All articlesThings to Do in Duncan and Lake Cowichan
Day 1: Get to know our growers and brewers
Get situated swiftly on your arrival in the Cowichan Valley and soak up the shifting scenery of our countryside locale by biking or walking along part of the extensive Cowichan Valley Trail. Start in the south near Shawnigan Lake, where you’ll witness the staggering height of the Kinsol Trestle, the crystal clear waters of the Koksilah River, and the lush forest ecosystem around it.
Return to Shawnigan Lake for lunch with a view at The Lakehouse at Shawnigan, before indulging in a vineyard tour. Enrico Winery, Venturi-Schulze, Unsworth Vineyards, and Cherry Point Estate Wines are just some of the stops you could include, each offering a unique atmosphere, tasting notes, architecture, and views. It’s always worth checking the events calendar for our farms, wineries, and cideries before you arrive, as there’s frequently something happening that elevates the connection between visitors and our passionate growers and residents.
Day one in the Cowichan Valley ends with your arrival in the beating heart of the City of Duncan. Have dinner at a craft brewery like Red Arrow Brewing or Deadhead Brew Co. If Deerholme Farm is available for dinner, book in for an unforgettable culinary experience that highlights the very best of the region’s foraged and farm-grown ingredients.
Day 2: Marvel at majestic birds and our coastal vistas
Start your morning with a coffee and treat in the dreamy setting of Sundays Coffee Bar + Provisions. Then spend the morning at one of North Cowichan’s premier hands-on experiences. Choose between The Raptors Centre and the BC Forest Discovery Centre, both of which are very immersive and full of learning opportunities. At the Raptors Centre, watch in awe as Raptors take flight, learn from handlers, and revel in this unparalleled opportunity to get close and personal with these majestic birds.
At the 100-acre BC Forest Discovery Centre, enjoy a ride aboard the historic locomotive as you learn about the past and present of BC’s forestry industry and the complex ecosystems of our island.
Spend the rest of your day on the coast, dipping into the communities of Maple Bay, Crofton, and Chemainus. They’re packed with artisans, quirky spots to shop and eat, murals, beach walks, and even a natural history museum, The Hand of Man. For a panoramic view of the region, including views out to Salt Spring Island, take a hike up Maple Mountain or the challenging Mount Tzouhalem. End the day with a meal at a rustic establishment near the water serving up hearty plates of pub and coastal fare.
Day 3: Pack a picnic to explore serene waterways
Your last day in the Cowichan Valley stretch of the Spirit Loop starts with a delicious coffee and pastries from Duncan Garage and the chance to stock up on produce at the Duncan Farmers’ Market. If you’re not passing through on a Saturday, the many farm stands on the country roads around Duncan are a welcome alternative to the market.
Once you’ve packed your bountiful local vegetables, breads, cheese, and other picnic essentials, head west along the Cowichan River. Enjoy another chance to drop into the Cowichan Valley Trail or explore the trails to swimming holes and waterfalls within the Cowichan River Provincial Park. Listen to the uplifting sounds of birdsong, breathe in the earthy scent of the forest, and relax into the calm of this secluded ecosystem.
Arrive in Lake Cowichan for an afternoon spent on or around the water. Depending on the time of year, fly fishing experiences, tubing, and both unmotorized and motorized watersport rentals are all on offer from friendly locals ready to share their expertise. Between activities, keep an eye out in the quieter corners of the community to see if you spot any of the resident Roosevelt Elk herd. After a full day of outdoor activities, enjoy a final meal at one of Lake Cowichan’s cheerful independent eateries, followed by an ice cream as you watch the sunset colours take over the sky surrounding the lake.
