Small but mighty
One mile wide, and ten miles long, Valdes Island encompasses a distinctive ecosystem brimming with protected trees and plants. Charter a boat from Chemainus to take in its numerous hiking trails and carefully navigate the beautiful old Douglas firs, Arbutus trees, and rare Garry Oak trees in Wakes Cove Provincial Park.
Valdes Island’s eye-catching sandstone galleries (unique rock formations that steeply drop into the ocean) are a particular draw. The coastline is a kayaker’s paradise, where you may also encounter chance sightings of marine birds, seals, and even whales.
Tread lightly
Some 60 Indigenous archeological sites are dispersed across Valdes Island. These require absolute respect when traversing the island and its coastline. Valdes Island is home to the Lyackson First Nation—a Hulq’umin’um-speaking community of about 200 members.
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Explore
Along with the authentic Indigenous culture Cowichan offers, check out what other quirky and unexpected things there are.
Explore Cowichan