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.
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).
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.
Fly from Vancouver Harbour Airport to Nanaimo Harbour Airport and then rent a car or take a bus or a taxi 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.
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.
FIELDS Lake Cowichan department store
Swordfern Boutique
Scarletts Second Hand Boutique and Espresso Bar
Country Grocer Lake Cowichan
Lake Cowichan public transportation includes buses and taxis.
Lake Cowichan offers accommodations with a wonderful view of the town's natural beauties. Most of the lodgings are around Cowichan Lake Road.
Self-Catered Accommodation:
Harmony Ridge Bed & Breakfast
Crown House Bed & Breakfast
Hostel:
Cowichan River Lodge
River Rock Cottage Rental
Beaver Lake Resort
Boutique Waterfront Lodge
Riverside Inn
Lake
Cowichan Lodge
Guesthouse:
Greendale Riverside Cabins
The Cabin at Little Beach
"Trappers Cabin"
Greendale Riverside Cabins
JV's Diner
A&W Canada
Subway
Tim Hortons
Jakes at the Lake
Lakeside Sushi
Carmanah Pizza
Ed's Coffeehouse
Cow Cafe & Cookhouse
Market Café
Youbou Bar & Grill
Lisa's Fit Stop gym
Duncan Trillium Natural Spa
Heads Or Nails Salon & Spa
Autumn Sunshine Massage