Easy come,
not so easy go.
Summer is peak outdoor festivities season, beginning with Cowichan Tribes hosting National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Arts and culture is a vital part of our community’s makeup, often with nature as muse. Chemanius has over 60 murals maintained by its Festival of Murals Society, while Duncan is known as the City of Totems with more than 40 original carvings all with their own story to tell. Arts on the Avenue takes place in Ladysmith in late August with family-friendly interactive art stations lining the streets, an evening art jam, and a festival market, while the Summer in the Valley Arts Festival brings together food, art, and live music in August too.
For theatrical performances, the outdoor Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival put on by the Shawnigan Players in August is always a joyful, expressive affair, while the musically-minded head to the Islands Folk Festival in late July on Duncan’s Providence Farm. Laketown Ranch also continues to play host to large crowds with both the Laketown Shakedown at the end of June and Sunfest Country Festival on August long weekend.
Summer Events
If sampling food and drink is more your thing, you’ll want to carve out time for the one-day Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival in August which brings together BC’s best beers and artisan tasting dishes set to a series of live music. The Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s primary wine sub-region and the month-long Cowichan Valley Wine Festival in August is one of our guests’ favourite ways to try the varieties that come from our unique terroir and meet the passionate, warm-hearted producers behind each sip.
Summer is also the time our pristine waterways are a particular draw for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you take to the water by paddleboard, kayak, or guided boat trip, want to try tubing down the Cowichan River, or are simply seeking a slower pace on the beach. Cyclists, hikers, and trail runners head to our 180 km trail system taking in mountains, fields, and old-growth forest. Those keen to experience sea-to-sky views without the full-day excursion head to the family-friendly, accessible Malahat Skywalk. A tower 250m above sea level that has a handy (and extra fun) way to descent: a 20 metre spiral slide. You’ll also enjoy their smattering of summer events, 600m long elevated TreeWalk, and – what’s summer without it – soft serve.
Things to Do
Large vistas, vast lakes, stunning mountains and incredible unspoiled views. Experience the thrill and the chill.
Indoor Activities
Cowichan offers a myriad of indoor activities for those rainy days.
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Visitor Guide
Download our Cowichan Visitor Guide for more information to help plan your trip!
Trip Inspiration
Check out our blog posts to learn more about not-to-miss summer experiences.
Things to Do
In Cowichan, you can explore stunning vineyards, indulge in delicious local cuisine, kayak along picturesque rivers, hike through lush forests, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich Indigenous culture.
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