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 Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia including Cheers Cowichan Tours, The Raptors, Wall Murals, Rocky Creek Winery, Roberts Memorial Provincial Park, Bright Angel Park, Venturi-Schulze Vineyards.
Restaurants in Cowichan Valley Regional District
1. Cheers Cowichan Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
Cheers Cowichan offer small group day tours year round to attractions in the Cowichan Valley and beyond. We specialize in winery and craft brewery tours, but also visit all Vancouver Island attractions.Casual fine dining is available throughout the day at vineyards/restaurants. Pick up and drop off from all local marinas, B&B's, hotels, residences,Cowichan Regional visitor centre, and Hilary's Cheese and Wine in Cowichan Bay . Our 20, 18, and 11 passenger buses with driver and local tour guide offer varied routes.(smaller or larger vehicles available) Private transport for events:weddings, corporate, festivals, sports teams. We are Cowichan's only resident tour company! Come with us and explore beautiful Vancouver Island! Cheers!
2. 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?
3. 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
4. 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!
5. Roberts Memorial Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By allancR7722MO
Nice small park with sculptured sandstone features ... the trail is easily managed by seniors, although can be a bit muddy in spots in the spring. The view is great ... peaceful and serene.
6. Bright Angel Park
7. Venturi-Schulze Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By BryanJackHoekstra - Victoria, Canada
This small family vineyard have wines with a big personality just like their owners. You can tell that these wine makers love what they do, it really shows in their wines. On the wine tour we took they were the ones too beat, but none did. They also make real balsamic vinegar. Not what you buy in the store but the real thing. They can tell you all about it as it’s way over my head. They also make absolutely delicious jams. We left there with a bag full of wine, balsamic vinegar and fig and balsamic vinegar jam. It was the hem of the Cowichan Valley. Make a reservation!
