Fall may be fast approaching, but there’s still time to use your vacation days on a rejuvenating getaway before the year comes to a close.
For a heartwarming excursion to a remarkable location away from the hustle and bustle of the city, look towards Cowichan in the southern part of Vancouver Island. Located in the only maritime Mediterranean climate in Canada, the region logs the nation’s warmest year–round temperatures.
This autumn, enjoy the eternal warmth and down-to-earth atmosphere of the Cowichan region through outdoor adventures, culinary delights, cultural experiences and breathtaking views. Read on for some trip inspiration and for your chance to win a vacation package to Cowichan this fall!
Endless outdoor exploration
The pristine Cowichan region is a place where you can immerse yourself in nature and truly live the outdoor lifestyle from the land to the coastlines.
The trail networks are quieter and cooler in the fall months, and walkers, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy the changing colours of the foliage in the rainforests while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the valley and the neighbouring Gulf Islands.
Standing 44 m above the Koksilah River, the historical Kinsol Trestle along the Cowichan Valley Trail is one of the tallest free-standing wooden railway trestle structures in the world. Overlooking Cowichan Bay, Mount Tzouhalem is the most frequented hiking destination in the region, and also boasts challenging single-track biking trails for daring cyclists. Other magnificent mountains to conquer are Maple Mountain, Cobble Hill Mountain and the twin peaks of Mount Prevost.
With vast lakes, flowing rivers and spectacular seas, Cowichan offers a myriad of aquatic adventures along its shores. Renowned for its wild salmon and steelhead fishery, the Cowichan River allows for multi-recreational activities within its parkland, including white-water kayaking, canoeing and hiking along the 20 km long Cowichan River Footpath. Try sea kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm and scenic waters of Mill Bay with Blue Dog Kayaking.
While in Duncan, you can get up close and personal with Cowichan’s birds of prey, including species such as eagles, hawks, owls and vultures, through a flying demonstration by Pacific Northwest Raptors. See the winged creatures in flight as they soar through the sky while learning about their integral roles in the B.C. ecosystem.
Local culinary experiences
Known as “Canada’s Provence”, Cowichan is renowned for its flourishing culinary scene. Due to the region’s vast number of growers, producers and artisanal makers, locally harvested ingredients are frequently highlighted in farm-to-table food and craft beverages.
Sip and unwind with the orchard-to-glass wines, spirits, ciders and beers that represent the distinct character of the Cowichan region. In total, there are 13 wineries, four distilleries and four craft breweries within the region.
As B.C.’s oldest estate cidery and first craft distillery, Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill is an essential tasting spot for sustainably-farmed ciders and spirits. Averill Creek Vineyard in Duncan produces premium estate-grown wines, with a specialty in world-class Pinot Noir. Book a tour of the winery and partake in guided flight tastings on the ocean-view terrace. Also in Duncan, Stillhead Distillery showcase the uniqueness of the Vancouver Island terroir by integrating distinctive local ingredients into their handcrafted spirits.
Proudly serving small batch brews sourced with local B.C. ingredients, the Cowichan breweries along the Vancouver Island Ale Trail allows you to explore the region’s craft beer culture. Duncan is home to three breweries, Red Arrow Brewing, Deadhead Brew Co. and Craig Street Brew Pub, while Bayview Brewing Company is a favourite in Ladysmith.
Fuelled by the working farms and farm stands along the valley’s countryside, Cowichan’s farmers’ markets and culinary festivals come alive during harvest season with the abundance of local produce, which includes everything from vegetables to lavender, and even kiwis. Get into the fall spirit at the Fall Makers Market on Oct 12 at Miller + Co. Wood Studio, and shop under the stars at the downtown Duncan Farmers' Market Night Market on Oct 17. and Nov 21. Go on a tasting adventure at the Vancouver Island Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival on Oct 26 at Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill.
A steadily growing number of restaurants, cafes and bakeries offer chances to sample Cowichan’s finest flavours. For authentic seafood cuisine, The Masthead Restaurant in Cowichan Bay has some of the freshest catches around. Other dining options in the region recommended by visitors and locals alike include The Cook and Butcher, Jakes at the Lake, Alpina Restaurant, The Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar and Pizzeria Prima Strada.
Arts, heritage and culture in aplenty
The cultural scene thrives in Cowichan, with ample opportunities to appreciate local art and history throughout the region. On any given day, you can join in on an open tour of a local art studio, with artists opening their doors to showcase their creative works. Head over to Chemainus to find the famous Chemainus Mural Walk, with over 60 outdoor art installations that depict the township’s history.
One cultural experience that can’t be missed is the Totem Tour Walk in Duncan, which introduces curious explorers to the world's largest collection of outdoor totem poles. The tour provides fascinating insights into the history and traditions of the area’s Indigenous Peoples as you admire the impeccable craftsmanship of over 40 handcrafted totems.
At Chemainus Theatre Festival, audiences can look forward to a presentation of the Governor General’s award-winning play “The Piano Teacher”, running from Sept 27 to Oct 20. On Oct 15, the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre will host the touring production of "Rumours", the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute show.
Getting there
The Cowichan region is easily accessible from Metro Vancouver, with BC Ferries access from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo and from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay in Victoria, and to Duke Point in Nanaimo. The Hullo ferry service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo takes only 70 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take to the air with helicopter and seaplane services from Helijet and Harbour Air, or commercial flights from Vancouver International Airport into Victoria International Airport or Nanaimo Airport.
From Victoria, you’ll arrive in Cowichan after a quick 40-minute drive across the Malahat. Or, if coming from Nanaimo, the driving time to central Cowichan is about 40 minutes.
Start planning your fall trip to Cowichan now at www.tourismcowichan.com
We’ve partnered with Tourism Cowichan to give one lucky winner a Fall Vacation Prize Package, valued at $800!
The Grand Prize includes:
- A two-night stay at the Temperance Hotel in Ladysmith (Valued at $500)
- Two tickets to a performance at the Chemainus Theatre Festival* in Chemainus (Valued at $150) *Or similar, depending on availability
- A distillery tour and spirits tasting experience for two at Stillhead Distillery in Duncan (Valued at $50)
- A $100 dining gift certificate to The Masthead Restaurant in Cowichan Bay
You can enter via the contest entry form below. For additional chances to win, visit Tourism Cowichan at their website for 10 bonus entries, and visit their Facebook and Instagram for another 25 bonus entries each.
This contest is open to British Columbia residents 19+ and closes on Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. PST. The contest winner will be contacted via email on this date. Prize must be booked between November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025.
