Location: Lake Cowichan
Top Things to do in Lake Cowichan
- 1. Cowichan River Tubing
- 2. ORKA - Outdoor Recreation and Kayak Adventures
- 3. Cowichan Valley trail
- 4. Kaatza station museum and archives
- 5. Kenzie's Fishing Adventures
- 6. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
- 7. Cowichan River Provincial Park
- 8. Island Houseboats
- 9. Scarletts Second Hand Boutique and Espresso Bar
- 10. Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit
10 Things to Do in Lake Cowichan That You Shouldn't Miss
Lake Cowichan (Nitinaht: ʕaʔk̓ʷaq c̓uubaʕsaʔtx̣), (pop. 2,974), is a town located on the east end of Cowichan Lake and, by highway, is 27 kilometres (17 mi) west of Duncan, British Columbia. The town of Lake Cowichan was incorporated in 1944. The Cowichan River flows through the middle of the town. Cowichan Lake is British Columbia's second-most pristine lake and Cowichan River is designated as a Heritage River.
Restaurants in Lake Cowichan
1. Cowichan River Tubing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Canucksontheloose - Victoria, Canada
The check-in counter offers paddles and life jackets and different types of tubes. We forgot to ask for life jackets and they forgot to offer so imagine our surprise when my daughter leaned forward in her seated tube (without the hole) and slipped right under the water! Thank goodness for swim lessons... The dock where you actually have to settle your gluteus maximus into your tube can be tricky as the water is cool, and deep if you are a child. The paddle is useful at this point as there's little current and you need to get yourself into one to meander down the river. Saw a mink in the water, lovely homes, dragonflies landing on you, etc. Enjoy the ride because if you rush it, you'll barely be on the water for an hour. There are quicker rapids in the third half of the river and the paddle was very useful for that again. Instructions at check-in were very clear, they held your car keys for you, and the pick-up van ran every 10 minutes at the endpoint so no problems getting back. Wear sunscreen and a hat. A nice way to spend the afternoon. It's a different world on the river.
2. ORKA - Outdoor Recreation and Kayak Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
We offer river tubing, kayaking, and SUP boards rentals in Lake Cowichan. For you best selection of products come visit us.
Reviewed By tiredthree - Canada
The actual tubing is loads of fun. The river is great, with both slow and fast sections. Mild rapids that allow for some really fun fast moments, but nothing a young child would not love. (my son is 7). The equipment is perfect,. the driver was great. Checking in was easy. What soured this event for us was the quality of the language being used by both the employees and fellow tubers. Call me a prude, but my children do not need to hear swearing all the time. I am sure there are better ways to tell stories than swearing with no regard to others around you. I asked a fellow to stop, and he did. Moments later the same fellow is chatting at the kiosk and back at the foul language. I said "really?, there are still kids around. Could you stop the foul language." he gave me a sour look as did the girl at the kiosk. I gather they did not care that some people don't want to hear them speak like that. As a parent of kids, I feel strongly that a precedent should be set and when foul language is being used, employees should request it stop, rather then join in. For me, this impacted the wonderful time we had just had on the river. Over the long run, this could impact this business as there is another tubing company, and while there I did not hear any foul language. Shame as this company seems really nice, clean and safe, but management needs to curtail the employees and perhaps tell them to stop promoting foul language.
3. Cowichan Valley trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Linda S - Metchosin, Canada
At Lake Cowichan you can access the Cowichan Valley Trail in numerous ways although none are very cleared indicated in MHO. It's always brightly depicted on maps but where to actually park and access is a bit vague. The in-town part of the trail is most easily accessed on Wellington Avenue close to King George Road and provides a nice pathway quite busy with locals, kids and dogs. Sadly local residents are adverse to cleaning up after their dogs so the amount of dog droppings on the trail is quite gross; watch your step. For a better experience drive to the end of Boundary Road and access the trail there walking in a South-East direction (i.e.: away from town towards 70.2 Mile Trestle, Cowichan River and Shawnigan Lake). You will quickly walk out of the residential area and the trail use will be much lighter as will the dog litter. Back in town if you follow the trail over the Nelson Rd rail (now pedestrian) bridge the trail continues on the opposite side of the Cowichan River and eventually to Duncan. Overall it's a great trail, just too bad people don't pick up after their dogs.
4. Kaatza station museum and archives
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Alan W - Penticton, Canada
We stumbled across this museum after making a small detour off the Trans Canada down Highway 18. And what a find! This museum is fairly small but it is amazing how much interesting "stuff" they have packed inside - as well as the full size steam locomotive and box cars outside. The exhibits and displays are very well done and have a "homely" feel to them, making the most of the relatively small space available. I particularly liked the old saws that had been used a canvas by a local artist. Entry is free but with a suggested donation of around $5 which I thought was well worth it.
5. Kenzie's Fishing Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Fully licensed and insured, professional, guided Freshwater fishing on southern Vancouver Island. We specialize in customized, 6 to 8 hour fishing trips. Fish Vancouver Island's most productive and scenic Freshwater systems with the most experienced guide/outfitters in the area.
Reviewed By camd177 - Calgary, Alberta
This is our 4th year fishing with Kenzie and again it was top shelf. I have been fishing for 40+ years and Kenzie is by far the best guide I have ever used. His knowledge of the river, flies to use and techniques to catch...MoreThanks for your review! I'm glad you enjoy your fishing experiences with us. It's always a pleasure to fish with you. See you again soon! Tight Lines, Kenzie
6. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By YVRcockroach - Metchosin, Canada
The park may be open for camping but no one seems to be here (much colder than nearby Lake Cowichan, it seems) so the park is deserted and very nice for walking. Nice 3-D (i.e., has some change in elevation) walk, relatively short, to the point which give you a view of Bald Mountain regional park an the lake. Some Beaches (gravelly) but these may get crowed in summer.
7. Cowichan River Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By YVRcockroach - Metchosin, Canada
Came here to walk some dogs. There are several trail options including a very gentle portion of the Trans Canada Trail (old rail bed so a very gentle grade).
Note that we started in the east side of the park (Robertson Road) by the shooting range.
There are options including the river trail which is quite steep in parts gong in and out of the ravines. Immerse yourself in the forest (second growth - it's been logged before) as that's all you will see.
The Holt Creek trestle bridge, though short, is rather spectacular. A short walk from the Glenora Trails Hed parking lot too.
Bear in mind it is a long way from the east entrance to Stolz(sp?) Falls in walking time if not distance.
8. Island Houseboats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By stacey w - Victoria, Canada
So Amazing, 10 of us went out on a 3 day weekend.
Left the marina and enjoyed our time at Sandy Beach.
Did some cruising around the lake, Cant believe there's
90 km of shore line, Absolutely stunning views.
Customer Services was great, Definitely highly recommend this !!!
9. Scarletts Second Hand Boutique and Espresso Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
An awesome little Espresso bar serving locally roasted coffee tucked in the back of a funky shop full of this and that. Local art, refinished furniture, souvenirs, hand made products and so much more. Best Latte in Lake Cowichan...
Reviewed By adegraaf2017 - Lake Cowichan, Canada
Scarlett's boutique and espresso bar definitely brings back an almost nostalgic feeling of the friendly, quaint and quirky store experience. A feeling that is often lost in this modern world. The owner is extremely personable and loves to get to know her customers, and that is evident with things like her word of the day on her chalkboard, courtesy of a regular customer with a big vocabulary. She cares a lot about the community. Her coffee is amazing and it's also pretty awesome knowing she's supporting local suppliers. You can find the most unique items in her store, whether it's vintage or a piece of art or a product from a fellow local business owner. She also has a children's play area to keep the little ones occupied while you shop and sip. You definitely have to add this store to your must-stop-by list when visiting Lake Cowichan.
10. Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit is a public motorsports playground where performance driving enthusiasts, friends and businesses come together to enjoy a unique facility found among the verdant Mountains of British Columbia’s island Eden within the Cowichan Valley. Come experience Vancouver Island's newest attraction today! EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF THE CIRCUIT Discover the very best of Canada’s only year-round motorsport facility through our one-day comprehensive test-drive experience where for one day, you will live like a member. From the arrival at the entrance gate, checking in at reception, you will be invited to explore all we have to offer, gain access to our clubhouse amenities and at days’ end, unwind in the spectacular Paddock Lounge with fresh island cuisine amidst Canada’s most compelling natural beauty. Alongside your personal driving coach, you will have the opportunity to experience some of the finest performance cars in our fleet.
Reviewed By Russell P - Vancouver, Canada
I was privileged to spend a day at this facility testing the latest and greatest from Lexus. The track is challenging and includes an entertaining layout comprised of plenty of technical sections, tight turns, and a wide array of elevation changes. The scenic setting amidst the tall trees and natural beauty is really spectacular, as is the modern, full-service clubhouse. Safety is crucial in the operation of such facilities, and the group responsible for this track has thought of everything. It is wonderful to have such a fine facility in this area.
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