Cowichan Valley
 Are you passionate about food and wine? Does the mention of a “Gourmet Trail” salivate your taste buds? Are you just as tempted by towering, old-growth forests, alluring beaches and meandering rivers? Then don’t miss Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley, a feast for all the senses.
Learn more about the Cowichan Valley:
Cowichan Valley Facts
- The Cowichan Valley takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning "the warm land" – a fitting name, as the valley enjoys Canada’s warmest mean temperature.
- The valley is centrally located between the cities of Victoria (to the south) and Nanaimo (to the north).
- To get to the valley, take BC Ferries, which docks in both Nanaimo and Sidney.
Cowichan Valley Communities
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Chemainus
 Chemainus is a quaint, seaside village located in central Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley.
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Duncan
 Duncan is surrounded by vast tracts of unspoiled mountain, forest and coastal wilderness.
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Ladysmith
 Ladysmith sits on a hillside overlooking the Strait of Georgia. At its base is a harbour so rich in shellfish it supports three oyster companies and a multi-restaurant event called “Oysterfeast” each May.
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Food Wine
Discover a land of fishermen, foragers, vintners, organic farmers, artisanal cheesemakers and slow-food chefs.
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- The Cowichan Valley is blessed by a warm climate and the ideal growing conditions for both food and grapes.
- Tour and sample award-winning wineries and heritage farms, both of which abound in the area.
- Visit BC’s first cidery.
- Pilgrimage to the impressive Saturday Farmers’ Market in Duncan. This market –Vancouver Island’s largest– is open year round.
- Indulge at local restaurants – the astounding regional bounty produces some of the best food in the Pacific Northwest.
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Outdoor Activities
In between meals, take a look at your awe-inspiring surroundings:
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- Surrounded by mountains, the valley is a spectacular setting of towering forests, abundant beaches and sheltered bays.
- Kayak and swim in the Pacific Ocean or in the valley’s many freshwater lakes and rivers. This is also serious fishing country.
- Outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice: you can hike, cycle or horseback ride throughout the valley – ideal activities to burn off calories after all those gourmet meals.
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Aboriginal Culture
First Nations settled in the Cowichan Valley thousands of years before the Europeans arrived and have left a lasting legacy.
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- Explore the Quw'utsun' Cultural & Conference Centre in Duncan, home to live demonstrations, hands-on activities and a multi-media presentation of their oral history.
- Still on a foodie note, opt for lunch of freshly barbequed wild salmon on the banks of the historic Cowichan River.
- View the more 40 Aboriginal totem poles on display along Duncan’s streets and walkways.
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