Water Sports

Overview

Between our lakes, rivers, the Pacific Ocean and the Salish Sea, water has been deeply intertwined with human life in the Cowichan region for thousands of years. Cowichan offers a myriad of aquatic pursuits such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, kiteboarding, rowing and sailing. Many of the businesses that take guests out onto the water are guided by our ocean friendly principles – reducing plastic use, viewing wildlife responsibly, and donating to organizations working to protect our coastlines.

Cowichan is also home to three major rivers which offer fishing, whitewater kayaking, swimming and tubing. The largest of these rivers (Cowichan River) flows from Cowichan Lake, a playground famous for its house boating, kayaking, fishing and camping. Another lake well worth visiting is Shawnigan Lake – a popular place for canoeing, rowing, swimming and fishing. Farther west lies Nitinat Lake, an internationally acclaimed windsurfing and kiteboarding destination.