Not only does Cowichan have an abundance of picturesque picnic spots, but it’s also the perfect destination to curate a picnic basket overflowing with delicious locally-made goods. The Cowichan region is home to so many incredible makers, family-run and heritage farms, wineries, producers, and more—so many of which put sustainable, regenerative, organic, and intentional practices at the heart of their businesses, practices that benefit the health of both place and people.
These are some of the best places to put together your Cowichan-made picnic spread.
The Base: A Fresh and Crusty Bread Loaf
Picnic baskets are synonymous with a freshly made loaf of bread, whether you’re looking for a classic crusty French baguette to pair with cheese, a sliced seedy loaf to pre-make your sandwiches, or the best sourdough to scoop up some dip with. Ours is no different and celebrates the best bakers in the Cowichan region.
True Grain Organic Craft Bakery is well-known for its commitment to only using organic BC flour, milling their ancient grains with natural stones, and adding no preservatives or additives. Try everything from Foccaccia buns, French baguette, and Red Fife Sourdough to Red Fife Hazelnut, Wholegrain Khorasan, and housemade crackers.
At the other end of the Cowichan region, Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith and Chemainus Bakery in Chemainus have a tantalizing wall of rustic loaves just waiting to be paired with salty butter and the best Cowichan cheese.
Cowichan-made Artisanal Cheese
Pair your bread or crackers with cheese lovingly made on local, family-run and heritage farms. Cowichan Station Creamery prioritizes happy, grass-fed cows and the best quality milk, which is apparent in their tasty array of artisanal hard cheeses. The Creamery’s playful, experimental spirit can be experienced in BC’s first cheese vending machine, open 7 am-7 pm, 7 days a week, at their farmstand.
Charcuterie or Seacuterie?
If a charcuterie made with local meats is your idea of picnic heaven, our friendly butchers are looking forward to sharing their products with you. Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese serves up carefully curated platters of housemade pates and cured meats. It’s also a fantastic stop to find extra cheeses and lots of other deli items to add to your spread, like Vancouver Island-made chutneys, housemade mustards, and hot sauces.
Thanks to Cowichan’s vibrant coastal ecosystem, creating your own “seacuterie” instead of, or to pair with, organic local meats is easily an option. Mad Dog Crabs Seafood Market in Duncan serves up super fresh, sustainably-caught crab, spot prawns, shellfish, and seasonal fish. Their smoked products also make a great addition to a picnic.
Vibrant Veggies and Fruits
The Cowichan region has a long and rich history of determined farming families that have delighted in the unique terroir found here. All kinds of colourful vegetables and vibrant fruit can be found across the valley throughout the harvest season, accompanied by the warmth of a community eager to share their appreciation for our growing conditions with visitors.
One of the best ways to pick up lots of diverse ingredients for your veggie crudités or fruit platter is to embark on a self-guided Cowichan Valley farm trail of our dynamic 700-and-counting farms. Take the winding country roads across our region and keep your eye out for the many farm stands and farms open to the public. The Cowichan Green Community has even created a handy Cowichan Grown Farm Map if you’re feeling the need for a little extra guidance.
The extras: pickles, dips, oils, and spreads.
For lots of local goods in one place, and to meet our artisan producers, head to one of our Farmers’ Markets or food-focused independent stores. The Duncan Farmers’ Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9 am-2 pm. Sweet Meadows Market prioritizes locally-sourced culinary dry goods and farm produce, and also has housemade artisan ice cream for a cooling treat while you secure your picnic items. The Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market which takes place every Saturday from 10am-2pm (May-Thanksgiving) is a gathering place to immerse oneself in the charm of Cowichan’s rural pace and seek thoughtfully made goods not just across food, but crafts and other arts too.
Locally-made drinks are the perfect accompaniment
Thirst-quenchers are a must-have for any picnic, and the Cowichan region has many opportunities to enjoy farm-to-glass beverages and drinks that showcase the unique flavours of our region. BC’s oldest estate cidery and first craft distillery, Merridale, is located here. Thanks to our maritime Mediterranean climatic zone, ancient volcanic soil, and salty surroundings, the Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s only official winemaking region. In Cobble Hill, Organic Fair makes organic small-batch botanical soda syrups like zingy Ginger Ale and floral Rose Cardamom. Westholme Tea Company grows and makes its own novel Canadian terroir tea (along with stocking a carefully curated selection of other teas). Why not make a true Cowichan-style iced tea or cold water steep?
Finish with a treat
Polish off your Cowichan picnic with treats to share with your friends and family. Hand-painted chocolates, indulgent baked goods, and cookies that cater to dietary requirements are just some of the desserts available. Shawnigan House Coffee & Chocolate or Chocolate Pearl in Chemainus or Duncan are the best places to discover expertly-crafted, delicious handmade chocolates.
Let your eyes light up at the counters in Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery, Owl’s Nest Bakery Bistro in Chemainus or Saltair, Wild Poppy Market, or West Coast Cones. If candy is what you’re after, Original Udder Guys Ice Cream & Candy is a nostalgic candy store complete with a gumball machine.
Where to picnic in the Cowichan region
Once you’ve packed your picnic, it’s time to pick your spot. But remember, there’s no rush. No matter whether you’re after a picturesque oceanfront location, a tranquil riverside spot under the trees, a mountaintop vista, or lakeside life, the warm welcome and outdoor spaces found in each of Cowichan’s unique communities mean a perfect picnic spot exists for all.
