All About the
Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley: BC's Newest Wine Region

The Cowichan Valley is located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, just an hour's drive north of the province's capital, Victoria, BC making it an easy day or weekend trip from Vancouver, Victoria and Washington State. Known as the Warm Land in the local Hul'qumi'num language, the Cowichan Valley has been quietly producing award winning wine for the past few decades. The Cowichan Valley boasts the highest year round average temperature in Canada. This combined with the unique terroir makes for a micro-climate that many varietals thrive in.

In 2024, there are currently thirteen winery's in the Cowichan Valley open to the public all within a 20km radius of each other. The Cowichan Valley isn't only about wine. With all the other craft businesses dotted around the valley including breweries, cideries and distilleries, you'll be hard pressed to go thirsty. Come and discover this laid back getaway for yourself on your next vacation.

Check out our interactive map to get the big picture of Cowichan winery's. Learn more about each winery by clicking on the labels.

Things to do in the Cowichan Valley

Even if you're not interested in wine, there's plenty to discover in the Cowichan Valley. It's a nature lover's dream, with countless hiking trails that showcase lush forests, mountains, and breathtaking ocean views. The Trans Canada Trail runs through the Cowichan Valley with many access points. During the summer months, you'll find pristine swimming holes, music festivals, and farmers markets. Take a stroll through the valley's charming little towns and visit the artisan shops. The Cowichan Valley is the ideal destination for a quick getaway, just an hour from BC's capital, Victoria.

Lake Cowichan

Lake Cowichan is the place to be in the summer months. The gorgeous lake is great for swimming and boating with plenty of campsites around the lake and Airbnb's closer to town if that's your preference. If you're looking for wildlife you will find tons of elk in Youbou. Lake Cowichan is also known to have frequent bear and cougar sightings so be sure to not leave food or garbage out overnight if you're camping. Rent a tube and spend the afternoon on a scenic float down the Cowichan River.

Every summer there are music festivals at Laketown Ranch including Laketown Shakedown and the bigger country music festival, Sunfest. The headlining artists at Sunfest usually draw crowds of 10,000 plus out to the ranch.

Duncan

The city of Duncan is located centrally in the Cowichan Valley. The easily walkable four square blocks is packed with local businesses including restaurants, cafes, bars, chocolate shops, book stores, toy stores and more. Duncan is brimming with local First Nation's culture. Follow the yellow foot steps on the sidewalk and you'll discover over forty totem poles. It's a must-see while you're here. If you're visiting on a weekend, check out the local farmers market in the square every Saturday year round.

Cowichan Bay

Just a five minute drive from Duncan, Cowichan Bay is charming, must-visit area to check out on your Cowichan Valley adventure. The Cow Bay village is a one kilometer long, oceanfront strip packed with local shops, restaurants and fun activities. Book a whale watching tour to see orcas and humpbacks (depending on the time of year). Rent a kayak or book a kayaking tour and the local guides will show you all around the bay, home to eagles, herons, seals and river otters. At certain times of the year there are evening bioluminescence tours offered. See the ocean sparkle as you paddle.

Shawnigan Lake

Shawnigan Lake is located on the south end of the Cowichan Valley. The village is a four way stop with several little stores and restaurants. You'll find plenty of vacation rentals around the lake, many with lakefront property and private lake access. There are a couple public swimming areas and lots of forested trails around the lake as well. A hike up Old Baldy Mountain will take you to a secret tree swing with a breathtaking view overlooking Shawnigan Lake. The Kinsol Trestle is an engineering feat, over 100 years old located in Shawnigan Lake and worth checking out. It is a flat 20 minute walk from the parking lot. Bring a picnic to enjoy when you get there.

When to Visit the Cowichan Valley

The Cowichan Valley offers different experiences depending on the time of year you're here. Summer is of course the most popular time to travel here with the hot weather and great swimming and hiking spots. The Spring is a great time if you're okay with a little rain in exchange for the quieter, cooler experience.

Early Fall is arguably the best time to visit the Cowichan Valley. Over the past few years the temperatures in Fall have hovered around 19 degrees Celsius. The trees are changing to warm orange colours and it's shoulder season so you'll have more of the place to yourself. Something fun about Fall is seeing the California Sealions that make their annual trip up to the docks in Cowichan Bay. You can find piles of sealions napping on the dock.

How to get to the Vancouver Island

BC Ferries offer regular daily sailings from West Vancouver and Tsawwassen to both Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. It's pretty easy to take public transportation to the Vancouver terminals if you're walking on as a foot passenger. They also take vehicles if you're planning on bringing your car over.

Hullo Ferries offers daily sailings from downtown Vancouver straight to downtown Nanaimo and is a faster option. They only take foot passengers so if you're bringing your vehicle over then BC Ferries is your best option.

Harbour Air offers seaplane flights from both downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver airport to various locations on Vancouver Island including Victoria, Nanaimo and Maple Bay (Cowichan Valley). This option is more expensive than the ferries but if you have the budget, it is a scenic flight over and much quicker than the ferries.

Day Trips to the Cowichan Valley

Day trips from Vancouver BC

Experience the ultimate convenience with Hullo Ferries, your gateway to effortless day trips to Vancouver Island.

Their ferry services perfectly complements any of our day tours, including our Wine Tour and Craft Mix Tour. When booking your Twofiveo tour, just choose Hullo Nanaimo as your pickup location. We'll greet you off the 9am ferry from downtown Vancouver and ensure you're back in time for the 5pm return journey. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of the details, making your island getaway a breeze.

Visit our blog post, How to Experience a Cowichan Wine Tour as a Day Trip from Vancouver for more details.

Day trips from Victoria BC

Victoria, BC, is a charming city with a perfect mix of history and modern flair. As the capital of British Columbia, it’s a must-visit with its stunning Butchart Gardens, historic Inner Harbour, and lively arts scene. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood at local spots, or hop on a whale-watching tour.

If you're based in Victoria or planning a Victoria trip, our tours make a perfect day trip outside of the city with pick up and drop off including in your booking. Think of a twofiveo tour for the most fun birthday or bachelorette weekend activity.

Day trips from Nanaimo BC

Nanaimo, BC is located about an hour north of the Cowichan Valley and is the second largest city on Vancouver Island. It is a great access point for exploring gulf islands along the coast such as Garbriola Island and Newcastle Island. It is also famous for the iconic Nanaimo Bar, a must try sweet that you can find all across the country.

If you're based in Nanaimo or visiting Nanaimo it's the perfect opportunity for a day trip to the Cowichan Valley. All twofiveo tours are bookable with a Nanaimo pickup and drop off. So even if you're not based in the Cowichan Valley, no stress. You'll just have that much more time for karaoke on the way home.