The traditional land of the Coast Salish people including the Quw’utsun, Halalt, Stz’uminus, Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, K’ómoks, and Qualicum First Nations
Located between Victoria and Nanaimo, Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun. Look out for turkey vultures in the spring and summer, trumpeter swans in the valley in the fall, and herons in the estuary.
Getting Here
By Bike
- Biking Paths: Tourism Cowichan
- Biking North: From Victoria
- Biking South: From Nanaimo
By Public Transit
By Land
Spring Birding in Cowichan
The arrival of spring means the arrival of Brant geese – guests to the island and stars of the annual Brant Wildlife Festival in Parksville. Scanning the open water, you could find three local scoters (surf, white-winged, and black), colourful harlequin ducks, or a Western Canadian icon, the Pacific loon.
Summer Birding in Cowichan
Summer is an exciting season full of energetic birds around Central Vancouver Island. From the lively killdeer and black oystercatchers on the shoreline, to the feisty rufous hummingbirds that visit the area (and its feeders), there’s a lot of action to be seen. You might come across some skittish California Quail, possibly with a trail of tiny youngsters running in a line behind them. Look up, watch for the large turkey vultures soaring in the warm air, assembling into circling flocks of dozens – or hundreds! – of birds before they migrate south at the end of the season. You’ll also probably befriend some curious Steller’s jays, BC’s provincial bird – especially if you’re anywhere around a campground.
Fall Birding in Cowichan
Fall brings migration and the herring run to Central Vancouver Island. In addition to the changes-every-week sightings you’ll see here on the Pacific Flyway, catch gulls such as mew and Iceland enjoying the plentiful herring. A bit off-shore, the waterbirds start to show up in droves. Auks like the common murre or marbled murrelet dot the open water, and you might even get to see long-tailed ducks, possibly the most majestic waterfowl around.
Winter Birding in Cowichan
The cooler weather doesn’t mean the birds all disappear – quite the opposite! Seabirds are plentiful, with loons, scoters, and auks off the coast, often visible from shore. You’ll most definitely come across the bufflehead, small ducks that return to the shoreline like clockwork each winter. Large, graceful trumpeter swans can be found in freshwater in the area. A bird you’ll hear before seeing is the golden-crowned sparrow, a bird always looking for an audience. One special treat is finding a northern shrike – an adorable bird at a glance that is actually a predatory songbird.
Cowichan
Located between Victoria and Nanaimo, Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun. Look out for turkey vultures in the spring and summer, trumpeter swans in the valley in the fall, and herons in the estuary.
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1Glen Eagles Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC, CA, V0R 2W0
One of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers as you walk the 1.5km trail to the trestle.
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2901 Trans-Canada Highway, Malahat, BC, CA, V0R 2L0
This experience starts with an accessible 600m TreeWalk through beautiful arbutus forests full of birds, leading you to the gentle spiral ramp that takes you up 32m to a sightseeing lookout offering views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker, and the ultimate bird’s eye view.
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31845 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay, BC, CA, V0R 1N0
Explore the estuary, its watershed, and local marine and bird life through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Located in Hecate Park.
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41765 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay, BC, CA, V0R 1N0
View local marine and birdlife while paddling in Cowichan Bay with tours led by knowledgeable and skilled guides.
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53515 Cobble Hill Road, Cobble Hill, BC, CA, V0R 1L5
A cozy community hub with exceptional coffee and food selections to start your day.
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62921 Cameron Taggart Road, Cobble Hill, BC, CA, V0R 1L6
Enjoy seasonal farm-to-table cuisine while taking in gorgeous views overlooking the award-winning 12-acre vineyard.
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71230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill, BC, CA, V0R 1L6
Enjoy the open-air patio with views of the apple orchard while eating casual farm-to-table comfort food.
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8109 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan, BC, CA, V0R 2G0
A casual dining restaurant that offers impressive views of Cowichan Lake. Serving locally sourced, house-made food with celiac-friendly options.
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91681 Cowichan Bay Road, Cowichan Bay, BC, CA, V0R 1N0
All suites are family-friendly and ocean-facing; guests can rent bicycles to travel around town, or recharge in the indoor heated pool and fitness centre.
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101877 Herd Road, Duncan, BC, CA, V9L 5W5
This is your opportunity to engage in up-close, hands-on interactive learning with a variety of birds – including eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, and more.
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11Riverbottom Road West, Lake Cowichan, BC, CA, V0R 2G0
This park protects significant stretches of the Cowichan River. You’ll find resident birds such as osprey, hawks, owls, ravens, and crows as well as many species of songbirds. Bald eagles can be seen along the river in late fall and winter.
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12BC, CA
The wildlife-viewing facilities of the Somenos Watershed welcome waterfowl travelling the Pacific Flyway, as well as resident wildlife. Home to the annual The WildWings Nature & Arts Festival.
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138659 Swallowfield Road, Chemainus, BC, CA, V0R 1K5
A 2.7 kilometre trail winding through natural fauna and a vital part of the Pacific Flyway, a resting spot for migratory birds.
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14Transfer Beach Boulevard, Ladysmith, BC, CA, V9G
Transfer Beach is a centrally located park by the sea. It’s a great spot for swimming, kayaking and picnicking. The trails that run along the shore are also a popular birdwatching destination. Keep an eye out for a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl.
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155311 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan, BC, CA, V9L 5J2
Hank’s Cowichan is a bakery specializing in fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, serving since July 2023.
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16200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC, CA, V9L 1W3
Check out the Duncan Farmers Market every Saturday for a variety of local goodies from over 100 vendors year-round. Pick up some fresh produce, honey, cheese, baked goods, and more for the perfect picnic or to take home.
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17145 Kenneth Street, Duncan, BC, CA, V9L 1N5
Since 1972 this downtown Duncan staple has been full of new and used books, as well as guides by local authors about nearby trails and outdoor hotspots.
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18125c South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan, BC, CA, V0R 2G0
Seasonally open May-September
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199752 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC, CA, V0R 1K0
Fill your pack with pre-made sandwiches and baked goods, or take a break and enjoy the Owl’s Nest’s house-made soups & entrees.
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2010862 Chemainus Road, Ladysmith, BC, CA, V9G 2A4Enjoy gelato, specialty coffee, and brunch on the patio at this cozy family-owned and operated cafe in Saltair.
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2111 High Street, Ladysmith, BC, CA, V9G 1A1
“Like a warm hug on a chilly day,” this British-style pub presents a welcoming atmosphere to all who enter, serving up all the classic fare you’d expect to find at a local pub.
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247461 Hudgrove Road, Lake Cowichan, BC, CA, V0R 2G0
This boutique-style Lodge is nestled in a stunning area of natural wilderness along the Cowichan River, making for a perfect relaxing getaway or the hub for endless outdoor activities.
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259573 Chemainus Road, Chemainus, BC, CA, V0R 1K5
A classic hotel in south Chemainus is conveniently close to many local points of interest. Enjoy spacious, comfortable suites and full-service amenities.
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2612570 Trans-Canada Highway, Ladysmith, BC, CA, V9G 1M5
As you continue North on the trail, this pet-friendly stop has all the amenities of home – just minutes from your next birding adventure.
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275130 Brenton Page Road, Ladysmith, BC, CA, V9G 1L6
Set on a 10-acre oceanfront kiwi vineyard and estuary, this purpose-built lodge B&B offers 12 rustic rooms, a common room for games, and a gazebo in the kiwi grove.
Quiet mornings along the Salish Sea provide an ideal setting to explore the unique communities that makeup Vancouver Island’s Southeast tip. Take your time, there’s magic in the air – and if you’re lucky, herons and osprey too.
As you continue to explore Cowichan, opportunities abound – get inspired on your own, or amongst the locals.
As we explore and enjoy the super, natural beauty of British Columbia and the birds that call it home, we should be aware of our potential impacts on the environment. Through learning and supporting local conservation efforts, we can all play an important role in ensuring the health of our local nature, making sure it sticks around for everyone to enjoy. In this Field Notes series, we’ll take a look at conservation organizations along the BC Bird Trail. Let’s start with some within the region of the Central Vancouver Island Bird Trail.
As the sun sets on Cowichan, the dynamic food and beverage scene comes alive with a variety of family-friendly hotspots welcoming to locals and visitors.
