Cowichan Valley Guidebook
Food scene
Delicious hand crafted chocolates and tasty coffee/tea drinks. Personal favorite is the Chai Latte (concentrate made in house) paired with a caramel pecan or bailey bomb truffle make for a great start to the day. Centrally located in the heart of the village within walking distance to other shops.
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Shawnigan House coffee and chocolate
1761 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay RdDelicious hand crafted chocolates and tasty coffee/tea drinks. Personal favorite is the Chai Latte (concentrate made in house) paired with a caramel pecan or bailey bomb truffle make for a great start to the day. Centrally located in the heart of the village within walking distance to other shops.
Beautiful views of the lake with good food, several gluten and dairy free options, as well as reasonably priced and standard kids menu ($10). Outdoor seating in warmer weather.
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The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
2460 Renfrew RdBeautiful views of the lake with good food, several gluten and dairy free options, as well as reasonably priced and standard kids menu ($10). Outdoor seating in warmer weather.
Really good sushi, great for in store or takeout. Limited seating indoors. Lots of options and lovely family run business. In the heart of the village.
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Hosuka Japanese restaurant
2740 Dundas RdReally good sushi, great for in store or takeout. Limited seating indoors. Lots of options and lovely family run business. In the heart of the village.
Upscale fine dining with breathtaking views of the Saanich Inlet. Plenty of options for those with allergies, and one of the nicest restaurants with a "European inspired West Coast dining experience."
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Villa Eyrie Resort
600 Ebedora LnUpscale fine dining with breathtaking views of the Saanich Inlet. Plenty of options for those with allergies, and one of the nicest restaurants with a "European inspired West Coast dining experience."
Year round farmers market located in the heart of downtown Duncan (roughly 30 minutes drive) in the square on Craig Street and down Ingram Street. Every Saturday 9a-2p summer/spring and 10a-2p fall/winter. Summer is more plentiful with seasonal produce, but the winter still has enjoyable food trucks and local artisans. You can also do the Duncan Totem Walk and check out local shops (see other note for more information).
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던컨 팜머스 마켓
200 Craig StYear round farmers market located in the heart of downtown Duncan (roughly 30 minutes drive) in the square on Craig Street and down Ingram Street. Every Saturday 9a-2p summer/spring and 10a-2p fall/winter. Summer is more plentiful with seasonal produce, but the winter still has enjoyable food trucks and local artisans. You can also do the Duncan Totem Walk and check out local shops (see other note for more information).
Great spot for laid back dining. In warmer months there are picnic tables outside for eating next to the orchard. There is a short walk where you can spot fairy houses along the path, a favorite for the kids. There are also tours of the distillery and a gift shop to round out your experience.
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Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale RdGreat spot for laid back dining. In warmer months there are picnic tables outside for eating next to the orchard. There is a short walk where you can spot fairy houses along the path, a favorite for the kids. There are also tours of the distillery and a gift shop to round out your experience.
The HUB café is generally open only Fridays from 8:30-2pm and highlights local producers and growers. It's farm fresh and a spot to find locals enjoying a delicious bite to eat (and great coffee drinks). There is a popular frisbee golf course, basketball court, picnic tables and small play area for younger kids.
The HUB at Cowichan Station
2375 Koksilah RdThe HUB café is generally open only Fridays from 8:30-2pm and highlights local producers and growers. It's farm fresh and a spot to find locals enjoying a delicious bite to eat (and great coffee drinks). There is a popular frisbee golf course, basketball court, picnic tables and small play area for younger kids.
Traditional breakfast and lunch menu, located just outside of the main strip in Downtown Duncan. Closed Mondays. brunchon3rd dot com
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Brunch On 3rd
148 3 StTraditional breakfast and lunch menu, located just outside of the main strip in Downtown Duncan. Closed Mondays. brunchon3rd dot com
Lake & River Access
Lake access that is often less crowded than Mason's or Government Wharf. It is a 4.7 km (6 min drive) from the cottage. Accessible via bike mostly on path with moderate hills (4.6km or 14min bike via google maps)
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West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
West Shawnigan Lake RoadLake access that is often less crowded than Mason's or Government Wharf. It is a 4.7 km (6 min drive) from the cottage. Accessible via bike mostly on path with moderate hills (4.6km or 14min bike via google maps)
Great spot near the village with picnic tables and swim area. While the bottom is uneven, it's very shallow in most parts. Summer months will often find an ice cream truck across the street from the new parking lot.
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Mason's Beach Park
Renfrew RoadGreat spot near the village with picnic tables and swim area. While the bottom is uneven, it's very shallow in most parts. Summer months will often find an ice cream truck across the street from the new parking lot.
Popular beach access more commonly referred to by locals as "Government Beach/Wharf". There is sandy volleyball court along with swimming area and a popular wharf that kids enjoy fishing and jumping off of. In the summer months this can be a busy area with boats and jet skis launching, important to be aware of for those older and confident swimmers that like to go out of the swim area.
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Shawnigan Wharf Park
Thrush RoadPopular beach access more commonly referred to by locals as "Government Beach/Wharf". There is sandy volleyball court along with swimming area and a popular wharf that kids enjoy fishing and jumping off of. In the summer months this can be a busy area with boats and jet skis launching, important to be aware of for those older and confident swimmers that like to go out of the swim area.
River access off the beaten path. This is a 5 minute drive (3.1km) from the cottage, mostly on gravel logging road. Favorite spot to take a cold dip in the river on extra hot days. Various paths and steep stairs down to river. Often less busy than the lake.
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Koksilah River Provincial Park
River access off the beaten path. This is a 5 minute drive (3.1km) from the cottage, mostly on gravel logging road. Favorite spot to take a cold dip in the river on extra hot days. Various paths and steep stairs down to river. Often less busy than the lake.
Local favorite for ocean access. Common for people to BBQ smokies and enjoy the beach. Always good to check tides prior to visiting, as it can mud out.
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Cherry Point Beach
800 Garnett RdLocal favorite for ocean access. Common for people to BBQ smokies and enjoy the beach. Always good to check tides prior to visiting, as it can mud out.
Playgrounds
Playground area with additional outdoor exercise machines for adults. Large field for kids or dogs to run and have a nice picnic. Several walking paths, and a suspension bridge across the river where you will find lots of families taking a dip on hot days.
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Bright Angel Park
4528 Tigwell RdPlayground area with additional outdoor exercise machines for adults. Large field for kids or dogs to run and have a nice picnic. Several walking paths, and a suspension bridge across the river where you will find lots of families taking a dip on hot days.
Good for adults and families with adventurous kids 5 and up. Various ropes courses depending on age, about an hour drive from the cottage (also a location in Victoria - hour drive the opposite direction). Open during dry months (spring - fall), call ahead to make sure they are open, booking online is helpful to avoid wait times during peak hours.
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WildPlay Nanaimo
35 Nanaimo River RdGood for adults and families with adventurous kids 5 and up. Various ropes courses depending on age, about an hour drive from the cottage (also a location in Victoria - hour drive the opposite direction). Open during dry months (spring - fall), call ahead to make sure they are open, booking online is helpful to avoid wait times during peak hours.
Scenic park that features swimming beaches, a giant playground, a spray park, picnic tables, an off-leash park and a place to rent paddleboards and kayaks.
Transfer Beach also boasts the largest open-air amphitheater on Vancouver Island, which serves as a venue for Ladysmith’s Concerts in the Park series held every July and August. Just northwest of Transfer Beach is the must-see Harbour Heritage Centre and Ladysmith Marine Society Museum, both of which have thoughtfully curated exhibits and displays that showcase Ladysmith’s eminent maritime history.
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Transfer Beach Park
Captain Tristan de Konnick WayScenic park that features swimming beaches, a giant playground, a spray park, picnic tables, an off-leash park and a place to rent paddleboards and kayaks.
Transfer Beach also boasts the largest open-air amphitheater on Vancouver Island, which serves as a venue for Ladysmith’s Concerts in the Park series held every July and August. Just northwest of Transfer Beach is the must-see Harbour Heritage Centre and Ladysmith Marine Society Museum, both of which have thoughtfully curated exhibits and displays that showcase Ladysmith’s eminent maritime history.
Good for adults and families with adventurous kids 5 and up. Various ropes courses depending on age, about 45 minute drive from the cottage (also a location in Nanaimo - hour drive the opposite direction). Open during dry months (spring - fall), call ahead to make sure they are open, booking online is helpful to avoid wait times during peak hours.
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WildPlay Element Parks Victoria
1767 Island HwyGood for adults and families with adventurous kids 5 and up. Various ropes courses depending on age, about 45 minute drive from the cottage (also a location in Nanaimo - hour drive the opposite direction). Open during dry months (spring - fall), call ahead to make sure they are open, booking online is helpful to avoid wait times during peak hours.
Hiking Trails
Breathtaking 360 degree views including Shawnigan Lake and back towards Sidney. Follow google maps to the "Old Baldy Mountain Trailhead" off of Strathcona Heights road. The trail head is on the left side and the yellow gate can be hard to see for first timers when approaching, there is only street parking. This is a steep incline, we were able to do it with kids aged 3 - 10 taking our time. There is an awesome swing as you get near the top on a path to the left through arbutus trees, keep looking if you don't initially see it (the 3rd picture shows the area to head) You can always ask someone along the way if you don't initially find it. There is also a flat area at the very top with lots of rocks the kids enjoyed stacking and the 360 view of the area.
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Old Baldy Mtn
2329 Strathcona Heights RdBreathtaking 360 degree views including Shawnigan Lake and back towards Sidney. Follow google maps to the "Old Baldy Mountain Trailhead" off of Strathcona Heights road. The trail head is on the left side and the yellow gate can be hard to see for first timers when approaching, there is only street parking. This is a steep incline, we were able to do it with kids aged 3 - 10 taking our time. There is an awesome swing as you get near the top on a path to the left through arbutus trees, keep looking if you don't initially see it (the 3rd picture shows the area to head) You can always ask someone along the way if you don't initially find it. There is also a flat area at the very top with lots of rocks the kids enjoyed stacking and the 360 view of the area.
Sightseeing
The totem pole collection is located on the traditional lands of the Quw’utsun’ (Cowichan) people, now commonly referred to as Duncan (The city of Totems). With one of the largest outdoor totem displays in the world, you can follow the yellow painted footsteps on the sidewalk throughout the heart of downtown Duncan.
Thunderbird Totem Pole
81 Station StreetThe totem pole collection is located on the traditional lands of the Quw’utsun’ (Cowichan) people, now commonly referred to as Duncan (The city of Totems). With one of the largest outdoor totem displays in the world, you can follow the yellow painted footsteps on the sidewalk throughout the heart of downtown Duncan.
Cathedral grove boasts enormous old grow Douglas Fir trees (up to 800 years old; the largest are 75m (250ft) in height with a circumference of 9m (29ft). It can easily be less than 45 minute loop, or take your time to read all the impressive signage about the ecosystem. This is a longer drive of 2 hours up island. This is a fun day trip with plenty of stops along the way to break up the drive.
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대성당 그로브
British Columbia 4Cathedral grove boasts enormous old grow Douglas Fir trees (up to 800 years old; the largest are 75m (250ft) in height with a circumference of 9m (29ft). It can easily be less than 45 minute loop, or take your time to read all the impressive signage about the ecosystem. This is a longer drive of 2 hours up island. This is a fun day trip with plenty of stops along the way to break up the drive.
Grocery Stores
This is a good farm style grocery stop if heading from the Sidney Ferry to the cottage. Lots of produce and local vendors.
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The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
1286 McKenzie AveThis is a good farm style grocery stop if heading from the Sidney Ferry to the cottage. Lots of produce and local vendors.
Country Grocer
1400 Cowichan Bay RdOne of two larger grocery stores with in 15 minute drive.
Thrifty Foods
One of two larger grocery stores with in 15 minute drive.
Aitken & Fraser General Store Ltd
2750 W Shawnigan Lake RdOne of two local general stores (8 minute drive).
One of two local general stores (8 minute drive). Has in house baked breads and pastries.
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Mason's Store & Patio Ltd
1885 Renfrew RdOne of two local general stores (8 minute drive). Has in house baked breads and pastries.
Museums
Hand of Man Museum of natural history, cultural arts, and conservation displays the personal collection of Jim Shockey (outdoor writer, wildlife photographer, television star and hunter/naturalist) located in Maple Bay. Open 365 days a year 10 - 5pm, entrance by donation (suggested donation scale listed in lobby).
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Hand of Man Museum
6759 Considine AveHand of Man Museum of natural history, cultural arts, and conservation displays the personal collection of Jim Shockey (outdoor writer, wildlife photographer, television star and hunter/naturalist) located in Maple Bay. Open 365 days a year 10 - 5pm, entrance by donation (suggested donation scale listed in lobby).
Small but mighty bug museum in the heart of downtown
Victoria. Knowledgeable tour guides are available to show around 50 different species (some handling available).
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빅토리아 벌레 동물원
631 Courtney StSmall but mighty bug museum in the heart of downtown
Victoria. Knowledgeable tour guides are available to show around 50 different species (some handling available).
The museum was founded in 1886; the archives, in 1894. In 2003, these two organizations joined to become BC's combined provincial museum and archives, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of BC's natural and human history.
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왕립BC박물관
675 Belleville StThe museum was founded in 1886; the archives, in 1894. In 2003, these two organizations joined to become BC's combined provincial museum and archives, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of BC's natural and human history.