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Discover living in Cowichan

Get close to nature

From cycling to water sports, we offer incredible access to the great outdoors. Want to know more? Visit Tourism Cowichan for information on golf, whale watching, cycling tours, and other adventures. Discover why we’re Vancouver Island’s top outdoor destination.

Parks and trails

Cowichan is home to 206 community parks covering over 1,131 hectares of land and 47 kms of managed community trails. The Cowichan Valley Trail (part of Canada’s Great Trail) is connected to the Galloping Goose Trail. This results in an unbroken hiking, cycling and horseback trail from Victoria to Shawnigan, Lake Cowichan, Duncan and Chemainus.

Community involvement is essential to maintaining these trails for hikers and bikers. Groups like the Cowichan Lake Trail Blazers and the CVRD Parks & Trails Volunteers program help to keep them in good condition for locals and visitors alike.

Cycling

Urban cycle paths are supported by local governments and community groups throughout Cowichan. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find Cowichan’s trails challenging and exhilarating. In fact, some are rated amongst the best in the province. Ride Cowichan, Nature Cowichan and Trail Forks have a variety of mapped out routes available online to accommodate beginner, intermediate and experienced cyclists!

Oceans, lakes and rivers

Oceanfront beaches, parks, marine trails and marinas line the coastline of Cowichan. Visit the BC Marine Trails website to learn where to access the ocean by boat, including kayak launch points. Check out AhoyBC for all the information to navigate Vancouver Island’s ocean waters. The Pacific Marine Circle Route connects spectacular west coast beaches and parks, world famous ancient forests, and lakefront vistas. The route extends along the coast of Vancouver Island following the Juan de Fuca, Haro and Georgia Straits from Sooke to Port Renfrew. It then winds through Cowichan’s western region and on to Lake Cowichan and Duncan. The Pacific Marine Circle Route is one of Canada’s hidden gems for hiking, biking, camping and unique accommodations. View Tourism Victoria’s video of the Circle Route here. Tubing has become a popular sport in Lake Cowichan. If swimming and lounging on a beautiful beach is more your pace, Cowichan offers many spots to soak up the sun and take a plunge. And kayak rentals are available in lake and oceanfront locations throughout Cowichan. For a complete guide to the regional and community parks, visit the CVRDs Parks and Trails Division.

Cowichan is also home to:

The Cowichan Fish and Game Association touts the region as being home to exceptional fresh and saltwater fishing opportunities. Our freshwater lakes are home to trout, bass and perch, and flyfishing has long been a popular sport along the Cowichan River. Our coastline also offers opportunities for salmon fishing, crabbing, prawning and clam digging.