A short 30-minute drive “up-island” north of Victoria is the Malahat Summit. Visitors can feast their eyes on some seriously breathtaking scenery from a unique architectural spiral tower over 40m skyward. The low gradient “Tree walk” and 600m of level trails through an arbutus forest makes it accessible for everyone to connect with nature. Explore the west coast from an entirely new vantage point, and then select between a return stroll down the spiral ramp or a rapid fall on the spiral slide!
Another attraction in the area is the Pacific Northwest Raptor Centre. Experience hands-on interactive learning with magnificent eagles, falcons, hawks, turkey vultures, owls and various other birds of prey waiting to impress you. Situated on the north-south Pacific Flyway, Vancouver Island is home to a vast array of migratory birds. Migration is one of nature’s most incredible annual phenomena and each year at least a billion birds migrate
along this flightpath offering outstanding birdwatching opportunities.
Cowichan Bay
Eclectic and beautiful are 2 words that describe Cowichan Bay. Be sure to click on the link for Cowichan Tourism that will highlight the many outdoor recreation activities like golfing, hiking, biking, sailing, and fishing as well as the diverse art and cultural scene in the area. Along the Cowichan corridor you’ll find an array of talented painters, potters, sculptors, weavers, jewelers, glass blowers, knitters, and carvers. The artists display and sell their work in galleries and private studios.
During the summer months music and theater both have a significant presence here. The 3-day “Islands Folk Festival” will be sure to keep your toes tapping. "39 Days of July" showcases local and international talent, and the Laketown Shakedown is a thrilling four-day event in July with Gwen Stefani headlining this year! Then the biggest country music festival in western Canada comes alive as Keith Urban takes to the stage at Sunfest 2024. This 4-day event takes place at Lake Cowichan and whether you like country music or not your guaranteed to be rockin’ the night away!
The “Cow Bay” coastline is known for its incredibly tasty west coast seafood. Dining options are abundant with seasonally inspired menus and farm-to-table fare. The Maritime Centre and eclectic sea-side village is home to one of Canada’s most daring national cocktails - “The Cowichan Bay Coast-to-Coast Caesar” expertly created to capture not only an amazing selfie but also a gastronomic cocktail garnished with scallops, lobster tail, prawns, salmon, and pickled beans. Caesar is not just a salad around these parts!
Hey, craft beer lovers! This downloadable app will take you to all the BC Ale Trail and Craft Beer communities. There’s so much to discover - click here
Wineries and cideries are waiting to be discovered in this “Mediterranean temperate zone”. Sample award-winning vintages as you relax and leave the driving to us. These special events during the summer months sell out quickly.
July Sunset Soiree
Enjoy a fabulous evening of local delicacies curated from a menu to compliment the wines as you meet the winemakers behind the fine vintage wines of the Cowichan Valley. Salute!
Cowichan Valley Wine Festival
12 wineries. 31 days. 36 unforgettable wines.
Relax and enjoy the FAB ride! We visit up to 12 wineries where you can savour a wine tasting flight of 3 wines at each winery. The tasting tour spans the whole month of August. We provide the tour and tasting glass, you provide the adventurous spirit. Your tasting glass and Cowichan Valley Wine Festival Passport are required at every winery. These are your tickets for the event and must be shown together upon entry. Some of the wineries require reservations and sell out quickly. Reserve your seat with us .