Spring

Cowichan is the perfect destination for spring rejuvenation. Longer days, warmer temperatures and fresh blossoms are waiting to welcome you to the region. Beat the busy season and take some time to get to know the Cowichan region like never before. Bring your loved ones and reconnect over awe-inspiring sensory experiences, like the Malahat Skywalk, the Hand of Man Museum, or pay a visit to any one of Cowichan’s outstanding wineries.

Top Spring Activities

Sample the BC Ale Trail

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to stop in at a local brewery. With rotating seasonal taps, there’s always something new to enjoy! Find out more about the Cowichan portion of the Vancouver Island Ale Trail here.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled along the BC Bird Trail

Just a few years old, the BC Bird Trail caters to visitors who enjoy experience a destination from watching the local flora and fauna. The BC Bird Trail features several stop throughout the Cowichan region, check them out here!

Mingle with the Wildlife

Get up close and personal with some of Cowichan’s most popular locals. No Cowichan experience is complete without a stop at The Raptors, where you can meet owls, eagles, hawks, and more. Learn more at The Raptor website.

Visit A Farm Store

You know the old adage “April showers bring May flowers”? In the Cowichan Valley, it’s easy to access the freshest produce from local farmers by paying a visit to a local farm stand. From eggs to lettuce and bread to fresh sandwiches and soups, your grocery bag will be full before you know it.

Roll Or Stroll

Did someone say hero dirt? While Spring weather can be variable at times, the rain adds just enough moisture to the trails to keep them tacky! If you haven’t hiked Mount Prevost ridden bikes at Mount Tzouhalem, now is the perfect time try.

Make Time For Some Family Fun

With Spring Break right around the corner, it’s a great time to plan a getaway or staycation in the Cowichan Valley! Fill your days-off with great family activities, kid-friendly restaurants, and outdoor activities. Learn more →

Shopping

Head to downtown Duncan, Chemainus, and Ladysmith to check out the latest fashions, home décor, and artisan creations from locally owned shops. A new season means new inventory, and great new wardrobes for life on the west coast.

Spring Means Art Tour Season In Cowichan

And here’s how to make the most of it!

Take A Self Guided Art Tour

Take a sneak peek inside the studios of our regional artists this spring. From Yellow Point to Cobble Hill, the Cowichan Region will be alive with art. These are free self-guided tours where 29 or more local artists open their studios and creative spaces to the public and share how and where their art is created.

This is a unique opportunity to visit artists, view diverse works and buy pieces specifically created for this event. Come and see why Cowichan has long attracted artists who find inspiration in the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the warmland.

Professional artists open their studios to provide demonstrations and display their work in many different mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry, mixed media, wood carving, mosaics, photography, and other interesting art forms. This annual event is a “must see” for regional artists and art lovers.

Upcoming Spring Events

Check out these free, self-guided art tours throughout the Cowichan region!

Ladysmith Spring Art Tour – April 22, 23, & 24

This 3-day self-guided art tour includes 16 stops at local art galleries and theatres showcasing a variety of media including glass, textiles, pottery, and even live entertainment. Be your own guide while you experience the regions brightest creativity while connecting with artists in their studios.

Masks are required for this tour.

For more information, please visit LadysmithArts.com.

Ladysmith Handmade Fine Craft Show – May 6 – 30

Join the Arts Council of Ladysmith for a celebration of fine crafts featuring artwork from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

The Arts Council of Ladysmith and District invites established and emerging fine artisans and artists living and working on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to apply for participation in our first biennial juried Fine Craft Show.

What is fine craft?

Fine craft refers to works by artisans that are carefully crafted from quality materials with function and design in mind. While fine arts are focused on the creative self-expression of the artists, fine crafts are created with the end-user in mind. Categories include basketry, clay, glass, leather, metal, paper, wood, and jewelry, just to name a few.

Learn more about the event here.

Cowichan Valley Fine Art Show 2022 – May 5 – 29

The highlight of the art show season, the Cowichan Valley Fine Art Show will be an ambitious and exuberant display of outstanding artistic talent in the Cowichan Valley region and beyond on Vancouver Island.

To learn more, visit the Cowichan Valley Arts Council website.

Cowichan Spring Art Tour – May 13 – 15

Thirteen Artisans from across the Cowichan region will be taking part in the annual Spring Art Tour. From May 13 – 15th, studios invite you to drop by between 10 am – 5 pm to see some of their mot recent pieces. Provincial Health Guidelines for Covid will be in place.

For more information, visit CowichanArtisans.com/Events.

Can’t make one of the events?

Visit A Gallery

Mary Fox Pottery
Live Edge Design
Arthur Vickers Gallery
EJ Hughes Gallery
Round Woman Studio
Hayes Glass Design
Cowichan Valley Arts Council
Arts Council of Ladysmith + District
Cowichan Artisans