Planning a winter getaway? This is the perfect year to stay local and discover the secluded beauty of Cowichan.
Boasting the highest average temperature in British Columbia, Cowichan’s untouched wilderness brings out the magic of the winter season in a cozy and quiet destination.
Whether your idea of the perfect getaway involves sampling local gourmet food in the cozy warmth of indoors or enjoying the stunning outdoors, discover it all in Cowichan.
Spectacular wilderness hikes
Cowichan is the warmest place in Canada, making it ideal for outdoor adventure. Fall and winter weather brings out the lushness of the greenery and compliments the many spectacular waterfalls.
Looking for beautiful views of the valley and the low-hanging mist? Cowichan boasts four hike-able mountains: Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, Mount Prevost and Cobble Hill Mountain. Other trails also include the Cowichan Valley Trail, which includes the 144-foot high Kinsol Trestle, a spectacular crossing of the Koksilah River.
In Chemainus, you’ll find the Chemainus Lake Loop, a relaxing trail with beautiful views. Be sure to check Kinsmen Beach Park or Askew Creek Park while you’re there as well.
Gourmet food and drinks
Treat yourself after a vigorous day outdoors with delicious local fare at restaurants such as The Ainslie, Farm Table Inn and Bridgemans Bistro, which features stunning views of the Mill Bay marina.
Thanks to the long growing season, Cowichan restaurants get year-round access to produce from over 800 farms, the largest concentration of working farms on Vancouver Island.
In Duncan, you’ll find Blue Grouse Estate Winery, a family-owned and sustainably farmed taste of Vancouver Island. The winery, named Best Island Winery for two years running, is a sought after destination to delight in award-winning wines. While you can find the wines on the island’s finest restaurants’ menus, fall and winter provide their own cozy experience, when you can relax by the fireplace with a glass of wine.
Riot Brewing, a full-production craft brewery located in beautiful Chemainus, offers new can’t-miss winter seasonal beers and a cozy atmosphere. Be sure to stop at Ma Maison and try their chef’s unique style of west coast fusion.
Secluded accommodations
Cowichan offers world-class getaways in secluded accommodations such as Emandare Guesthouse, where guests stay right on the vineyard, and Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, where every room has an ocean view. There’s nothing more winter-warm than relaxing in the great room at Cowichan River Lodge in front of the fire with a cup of locally-made coffee from Drumroaster Coffee.
Fun-filled activities
The Cowichan River is an important salmon-spawning river and offers great wildlife viewing in the winter months. For fishing enthusiasts, Vancouver Island Fly Fishing offers catch and release tours that depart from Cowichan River Lodge.
Just 45 minutes north of Victoria lies Mill Bay Marina. During the month of November, stay local with a package featuring a two-night stay on your own private yacht docked at the marina, care of NW Explorations. This includes dinner and a bottle of Prosecco delivered to the yacht from nearby Bridgemans Bistro, a gift certificate for the bistro and complimentary use of the marina’s kayaks and paddleboards to explore picturesque Mill Bay. Wake up to the sounds of the waves with this unique local getaway you won’t soon forget.
Head to Chemainus to find the famous Mural Walk, a collection of 44 open-air murals that depict the town’s history. It’s the world’s largest art tourism experience. Stroll through the quaint downtown area and stop at the popular Chemainus Public Market to pick up some locally made goodies.
There’s something for everyone in Cowichan.
