The things that make the holidays special – the delicious food, the thoughtful gifts, the homemade comfort, the many ways to have fun and share time with your family – are part of Cowichan all year round. Yet only those who experience the valley for the holidays are lucky enough to discover them all in one place at this special time of year.
Support the many local artisans, producers, and businesses with your holiday shopping, visit the wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries for a tasting, or treat yourself to a gourmet meal at the many restaurants or cafes that feature a bounty of locally-sourced ingredients.
Everywhere you look, you’ll see that it’s true: the holidays truly come to life in Cowichan.
Support local with these cowichan Christmas Cocktail recipes!
We compiled a list of some yummy festive cocktail recipes using mixes and ingredients from local Cowichan beverage producers that are sure to put you in the spirit and feel good about supporting local this season!
Cowichan Gift Guides
Cowichan is home to an incredible array of local artisans and homemade products that make the perfect gift for the ones you love….or a treat yourself! Check out these guides for great Shop Local gift ideas. Also check out the selection of locally curated gifts and boxes at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre in Duncan at 2896 Drinkwater Road.
Where to Enjoy Christmas and New Year’s Eve Dinner
We’ve compiled a list of Cowichan restaurants that are serving special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve menus so you can relax and let someone else do the cooking this year!
STay local
There’s so many amazing things to see and do locally this Christmas season in Cowichan! From the lights display at local vineyards and farms like Merridale Cidery & Distillery, to the popular light up along First Avenue in Ladysmith, we encourage everyone to support their local communities this year.
Locals in Cowichan are treated to some of the most incredible scenery, food, arts, and hiking and biking in B.C.
eat & Drink local
The number of farm-to-table options in Cowichan have earned the region the moniker of “Canada’s Provence” from James Barber, host of the popular Urban Peasant. Cowichan Bay was North America’s first Cittaslow community, a designation born of the slow food movement and given to communities that feature local products and unspoiled lands.
With over 800 working farms in the region, it’s no wonder that Cowichan is known for its foodie scene. From world-class fine-dining restaurants, to homemade pastries and freshly-ground coffee from the many bakeries and cafes, to the award-winning wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries, you’ll find your perfect dish here.
Shop local
Cowichan is home to a vibrant artist and artisan producer community, and the locally made products bring visitors from around the province each year. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find something to catch your eye, from antiques and fine art to First Nations creations, fashions, arts & crafts, jewelry and more.
Visit the popular shopping districts in Duncan and Ladysmith for an incredible selection of unique gifts and goodies, or pop over to Cowichan Bay to peruse their selection of locally-made personal-care products. Stop by historic Chemainus for some of the best antique shopping around!
