Cowichan River Provincial Park is an elegant park that stretches along the Cowichan River. The river is an excellent presentation of the balance of nature, human heritage and recreational values. The historic Cowichan River Footpath passes through the dense Western Hemlock and Douglas-fir forest.
In the fall, Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls are the prime viewpoints to watch spawning salmon or having a picnic at the end of a day's hike.
Cowichan River Provincial Park area offers excellent opportunities, and activities include peaceful nature walking and some fantastic watersports.
Cowichan River Provincial Park has about 1,414 hectares (3494.07 Acres) area. It is located on Lake Cowichan, west of Duncan, on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The park is placed southeast of Cowichan Lake, the second-largest lake on Vancouver Island.
The area is home to many species of birds and animals. Small mammals include voles, bats, shrews the native red squirrel. Larger mammals such as cougars, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and black bears can be found in the park. During salmon spawning and mink, raccoons, weasels and martens can be sighted in Cowichan River Provincial Park. Beavers and river otters inhabit the river. The park is also known for its wild salmon and steelhead trout.
At least 200 different species of birds, overall thousands of birds are living here. The varieties include owls, osprey, crows, ravens, hawks and many songbirds are in the park.
Bald eagles can be seen along the river in late fall and winter.
From Nanaimo:
Nanaimo's fastest route is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. This route has restricted usage or includes private roads. It is 66 km (41 miles) and takes about 55 minutes.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804 ft). Turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S and drive 45.1 km (28 miles). Continue on Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W to your destination in Cowichan Valley F for 20.3 km (12.6 miles).
From Victoria:
The Fastest route from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. This route has restricted usage or includes private roads. It is 79 km (49 miles) and takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 58.6 km (36.4 miles). Take Cowichan Lake Rd to your destination in Cowichan Valley F for 19.2 km (12 miles).
1. "Skutz Falls" is a moderate-level loop located near Cowichan Valley F, British Columbia. It has a 7.6 km (4.7 miles) length and 169 m (554.4 ft) of elevation gain. This loop features a waterfall and wildflowers and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The best time to use this trail is from April until September.
2. "Holt Creek Loop" is located near Cowichan Valley F, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 5.6 km (3.4 miles) length, 127 m (416.6 ft) of elevation gain and rates as easy. Holt Creek Loop offers spectacular views and provides an opportunity to see wildlife. This loop features a waterfall and wildflowers and is used for hiking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are allowed to use the trail but must be kept on a leash.
3. "Glenora Trails Head Park to Cowichan River Loop" is located near Cowichan Valley F, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 3.7 km (2.2 miles) length, 104 m (341.2 ft) of elevation gain and rates as easy. The trail features the forest and a river and is mainly used for hiking and nature trips.
4. "Cowichan River Footpath and Cowichan Valley Trail from Glenora Trails Head" [CLOSED] is a loop located near Cowichan Valley F, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 13 km (8 miles) length, 141 m (462.5 ft) of elevation gain, and easy rates. The trail features a river and wildflowers and is regularly used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The best time to use this trail is from March until November. Dogs are allowed to use the path but must be kept on a leash.
Cowichan River Provincial Park was established on July 12, 1995. The name "Cowichan" is derived from the Coast Salish word "Khowutzun," which means "land warmed by the sun." The area has a rich history formed by First Nations. Today, the Cowichan Tribes are the largest group in British Columbia. Members of the group still own and live in many of the lands around Duncan and along the Cowichan River.
Cowichan River Provincial Park is a spectacular area with fantastic wildlife that offers numerous activities. Among them are hiking, biking, and horseback riding through excellent trails. If you are into water sports like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing, all are available at the Cowichan River. The park is known for its wild salmon and steelhead trout and the historic Cowichan River Footpath that passes through the dense Western Hemlock and Douglas-fir forest.
At the northwest shore of West of Shawnigan Lake, there is a dawn to dusk area, with a Douglas fir forest and a delightful beach known as Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park. Being there with your family and friends and spending your time swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, and windsurfing would refresh your body and soul. The park is a habitat for many animals.
Witness the miracle of nature at Cowichan River Provincial Park coming with human heritage and recreational values. Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls are the prime viewpoints to watch spawning salmon in the fall. Have a picnic at the end of a day of hiking, biking, or horseback riding through excellent trails. On your journey, don't forget to look around, watching animal species and birds.
Memory Island Provincial Park is one of the smallest parks in British Columbia. Its peaceful and beautiful nature makes it an excellent choice for picnicking. As it is placed in Shawnigan Lake, you can catch some fish like trout. Also, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are possible. In addition, the park is home to various birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and fungi.
As one of the best tourist attractions of Sooke and Vancouver Island, West Coast comprises many outdoor excitements that cannot be denied. You are provided with different wildlife to watch and various food to eat, not to mention that you observe a rare nature that is outstanding. So, chances are high to see different whales and other marine creatures.
Nitinat Triangle provides an excellent opportunity for those fearless paddlers that lets them set their adventure-thirsty souls on fire. Schedule your trip to Nitinat Triangle when you have 4 or 5 days free. The triangle features campsite facilities and magnetic vies of the land.
If you are a paddling enthusiast and happen to visit Vancouver Island during summer times, put Shawnigan Lake on top of your list. The lake is enclosed with fabulous parks in which you are provided with tons of recreational activities. Lakeside cabins, several beaches and a spectacular shoreline make Shawnigan Lake a fantastic hot spot for kayaking and canoeing.
You cannot believe your ears are hearing a diving place made after a Jet Plane was sunk. But, there is only one way to find out, especially for divers who like abnormal experiences. While you are in Chemainus, you can rent a boat and paddle till you reach this place, offering you unbelievable diving opportunities.
Choose wisely to make your stay on Vancouver Island unforgettable. Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site can give you the chance to have a retreat from daily bustles in a perfect and clean with a quiet atmosphere. It has a lovely swimming area surrounded by log booms in which you can bathe and relax for unnoticeable hours.
Wandering around the second-largest lake on Vancouver Island, you are blessed with ample chances of different water sports. Natural features observable in this region adds up to the beauty and attractiveness of your stay and make your memories hard to forget. If you are interested in doing other activities, there are various adventures to embrace.
You would have the chance to re-invent your expectation of windsurfing by embracing the opportunities given to you on the second-largest lake of Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake does not only serve your desires for windsurfing and is a paradise for those in love with water activities. If you are looking for a time to make the most of it in the Cowichan Lake area, plan to come during April.
All Five senses come together to give the possibility to experience the endless adventure in the Nitinat Lake area. As one of the destinations for consistent winds, Nitinat Lake is a popular place for windsurfing. This lake with long, narrow, and strongly salt-stratified water offers you the best opportunities to fulfil your desires for adventure, kiteboarding in particular.
The city of Duncan is famous for its totem collection. Duncan's tourist attractions and activities include shops and restaurants, great vineyards, kayaking the rivers and ocean, hiking the Trans Canada Trail, or the farmers' market. The city offers Cowichan Performing Arts Centre with amazing shows, restaurants, pubs, and Duncan Showroom (a live music venue) for entertainment.
Lake Cowichan is a town east of Cowichan Lake, the second most untouched lake in BC. The town is west of the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational and multi-use trail network globally. Lake Cowichan has a beautiful mountainous area with plentiful wildlife and is a perfect place for outdoor adventures. Lake Cowichan has warm waters and a sandy beach for a family swim.
Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.
Made from the blue snake of the Cowichan River, Skutz Falls is a little waterfall at Cowichan River Provincial Park about bout 6 m (20 ft) in height. Stand at the falls' viewpoint to have a scene of the human-made fish ladder where the river's fast current splashes water on your face. Camping nearby and using the services would complete your journey for having more hours of adventure in the area.
The Seymour Range is a small mountain range that comprises the hills and mountains between the San Juan River and the valley of Lake Cowichan. High quality of hiking up at the peaks, is the surrounding mountains and scenery of valleys and hills covered with lush forest. Experience an enriching journey in the nearby Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park and Cowichan Lake.
At the northwest shore of West of Shawnigan Lake, there is a dawn to dusk area, with a Douglas fir forest and a delightful beach known as Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park. Being there with your family and friends and spending your time swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, and windsurfing would refresh your body and soul. The park is a habitat for many animals.
Witness the miracle of nature at Cowichan River Provincial Park coming with human heritage and recreational values. Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls are the prime viewpoints to watch spawning salmon in the fall. Have a picnic at the end of a day of hiking, biking, or horseback riding through excellent trails. On your journey, don't forget to look around, watching animal species and birds.
Memory Island Provincial Park is one of the smallest parks in British Columbia. Its peaceful and beautiful nature makes it an excellent choice for picnicking. As it is placed in Shawnigan Lake, you can catch some fish like trout. Also, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are possible. In addition, the park is home to various birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and fungi.
Go to a river to feel alive as its current. The Koksilah River can be your place. It originates on the slopes of Waterloo Mountain and continues its way to reach Cowichan Bay. On hot summer days, being there to swim in the valley could be refreshing. This river has a distinct beauty and various rocky canyons, waterfalls and rapids to a wide river. There are many species of birds to watch.
Let's get lost in the west coast nature and find ourselves beside a lake following the smell of the Pacific Ocean. Nitinat Lake is beyond your expectations, kiteboarding heaven and a windsurfers' choice. Cruise the cool and clean water and explore freshwater coves and inlets. Get more of your visit with Nitinat Caves and the underground world of Looper Creek Canyon.
Let's explore the second-largest lake on Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake is the major recreational place in the Cowichan region and famous for paddling. It has some of the best hiking trails, several campsites, and chances for water-based activities. Get ready for this new experience, and we will strive to assist you in making your visit the best it can be.
Are you interested in spring and summer plans on Vancouver Island? The Cowichan River, the fourth largest river on Vancouver Island, provides you with guided hiking and backpacking trips. Cowichan River Provincial Park protects the Cowichan River's essential stretches. Start from Lake Cowichan to Cowichan Bay and the Strait of Georgia to expand your adventure around the Cowichan River.