Overview
Popular wildlife activities in Cowichan include guided whale-watching tours with Ocean Ecoventures and professional flying demonstrations at the Pacific Northwest Raptors. But there are also many self-guided wildlife viewing opportunities as well.
Spot Roosevelt Elk (found only on Vancouver Island) near Lake Cowichan and Youbou, or visit one of many bird watching areas and nature estuaries.
Enjoy seeing the prolific marine life in the waters of the Salish Sea: watch harbour seals and sea lions lounging on the docks and spot wildlife from the deck of a charter boat or while cruising the quiet waters of Cowichan’s many bays and inlets in a kayak.
Saltair Ocean Adventures
Learn moreSightseeing tours, secluded island excursions, paddleboarding, fishing, prawning and crabbing!
Sandy Pool Regional Park
Learn moreRegional park offering a sandy beach, swimming holes, and forest walking trails with interpretive signage.
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures
Learn moreStand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, tours and lessons based at Transfer Beach, Ladysmith.
Spectacle Lake Regional Park
Learn moreGorgeous spring-fed freshwater lake popular for hiking and fishing.
Stocking Creek Park
Learn moreA scenic park near Saltair featuring gentle trails that meander through the rainforest to a waterfall.
Stoney Hill Regional Park
Learn moreA 3.2 kilometer looped trail with spectacular views of Sansum Narrows and Saltspring Island.
Transfer Beach Park
Learn moreCentrally located seaside park in Ladysmith, offering a gathering spot for activities and community events.
West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
Learn moreSmall day-use park providing a sanctuary for Douglas fir forest as well as lakeside beach access.
Wildwood Ecoforest
Learn moreWildwood is an 83-acre demonstration ecoforest nestled just north of Ladysmith.
Explore
Along with the authentic Indigenous culture Cowichan offers, check out what other quirky and unexpected things there are.
Explore Cowichan