Lake Cowichan is a town located west of Duncan on the east of Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake is the second most untouched lake in British Columbia, and the Cowichan River is dubbed as a Heritage River. The town of Lake Cowichan was established in 1944. It is southwest of the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational and multi-use trail network in the world.
There are three communities nearby, including Lake Youbou, Mesachie Lake and Honeymoon Bay.
Lake Cowichan has a beautiful mountainous area with plentiful wildlife and is a perfect place for outdoor adventures. Among the activities available in Lake Cowichan are hiking, cycling, fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and kayaking. Although Lake Cowichan itself plays a significant role in the lumber industry, the economy switched from a resource-based economy to a tourism-based economy. Like other Cowichan towns, Lake Cowichan's tourism focuses on its rare beauty and numerous activities.
Average Weather in Lake Cowichan
Lake Cowichan is surrounded by the Pacific temperate rain forests, which results in an ecosystem with the warmest climate in Canada. The temperature rarely goes above 25°C (77°F) or below 0°C (32°F).
The Best Time to Visit Lake Cowichan
December is the best time to visit Lake Cowichan for those who want to ski. However, the busiest months in Lake Cowichan are July, August, and April.
How to Get to Lake Cowichan?
Airport Transfers for Lake Cowichan
Fly from Vancouver Harbour Airport to Nanaimo Harbour Airport and then rent a car or take a bus or a taxi to Lake Cowichan.
Seaplane to Lake Cowichan
Ferry to Lake Cowichan
You can take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. Then rent a car or take a bus or a taxi to Lake Cowichan.
Discovering Beauty and Entertainment in Lake Cowichan
Lake Cowichan is a town full of natural beauties and fantastic places such as Cowichan River Provincial Park.
The park is a popular spot with great outdoor recreational activities like white-water kayaking, tubing, and fishing. It protects parts of the Cowichan River, which is a Provincial Heritage River. The river is internationally famous for its wild salmon and steelhead fishery. Gordon Bay Provincial Park is also known as a tourist destination, located on the shores of Lake Cowichan. It is home to a second-growth Douglas-fir forest. Lake Cowichan has warm waters and a sandy beach that would be excellent for a family swimming, and it offers hiking trails with fascinating views. If you want to make the best of your trip, visit the town in April when the wildflowers are at their peak.
Gardens, Parks, and Natural Green Attractions in Lake Cowichan
Spring Beach Recreation Site
Cowichan River Provincial Park
Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Price Park
Central Park
Stoker Park
Marble Bay Park
Bear Lake Park
Lakeview Park Campsite
Ravine Park
Ted Burns Nature Preserve
Duck Pond Bridge
Green Park
Ohtaki Park
Rhododendron Memorial Park
Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and Water-based Activities in Lake Cowichan