Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun,” and is why our valley is, and always has been known as The Warm Land.
Cowichan is located in Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climatic zone and is home to the warmest year–round temperatures in the country. For decades now, Cowichan has been producing amazing artisanal food and drink from the region’s burgeoning farms, wineries, cideries and distilleries. Yet, the food and drink are just the tip of the iceberg! From concerts and festivals to outdoor fun, like biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and more, Cowichan features a long list of things to do all year round.
But what really makes this warm land live up to its name is the chill, unhurried pace and the many quiet, unspoiled spots to enjoy it in.