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History
'The Malahat' is the term commonly applied to the Malahat Drive - a 25-kilometre portion of Highway 1 running along the west side of Saanich Inlet- and to the region surrounding it. The road was first cut as a cattle trail in 1861, and was then upgraded to wagon-road standards in 1884. It became a paved road in 1911. Its name comes from the Malahat First Nation, whose ancestors used the caves for spiritual enhancement. The Malahat Drive climbs to a summit of 356 metres (1,156 feet), and the mountain is considered one of the most sacred sites on southern Vancouver Island.
Malahat is currently an unincorporated district of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, and has no community nexus. There are a small number of scattered commercial establishments mainly catering to drivers travelling along Highway 1. The road was once notorious for traffic accidents due to its sharp and abrupt curves and its winding descent, but in recent decades, the highway has been greatly improved, widened, and straightened.
Location
Malahat is located south of Duncan and 30 minutes north of Victoria.
Places to See
- Goldstream Provincial Park
Just 17 kilometers from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park lies amid the splendour of an old-growth temperate rain forest. There you can see a world-class salmon-spawning stream with thousands of Chum Salmon returning between October and December. It doesn't stop there. During this amazing time of year you can visit the park and its always-changing Visitor Centre. The centre is named after Freeman King, an early naturalist who probably inspired more children than any other naturalist on Vancouver Island. The centre is at the mouth of the river, overlooking the Goldstream estuary, nestled among giant black cottonwoods and red alder trees.
You will find travel information, a bookstore/gift shop, a wildlife viewing platform, coffee and goodies, a raffle, and always-friendly, knowledgeable staff. Park in the main-picnic-area parking lot off the Island Highway at Finlayson Arm Road. Hiking trails in the park take you from valley floor to ridges, even to the top of Mt. Finlayson. Enjoy two different waterfalls, an abandoned gold mine, and incredible views.
- Spectacle Lake Provincial Park
Spectacle Lake Provincial Park is home to mature forest, lake and wetlands. Located northwest of Victoria, in the Nanaimo Lowlands Ecosection, this park is one of few accessible freshwater lakes that allows fishing, swimming and in the winter, skating.
This park offers day-use opportunities for swimming in a spring-fed lake, fishing for Eastern brook trout and Cutthroat trout, and an easy hiking trail that winds around the lake for more than 2 kilometers. Much of this trail system is wheelchair accessible. The main trail also unofficially links up to various regional trails outside of the park boundaries. In the winter, Spectacle Lake is one of the first to freeze, supplying a reliable skating site if temperatures are cold enough.
- Bamberton Provincial Park
For years the warm waters surrounding Vancouver Island's Mill Bay have been a popular destination for local salmon fishers. The inviting water and the 225-meter long sandy beach have also made nearby Bamberton Provincial Park an ideal spot for parents to bring their families.
While the kids frolic in the warm waves, parents can lounge in the sand and enjoy the views across the inlet - to the east are the shores of the Saanich Peninsula, with the southern Gulf Islands and Mt. Baker beyond. Rising sharply to the west are the mountains of south Vancouver Island.
Fronting on the west side of Saanich Inlet, of particular interest in this park is the abundance of arbutus trees, identified by its thick, leathery green leaves, reddish trunk and peeling bark. The arbutus is Canada's only broadleaf evergreen and is found only on Vancouver Island and the lower coast of mainland British Columbia.
A vehicle accessible campground is nestled in this forest environment, where eagles and osprey can be seen circling high above. Waterfowl and seals are frequent visitors to the surrounding waters.
The park is very popular in the summer months, and can be busy as well in June, when a number of nearby schools make field trips to study the intertidal life on the beach. With Victoria just a 30-minute drive south over the scenic Malahat Drive, Bamberton is within easy reach of many tourist attractions. You can also hop on the Mill Bay ferry for the 25-minute trip to Brentwood Bay and visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.
- Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre
The Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre offers guests an authentic First Nations Experience: interpretive tours, traditional art work, and Native cuisine in the Riverwalk Cafe. The centre is on 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the banks of the Cowichan River (a designated BC Heritage River) just off the Trans Canada Highway, minutes from the Duncan city centre.
The QCCC offers a truly unique experience, sharing the stories and traditions of the Cowichan people from hundreds of years ago. It is a world of colour and pageantry, where first nations talent and pride are abundant. The centre is committed to a culture of warmth and sharing, to bridge the gaps that exist between cultures and promote Native culture in a positive way.
- BC Forest Discovery Centre
Explore this 100-acre living museum, just 15-kilometres south of Chemainus. Along with the train, playground and interpretive trails, there are a wealth of exhibits indoors and out.
Kids are fascinated by the dioramas in the Glynne Jones building. There is an 1880s logging camp, complete with two blacksmith shops and a school, and that's just the beginning.
In the Welcome Museum, you will find state of the art interactive exhibits and displays of yarders, speeders, putt-putts, treen, and more! Have your picture taken beside "Little Jakey"!
Visit the heritage sawmill or check out the antique vehicles building. The logging truck display on the Lower Grounds displays vehicles from as far back as 1890. Ride the train past the Restoration Shops and on your way back, be sure to check out the Lookout Tower and the Koksilah Ranger Station.
Ride the Discovery Train and ask the conductor what the train whistle means. Visit the indoor & outdoor exhibits and climb the Lookout Tower for a great view.
Enjoy a snack from the concession or picnic by the playground. And don't forget to check out the gift shop for a great choice of souvenirs!
Things to Do
- Fishing
The Cowichan River is renowned for its brown trout, rainbow and steelhead trout, and its vigorous salmon runs. Chinook, coho, and steelhead that school in Cowichan Bay enter the river to spawn in November and December. There's also a steelhead run in March.
- Biking
What better way to see and feel the Cowichan than by bike. If you'd like something fairly challenging try the trails of Mount Tzouhalem, Spectacle Lake Provincial Park or Maple Mountain. There is also a three-hour easy ride from Glenora (southwest of Duncan) to the town of Lake Cowichan along the Trans Canada Trail. The Trans-Canada Trail is also accessible from Shawnigan Lake and includes Koksilah River Provincial Park and views of the Kinsol Trestle. Take a wine country tour for a more leisurely pace where you will see rolling farmland and beautiful scenery. For the novice there are many easy biking opportunities in all communities by keeping to the country roads.
- Kayaking
Discover nature's treasures by sea kayak - come eye to eye with an array of fascinating marine life. Relax your mind and soul on a leisurely tour over emerald waters among seals, cormorants and kingfishers. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the power and majestic beauty of the West Coast, guides will lead on a multi-day excursion.
- Hiking
From peaceful, easy walks to rugged climbs, the Cowichan countryside offers an abundance of hiking opportunities for all levels of hikers. The Trans-Canada Trail, the Cowichan River Corridor, and provincial parks offer gorgeous scenery and spectacular views.
- Boating / Sailing
Whether you prefer the ocean or a lake, the Cowichan Region is a boater's paradise. From kayaking along the rocky shores of a bay to sailing the briny ocean, the waterways are both beautiful and accessible. Full service marinas are safe and conveniently located close to restaurants, pubs, and shopping areas.
Events
- The Great Lake Walk
The Great Lake Walk and Ultramarathon is a 56-kilometre walk or run around beautiful Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island. This walking/running event takes place on the third Saturday in September each year.
Cowichan Lake is the second largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island on the West Coast of British Columbia. The lake runs from the northwest to the southeast and empties into the world famous Cowichan River in the Town of Lake Cowichan.
- Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival
The Annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival celebrates Vancouver Island wines, culinary excellence, and original music and art. For three days, the wineries and farms of the Cowichan Region invite wine and culinary aficionados to their doorsteps to experience the best of the region firsthand.
- Paddlefest
Paddlefest is a weekend-long festival with activities and events for paddlers of all ages and paddling abilities. Located at Transfer Beach in beautiful Ladysmith, British Columbia, participants can attend this free event and enjoy a variety of activities including vendor/trade show, workshops, demonstrations and fun activities.
There are on-land and on-water workshops offered both Saturday and Sunday to help you hone your paddling strokes, pack your boat, practice rescue techniques and many other helpful tips.
The industry's leading manufacturers, retailers, and outfitters will have booths set up for you to check out the latest gear and pick up a few festival "deals". A full range of 100 boats of different makes and models will be on-hand for you to take a "test-paddle" of the latest technology and designs.
With participants from all over Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Washington State, Alberta and even Ontario attending in the past - there will be lots to talk about!
Contact Information
Cowichan Valley Regional District
175 Ingram Street
Duncan, BC V9L 1N8
Tel: (250) 746-2500
Fax: (250) 746-2513
E-mail: cvrd@cvrd.bc.ca
Website: www.cvrd.bc.ca
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