Cowichan Valley Guide
Sightseeing
For years afterward as a toddler, my son talked about the “baby hawks”. Staff are very friendly and committed to their animals.
59 locals recommend
Pacific Northwest Raptors
1877 Herd RdFor years afterward as a toddler, my son talked about the “baby hawks”. Staff are very friendly and committed to their animals.
An old-fashioned and unpretentious working town (maybe hamlet is more accurate), with historic charms. A car ferry leaves from here for Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island.
Crofton
An old-fashioned and unpretentious working town (maybe hamlet is more accurate), with historic charms. A car ferry leaves from here for Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island.
Kinsol Trestle
2869 Glen Eagles RdBreathtaking, what a way to appreciate the local forest scenery.
Cool off on a hot day with a dip in the river, under the shade of majestic evergreens.
30 locals recommend
Bright Angel Park
4528 Tigwell RdCool off on a hot day with a dip in the river, under the shade of majestic evergreens.
Food scene
Duncan Farmer's Market
200 Craig StIf you spot a lineup, get in it.
After developing their ciders, Merridale added dining and tours. You could easily spend an hour or two, or just stop by to grab chilled ciders on the run.
105 locals recommend
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale RdAfter developing their ciders, Merridale added dining and tours. You could easily spend an hour or two, or just stop by to grab chilled ciders on the run.
Easy to drive on past (I did for years), this is where food-loving locals gather to enjoy lumberjack-sized portions of classic diner food delivered to the table with business-like dispatch. The place runs like a well oiled machine and never disappoints.
10 locals recommend
Dog House
271 Trans-Canada HwyEasy to drive on past (I did for years), this is where food-loving locals gather to enjoy lumberjack-sized portions of classic diner food delivered to the table with business-like dispatch. The place runs like a well oiled machine and never disappoints.
There’s no place like Cowichan Bay anywhere on the west coast of Canada. It’s easy to imagine what life was like when people here mostly got around by boat.
108 locals recommend
Cowichan Bay
There’s no place like Cowichan Bay anywhere on the west coast of Canada. It’s easy to imagine what life was like when people here mostly got around by boat.
Owned for a century by a local farm family, custom service, naturally raised meats, only the highest quality.
Cowichan Valley Meat Market
5191 Koksilah Frontage RdOwned for a century by a local farm family, custom service, naturally raised meats, only the highest quality.
The Lion Rampant Scottish Pub
6777 Beaumont AveVisit once and you’ll probably want to go back.
Neighbourhoods
This cozy enclave is at the very end of the road, a short but scenic drive from Maple Bay. Travelling yachters might pass a night or two tied up here on the way north or south along the coast, and they add to the scene at the Genoa Bay Cafe.
6 locals recommend
Genoa Bay
This cozy enclave is at the very end of the road, a short but scenic drive from Maple Bay. Travelling yachters might pass a night or two tied up here on the way north or south along the coast, and they add to the scene at the Genoa Bay Cafe.