Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Traipse, tramp, trek, and toddle along on the Cowichan Valley's many and varied hiking trails.
The helpful staff at the Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre can supply tips, individual trail maps, and the all-purpose Cowichan Valley Regional District Parks & Trials Guide.
Cowichan River Footpath
The Cowichan River Footpath is an easy/moderate 20km/12mi route that follows the meandering course of the Cowichan (part of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System) from Glenora to Skutz Falls. It's one among a handful of walking trails in the Cowichan River Provincial Park, a favourite spot for fishing and swimming.
Those seeking a gentle stroll through the forest can try the loop trail from the Stoltz Pool day-use area.
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Cowichan Valley Rail Trail
The Cowichan segment of the Trans-Canada Trail, a nation-spanning hiking/cycling network, is known as the Cowichan Valley Rail Trail – one of four historic routes in BC (collectively dubbed the Spirit of 2010 Trail) that follow abandoned train lines through rural and wilderness settings. The 47km/29mi route can be accessed from either Shawnigan Lake (near the remarkable Kinsol Trestle) or Lake Cowichan (where the Trans Canada Trail turns east to Duncan).
Mount Prevost
Mount Prevost is the area's dominant topographical feature. Hang gliders take flight from the summit, easily reached on foot from the parking lot at the end of a 20-minute drive along a gravel road. The curious stone turret here is a memorial to lives lost in the First World War. Hikers looking to test their lung and leg power can park lower on the slope and wend their way skyward.
Mount Tzouhalem
Mount Tzouhalem is on the valley's east side, parallel with Duncan and a handy windbreak for Maple Bay and Genoa Bay. It is named after a fierce 19th century Cowichan First Nation warrior and is honoured as a sacred place by the Cowichan peoples. Hikers, mountain bikers (who refer to the mountain as "the zoo"), and horseback riders utilize logging roads and informal trails. One marked route leads to the Mt. Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve with its wildflowers and rare stands of Garry oak trees.
Maple Mountain
Maple Mountain due south of Crofton off Osborne Bay Road is a carefully managed working forest featuring 14km/8.7mi of well-maintained trails. Try the challenging shoreline route (aka the "yellow trail") for optimal sea breezes off Sansom Narrows.
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Things To Do
Outdoor Activities