More Things to See & Do
51. Take the E&N dayliner train on a daytrip to Ladysmith – Pack lunch and catch the train to Ladysmith for a trip to Transfer Beach. There is a children’s playground, beach and swimming area, and beautiful grounds. When the day is over, take the train back to Duncan.
52. Cycle around Shawnigan Lake – There are many paved and off road routes on this area, ranging in difficulty from mild to extremely challenging.
53. Visit the Train Station Museum – Located in downtown Duncan this unique, interactive museum is a must for history buffs. For more information, visit the Visitor Info Centre.
54. Enjoy the Mural Park in downtown Duncan – A wonderful sight with its three sided rainforest and ocean view painting. Between the walls is a walkway, and grassy area with picnic tables.
55. Go Horseback riding with one of our trail riding companies, or by yourself – Enjoy the countryside with experienced horse people, great entertainment and exercise for all ages and even overnight treks. If you are an experienced rider you will find trails that will suit your taste. Visit the Visitor Info Centre for more information.
56. Hang-glide off Mt. Prevost – If you have never done this before, there is a tandem gliding instructor who will take the jump with you. The cement runway is short, and takes you off one of the peaks of Mt Prevost over the forest and around the immediate area. For more information, visit the Visitor Info Centre.
57. Visit Bright Angel Park – You choose the level: a brisk walk over the Koksilah River on a suspension bridge, a daring leap into the water from a rope swing, or a peaceful barbeque in the picnic grounds. This park is the legacy of area historian Jack Fleetwood. His memorial park is found further downstream at the bridge in Cowichan Station, another beautiful spot to visit.
58. Attend the Annual Island Folk Festival at Providence Farm – Bigger and better each year, this festival is a favourite of performers and audience alike. Surrounded by the beauty of a heritage farm, traditionally perfect weather and lively presentations, this event is a must-see.
59. Visit a Cider Orchard – Merridale Cider is BC’s only orchard dedicated solely to cider apples. With estate quality cider, a brilliant display of blossoms in the spring, and a fragrant aroma of apple pressing in the fall, any time is cider time.
60. Visit a Lavender Farm – walk in and around over 7000 lavender plants, in the labyrinth or through the lavender shoppe where you will find unique products made on the farm. For more information, query the Visitor Info Centre.
61. Water Ski or tube on Cowichan Lake or Shawnigan Lake – Get your boat, your water skis, tubes, life jackets and friends and head out to the lake on a blistering summer day for fun and adventure.
62. Take the Trans Canada Trail – Enjoy the outdoors and hike the local area (or all of Vancouver Island!) via the Trans Canada Trail. Along the way you will see many old wooden rail trestles including the Kinsol Trestle. For more information visit the Visitor Info Centre.
63. See a Movie – The Caprice Movie Theatre in Duncan has two theatres. There are two evening playing times and weekend matinee. For more information check the local newspaper for advertisements.
64. Visit Providence Farm - A historical piece itself, the main building was constructed in 1921 as the “Saint Ann’s School for Boys”. Now many special events are held here throughout the year, including a Hallowe’en Dance. The farm also has a garden centre and old fashioned general store. For more information, query the Visitor Info Centre.
65. Take a Train Ride at the BC Forest Discovery Centre – Take a real steam train around the park, over the marsh, and back to the station, where you can learn about the history of forestry in the area. There is old logging equipment on display as well as interactive stations. Fun for the whole family!
66.Go Scuba Diving in Maple Bay – You will be delighted by what you find, as this was one of Jacques Cousteau’s favourite diving spots!
67. See a Theatrical Performance at the Community Centre theatre – Ranging from High school plays and musicals to professionals from afar, you are sure to find a play to see. For more information contact the Community Centre Theatre 748-7529.
68. Croquet at Brentwood – This is open all summer
69. Play Tennis – There are many tennis courts in the area. For more information, contact the Visitor Info Centre.
70. Lawn bowl – This is available at few locations. For more information, contact the Visitor Info Centre.
71. Go Swimming and Log Walking at Gordon Bay – This Provincial Park on Cowichan Lake is a popular summer spot.
72. Cobble Hill Fair – An old fashioned community fair, held in mid August. Fun for everyone.
73. Take the Heritage House Tour – Hosted by the Heritage Society, this fundraising event is a great opportunity to see inside, and learn the history of some of the wonderful old homes of the area. As a full day of entertainment, the tour includes tea at one of the homes.
74. Participate in an Auction at Whipple Tree Junction
75. Drive through Marine View Estates – For a fabulous view of Maple Bay and Saltspring. This view is rivaled by some of the spectacular houses in the area – definitely west coast architecture at its best.
76. Kinsol Trestle – Can you find it? It’s a little tricky to find, but worth the hike. The largest freestanding wood structure in the Commonwealth, the length and height will amaze you. The Visitor Info Centre can help you with directions.
77. View Old Churches – The Cowichan Valley is home to some beautiful religious architecture. A pleasant drive through the countryside will take you to several , including Cowichan Station, St Ann’s on Tzouhalem Rd, and St Peter’s.
78. Hike up Mt Tzouhalem – This is a must at any time of the year for a breathtaking view of Cowichan Bay Estuary and Quamichan Lake, but especially in the spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. Come to the Visitor Centre for a map and recommendations.
79. Mesachie Lake Wild Flower Reserve – In the spring the flowers in bloom create a beautiful foreground for the mountains, and the unusual trees growing in the area.
80. Cowichan Bay Maritime Museum – Read the history, and view the artifacts of maritime activity in Cowichan Bay. There is even a deep sea diving bubble that was used in the video about deep sea diving at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.
81. Shop in Downtown Duncan – Picture yourself in a quaint old town with little shops lining the narrow streets, shoppers bustling around happily carrying parcels under their arms. Flowers pour out of hanging baskets on lampposts, yellow painted footprints dot the sidewalks, and the aroma of fresh baked bread floats past you. This is Old Town Duncan.
82. Somenos Marsh – Catch some tranquil moments viewing inhabitants of the Somenos Marsh. This wildlife sanctuary, which lies east of the Trans Canada Highway, offers a quiet refuge for a variety of birds and animals.
83. Visit Freshwater Eco Centre and Trout Hatchery – Learn about fish and habitat conservation. Thoroughly interesting for all ages, this facility is situated on the Cowichan River.
84. Hike the Juan de Fuca Trail – This marine trail is south 47 km to China Beach near Jordan River, and north on the West Coast Trail it is 77km to Bamfield.
85. Carmanah Valley Rain Forest – The Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is home to some of the world’s largest spruce trees and weathered cedars that began growing around the time when the Vikings sailed the seas.
These legendary trees reach up to 97 metres tall. Many species of animals are found in this park as well, and bird watchers may catch the glimpse of some rare birds.
86. Go Wind Surfing on Nitinat Lake – This salt water tidal lake stretches to the coast and is popular with competitive wind surfers.
87. Botanical Beach – This slab rock beach is dotted with tidal pools which are natural aquariums full of marine life such as fish, crabs, sea urchins, and sometimes even a small octopus!
88. Jack-o-Lantern display –Right after Hallowe’en the roads to Mesachie Lake and Crofton boast creative displays of carved pumpkins dotting the roadside. Gives the area a creepy ‘Sleep Hollow’ look.
89. Go Swimming – The Aquannis Pool in the Cowichan Community Centre has family swim time, swimming lessons and can be reserved for parties. For more information call 746-0450.
90. Crofton Old School House Museum – Discover the secret behind the black sand beach, the lumps of slag and the gravel spit in jutting into the bay. Learn about the history of Crofton and how it began.
91. Go Camping – There are many places to go camping in the Cowichan Valley, everything from campgrounds with pools and tennis courts, to nothing but forest and out houses. See the Visitor Info Centre for more information.
92. Play Bocce Ball – There is a bocce ball court in Crofton by the Old Schoolhouse.
93. Play Sports – Get your friends together and your sports equipment (soccer ball, basket ball, grass hockey stick, foot ball) and head to any of the sports fields in the area. Try the Sherman Soccer Field, and the Chesterfield Sports Complex, or the Cowichan Community Centre for all your gaming areas.
94. Cowichan Exhibition – In early September. There are animal shows and judging of all sorts of artwork, baking, and produce and a variety of performances by local acts, musicians and comedians. Midway carnival rides.
95. Join a Club – There are many clubs to join in the area, whether it be for sports, service, animals, or a hobby, we have them. See the Visitor Info Centre or the Cowichan Community Centre for more information.
96. Sit and Relax in the Sun – Choose a park and sit and relax with your favourite book or some friends. This is, after all, the Warm Land.
97. Kaatza Station – This award-winning museum is in an old railway station in Lake Cowichan.
98. Visit the War Memorials – We have many memorials, one on Mt Prevost at the summit, two in the Cowichan River Park, and one on Canada Avenue.
99. Party in the streets! July is the time that the Duncan Summer Festival welcomes thousands of folks to open air concerts, street sales, food and entertainment.
This is just a tiny sampling of all the fun, unique, interesting and exciting things to do in the wonderful Cowichan region. We look forward to sharing our favorites with you! We’ll save # 100 til you arrive!
