Cowichan Region
Meet the farmers responsible for practically every last morsel served in acclaimed area restaurants. Sip on locally crafted wine, cider and spirits. Fill shopping baskets at farmgates and open-air markets. Satisfy gourmet longings at a half dozen food and wine festivals. Dine on bannock, oysters and salmon at a riverside First Nations restaurant. Or team up with the culinary pros to forage for wild foods before learning how to cook your own exquisite dishes.
Wining and Dining – Enjoy vineyard-side dining where chefs pair their creations with award winning wines grown and aged mere steps from your seats.
Foodie nirvana: That’s the Cowichan region in Vancouver Island’s southeastern front pocket. In fact, vibrant Cowichan Bay was the first town in North America to be formally recognized by Slow Food International for its dedication to all things fresh and local. Sheltered by mountain ranges and blessed with Canada’s longest growing season, this green and fertile valley is named after a Coast Salish First Nations’ word meaning “the land warmed by the sun.” And when there’s a nip in the air, every fashionista knows that it’s Cowichan sweater weather.
City of Totems – Cultural history is on display in Duncan waiting to be explored where over 80 totems stand in welcome.
Here you can breakfast in a lovely rural B&B with its friendly owners, then head out on area day trips that will make the taste buds sing. The culinary pleasures range from artfully prepared, locally sourced bistro meals to the most satisfying of sweet treats: baked goodies in Duncan, fudge in Chemainus and doorstop-sized cinnamon buns in Ladysmith, all scrumptiously fresh and locally made.
Work off the calories in the Cowichan’s many special wild places. Cycle along the Cowichan Valley Trail and over the historic Kinsol Trestle, once the highest train trestle (bridge) in the British Commonwealth. Tackle the challenging mountain biking routes on Mount Tzouhalem. Canoe on Shawnigan and Cowichan lakes or try whitewater kayaking along the Cowichan and Chemainus rivers. Hike to your heart’s content in parks and along wilderness trails. Play golf on smartly groomed courses year-round. Fresh and saltwater boating, fishing, diving, snorkeling and tubing are also on the adventure agenda.
Kinsol Trestle – Walk
a historic railway trestle that forms part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and the Trans Canada Trail systems.
The region’s unofficial capital is Duncan, where you can shop for a splendid array of clothing, giftware, food and art in the smartly revitalized downtown core. Experience authentic First Nations’ traditions at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre, then ride a steam train back to the heyday of the logging industry at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre.
History buffs also wander the streets of Chemainus, globally renowned as “mural town” thanks to its wall-sized historical tableaux and reproductions of paintings by iconic B.C. artist Emily Carr. Walking along Ladysmith’s heritage main street is like stepping back a century into the Edwardian era.
Zip from one part of the region quickly via the Trans Canada Highway or explore the immersive pleasures of scenic backroads. Along the meandering way, drop (along with your designated driver) into more than a dozen vineyard tasting rooms. Just as many farms and multi-vendor marketplaces allow one to shop for local produce direct from the source. Best advice to all visitors?
Pack an appetite!
Continued on Next Page...
Visit WebsiteExperience Vancouver Island from a new point of view with a breathtaking seaplane adventure. Enjoy a 20 minute Victoria panorama flight featuring unique views of the city & the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Day trip to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens or downtown Vancouver. A variety of exciting tours await. Discover British Columbia’s spectacular coastlines with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Harbour Air Seaplanes also offers frequent and convenient scheduled flights connecting downtown Victoria, downtown Vancouver, Richmond (YVR Aiport), Comox, Nanaimo, Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and Whistler (seasonally). Travel like a local and experience a true West Coast [...]
More InformationComox, Duncan, Ganges, Nanaimo, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, Gulf Islands, North Central Island, South Island
1-800-665-0212
Visit WebsiteGOLF VANCOUVER ISLAND IS A CENTRAL RESERVATIONS SERVICE FOR GOLF PACKAGES, VACATIONS AND TEE TIMES on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Golf Vancouver Island is your “one-stop shop” for Island Golf Getaways and Vacations. From airfares and ferry reservations to tee times, accommodations and even après golf activities, they take care of it all! Owned and operated by the golf courses on Vancouver Island, consumers save time and money, while choosing from 10 golf courses and 5 accommodation options on the internationally renowned Vancouver Island Golf Trail. Golf Vancouver Island provides complimentary information, vacation planning assistance and reservations for Vancouver [...]
More InformationCourtenay, Duncan, Parksville, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, North Central Island, South Island
1-888-465.3239
Visit WebsiteBritish Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, providing year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, with a fleet of 35 vessels. The company provides an essential transportation link that connects coastal communities and facilitates the movement of people, goods and services throughout coastal British Columbia. BC Ferries’ diverse service area includes connections between the Vancouver Mainland and Vancouver Island; from Vancouver Island or the Vancouver Mainland to many small island communities; from Prince Rupert on the province’s north coast to Haidai Gwaii and to Port Hardy. [...]
More InformationMany Communities • Across Vancouver Island
1-888-BC-FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
Visit WebsiteBC Ferries Vacations™ connects you with Vancouver Island’s world-class destinations and provides unique vacation experiences to the avid traveller. Offering several packages for one and two-nights or longer, BC Ferries Vacations™ travel experts have hand-picked the best accommodations and activities and packaged them with the ferry travel to bring you all-in-one convenience, quality and value.
More InformationMany Communities • Across Vancouver Island
1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779) Ext 3
Visit WebsiteSilverside Farm & Winery
At Silverside Farm & Winery, we produced award winning table and “port style” dessert wines. If you haven’t tried our unique berry wines before, we invite you to come discover the brilliant vibrant colours, bold aromas, and rich berry flavours that will pair exquisitely with your favourite dish! You will also find a variety of delicious homemade jams, jellies, and syrups as weil as interesting art created by talented local artists. Come visit us soon and savour our berry flavours!
Cobble Hill • Cowichan
1-877-743-9149
Visit WebsiteBest Western Cowichan Valley Inn
Welcome to the Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn. Discover a quiet sanctuary at the foot of Mount Prevost, where friendly smiles, comfortable rooms and delicious food await you. We are proud to be the busiest and best hotel in the Cowichan Valley!
Duncan • Cowichan
1-800-927-6199
Visit WebsiteBest Western Chemainus Inn
A top choice among Vancouver Island hotels, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Chemainus Inn is a hotel with suite-style rooms, and both 4 Green Key and CAA/AAA 3-Diamond ratings. Discover why our large suites and great amenities place us a level above other Vancouver Island accommodations. We offer a complimentary hot buffet breakfast, high-speed internet, indoor pool, hot tub, exercise centre.
Chemainus • Cowichan
1-877-246-4181
Visit WebsiteNational Car & Truck Rental
Discounts on Golf, Mount Washington Winter Lift Tickets and Summer Scenic Chairlift Ride & Butchart Gardens Low daily, weekly & monthly rates Special weekend packages Entertainment & AAA rates One way drop off on Vancouver Island & Vancouver Cars, mini-vans & 4×4′s Free local pickup & drop off
Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, Port Hardy, Victoria • Central Island, Cowichan, North Central Island, North Island, South Island
1-800-CAR-RENT (227-7368)
Visit WebsiteTourism Chemainus
Chemainus is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Vancouver Island. An Arts & Cultural Destination that is famous for its well over 40 murals painted on the towns various walls. Golf, diving, shopping and exploring our natural surroundings in this seaside village.
Chemainus • Cowichan
250-246-3944
Visit WebsiteTravelodge Duncan
At Travelodge Duncan, we let you get the most out of your stay with all the comforts and conveniences of a home away from home. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure we know how important a good nights sleep is. We offer a variety of standard complimentary amenities to make your stay more comfortable. If you are traveling with children, or staying for an extended stay one of our spacious one bedroom suites might be just what you are looking for.
Duncan • Cowichan
250-748-4311
Visit WebsiteTourism Cowichan
The Cowichan region encompasses verdant farmland, deep ocean bays, whitewater rivers, numerous lakes and low rolling mountains. Cowichan’s pretty towns and villages – including Chemainus, Ladysmith, Duncan, Cobble Hill and Cowichan Bay – offer art galleries, outdoor murals, fishing piers and farmers markets. One of the top culinary destinations in Canada, Cowichan is home to medal-winning wineries, organic farms and artisan food-producers who have created a thriving agritourism industry based on the mantras of fresh, local, seasonal and sustainable.
Cowichan Region • Cowichan
250-746-1099
Visit WebsiteLadysmith on the 49th
Awaken your sense of adventure with our marine playground for paddlers, boaters, and sand-castle builders! Our historic downtown offers unique shopping, heritage buildings, and award-winning cinnamon buns. You’ll find unparalleled small town charm in Ladysmith on the 49th Parallel.
Ladysmith • Cowichan
250-245-2112
Visit WebsiteAverill Creek
Averill Creek is a family run 16 ha (40 ac) estate winery in the Cowichan Valley. Our focus is on growing small lots of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Marechal Foch & Merlot to produce premium quality wines that are expressive of the vineyard’s terroir. Set on the south slope of Mt. Prevost, the winery’s tasting room & patio overlook the Cowichan Valley, with Cowichan Bay & the Sannich Peninsula visible in the distance. We welcome visitors to bring a picnic to enjoy on the patio while taking in the views. Wines are available by the bottle or by the [...]
Duncan • Cowichan
250-709-9986
Visit WebsiteCowichan Golf and Country Club
The Cowichan Golf and Country Club is conveniently located on the Trans Canada Highway in Duncan, BC. Hosting Men’s Nights, Women’s Nights and many tournaments throughout the year. Dine in our Restaurant, practice at the Range and shop in the Pro Shop. Open to the public for daily green fees and Memberships are also available.
Duncan • Cowichan
250-746-5333
Visit WebsiteDuncan Business Improvement Area Society
Shopping in Downtown Duncan is fresh, fun and fabulous! Our jem of a town boasts hundreds of remarkable shops and services. The quality and diversity of what we have to offer surprises and delights visitors from near and far. Just one hour from Nanaimo or Victoria on Vancouver Island, with plenty of free 3-hour parking spots or parking for $1-2 dollars for extended visits.
Duncan • Cowichan
250-715-1700
Visit WebsiteMerridale Ciderworks
Merridale is a fun destination for the whole family. Tour the cellar and distillery to learn about the craft of cider and spirit making then stroll the orchard walk with your children finding apple blossom faeries. Sample our wares at the ciderbar then savour hearty meals prepared the old fashion way in wood fired brick ovens from local ingredients. Our farmhouse store offers picnic lunches to go, gourmet foods, and local art while our elegantly appointed orchard yurts are available for overnight stays. Visit our website to learn more about weddings, and live music nights.
Cobble Hill • Cowichan
1-800-998-9908
Visit WebsiteBC Forest Discovery Centre
This museum tells the story of the logging industry in coastal BC. Exhibits of logging machinery, camp life and the role of the B.C. Forest Service are found throughout the 100 acre site. Depending on the season, visitors can ride a ride in either “Samson” the Centre’s 1910 steam train or the “Green Hornet” the gas powered locomotive.
Duncan • Cowichan
250-715-1113
Visit WebsiteUnsworth Vineyards
Nestled in the foothills of Mill bay, Unsworth Vineyards is dedicated to making wines that reflect the unique character of the Cowichan Valley. A vision of sustainable farming and premium wines is complimented by Amusé on the Vineyard; a casual and elegant bistro serving natural local foods.
Mill Bay • Cowichan
250-929-2292
Visit WebsiteOceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay is a boutique style hotel with 56 Oceanview suites, situated in the tranquil and intimate seaside village of Cowichan Bay in the heart of the Cowichan valley – a wine and culinary haven; an ideal venue for weddings, special occasions and corporate retreats & conferences.
Cowichan Bay • Cowichan
250-715-1000
Visit WebsiteChemainus Theatre
Visiting the Chemainus Theatre Festival will tease (and please) your senses. The gorgeous theatre, with a charming seaside view, is one of Vancouver Island’s best places to watch diverse and imaginative plays, enjoy rhythmic song and musicals, taste delicious, show inspired meals, and breathe-in the creative ambiance of BC art.
Chemainus • Cowichan
1-800-565-7738
