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  • Cowichan

    Wineries, Farms, Fly Fishing

    The drive from Victoria into Cowichan is a descent from the forests and mountains of the Malahat into rolling farmland.

    Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun”. Cowichan is one of the Island’s premier agricultural areas with more than 17,000 hectares of rich farmland.

    The Cowichan River flows 47 kilometres from Cowichan Lake to Cowichan Bay. It’s a designated B.C. heritage river and a Canadian heritage river, which means it has been recognized for its outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational value. The river’s most famous activity is fly fishing, a sport that has been luring people with their waders and fly rods for well over a century. If you want to catch your own steelhead, salmon, or trout, tours and gear are available. And whether you fish or not, the pathways along the river are perfect for pleasant afternoon strolls.

    Everything grows here. Fields of vegetables, berries, herbs, and flowers, orchards of fruit trees, bountiful vineyards and wineries, and pastures that support everything from chickens and cows to emus, alpacas, and water buffalo — it all flourishes. With all this homegrown goodness, the farm markets are wonderful and the restaurants have a decidedly local bias.

    For foodies, the Cowichan Valley is a destination. For golfers, this means great dining options before and after a game. Tee up with Cowichan Area golf packages and find out what you’ve been missing.

    Cowichan Bay Village

    The village is a fascinating blend of sail and fishing boats, piers, wharves and floating homes, constantly active and full of independent, creative characters living and working on the water. Up the hill are some of the nicest vineyards to be found. The area, once primarily devoted to farming, has found new life producing some of the best wines around. Cowichan Bay is the ideal base for visitors interested in boating, kayaking, diving, and the experience of a genuine working marine community. Cowichan Bay is a waterfront village, so you can sail all day on a twin-masted ship, race across the waves in a Zodiac to go whale watching, rent a boat and take a picnic to a deserted beach, dive deep to see the creatures of the sea or go kayaking as the sun sets, On land you can play tennis on the 2nd oldest active lawn tennis court in the world next to Wimbledon, ride a horse, hike a trail or go for a bike ride. Cowichan Bay has always been known as the place to dine in the Cowichan Valley with great restaurants looking out over the water.  We suggest taking a stroll into the village and visiting True Grain Bread, The Masthead Restaurant as well as Original Udder Guys Ice Cream and Candy.

    Duncan

    Known as The City of Totems, Duncan is the largest community in the Cowichan Valley. This bustling town features the world’s largest collection of outdoor totem poles. Take a self-guided walking tour though downtown to see over 40 totem poles handcrafted by Indigenous carvers. The shops here carry the art of several Indigenous artists so it is a good place to shop for authentic Cowichan sweaters, baskets, books, masks, and jewelry.

    Chemainus

    Chemainus is one of the oldest European settlements on Vancouver Island and has existed mainly around the logging industry. After logging operations decreased and the highway bypassed the town, local resident, Karl Schultz began a project to revitalize the economy.

    By creating a city of murals, Chemainus became The Little Town that Could. Local artists have painted 60 murals on the buildings, depicting the area’s history, and the town is considered a permanent outdoor art gallery. This is a very interesting town as well as a busy tourist attraction.

    Chemainus has developed a sizable artist’s community. It is now well known for its potters, painters, glass workers and First Nations artists. Chemanius also has some wonderful gift shops, galleries and restaurants.

    Ladysmith

    According to the summer 2000 issue of Harrowsmith Country Life magazine, Ladysmith is one of Canada’s 10 prettiest towns. Ladysmith has a slight resemblance to early San Francisco with it’s old houses built on steep slopes above the deep water harbour. It sits right on the 49th parallel which marks the Canada/USA border across North America until it reaches Vancouver Island. While visiting Ladysmith, be sure to sample the award-winning cinnamon buns from Old Town Bakery.

    Come and explore with Cowichan Area Golf Packages, view Cowichan Golf Courses, or start planning your trip to Sip, Savour & See in Cowichan.

    This (Bear Mountain Resort – Mountain Course, on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail) is my new favourite golf course – I just love the layout. It’s really one of the prettiest golf courses I’ve played in my life, I’ll come back here on vacation, it’s that good.

    Scott McCarron, PGA TOUR Champion

    I always treat golf courses as how many poor holes there are. This (Bear Mountain Resort – Mountain Course, on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail) is a very good one. There’s not one poor hole on this golf course.

    Colin Montgomerie, PGA TOUR Champion

    Great job on the initial booking and subsequent changes requested. Easy check-in at the golf courses and the hotel made the trip hassle-free. Nice touch with the driving directions and discounts at recommended food and beverage establishments. Will definitely recommend your service to friends and business associates.

    Vancouver Guest, Corporate Golf Outing

    Terrific trip: well presented website, knowledgeable staff, and the golf and accommodation were second to none.

    Couples Golf Trip

    We will make this trip an annual April vacation. We will definitely book with Golf Vancouver Island again in 2017!

    Annual Couples Golf Trip

    Very much enjoyed our trip and staff were great to deal with - we'll be booking more trips through Golf Vancouver Island in the future.

    Buddies Trip Golf Package

    Wonderful trip, well planned and organized. Fantastic golf. Wish we stayed longer.

    Buddies Golf Trip

    I have used Golf Vancouver Island a number of times and have found them very helpful and professional. Everyone in our group had a great time, the courses and accommodation were first class.

    Repeat Customer, Buddies Golf Trip

    Staff did an amazing job! So easy to work with. I am already looking to book another trip next year, making this an annual event.

    Annual Buddies Golf Trip

    Personalized, quick response, good customer service and reasonable price. Overall experience was great.

    Couples Golf Trip