The Cowichan Valley features an array of activities and entertainment, whether your trip involves lake dips, hikes, winery visits, or tasting local delights. Duncan serves as a central hub from which to explore the region, as both a geographical centre and a bustling location with shops, restaurants, and accommodations. You can reach most areas of Cowichan within a 40-minute drive, and you’re never far from one of the region’s many unique businesses.
Follow Highway 18 from Duncan toward the west and you’ll soon reach Lake Cowichan Town, along with the namesake lake. Boasting a shoreline with a multitude of bays and waterfront parks, it’s the perfect spot to camp or enjoy aquatic activities. The town offers easy dining and options for overnight stays, making it a pleasant choice for a getaway.
If you’re looking for a mix of small town charm and nature, a visit to Lake Cowichan and Duncan offers it all. Spend a couple of nights camping near the lake and hop over to Duncan for a cultural snack, or switch it up by staying in the city and making a day trip over to the lake.
Experience Duncan’s Cultural Heart
As the epicentre of the Cowichan, Duncan is a necessary stop wherever your destination may be. Even if your plan is to prioritise time in nature, you’ll want to pop into Duncan to stock up on supplies and walk through the downtown.
If your schedule is flexible, make sure to time your trip to coincide with the Saturday Farmers’ Market, which takes place around the City Hall. You’ll be greeted by an endless selection of local wares, wine samples, fresh produce, and prepared goods from talented farmers and gourmet producers. If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, it’s hard to beat the assortment of artisans boasting pottery, clothing, jewellery, and much more.
The City of Totems wears its name proudly, and visitors can follow a map for a self-guided walking tour to discover the various masterpieces. Over 40 totems grace Duncan’s downtown, highlighting the cooperation between the city and the neighbouring indigenous community of the Quw’utsun’ people. The first totems were erected in 1985 and the display continues to vary over time, offering a view into traditional daily activities of the carvers and their families.
Tasting the Local Terroir in your Glass
Once you’re done exploring market stalls and the open-air art display, make your way to one of the many wineries in the area. The Cowichan Valley is quickly becoming an internationally recognized viticultural region and recently acquired a sub-geographical indication (GI) status, distinguishing it as a unique grape-growing area on Vancouver Island. Be sure to taste pinot noir and hybrid varieties for a rounded look at what the terroir has to offer. Emandare, Averill Creek, and Blue Grouse Estate are some of the dozen or so wineries welcoming visitors for a delightful tasting experience.
Go With the Slow
Finish the day on the water in Cowichan Bay, a charming historic village where slow living comes naturally — so much so that it was the first place in North America to be named a Cittaslow, a title for locations where a slower living pace is favoured. Check into one of the Bay’s hotels or B&Bs, such as Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay with its dazzling views and on-site spa, or the Victorian-styled Dream Weaver Bed & Breakfast.
A walk along the Cowichan Estuary at dusk or dawn is a feast for the senses, with its active ecosystem featuring diverse wildlife and flora. Although the Nature Centre has limited opening hours, several panels along the path provide visitors with information about the natural environment.
Local Treats to Feed Your Soul
If you’re staying anywhere in Cowichan Bay, you’ll be at a short walking distance from one of several small boutiques and culinary options along the waterfront. A pilgrimage to True Grain is a must, a craft bakery selling delicious baked goods made with organic fresh milled flour. Pick up a loaf for a picnic with some of your farmers’ market finds and extra goodies you collect along the way. Don’t miss out on the croissants and cinnamon rolls, and be sure to grab a bag of flour to bring home for future baking projects.
The Masthead serves up seafood delicacies in a sophisticated atmosphere, while Cowichan Bay Pub is a casual spot for easy fuss-free dining overlooking the water. If you’re staying at Ocean Front, you won’t even need to leave the building — just get a table at The Cook & Butcher. To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong at the Original Udder Guys, an old-fashioned artisan ice cream shop with a tantalising candy selection.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
The following day, pack your swimsuit and water sport equipment and drive over to Lake Cowichan. On the way, consider making a stop on the Trans-Canada Highway at Great Greens Farm Market for local picnic supplies. Then, drive past Duncan and catch the turn-off for Highway 18, shortly after the BC Forest Discovery Centre, where you can learn all about the province’s forestry industry and wander through walking trails. For a slower ride, skip the main road and cruise along Cowichan Lake Road by the farmlands.
For an extra stop, make a detour to Cowichan River Park and enjoy one of many trails around the river. Skutz Falls is more impressive in the off-season, but the rushing river and old trees are enough of a reason to pass by for a hike or bike ride. If the river is calling, pop in for a dip then enjoy a picnic along the bank.
Let the Flow of the Day Guide You
Tubing down the Cowichan River is a big draw for visitors, and you don’t need to be especially adventurous to enjoy the experience. It’s more of a pleasant float downstream, with a few rapids and bumps along the way to keep it exciting. Pack some cold drinks for the ride, or just sit back and relax as the scenery passes you by. The Tube Shack offers tube rentals as well as a shuttle service to bring you back to the parking lot. The tubing expedition takes a few hours, so be sure to plan accordingly for the last pick-up time. If you want a bit more independence, bring your own tube or make your way to the lake with a paddle board, kayak, or snorkel gear in tow.
To learn more about the area’s historical context, the Kaatza Station Museum is a valuable resource worth visiting. Here you’ll discover this quiet town was once a busy region for forestry, complete with a railroad to transport the goods. The museum is located in one of the original train stations built in the early 20th century, providing a glimpse into the past. South near Shawnigan Lake is the Kinsol Trestle, another testament to the magnitude of the local forestry industry in the early to mid-20th century. The timber trestle is almost 200 metres in length and stands 44 metres over the Koksilah River, highlighting its magnitude as one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. The Cowichan Valley Trail system connects here, allowing visitors to cycle or walk along more than 100 kilometres of paths.
A Sanctuary for Rest
If you’re eager to soak up more time in nature, pitch a tent at one of the many campgrounds along the lake, all within a 40-minute drive from Lake Cowichan town. Maple Grove, Pine Point, Little Shaw, Nixon Creek, and Caycuse are some of the many lakeside recreation sites, offering basic amenities in an idyllic setting. For a bit more comfort, there are plenty of B&Bs in the area, such as Farm Table Inn, which features a couple of cosy rooms to rent. If you’re travelling with a large group and looking for a luxury boutique accommodation, Cowichan River Lodge is a must.
If you have an early start in Duncan planned, there are plenty of options for overnighting in the city. You’ll find assorted rentals, chain hotels, and B&Bs, including the Eaglenest Manor Cowichan, a heritage-style guest house.
Dining on Local Flavours
Lake Cowichan Town and the surroundings feature several casual dining options if you’re not in the mood to cook at your campsite. Youbou Bar & Grill serves reliable pub favourites, like shareable appies, burgers, pizzas, and salads. For an early meal, soak up the retro vibes at JV’s Diner, complete with jukeboxes and milkshakes. Several restaurants are scattered along the waterfront, including Jake’s At The Lake and The Cow Restaurant, all offering comforting sustenance with charming views.
If you’re staying in the city, a meal in Duncan’s downtown is easy to come by. Hit up Craig Street Brew Pub, housed in a 1940s building complete with a rooftop patio, for a local pint and tasty bite, as well as frequent live music events. Doghouse Family Restaurant is a go-to for locals and visitors, and there’s no shortage of daytime eats while you’re exploring the city. The menu at Urban Forest Bistro is brimming with local ingredients and creative combinations. Meanwhile, a visit to Duncan Garage Café & Bakery is mandatory for sweet and savoury baked goods, loaded breakfasts, and deli foods to take away.
Getting to Cowichan
Duncan is a quick one-hour drive from Victoria, the southern hub of Vancouver Island. Catch a ferry to Swartz Bay from the BC Ferries terminal in Tsawwassen in Vancouver and drive north on the Trans-Canada Highway. Alternatively, hop on the ferry to Departure Bay in Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver, then drive south on the Trans-Canada for 45 minutes or so to get to Duncan.
For a speedier way from Vancouver, hop on a flight or helicopter to Nanaimo or Victoria. Harbour Air offers an even more direct route with a seaplane landing in Maple Bay, just east of Duncan. Kenmore Air provides seaplane flights from the U.S., and a few ferry services from Seattle to Victoria allow easy access to the Cowichan if you’re coming from the States.
Public transit around Cowichan is limited and serviced by BC Transit. Additionally, the Island Link Bus provides transport to various towns and cities from Port Hardy to Victoria, with the option to stop in Duncan.
Travelling Responsibly
Cowichan is home to the unceded and traditional territories of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. The region is home to over 15 communities, each with a unique flair ready to welcome you. Cowichan also houses diverse wildlife with flourishing ecosystems. Ensure it remains so by treading carefully throughout your travels. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or going for a swim, respect the surrounding environment by leaving no trace. Keep a distance from animals and practice water safety close to bodies of water.
