A mountain range bisects Vancouver
Island north and south, bordered by old  growth forests, undulating
rivers, and on the inland side, rolling fertile valleys. The
valleys form the backdrop of Cowichan, a place of incredible
beauty, timeless traditions and tidal rhythms. Inspiring vistas
of valleys and vineyards, forests and farmland, sparkling lakes
and crystal-clear rivers abound in the picturesque Cowichan
region.
The Cowichan Valley is located between Victoria and Nanaimo
and is named after the Cowichan First Nations for whom it means “land
warmed by the sun”. Between the mountains is some of
the best agricultural land on the west coast, which has proven
attractive
to hobby farmers and many organic crop growers. Wineries are
big business now, too, with at least a dozen in operation today.
Duncan is the Cowichan Valley’s largest community, serving
approximately 75,000 area residents. Known as the “City
of Totems,” Duncan is graced with nearly 80 totem poles,
principally located downtown and along the highway. 3 km
north of Duncan is the BC Forestry Discovery Centre where
visitors
can stroll under 200 year old, 55 metre-tall Douglas firs
or visit a replica logging camp.
South of Duncan on Highway 1 are the small communities of Cowichan
Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and Mill Bay. These quaint,
picturesque communities are steeped in fishing, logging, farming,
and mining traditions.
The pristine Cowichan Lake District includes the communities
of Lake Cowichan (featuring the Kaatza Station Museum), Honeymoon
Bay, Youbou, Mesachie Lake, and Caycuse. This mountainous area,
rich with wildlife, is an ideal destination for a family vacation
or an outdoor adventure. The scenic 75-kilometre (47-mile) drive
on paved and gravel roads around Cowichan Lake, the largest freshwater
lake on Vancouver Island, takes about an hour-and-a-half. There
are several parks such as Cowichan River Provincial Park with
20 km of hiking trails and advanced Kayaking at Marie Canyon,
campsites, and lookouts with excellent photo opportunities and
wildlife viewing. Secondary roadways provide access to Port Renfrew (see South
Vancouver Island) and Bamfield (see Pacific Rim), the
trailheads for the West Coast Trail, as well as to the old-growth
forests of Carmanah
Walbran Provincial Park. These roads also connect to
Nitinat Lake, a tidal lake that opens onto the Pacific
Ocean which is
popular with wind surfers.
Chemainus to the north of Duncan on Highway 1 has won
international acclaim for its Festival of Murals, a
very successful revitalization
project that began in 1982 with the unveiling of five
large murals, all professionally painted on existing
downtown buildings. The
Festival of Murals has grown and now there are 33 murals.
Chemainus is also home to the Chemainus Theatre, offering
five centre-stage
shows every year and a pre-show gourmet buffet. Chemainus
won the 1994 British Airways Tourism Award, a competition
involving
more than 200 communities world-wide.
Ladysmith is the most northern community in Cowichan.
Situated on the 49th parallel, Ladysmith was established
by coal
baron James Dunsmuir as a shipping port for coal.
Ladysmith received
a provincial award for most beautiful community on
Vancouver Island and a national Main Street Canada
award as one
of the four best revitalization projects in the country.
First
Avenue’s
restored 19th and 20th century buildings are worth
leaving the highway to visit. Actress, Pamela Anderson
who was
raised in
the community put Ladysmith on the map as a place
for actor groupies to visit.
Communities to explore: Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan
Bay, Crofton, Duncan, Honeymoon Bay, Ladysmith, Lake
Cowichan, Malahat,
Maple Bay, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Youbou.
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring Cowichan?
Explore the Communities of Cowichan
Discover Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands Sub
Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Tourism Vancouver Island
Suite 203, 335 Wesley Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5
Telephone: (250) 754-3500
Fax: (250) 754-3599
E-mail: visitor@islands.bc.ca |
