I recently returned from a trip to Vancouver Island where I discovered all the best things to do in Cowichan Valley. It’s 37 miles from British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria, yet its balance of shoreline, mountains, and thick old-growth forest makes it feel worlds away.
The valley is only 19 miles long and is characterized by mild, wet winters and equally mild summers, rarely going above 75°F. The land originally belonged to the native Cowichan tribes, part of the Coast Salish people. Its name is derived from the Halkomelem word “Khowutzun,” meaning “land warmed by the sun.”
Because of its climate, the valley is known for grape growing and has 14+ wineries along the hillsides. That means the area attracts a mix of wine lovers, hikers, and people looking for a small town vacation.
To get here, you’ll need to take a ferry or flight to Victoria or Nanaimo before driving the Trans-Atlantic Highway. Expect more crowds in the summer when visitors from the mainland flock to the island once school’s out. If you don’t mind a little rain, I prefer visiting in the early spring or late summer.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, you probably want to know the best places to visit in Cowichan Valley and what to do there. So, consider this your guide to getting the most out of your vacation!
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Best Things to Do in Cowichan Valley
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it as I discover new places to explore!
Take in the view from the Malahat Skywalk
website | Malahat (get directions) | price: ~$38pp (get tickets) | best for: breathtaking views
I had never experienced anything quite like this skywalk before. It’s a huge spiral ramp that takes you 820 feet above sea level, giving you panoramic views of the surrounding islands and Salish Sea.
To get there, you’ll start with a 0.5-mile stroll through the TreeWalk, lined with Douglas fir, cedar trees, and Indigenous sculptures Then you’ll start winding up the spiral path. The entire path is paved, making it safe for wheelchairs and strollers.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be met with panoramic views. There’s also a net walk that is a thrill for those daring enough to look down. When you’re ready to go back down, kids and the young at heart will get a kick out of the 65-foot slide that delivers you back to the starting point.
Take pictures at the Kinsol Trestle
website | Shawnigan Lake (get directions) | price: free | best for: photo-ops
The Kinsol Trestle is one of the world’s tallest, longest wood trestle systems. It was constructed out of old-growth Douglas fir timbers to connect Victoria to Nootka Sound as a more efficient way to transport timber. No longer a working railway, today it’s a popular walking and biking path.
To get there, you’ll walk the short 0.5-mile gravel path from the parking lot. Most people tend to run out to the middle of the trestle for photos, but I find one of the most spectacular views is actually from the bottom looking up from the Koksilah River that runs beneath the bridge.
Hit the bike trails
When I think of what to do in Cowichan Valley, biking immediately comes to mind. The valley is considered to have some of the best mountain biking in Canada, with three mountains to choose from. Mt. Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, and Mt. Prevost.
Now if you’re not a mountain biking person, that’s okay. The valley has plenty of well-maintained trails, including an easy 21-mile route that takes you straight to the Kinsol Trestle. If you’d prefer a thigh burner, try this 37-mile loop from Duncan to Lake Cowichan.
For rentals, Cycle Therapy Bicycles has full-suspension mountain bikes and hybrid electric bikes. Unless you’re determined to shred, I suggest getting an e-bike so you can cover more ground.
Go wine tasting
The Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s only official winemaking region and one of the largest in BC. There are 14+ wineries in the area (list here), and most specialize in dry white wines, some pinot noir, and other lesser-known cool-climate grapes.
The last time I went, I got to taste at the stunning French-inspired Emandare Vineyard. Owned by a husband and wife team, they produce 100% estate-grown Old World varietals using organically grown grapes.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery is another must-visit. It’s a woman-owned winery housed in a newly constructed modern building and makes a variety of sparkling wines, pinot noir, and my favorite, gamay noir rosé.
Another option is Alderlea Vineyards, one of Vancouver’s oldest vineyards. They make bigger, food-friendly reds and surprisingly aromatic, floral whites. They don’t have as much ambiance as the other two spots, but their family farm is making real deal wines that have won a bunch of awards.
Try homemade Balsamic vinegar & jam
website | Cobble Hill (get directions) | price: varies | best for: homemade vinegar and jams
Venturi-Schulze Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery that uses beyond organic farming methods. This means the grapes are maintained with a small number of earth-friendly sprays and entirely organic farming practices.
Their wines are made from lesser-known grapes and are quite funky, in a good way. That said, the highlight of a visit here is sampling their homemade vinegars and jams. The vinegar is made in a traditional Italian fashion, as learned by the owner’s dad, who grew up making balsamic vinegar in Italy. They even use a vinegar mother from the very region he grew up in!
Check out the breweries
Just because you’re in a tiny valley on a tiny island in Canada doesn’t mean you can escape northwest beer culture. Three microbreweries call this valley home, which you can explore as part of the BC Ale Trail Part 1 or at your own leisure:
- Bayview Brewing Company – Hole-in-the-wall with a lot of beer styles and naan pizzas
- Craig Street Brew Pub – Pub serving easy-drinking beers, cocktails, and burgers
- Red Arrow Brewing Company – Experimental beers, a spacious patio, and sports court
Go cider tasting at Merridale Cidery & Distillery
website | Cobble Hill (get directions) | price: varies | best for: cider & spirits
Merridale put Cowichan on the map for making high-quality hard ciders when they first imported rootstock from Europe in 1990. It turned out the valley had the perfect climate for growing apples, and they’ve even continued to expand with spirits and flavored liqueurs.
Visiting the cidery is (almost) more fun than the actual tastings. The picturesque property has red barns for the cellar and tasting room and a huge seating area that gets decked out come the holidays. Guests can order a flight of spirits, cider, or non-alcoholic flights of scratchmade sodas.
Head to Alderlea Farm for pizza
website | get directions | cuisine: Italian | best for: wood fired pizza
When you’re out exploring the best Cowichan Valley attractions April through September, you’d be remiss not to stop by Alderlea Farms. They’re a small biodynamic family-run farm with a seasonally operating cafe only open on weekends. People love dining there for the gorgeous view of the farm and the local-driven menu.
They’re most well known for their wood-fired pizzas, though the last time I was there, the owner told me many people come for their chocolate cake and pavlova. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the appetite to try desserts, but I can attest to the quality of the pizzas.
We ordered the Farmer John’s Special with tomato sauce, jalapeño, pineapple, sausage, and onion. The crust came out soft and cushy with the perfect amount of char from the fire. I love that you can watch them making the pizzas to order as you literally overlook the farm that makes most of the toppings.
Visit the nearby farms
The Cowichan Valley is rich in agriculture thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil. There are over 700 farms in the region alone, meaning you can have basically anything you want at your fingertips. Here are a few of my favorite farms:
- Yellow Point Farms – Petting farm that harvests cranberries in the fall
- Promise Valley Farm and Creamery – Operates a farm store with milk, yogurt, and soap
- Deerholme Farm – Hosts foraging classes, farm dinners, and cooking classes
- Dancing Dandelion Farms – Flower farm with a stand and sustainably-grown flowers
- Sweet Meadows Farm – Large farm stand open daily with a variety of produce
Check out the adorable town of Duncan
Duncan was perhaps one of my favorite undiscovered gems on my this list of the best things to do in Cowichan Valley. It’s a small town with a surprising amount of hustle and bustle. The downtown is lined with shops and restaurants, and intricate totem poles line the streets to remind us of who truly owns this land.
History buffs will want to visit the Cowichan Valley Museum, a small but curated museum decorated with totem poles and artifacts documenting the valley’s rich history.
If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Duncan Farmer’s Market. It runs from 9 AM to 2 PM year round and features over 100 vendors. It’s a great spot for securing foodie gifts and exploring the downtown shops.
Go hiking
Regardless of where you are in the valley, you’re likely a stone’s throw from one of Vancouver Island’s many provincial parks. There’s the Bamberton Provincial Park, a family-friendly park overlooking the Saanich Peninsula. I like it for beach access, though it’s a popular park that can get crowded in the busy season.
If you’re looking for a more quintessential, off-the-beaten-path experience, try the Cowichan River Park. It’s a bit more out of the way but I prefer it for the lack of crowds and extensive trail system. The Cowichan River Footpath trail is an easy, 8-mile loop that takes you along the river.
Now if you’re ready for a “hike-hike”, I suggest taking on Maple Mountain. It’s in northern Cowichan, and though it’s only 3.6 miles, it’s considered to be a thigh burner.
Explore the artsy town of Chemainus
Chemainus is nicknamed the “world’s largest outdoor gallery,” with vividly colorful murals lining every building in town. Some celebrate its history as an old coastal mill town, and others pay tribute to the indigenous land on which it’s built.
Since the town’s revitalization following the murals, its main streets are lined with dozens of one-of-a-kind boutiques selling handmade goods, candy, and local art. Every Wednesday come summer, there’s an open-air market at Waterwheel Park featuring local vendors selling handmade wares.
Hit the water
Another one of the best things to do in Cowichan Valley is to get out on the water. Cowichan Bay Kayaking offers kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards to explore the bay. You can rent by the hour or sign up for a guided tour, be it 2 hours, 3 hours, all day, or an evening bioluminescence tour.
If you’d prefer someone else do the hard work, hop aboard an 80-foot historical sailboat for a relaxing sailing experience. You can even tack on a day trip to Saturna Island for a guided wine tasting and lunch.
Go whale watching
link to book | Cowichan Bay (get directions) | price: ~$150pp for 3 ½-4 hour tour | best for: whale watching
One of the most unique things to do in Victoria is to go whale watching, and according to Ocean Ecoventures, Cowichan Bay gets the most orcas sightings anywhere on the island. There are also a high number of humpbacks, grey whales, and minke whales.
You can book a half-day, sunset tour, or private charter. In the unlikely event that you don’t see orcas on your tour, you’re able to come back on standby and try again for free.
End with ice cream at the Original Udder Guys
website | get directions | cuisine: homemade ice cream | best for: espresso ice cream
If you end up going whale watching, set aside a little time for some scratch made ice cream from the Udder Guys. What sets their ice cream apart from others isn’t niche or seasonal flavors, rather, it’s thick, creamy, unadulterated ice cream. Better yet, its owners take their job seriously, reminding me of the unpretentious ice cream shops I grew up with on the east coast.
Map of more to do in Cowichan Valley
Want more ideas of the best things to do in Cowichan Valley? Here’s my map of attractions, restaurants, and drinking spots that I’ve gathered over the years.
Other British Columbia attractions
After you explore the best things to do in Cowichan Valley, check out my other guides to nearby areas.
- Most Unique Things to Do in Victoria
- Hidden Gem Restaurants in Victoria
- Everything You Must Do in Vancouver
- Vancouver’s Best Restaurants
- Everything You Must Eat in Whistler
- The Perfect Weekend in Kelowna
Want help planning your trip?
I’m a personal travel planner and would be happy to make you a custom itinerary with all the best stops!
