Activities

I0 Unmissable Things To Do In The Cowichan Valley

"Rarely do visitors ask, “What can we do in Cowichan?” ­­­More often, the question is “What can’t we leave out?” If that occurs to you, we understand and we have you covered. What follows is a “bucket list” of sorts that includes 10 “unmissable” things that you simply can’t, well, miss. Of course, it’s possible to do everything on this list, it’s just a matter of how much time you spend here. Have a read and we think you might want to book a longer vacation." Tourism Cowichan

Visit the website for more information: https://www.tourismcowichan.com

Choose your own Cowichan adventure!

A visit to Cowichan offers all kinds of adventures, from laid back and extreme to everything in between. Check out the 2019 Cowichan Visitor Guide for a few idea starters:

• Best high octane day
• Best Chillax Day
• Awesome Family Day
• Golf Day
• Sip and Savour

Check out the 2019 summer events calendar too!

Here are some of our suggestions as well:   

• Westholme Tea Farm: The farm is an eleven-acre organic farm in the Cowichan Valley. They grow a variety of plants and flowers that they blend with organic loose leaf teas from select estate around the world. A tasteful and eclectic experience awaits you! They suggest reservations for groups of 4 or more to avoid disappointment. I had smoked ice cream last time I was there - it blew my mind! http://www.teafarm.ca/   
• Pizza Night at Bird's Eye Cove Farm: This is a must do - kids will love it! Open both Monday and Wednesday starting in June from 4pm to 8pm. Enjoy picnic style evening soaking up the spectacular views and atmosphere. The wood fired pizzas are incredible. http://birdseyecovefarm.com/   
• The Duncan Garage: The food at the Duncan Garage & Cafe is made on site daily from natural and organic ingredients; vegan, wheat-free and gluten-free choices are also available. Proud advocates for local farmers! https://www.facebook.com/DuncanGarageCafeBakery
•  Original Joe's: Original Joe’s (OJ’s) is a full-service casual restaurant and bar that is family friendly and fully air conditioned for those hot summer days!  http://www.originaljoes.ca/duncan
• Nha Trang Maki Sushi: Serves the best sushi in the Cowichan Valley! Voted best sushi on Vancouver Island by The Times Colonist. Check out their menu for other options. Located in the heart of downtown Duncan, BC. http://www.nhatrangsushi.com
• The Old Fork: It as become a staple in the Duncan community as the most fun and funky place to grab a plate of food in the morning. Popular dishes: the Huevos Rancheros, Reggie’s Old Fork and classic bennies are house made and served by friendly staff. Take a mix of old-style Southern goodness and modern restaurant professionalism with a Vancouver Island foodie sensibility and you have The Old Fork. http://theoldfork.com/   
• Sawmill TapHouse: Pacific Northwest craft beers, forno oven pizzas. Authentic farm-to-table tapas and appetizers in an incredible atmosphere. The pizza is incredible! Only 20 minutes from the house. http://www.sawmilltaphouse.com/   
• Local Wineries and Tours: Warm weather, consistent rainfall and rich gravelly soils make the Cowichan Valley one of the best wine producing regions in British Columbia, second only to the Okanagan Valley. Book a tour and experience incredible dining experiences!   
• Live Music: The Osborne Bay Pub, only 10 minutes away, frequently has live performances on the weekend and their Sunday afternoon Jazz jams! http://osbornebaypub.com/  
• Chemainus World Famous Murals: The Chemainus mural project is the world’s leading community-driven art tourism experience. Spurred to save a community from certain economic collapse, the Chemainus mural project has delighted and inspired millions of visitors and ultimately became the blueprint for community mural projects globally. Chemainus is only a 20 minute drive away.  http://muraltown.com/   
•  Duncan Farmer’s Market: If you are planning to cook in the house - and you can time it right - for fresh local produce be sure to check out the Duncan Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. It can’t be beat.  http://www.duncanfarmersmarket.ca/      
• The Community Farm Store:   For a little local flavour, you can check out The Community Farm Store for local and international health and natural foods and products. http://www.communityfarmstore.ca/   
• Mad Dog Crabs: For fresh seafood locally caught, try Mad Dog Crabs - fresh and well priced - it can’t be beat. The crabs are brought in daily!   https://www.maddogcrabs.ca/   
• Cowichan Valley Meat Market: If turf is more your preference than check out the Quist Farms - Cowichan Valley Meat Market along the highway for the freshest cuts of locally buthered meats. http://cowichanvalleymeatmarket.com/products-and-services/   
• Saison Market Vineyard: Saison Market is a casual counter service cafe.  Here you will find a delectable banquet of gourmet foods freshly made in our Market Vineyard kitchen. The natural bounty of Vancouver Island and an ever-changing medley of ingredients is our inspiration. From garden fresh soups to artisan breads, come discover your own reason today. http://www.saisonmarket.ca/market
• If you travel up island make sure to stop in Ladysmith and visit Old Town Bakery!  A lot of the locals frequent this establishment and it is well worth the visit. Best Cinnamon buns on the Island!!! My favourite is the Blackberry, Apricot and Ginger - amazing! Get there early in the day as they do sell out fast  https://www.facebook.com/oldtownbakerylaydmith/