SPECTACULAR SCENERY
The Malahat offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Looking north, you oversee the gulf islands in the Juan de Fuca Straight, south you look over the Saanich Peninsula. Several internationally recognized destination resorts and retreats have chosen this location as home, because of the sheer beauty and warm climate. The Trans Canada Highway over the Malahat has recently been upgraded, making this a pleasant 30 minute drive from Victoria. This is truly a fitting gateway to the beautiful and varied vistas that make up the Cowichan.

CALM WATERS
Nestled at the foot of the Malahat is the bustling community of Mill Bay. The calm waters of Mill Bay are frequented by rowers and kayakers and the area hosts the yearly Brentwood Rowing Regatta hosted by the internationally acclaimed Brentwood College.

The Mill Bay/Brentwood Bay ferry Vancouver Island’s most beautiful shortcut is a fabulous alternative route to cross the Saanich inlet (Victoria-Mill Bay). There is a full service marina government wharf and boating ramp to meet all your boating needs.

PRISTINE LAKES
Shawnigan Lake is a picturesque village which sits by the shores of the clear waters of Shawnigan Lake. Wilderness, fabulous camps and exciting back country trails surround Shawnigan Lake. Here also you will discover the largest wooden structure in the Commonwealth… the Kinsol Trestle, steeped in history and a highlight of the Cowichan Valley Trail (Trans Canada Trail).

This is a community and area that could fit the bill for a New England town look to a great area for summer

VINEYARDS
Cobble Hill’s softly rolling hills and valleys are home to some of Vancouver Island’s finest wineries and British Columbia’s only cidery. This is country that calls out to be explored by car, by bicycle or on horseback. Cobble Hill offers the lush pastoral beauty the Cowichan is renown for, and is home to many artist and artisans studios and, original farm structures and barns, and picturesque pubs. Cobble Hill was the locale for scenes from the feature film, Little Women.

HISTORY
Wherever you look our history is visible, Whippletree Junction, original train stations, Kinsol Tressle and downtown cores in the communities.
Whippletree Junction buildings were once part of original Chinatown in Duncan and they were used as part of the set for McCabe and Mrs. Miller.

VILLAGES
Cowichan Bay is a picturesque little fishing village where “time stands still”. The bay offers calm waters and a unique scenic experience, protected by Mount Tzouhalem, a location in itself that is steeped in traditional native lore.

The floating homes and eclectic shops, and the original boat building sites still standing, offer excellent opportunities for filming. The unique Maritime Museum extends along the pier from the Centre and houses exhibits and artifacts from the Bay’s eventful history. Cowichan Bay was the locale chosen for the feature film The Watchtower.

RIVERS
The Cowichan River boasts the title of “fly fishing capital of Canada” since the early 1900’s, attracting royalty and celebrities in search of rainbow, cutthroat, brown trout, kokanee and steelhead.

The Chemainus and Koksilah rivers as wellas the coastline and bays offer some fabulous opportunities for outdoor scenes, kayaking, sailing, boating and cruising adventures.

DOWNTOWN
At the heart of the Cowichan lies the City of Duncan. Duncan is the service centre for the Cowichan region and its population of over 77,000 people. Here you will find all the modern stores and amenities, and in the picturesque downtown core a number of heritage buildings.

Duncan city core is one that exudes all the charm of a small Midwestern town. The downtown core area is contained within six square blocks, with a downtown square at the heart of it.

FIRST NATIONS
The Quw’utsun Cultural Centre is a unique self-contained location which highlights the rich traditions, foods and culture of the First Nations tribes that live in the Cowichan.

MARINAS
Whether you arrive by road or by water, or by air, Maple Bay offers you a glimpse of what life in the Cowichan is all about: the bluest of waters, the white sails of sailboats floating by, quaint houses clinging to the hillsides and, a little pub to meet your friends. The marina at Birds Eye Cove offers boat launch facilities and sailing lessons. A short scenic drive along the coast will take you to the tranquil waters of Genoa Bay, a favored destination for water travelers.

INTERNATIONAL PORTS
Crofton is a community that is bustling with activity. This deep sea port services the Norske Canada Mill, and you will see tankers from all over the world coming in to load their paper products.

This small town community offers everything in one location, from the elementary school, and the small town community centre, fire hall, to the one street downtown locale. Scenes from Five Easy Pieces were shot in this area.

ARTS
Chemainus is a rare jewel, a living portrayal of local history and art. Entertaining, relaxing and full of charm, Chemainus is a favorite destination for travelers and explorers.

Today more than 34 murals and 12 sculptures depict the town’s history and its people. Every year new artwork is added to this vibrant outdoor art gallery. Chemainus celebrates its rich arts and cultural heritage with many special events over the year.

CULTURE
The small daily ferries travel from Chemainus to Thetis and Kuper Islands, two islands also steeped in First Nations traditions. A documentary on the history of the Penelakut Tribe was filmed in this area.

INDUSTRY
Chemainus, Ladysmith and Duncan also have very active industrial areas, located just off the highway, with an eclectic mix of both new and old buildings. This area is where many value added wood manufacturing activities are located

HERITAGE
Ladysmith, called the "San Francisco" of the north in the early 1900's, hosted many a traveler during the gold rush days as they made a stop over on their way to the Yukon. Big Bully with Rick Moranis and Long Way Home with Jack Lemmon are two films that have utilized the ambience of Ladysmith's main street for segments of their movies. With mountains at her back and the sea at her feet, Ladysmith offers a diverse "look" and is an ideal location for many a tale.

FORESTRY
The Cowichan Lake district, with its communities of Youbou, Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay and Lake Cowichan is home to some of Vancouver Island’s most spectacular rainforest and one of Vancouver Island’s largest freshwater lakes. This is the gateway to almost every outdoor adventure imaginable as well as ancient rainforests.
Forestry has traditionally been the economic backbone of this area and the communities reflect the rugged and unspoiled nature of the region.

FUN
Cowichan Lake, Cowichan River and Shawnigan offer rentals of kayaks and inner tubes, flat bottomed cruising boats and houseboats. The Cowichan Lake marina provides complete facilities including a store for supplies, tackle, fishing licenses, boat rentals, fuel and a boat ramp.

COUNTRY ROADS
The rural coastal area of Yellow Point is located in the tranquil and picturesque countryside just north of Ladysmith on a broad forested peninsula complete with rural rolling landscapes. The area takes its name from the brilliant yellow flowers of the Stonecrop plant which still grows in profusion along the rocky shorelines in the area.