|
|
| |
 |
| |
|
Inspiring vistas
of valleys and vineyards, forests and farmland, sparkling lakes and
crystal-clear rivers abound in the picturesque Cowichan region. |
| |
South
Cowichan - Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and Mill Bay
(Area
Population: 11,600)
These quaint, picturesque communities, steeped in logging, farming, and
mining history, encompass the heart of South Cowichan. Drawn by the lovely
lakes and parks and a variety of activities, visitors will quickly
discover the Valley’s hidden gems.
|
| |
| |
Cowichan
Bay
(Population: 2,679)
The picturesque fishing village of Cowichan Bay is situated at the head
of a natural deep-sea harbour. Most of Cowichan Bay’s commercial and
residential buildings are on stilts. Shops, art galleries, accommodation
properties, and excellent restaurants renowned for superb local seafood
are perched over the water’s edge. The large marina is the focal point
in town.
|
| |
| |
Duncan
(Population: 5,000)
Duncan
is the Cowichan Valley’s largest community, serving approximately 75,000
area residents. Known as the “City of Totems,” Duncan is graced with
nearly 80 totem poles, principally located downtown and along the highway.
|
| |
| |
Cowichan
Lake District (Area
Population: 6,000)
The pristine Cowichan Lake District includes the communities of
Lake
Cowichan, Honeymoon Bay, Youbou, Mesachie Lake, and Caycuse. This
mountainous area, rich with wildlife, is an ideal destination for a family
vacation or an outdoor adventure. |
| |
 |
Click here for a special welcome
from the Mayor of Lake Cowichan |
| |
|
The
scenic 75-kilometre (47-mile) drive on paved and gravel roads around
Cowichan Lake takes about an hour and a half. There are several parks,
campsites, and lookouts to stop at for photo opportunities and wildlife
viewing. Secondary roadways provide access to Port Renfrew (page 59) and
Bamfield, the trailheads for the West Coast Trail, as well as to the
old-growth forests of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. These roads also
connect to Nitinat Lake, a tidal lake that opens onto the Pacific Ocean
and is popular with wind surfers.
|
| |
| |
Maple
Bay/Genoa Bay
(Area Population: 1,848)
Sheltered Maple Bay separates Vancouver Island from Salt Spring Island is a pretty seaside community that bustles with marine activity. Genoa
Bay, just down the road, is quiet and more isolated. Relaxing activities
await for visitors to the Maple Bay/Genoa Bay area.
|
| |
| |
Crofton
(Population: 2,500)
Crofton’s pioneer families established homesteads in the small valley
until 1902 when a copper smelter was built. The prosperity was short lived
and Crofton was quiet until 1957 when B.C. Forest Products opened its pulp
and paper mill. The town’s buildings are an eclectic mix of early
1900’s miners’ homes, mid-century summer cottages, and modern
sub-division-style developments. Crofton offers affordable accommodations,
an RV park overlooking Osborne Bay, great value restaurants, and numerous
land sea recreational choices.
|
| |
| |
Chemainus
(Population: 4,000)
Chemainus has won international acclaim for its Festival of Murals, a
very successful revitalization project that began in 1982 with the
unveiling of five large murals, all professionally painted onto existing
downtown buildings. The Festival of Murals has grown and now there are 33
murals. Chemainus is also home to the Chemainus Theatre, offering five
centre-stage shows every year and a pre-show gourmet buffet. Chemainus won
the 1994 British Airways Tourism Award, a competition involving more than
200 communities world-wide. This coastal community has much to offer
visitors.
|
| |
| |
Ladysmith
(Population: 7,500)
Situated on the 49th parallel, Ladysmith was established by coal baron
James Dunsmuir as a shipping port for coal. Ladysmith received a
provincial award for most beautiful community on Vancouver Island a
national Main Street Canada award as one of the four best revitalization
projects in the country. As well, Harrowsmith Country Magazine named
Ladysmith “one of the 10 prettiest towns in Canada.” Ladysmith offers
some great ways to unwind. |
| |
|
|
Click here for
a special welcome from the Mayor of Ladysmith |
| |
|
Retirement Communities Directory |
|
 |
Select an area to find a Retirement Community:
|
|
|
^ Top ^ |
|
|
|
It's easy to stay up to date on the things that interest you. Just
