Lets go outside

From the green forests, pristine waters and stunning orchards to award-winning vineyards there’s always something to quench your thirst for the fresh outdoors in the Cowichan Lake area. In addition to all the outdoor amenities at your doorstep at Woodland Shores the Cowichan Lake area is a popular family getaway spot, renowned for its water sports and hiking it is just 90-minutes from Victoria. Just beyond Cowichan Lake’s eastern shoreline is some of the most spectacular outdoor adventures available on Vancouver Island. The forests of the Carmanah-Walbran and Gordon Bay Provincial Park are only two of many spectacular experiences a short distance from your home at Woodland Shores. The area’s temperate climate makes the Cowichan Lake region ideal for outdoor activities all year round.

Life on the water

Swim in the warmth of Cowichan Lake or enjoy your boat for a relaxing afternoon on the lake. Paddle board, jet-ski or wakeboard this getaway spot renowned for it’s water sport opportunities. Boasting the warmest average water temperature throughout Vancouver Island, Lake Cowichan is paradise for water enthusiasts. Canoe and whitewater kayak along the Cowichan River, or settle back and float down the tree-lined, sun-dappled river in an inner tube.

Lake Cowichan, heralded by King Edward the VIII as Canada’s Fly-Fishing Capital, with over 30km of shoreline, is simply known as ‘The Big Lake’ by the areas aboriginal ancestors. Lake and river fishing is abundant for fishing enthusiasts. Look out for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and steelhead trout.

Be a trailblazer

The Cowichan area is a hiking and biking hotspot with a multitude of routes and trails that range from extreme terrain to gentle walks. In addition to the 15 kms of trails at Woodland Shores you can experience four mountains nearby – which are all hikeable and bikeable: Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, Mount Prevost and Cobble Hill Mountain. Other trails include the 20 km Cowichan River Footpath, which winds west from Duncan to Skutz Falls, and the Trans Canada Great Trail, which connects the Village of Lake Cowichan to all parts of Vancouver Island. Consider biking at a leisurely pace on any of the back roads around the area. Take a day and visit the Cowichan River Provincial Park or explore the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, home to some of the world’s biggest spruce trees.

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Bike Trails

Ride the Cowichan Valley Trail. Part of the spectacular ‘Great Trail’. This section runs from the Town of Lake Cowichan, south to the Kinsol Trail to Shawnigan Lake ending at Greater Victoria.

Fishing

Known as “Canada’s Fly-Fishing Capital” lake and river fishing is abundant for fishing enthusiasts. Look out for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and steelhead trout.

Point of interest

The small Town of Lake Cowichan, alongside nearby communities of Mesachie Lake, Skutz Falls, Honeymoon Bay and Youbou are within easy reach by road or adjoining waterways. Enjoy festivals, markets, and community celebrations that the regions communities all offer.

Hiking

Woodland Shores offers 15 kms of walking and hiking trails, and Cowichan River Provincial Park offers over 20 kms and 750 hectares of wilderness that stretched from the village of Lake Cowichan to Glenora near Duncan.

Restaurants

The Cowichan area boasts over 800 working farms and celebrates farm to table opportunities boasting some of BC’s most loved restaurants.

Climbing

From beginner to advanced you can explore four mountains – Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, Mount Prevost and Cobble Hill Mountain are all within easy reach of Woodland Shores.

Town of Lake Cowichan

Enjoy the local hospitality in the largest of the area’s communities including all your shopping and dining needs. This is also the departure point for tubing adventures in local waters.

Water Sports

Swim and launch a boat in Cowichan Lake. Canoe and whitewater kayak along the Cowichan River, or settle back and float down the tree-lined, sun-filled river in an inner tube.