Cowichan Bay, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay and Shawnigan Lake are the main communities in the Southern Cowichan Valley region. A region of farm fields, wineries, lake activities and ocean marinas. The region is a unique blend of character communities including the Village of Cobble Hill in the middle of hectares of forests and farmers fields, the fishing village and seaside shops of Cowichan Bay, the coastal walks and shops of Mill Bay, the swimming, water sports and hiking trials in Shawnigan Lake.

Each community is connected by paved roads creating loop routes connecting back to Highway #1. The routes are popular cycling and sightseeing routes. All southern villages can be accessed from Highway #1 south of Duncan.

Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay and Cowichan Bay, each have a collection of unique services and shopping experiences like gift boutiques, outdoor cafes, antique shops, artisan studios, internationally recognized wineries and an assortment of outdoor marine adventure companies.

The ocean front village of Cowichan Bay, BC overlooks the rolling ocean waves of the Pacific Ocean with buildings propped up on pylons resting beside working marinas. Cowichan Bay is a community of fisherman legends.

Mill Bay BC enjoys coastal walking paths, a shopping centre, wineries, farmers fields and is the connector village to the beautiful coastal scenic BC Ferry route connecting mid Vancouver Island with Brentwood Bay north of Victoria, BC.

Shawnigan Lake BC is a popular recreation lake during the summer months for water sports and family gatherings. Year round, the village is an ideal retreat destination staying in one of the rental accommodations on the lake. The Village of Shawnigan Lake has a convenience store, coffee shops, gas station and bank machine. The area is surrounded by parks and winding roads taking you all around Shawnigan Lake.

Cobble Hill back country paved roads are lined with trees, spotted with wineries, farm houses and fields of cows and horses. Do not miss the opportunity to explore the vineyards in the area and sample some of the award winning wines.

How to get to the Southern Cowichan Valley: 

Mill Bay BC is 48 km (28 mi) north of Victoria, off of Hwy 1. Mill Bay is also accessed by boat along a coastal scenic short-cut serviced by the BC Ferries with a crossing time of 25 minutes from Brentwood Bay in Saanich, near Victoria BC, covering a distance of 8 km (5 mi).

Shawnigan Lake BC is 45 km (28 mi) north of Victoria off Hwy 1 and 5 km (3 mi) west of Mill Bay.

Cobble Hill, again off the beaten track of Hwy 1 is 45 km (28 mi) is north of Victoria BC, only 5 km (3 mi) northeast of Mill Bay.

Cowichan Bay , a fishing village straddling the coast line is 55 km (34 mi) north of Victoria BC, off Hwy 1. We suggest you experience the whole area keeping in mind that road signs and turn off points are clearly marked on Hwy 1. The Cowichan valley is full of country side, ocean front, and lake side views and experiences!