Top Things to do in Cowichan Valley Regional District
Top Hotels in Cowichan Valley Regional District
- 1. Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn
- 2. Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
- 3. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay
- 4. Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn
- 5. Thunderbird Motor Inn
- 6. Kiwi Cove Lodge
- 7. Moon Water Lodge
- 8. Wessex Inn
- 9. Malahat Bungalows Motel
- 10. Eagle Rock Bed and Breakfast Chemainus
Top 10 Things to do in Cowichan Valley Regional District, Vancouver Island
Discover the best top things to do in Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia including Duncan Farmer's Market, B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, Chemainus Theatre, The Raptors, Wall Murals, Duncan Totem Poles, Rocky Creek Winery, Cowichan Valley trail, Holland Creek Hiking Trails, Gordon Bay Provincial Park.
Restaurants in Cowichan Valley Regional District
1. Duncan Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Every Saturday morning, all year round, rain or shine, come for the freshest local fruits and vegetables, baking, jams & jellies, honey, crafts, clothing, pet treats, and more! With our "you make it, you bake it, you grow it, you sell it" philosophy, you will find a wide variety of local products to fullfill your "100 mile diet" needs. Please join us in the Market Square in downtown Duncan (look for the clock tower) every Saturday and help make your year-round farmers' market the best in BC! Live music every Saturday from April to Oct.
Reviewed By neepsocks - Victoria, Canada
A lovely place to visit, especially during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and sunny and fresh vegetables and fruits can be found in addition to local crafts, wines, and other artisanal items. Live music, hot food, and a pleasant, friendly atmosphere for all ages can all be found here at this Saturday market, right in the heart of downtown Duncan. Arguably the best farmer's market on Vancouver Island.
2. B.C. Forest Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
This museum educates visitors about British Columbia's large and historic logging industry.
Reviewed By Fiona_of_VI
This was our first trip to the BC Forestry Discovery Centre. I was very impressed with the activites they had for the kids including musical performances and a really well run colouring area. The food was reasonably priced and good (though all we had was hot chocolate and popcorn). The people there were very friendly and more than interested in talking about the history of the buildings, trains and the logging industry on Vancouver Island. And these folks are volunteers! The train ride was wonderful. We will definelty go back for a visit in the summer.
3. Chemainus Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Vancouver Island's Theatre Destination. We are a vibrant, established and fully professional theatre nestled in the seaside community of Chemainus, BC. We feature some of the finest performers and performances in Canada, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. Enjoy theatre to the fullest, with our terrific complements: The Playbill Dining Room, with live music and show-themed buffet; and The Gallery Gift Shop, featuring the art of BC artisans.
Reviewed By Pottery678
Being regular theatre goers for many years, when we saw an opportunity to support the Theatre we registered immediately for a dinner/show and we’re very pleased that we did. The food ,service and Michael Clarke presenting the Sam Cooke story were all excellent The only suggestion we would have is heated dinner plates for the main course which would keep the food warmer, which was excellent for flavour and quality but could be served a tic warmer Cheers J. Ric & Geri Turpin
4. The Raptors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 507 reviews
Birds of prey have always inspired awe. Sadly, they are threatened in many parts of the world. When you experience them up close, you learn that they are more than predators from the sky; they are essential to maintaining the delicate eco-balance of our planet. The Raptors offer compelling and interactive experiences with a variety of birds of prey species including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Get closer than you ever imagined to these majestic and intelligent creatures. Flying demonstrations, hands-on encounters and educational talks offered daily (March - October). The Raptors is located in the heart of the beautiful Cowichan Valley, just 60 minutes north of Downtown Victoria and 45 minutes south of Downtown Nanaimo by car.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
The Raptors centre had been on my “to do” list for a number of years. Having passed by this attraction countless times, it was bound to grab my curiosity. “What is it?” I thought. “What do they do there?” I knew you could have interactive bird experiences, but I didn’t know much else about it. That’s why, when I finally got the opportunity to visit, I was totally surprised and amazed by all that’s done here. The Raptors was set up to educate. Typically, whenever we think of “birds of prey,” most people tend to view them as mindless predators and/or a nuisance. Vultures, for example, have been – and are – targeted in some countries for extermination via poisoned animal carcasses. As a result, their numbers have depleted. This, we learn at the Raptors centre, has a notable impact on our already fragile ecosystem. Everything relies upon everything else. Thus, the purpose and mission of The Raptors is to inform us that birds of prey are essential to maintaining a proper ecological balance. When visiting The Raptors, you can expect to see a nice variety of these beautiful birds: Bald eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures, to name just a few. While their enclosures aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, we can live with the comfort of knowing that these birds – educational ambassadors – are well taken care of and are given ample opportunities to “stretch their wings,” unlike, say, a typical zoo. It’s nice to know the biologists and falconers view the birds more as colleagues than as wards. When M took me to visit The Raptors, we arrived just in time to watch and observe the Flying Demonstration. This, for me, was the perennial highlight. Watching these majestic (and some not so majestic) birds silently swoop down from the sky – with razor sharp precision – was a visual feast for the eyes. Indeed, getting up close to these birds while the knowledgeable and charismatic staff told the crowd about the vital role these birds play in our world was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you want to enhance your experience even further, The Raptors does offer a variety of unique hands-on experiences, including the “Hawk Walk” or raptor “Encounter.” I did not participate in any of these opportunities, but for those who want to learn more AND take that Instagram-worthy selfie, you can! At day’s end, if you’re visiting the Cowichan Valley area, I highly recommend a visit to The Raptors. It’s family friendly; it’s educational; and it’s pretty epic. What more could one want?
5. Wall Murals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By PattiS1979 - Cold Lake, Canada
What a beautiful tribute to the local community, it is a nice walk around the town to see all the murals
6. Duncan Totem Poles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By kenkA7737HL - Lake Cowichan, Canada
Excellent chsnce to see and learn about west coast first nations history beautiful totems spread around the downtown area. Always close to stores and shopping each totem has a placard telling you the story behind its creation. Big skinny tall and short there is alot of them well worth the hour or 2 stroll. You will love it
7. Rocky Creek Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
We are only accepting bookings online through our system. Great wines. Good company. Lasting memories. Discover our story from corporate suits to gumboots Experience 100% island grown sustainable and eco-friendly wines that have won 100 plus medals to date as a winery. Then stay and enjoy our outdoor picnic area amongst beautiful gardens with free WIFI. We always have local food options available for purchase with flight of wines or a bottle. Taste the passion of our cool climate island grown wines made by Cowichan's most awarded winemaker.
Reviewed By Vanislehome - Parksville, Canada
Loved this winery! This is a true family winery nestled in the Cowichan Valley. Mark (winemaker) and Linda (President) and their daughters Robin and Katherine bring commitment and delight to winemaking resulting in amazing products. My daughter and I tasted five beautiful wines while Linda provided details and history while we sipped. She shared family stories and even unveiled a fun contest where we could vote between winemaker father and daughter's Pinot Gris. We had a wonderful visit and felt safe with all Covid protocols fully observed. Thank you!
8. Cowichan Valley trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By MargC459
Just finished a 3 day/2 night tour of the CVT with amazing early October sunshine! We started the trail north of Ladysmith near the Haslam Suspension Bridge, but it was certainly a challenge initially finding it, with poor sign markings. Once on the trail and closer to Ladysmith, the signage improved and we experienced no further problems. The trail is mostly converted rail trail, however some sections early on are on side roads - all sections are truly beautiful and well worth the visit. Our first night was spent in Lake Cowichan and second night in Shawnigan Lake. Highlights definitely included all the trestle bridges, with Kinsol being the most spectacular; the gorgeous sections of the Cowichan River; and the backcountry forests and farm land views of the valley. Trail conditions were very good however the trail is still closed between 66M trestle and Holt Creek trestle due to an earlier washout. Good to see that the Parks guys are working hard to restore it though - hopefully will be completed soon. Great stops for eats just off trail include the Glenora General Store and Unsworth Winery (this one a little further afield, but well worth the visit!).
9. Holland Creek Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By TerraformTheWorld - Parksville, Canada
I recommend starting at the Dogwood Rd access point and traveling up the western side trail first so you have an easier return trip on the eastern side. Western side is pure hiking trail with birds, trees, slugs, and some very good view points for rapids and falls. The eastern side after the northern bridge turn around point is a wide gravel path for most of the section then drops back into bush trail (well looked after) near Dogwood Rd. The best view of Crystal falls would require leaving the established trail on the western side (did not do this) since the eastern trail view is blocked by may trees. The two dams can be seen easily from both trails.
10. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By woodragon33
Our family of four loved exploring the campsite, shower amenities, and being so close to the lake. Fantastic!
