Sunrise in Cowichan Bay
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.
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Kinsol Trestle, Glen Eagles Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada1Kinsol Trestle Trailcvrd.ca ·
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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malahat skywalk2Malahat Skywalk
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.
Book Now: https://malahatskywalk.com/plan/tickets-passes/
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1845 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC, Canada1Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre
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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1765 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0, Canada2Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre
View local marine and birdlife while paddling in Cowichan Bay with tours led by knowledgeable and skilled guides.
Book Now: https://cowichanbaykayaking.com/booking-tours.html
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3515 Cobble Hill Rd, Cobble Hill, BC, Canada1Olde School Coffee
A cozy community hub with exceptional coffee and food selections to start your day.
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2921 Cameron Taggart Rd, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L6, Canada1The Restaurant at Unsworth Vineyards
Enjoy seasonal farm-to-table cuisine while taking in gorgeous views overlooking the award-winning 12-acre vineyard.
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1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC, Canada2The Eatery at Merridale Cidery
Enjoy the open-air patio with views of the apple orchard while eating casual farm-to-table comfort food.
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109 S Shore Rd, Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada3Jake’s at the Lake
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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1681 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC, Canada1Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
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.
Book Now: https://www.bookonthenet.net/west/premium/eresmain.aspx?id=p%2b%2b5DRN7Kwc%2fKHdB6O1oeGcqiAEnpqLt01NuWOVed2GNhmTn8HPY0INH%2bVpGSgKQ4DkLRQYNYp3AJeR7%2fwFi%2bA%3d%3d#/search
Afternoon Deep in the Valley
As you continue to explore Cowichan, opportunities abound – get inspired on your own, or amongst the locals.
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1877 Herd Rd, Duncan, BC, Canada1Pacific Northwest Raptors
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.
Book Now: https://pnwraptors.com/visitor-centre/book-now/
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Skutz Fall parking lot trail head, Riverbottom Road West, Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada2Cowichan River Regional Park
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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Q7QQ+RV Duncan, BC, Canada1S’amuna/Somenos Marsh Conservation Area
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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8659 Swallowfield Rd, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K5, Canada2Chemainus River Estuary
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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Transfer Beach, Transfer Beach Blvd, Ladysmith, BC V9G, Canada3Transfer Beach Park
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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5311 Trans-Canada Hwy #3, Duncan, BC V9L 5J2, Canada1Hank's Cowichan
Hank’s Cowichan is a bakery specializing in fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, serving since July 2023.
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200 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1W3, Canada1Duncan Farmers' Market
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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145 Kenneth St, Duncan, BC V9L 1N5, Canada2Volume One Bookstore
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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125c S Shore Rd, Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G0, Canada1Lake Cowichan Visitor Centre
Seasonally open May-September
Quiet Coastal Evenings
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.
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Owl's Nest Bakery and Bistro, Willow Street, Chemainus, BC, Canada1Owl’s Nest Bakery and Bistro
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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10862 Chemainus Rd, Ladysmith, BC V9G 2A4, Canada1Coffee ShackEnjoy gelato, specialty coffee, and brunch on the patio at this cozy family-owned and operated cafe in Saltair.
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11 High St, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, Canada1Fox and Hounds
“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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7461 Hudgrove Rd, Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada1Cowichan River Lodge
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.
Book Now: https://thecowichanriverlodge.com/reservations/
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9573 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus, BC, Canada2Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn
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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12570 Trans-Canada Hwy, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1M5, Canada3Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay
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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5130 Brenton Page Rd, Ladysmith, BC, Canada4Kiwi Cove Lodge
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.
Book Now: https://apps.gracesoft.com/pms/OnlineBookingv2/RoomDetails.aspx?PropertyId=2547&PMSFolder=PMS