, recently reached its completion.
Over the past decade, Cumberland has developed into an international tourism destination; however, accommodation options remain limited. The Cumberland Lake Park Campground is the only bulk accommodation option. These sleeping barrels respond to visitor demand for self-contained units, while maintaining a low-impact style that complement their natural surroundings.
Island Coastal Economic Trust invested $33,555 with Cumberland Lake Park Society towards a total new investment of $254,925. The investment was made through the Capital and Innovation Program with focus on Cultural and Nature-Based Tourism. The project was originally announced in October 2023.
The grand opening took place on May 3, 2024, with Cumberland Lake Park Society publishing the following news release:
Lake Park Society Unveils Innovative Barrel Accommodations in Cumberland
Cumberland, BC, May 15, 2024 – Nestled in the forest overlooking Comox Lake, Lake Park Society is proud to introduce its latest offering: sleeping barrels, a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience at Cumberland Lake Park.
Crafted by a local woodworking company, each barrel seamlessly integrates into the natural landscape, offering campers both comfort and charm. Complete with a cozy queen mattress, a mini-fridge, and a bubble window, these barrels provide the perfect sanctuary for unwinding after a day of outdoor adventures.
This innovative project received significant support from various sources. The Province of British Columbia, through the Destination Development Fund, contributed $203,370.
“These unique and beautiful accommodations are such a great enhancement to the popular Cumberland Lake Park Campground, making it even more fun for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “Our government is committed to supporting the tourism sector, the people who work in it, and its sustained recovery. Through this project, we are strengthening the Comox Valley region’s visitor economy and helping people connect to the places they visit.”
Additionally, the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program provided $33,555 in funding, recognizing the potential of this project. “We invested with Lake Park Society to install these unique sleeping barrels at the campground for its focus on nature-based tourism,” says Aaron Stone, Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust. “They created a distinctive product that will draw new visitors to Cumberland, helping grow the tourism sector and supporting entrepreneurs and local businesses.”
Lake Park Society, with a contribution of $39,000 towards this project, continues its dedication to enhancing the park experience. As the contracted operator of Cumberland Lake Park since 2015, Lake Park Society has consistently introduced new attractions and programs, ranging from live music and outdoor movie nights to paddle rentals and school programs.
“The Village is excited to see the unique additional accommodation options that the sleeping barrels provide to visitors to our community,” says Village of Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown, “and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of Lake Park Society in making the project a success.”
The sleeping barrels are now available for booking at an introductory rate of $100 per night, with no minimum stay required. For those eager to experience this unique retreat, reservations can be made by visiting cumberlandlakepark.ca or contacting (250) 702-8833.
Media Contact
Genevieve Burdett
Executive Director
Cumberland Lake Park Society
executivedirector@clws.ca
250-702-7219
Ribbon cutting photo (L to R): Cumberland Councillor Troy Therrien, MLA Josie Osborne, Village Mayor Vickey Brown, Lake Park Society Director Shayla Hall, Island Coastal Economic Trust Jeff Bartlett. Photography by Sara Kempner Photography.
