Cowichan Valley things to do, activities
Mill Bay, Cowichan Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill
| Some of the things to do when visiting the South Cowichan Valley communities of Mill Bay, Cowichan Bay, Shawnigan Lake and Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Activities enjoyed include wine tours, golfing, sightseeing, hiking, water skiing, birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, sailing, boating, canoeing and fishing. More information is available under Parks and Trails and/or under Tour and Guide Listings. |
- Wine Tours: The South Cowichan Valley is the centre of wine country on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. The region is also referred to as Napa Valley North. Throughout the valley are many wineries and vineyards producing wines and ciders. Most are open to the public (some by appointment) and all are best enjoyed traveling along a marked and mapped self guided driving tour called the Cowichan Valley Wine Route.
- Water Skiing | Wake Boarding: Water sports are big in the South Cowichan Valley. Shawnigan Lake is a popular destination in the valley for water skiers and wake boarders. There are boat launches and a ski ramp.
- Sea Kayaking: Launching from the ocean communities of Mill Bay and Cowichan Bay there are many paddle routes in the region. The South Cowichan Valley is a departure point for exploring some of the Southern Gulf Islands. There are kayak guides and tours available throughout the valley providing sunset paddles, day tours and long haul overnight adventures.
- Birdwatching: The wetland park of Spectacle Lake and throughout the ocean communities in the South Cowichan Valley there are many opportunities for birdwatching. Birders will particularly like the number of Bald Eagles in the region - many nesting in the nearby trees.
- Sightseeing: There are many driving circle tours and sightseeing opportunities in the Cowichan Valley. Many routes are best enjoyed traveling the back roads. Some are sightseeing destinations are enjoyed on foot while others are best explored by vehicle or bike. On foot the Cowichan Bay Fishing Village is a treat. In a vehicle the Cowichan Valley Wine Route is an adventure in taste and scenery.
- Hiking: There are a few hiking opportunities in the valley. Some easy, some hard. The trail circling around Spectacle Lake has good lake views and is easy and wheelchair friendly. The wilderness trails leading to Oliphant Lake, the Malahat Ridge, and the Hatchet Jack Lookout Point are a little tougher.
- Golfing: In the Cowichan Valley there are many golf courses. From Ladysmith to Duncan there are 18 hole and 9 hole golf courses. Some are professional courses others are practice courses. Most provide club rentals and golf carts.
- Road Cycling: The backcountry roads in the Cowichan Valley loop together in many ways creating great back road cycling routes. There are loop routes which visit Cowichan Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and Mill Bay. The Mill Bay route could include a trip to Victoria via the BC Ferry connecting to Brentwood Bay near Victoria.
- Day Trips: The South Cowichan Valley is a great base camp for driving tour day trips and bike trips. Day trips include island hopping to Saltspring Island. Or stay in the valley and visit the communities of Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Chemainus and Duncan. Or head south 35 kilometres and visit the capital city of British Columbia - Victoria.
- Boating & Sailing. The Cowichan Valley is an ideal launch point for exploring the Gulf Islands by boat. There are marinas located along the coastline in the villages of Cowichan Bay and Mill Bay. Cowichan Bay is a fishing village with many tours and boat services.
- First Nations. Quw'utsun Cultural and
Conference Centre is a First Nation attraction located in Duncan. It is a museum, gift shop and event centre for First Nation festivals and activities.
- Scuba Diving. The coastline and the nearby islands provide some great underwater scuba diving destinations.
- Ocean Fishing. For for Chinook, Coho or Chum Salmon throughout the nearby
Satellite, and Sansum Channels. Explore in
and out of private ocean bays and secluded islands while reeling
in the big one! Guides operate in the valley. A fishing licence is a must in British Columbia.
- Artisan Tours. It is said the largest
per capita of artisans in Canada is in the Cowichan Valley.
The area is filled with wilderness, abstract, and native artisans.
There are tours in the area highlighting the stone sculptures,
wood carvings and artists paintings.
- Motor Cross Biking. Throughout the backroads of
Mill Bay and Cobble Hill there are dirt roads and trails explored on motorized bikes. Along the road there is often motor
bike enthusiasts saddling up getting ready to explore the back country.
|
Neighbouring Things To Do
Duncan < North < South Cowichan > South > Victoria
* www.VancouverIslandAccommodations.com is one of
17 travel websites on our BCeh.com
Travel Planning Network.
Explore across Canada on the www.CanadaEH.net Travel Network
|
S.
Cowichan
|
 Photo
Gallery
South Cowichan
Accommodations
South Cowichan
Attractions
South Cowichan Parks & Trails
More To Explore
 Transportation
Real Estate
Directions
Cowichan Valley
Villages
|
|
