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
What to do and see in Cowichan Valley Regional District, Vancouver Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia including Shawnigan Lake Museum, Enrico Winery, Duncan Farmer's Market, Stoney Hill Regional Park, B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, Chemainus Theatre, The Raptors, Wall Murals, Ladysmith Museum, Duncan Totem Poles.
Restaurants in Cowichan Valley Regional District
1. Shawnigan Lake Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Visit this 'big' museum in the small village of Shawnigan Lake - it's guaranteed to surprise you. For over thirty years, the museum has celebrated the history and the people of Shawnigan Lake (and surrounding area). Drop in for extensive information on the spectacular Kinsol Trestle; renowned Canadian artist EJ Hughes; the true Canadian Last Spike and many other significant history-bites.
Reviewed By fayerj1 - Duncan, Canada
A colorful walk through the island's local history, and the museum's ongoing search for authentic stories and evidence of the community's early residents, landmarks and fascinating events.
2. Enrico Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Nestled in the beautiful Cowichan Valley our 50-acre estate has the perfect microclimate that allows us to grow 7-different varietals, ranging from fruity whites to full-bodied reds that are unique to Vancouver Island. Enrico wines are winning medals across Canada and the United States. We are opened all year round and invite you to visit us to enjoy a sample of our wines in our tasting room.
Reviewed By MapleRidgeMalf - Maple Ridge, Canada
Visited on a sunny spring day and were the only ones on the deck. Barb was a wonderful host with a wealth of information. We bought over a case as the wine was good value.
3. 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.
4. Stoney Hill Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By jarmwr40 - British Columbia, Canada
we've been meeting our son and his new puppy every other sat. and exploring the cowichan area. this was our fav walk so far, at genoa bay, near maple bay. he had walked this trail last week and liked it so much he took us here today. we walked the 3.2 km. loop trail and with stops for views it took us about an hour. a fairly easy walk, gradual rise. muddy trails with our recent wet weather. large moss covered rock slabs and arbutus trees make for a pleasant atmosphere. the views from the 5 lockouts are wonderful, looking down on the sansum narrows and across to saltspring island and south towards satellite channel. a number of boats enjoying the waters and possibly the herring run has started? 1 family walking behind us and 1 couple passed us, 10:00 seemed to be a good time as when we got back to the 25 vehicle parking area, it was filled, and people were parking on the side of the narrow road. outhouse at the trailhead appreciated. i couldn't find any info on how big the park is. all in good shape and obviously popular. i'd return in heartbeat.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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?
8. 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
9. Ladysmith Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By MarinaS102 - Ladysmith, Canada
The museum main display tells the story of industry, community from early days as a oyster farming, mining, to forestry and now as a tourist destination with a large boating community.
10. 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
