1. Indulge in Cowichan’s Harvest
With over 700 working farms in the region, fall harvest is a very important and busy time in the Cowichan Valley. Get the fruits of this harvest in one central location at the Duncan Farmers Market! Open year-round, this market features products that are locally grown or crafted in the Cowichan region. Stroll through the market every Saturday (don’t forget to keep your eyes open for Christmas presents). Take a cruise through the countryside and find farm stands around every corner, where you might even meet the farmers themselves. Visit the Farms & Farmstands page to learn more.
2. Warm Up with Comfort Foods
One of the best things about cooler weather is comfort food! Gather your family and friends and take a seat at our table. Embrace the harvest with farm-to-table dishes that showcase the region’s bounty, from crisp apples and hearty squash to fresh-caught seafood. Cozy up in charming bistros, explore innovative menus at local wineries, and indulge in comfort foods crafted with ingredients sourced from the valley’s own fields, forests, and waters. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty bowl of soup by the fire or a gourmet meal with a view, fall dining in Cowichan promises a feast for the senses.
Enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal at one of Cowichan’s many restaurants.
3. Enjoy the Fall Colours
Experience the reds, yellows and oranges of fall through Cowichan’s stunning scenery. Whether your hiking on Maple Mountain, biking down the Cowichan Valley Regional Trail or driving through the scenic countryside there are endless possibilities for experiencing the fall colours in Cowichan.
Take a winding cruise through Cowichan’s farmland to see the stunning colours with a pastoral backdrop. Maybe stop in at Cowichan Bay and pick up some warm, freshly-baked treats from True Grain Bread. Or continue your road-trip to Mill Bay, stopping in at Bridgeman’s Bistro for lunch over the ocean.
Check out the regions hiking trails (offering something for all fitness levels and abilities): Favourite Hikes in the Cowichan Valley
Hop on the bike and find our why the Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s Mountain Bike Playground.
5. Attend a Community Event
Fall in Cowichan is a season of vibrant celebrations and community spirit. From harvest festivals and artisan markets to live music and wine tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit pumpkin patches, attend harvest events, and sip on locally crafted cider while taking in the stunning autumn scenery. Don’t miss the seasonal culinary events that highlight the region’s farm-fresh produce and local talent. Whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, or a cozy evening out, Cowichan’s fall events offer the perfect way to embrace the magic of the season.
- Path of the Totem Exhibition at Cowichan Public Art Gallery (September 13-November 7)
- Cider Harvest Festival at Merridale Cidery & Distillery (September 22)
- Cowichan Green Community’s Fall Farm Fest (September 27-28)
- Fall Makers Market (October 12)
- Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival (October 26)
- Cowichan Artisans’ Studio Tour (October 26-67)
- Ladysmith Festival of Lights (November 28)
6. Get in the Spooky Spirit
Hop onboard the Halloween Train at the BC Forest Discovery Centre! Ride the Green Hornet through ghostly scenes around the museum. Once you’ve recovered from the train ride enjoy Halloween crafts, trick or treating and a haunted house for those who dare! Visit the Halloween Train Oct 18 – 22 & Oct 25 -30 from 3:30pm – 9:00pm
7. Experience a Cosmic Love Story
From September 27 – October 20, catch ‘The Piano Teacher‘ at the Chemainus Theatre Festival – A Governor General’s award-winning play about loss, love, friendship, and the healing power of music. Make it a date night by reserving your spot at the Playbill Dining Room.
8. Cozy Up with a Good Book
Go with the slow and book a stay at one of our unique accommodations – from oceanfront suites to quite cabins in the woods, there’s something for everyone and every budget in Cowichan. Book your stay today.
