Top things to do in Cowichan Valley for nature lovers 

Looking for the best things to do in Cowichan Valley? I’m sharing the best outdoor activities and wildlife experiences in Cowichan Valley in this guide, from incredible hikes to swimming and kayaking spots.  

Located on Vancouver Island between Nanaimo and Victoria, Cowichan Valley has it all – lush green forests, pristine coastline, and picturesque small towns. While a lot of people visit Cowichan Valley for its award-winning wineries, the area is rich in natural beauty making it a great destination for nature lovers. 

Named after its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people, Cowichan’s indigenous name, “Quw’utsun”, can be directly translated as ‘to warm one’s back in the sun’. A fitting name given Cowichan Valley has the warmest year-round temperatures in Canada. Its mild climate means that you can enjoy outdoor adventures all year-round.  

With wonderful hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife, Cowichan Valley is one of my favourite places to visit on Vancouver Island. It’s the perfect destination for a short vacation or weekend getaway. That said, it is a big region so knowing where to go and what to do can be overwhelming at first! I’ve been 4 times and have managed to explore a lot of the region, so I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Cowichan Valley. Read on to find the best outdoor activities and wildlife experiences Cowichan Valley has to offer in 2026! 

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Top 10 outdoor and wildlife activities in Cowichan Valley  

There are so many incredible things to do in Cowichan Valley if you love being outdoors in nature. I’m sharing my top 10 in this guide. There is obviously so much more to see and do in Cowichan Valley, but these are the ones you shouldn’t miss (in my opinion anyway!) 

It is a vast area so to make things easier, I’ve added all these things to do in Cowichan Valley to a map at the end of this guide. You can use this to see where everything is and decide where to base yourself.  

My personal recommendation? If it’s your first time visiting the area, stay in Cowichan Bay or the Malahat as you’ll be close to some of the best hikes and outdoor adventures in Cowichan Valley.  

1. Hike Old Baldy Mountain 

Of all the things to do in Cowichan Valley, this is probably my favourite. I actually planned my first trip here around hiking Old Baldy Mountain after seeing some of my friend’s photos! The views from the top looking down over Shawnigan Lake and the peninsula are incredible.  

It’s a pretty short hike at just 3.4 km round trip and it took us around 30 minutes to reach the top. There is 219 m elevation gain and it is quite steep in places so I’d class it as a moderate hike. You’ll definitely want a good pair of hiking shoes with decent grip as there is some loose rock along the way. There’s also a section near the top where you have to scramble but it isn’t too bad.  

This trail has become quite popular over recent years because of the (not so) secret tree swing at the top. There are lots of posts on Instagram now with the swing so this hike can get quite busy in the peak summer months and on weekends. When we went, the swing was actually broken but it’s since been repaired.  

2. Check out Kinsol Trestle 

Did you know that Cowichan Valley has eight trestle bridges? Kinsol Trestle is probably the most spectacular and is one of the highest free-standing wooden railway trestles. Standing at 44 metres tall and spanning 187 metres, it once carried trains over the Koksilah River. Today, it is a pedestrian bridge and a popular trail for cyclists and hikers.     

From the main south parking lot, it’s only a short walk (1.5 km) to the trestle bridge through the forest. The wide gravel path is well-groomed and maintained, making it ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Fun fact: this short section is actually part of the longer Cowichan Valley Trail which spans over 100km.  

Once you reach the bridge, you can walk across it and get some lovely views looking down over the Koksilah River. Keep an eye out for bald eagles fishing as I’ve often seen them flying in this area. There are a few viewpoints underneath that you can walk to which offer great opportunities to appreciate the sheer scale of the bridge. It really is quite impressive! 

It’s a lovely spot for lunch so I suggest packing a picnic and eating down by the river. There are a few picnic tables you can use close to the bridge. I’d plan to spend about an hour and a half here – that should be plenty of time to walk there, take some photos, and walk back.  

3. Walk the Chemainus Lake Loop 

Once a coastal mill town, Chemainus is now an outdoor art hub home to giant murals and art installations. It’s a lively and colourful community with boutique stores, artisanal cafés, beautiful parks, and a professional live theatre.  

It’s also home to Chemainus Lake. There’s a short 2.5km loop along a well-maintained gravel trail that will take you around the lake. It’s a beautiful walk and is ideal for families with young children as it’s very flat and accessible. 

Located just a few minutes outside the town of Chemainus, it’s one of the quieter trails. I only discovered it by chance because my friend wanted to check out the town, and as usual, I started looking for hiking trails nearby! The trail is surrounded by cedars and firs and is very peaceful. It doesn’t take long to walk the loop, so I recommend adding this to your list of things to do in Cowichan Valley if you’re passing by Chemainus.  

4. Get 360-degree views from Malahat Skywalk 

The small community of Malahat is a 20-minute drive north of Victoria and is considered the gateway to the Cowichan Valley. Named after the Malahat First Nation, this rugged area has beautiful views of the Saanich Inlet, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands.  

The winding and incredibly scenic Malahat Highway is typically referred to as ‘the Malahat’ and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It runs along the west side of the Saanich Inlet and offers amazing views of the surrounding area. There are a number of viewpoints and rest areas where you can stop and soak in the views.  If you’re not a hiker but still want to see some incredible views, add Malahat Skywalk to your list! 

You’ll walk through a beautiful arbutus forest to a spiral tower which takes you up to a lookout with 360-degree views. From the top you can see Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains in the distance. This was always one of my favourite things to do in Cowichan Valley when family and friends came to visit as it’s so accessible.  

It’s open year round and while it is a bit of a splurge, I think it’s worth it as the views are absolutely stunning. 

2026 Ticket Prices: 

• Adults: $43.95 CAD 
• Children: $27.95 CAD 

Travel tip: Buy your tickets from Get Your Guide so you can reserve and pay later. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund if your plans change. 

5. Meet the sea lions at Cowichan Bay 

Cowichan Bay is a small and historic seaside village located on the east coast of Southern Vancouver Island. This charming waterfront community feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria, yet it’s less than an hour’s drive.  

Walk along the pier and keep an eye out for Cowichan Bay’s local wildlife, including some of its noisy residents – Steller sea lions. Each autumn, they take over the marina docks for about two months to feast on the salmon returning to the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers. They can weigh up to 800kg and are quite the sight to see! Alongside Steller sea lions, you may also see California sea lions. They also visit Cowichan Bay to feast on salmon, normally closer to November. They’re smaller and darker in colour compared to Steller sea lions so it’s quite easy to tell them apart.  

On my first trip to Cowichan Valley, I stayed in Cowichan Bay and didn’t know about the sea lions. At 4am the next morning, I was woken up by their loud barking and growling! When I went down to the dock to see what was making so much noise, I couldn’t believe how many there were! 

6. Visit the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre 

If you enjoy birdwatching like me, don’t miss the chance to stop by the Cowichan Estuary if you’re in Cowichan Bay. Located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Quw’utsun’ People, the estuary spans 400 hectares and is teeming with marine life. Here you’re likely to encounter migratory and resident birds, as well as harbour seals and Steller and California sea lions which come to feed at the estuary. Each spring, a large colony of almost 200 Pacific Great Blue Herons also return to nest in the woodlands.  

The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is located at the west end of Cowichan Bay Village and is a great place to learn about the estuary, the bay, and the watershed. It was established in 2011 by a group of local residents, including naturalists, fishermen and educators who wanted to protect the ecosystem.  

There are a number of informative interactive exhibits and fun hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. Check out the marine aquarium and observation tank, go outside and walk the interpretive trail, and climb the viewing tower for some great bird watching opportunities.  

2026 Opening Hours: 

• Saturday and Sunday: 11am – 3pm  

7. Visit the Raptor Centre in Duncan 

As the largest community in the region, Duncan is home to some of the best things to do in Cowichan Valley. If you love wildlife, make sure you visit the Raptor Centre. Founded in 2022, the centre aims to educate and encourage visitors to protect the future of birds of prey.  

There are daily flying demonstrations where you can admire eagles, hawks, owls and vultures as they soar above you. The friendly staff will teach you about the different species, the role they play in the ecosystem, and the threats facing them today. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with some incredible birds of prey.   

2026 Ticket Prices: 

You can choose from a few different experiences but here are the standard admission prices: 

• Adults: $25 CAD  
• Children (4 – 12): $16 CAD  
• Youth/ student: $23 CAD  

8. Go tubing at Lake Cowichan  

The town of Lake Cowichan is located on one of the largest freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island, Cowichan Lake. This idyllic community is the gateway to some of the island’s best boating, hiking and hiking and camping experiences.  

Stretching over 30km, Cowichan Lake is renowned for its water sports. You can go swimming, canoeing or kayaking. However, if you want to do something really fun, you can go tubing! This is one of my favourite outdoor activities to do in Cowichan Valley – it’s a nice way to relax in nature and take in the scenery!  

You can hire a tube from The Tube Shack and take a leisurely 2.5-hour float down Cowichan Lake. The water is crystal clear and nice and cool so it’s the perfect activity on a hot sunny day. The Tube Shack provide rentals and complimentary shuttle services back to Lake Cowichan. Please note, you must be able to swim to do this activity and must complete a waiver before you set off.  

2026 Prices: 

• Regular tube: $22 CAD 
• Swift tube (inflatable kayak): $32 
• Family pass (2 adults, 2 children): $70 CAD 
• Shuttle only (if you have your own tube): $10 CAD 

9. Go kayaking at Mill Bay 

Mill Bay is another small community that visitors often miss. It’s a lovely, quiet seaside community with stunning beaches. The best way to explore Mill Bay is to get out on the water. You can book kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding tours from Blue Dog Kayaking, or if you’re experienced, you can rent kayaks and SUPs and explore on your own. 

It’s a lovely way to see local marine and bird life and enjoy the pristine scenery around Mill Bay. If you want to book a rental, you’ll need to call Blue Dog’s office on +1 250 710 7693.  

10. Learn about Indigenous history in Duncan 

While this guide focuses on outdoorsy things to do in Cowichan Valley, I think it’s really important to take some time and learn about the people whose land you’re visiting. As a Canadian citizen, understanding Indigenous history and culture is something I always try to prioritise when I travel. If you want to learn more while visiting Cowichan Valley, Duncan is a great place to do so.  

Known as the “City of Totems”, Duncan has one of world’s largest collections of totem poles. The best way to see the 40+ beautifully carved totem poles is via the Totem Tour Walk. Follow the yellow footprints and discover the rich history behind each totem pole. You can also take a virtual tour with the town’s interactive map.  

Other outdoor activities in Cowichan Valley 

There are so many great outdoor activities and wildlife experiences on offer in Cowichan Valley. The ones above are my favourites – and are the ones I always recommend to first-time visitors – but there are so many more things to do in Cowichan Valley. If you’re returning or have longer to explore, here are some more recommendations: 

Cowichan Valley hikes 

• Bright Angel Park: You’ll find quiet forest trails here along with Cowichan’s most popular suspension bridge above the Koksilah River 
• Gordon Bay Provincial Park: Located on the shores of Lake Cowichan, this park has a number of hiking trails with amazing views. Keep an eye out for wildlife and birds including Stellar’s jays and chestnut-backed chickadees.  
• Mount Tzouhalem: Known as Mount Zoo by locals, it’s home to an extensive network of hiking (and biking) trails offering panoramic views.  
• Stocking Creek Park: If you love waterfall hikes like me, head to Stocking Creek Park. The short 2 km trail will take you through the forest to the waterfall.  
• Stoney Hill Regional Park: Located in north Cowichan, the park has amazing views of Salt Spring Island. There is a 3.2km loop which offers scenic views.  

Biking trails in Cowichan Valley 

When I first went to Cowichan Valley, I had no idea it was such a big mountain biking destination! But it actually has more than 170 trails. If you love mountain biking, the majority of the hard core trails can be found on Mount Tzouhalem, Cobble Hill, Mount Prevost, and Maple Mountain. 

If like me, you’re more of a ‘slow Sunday bike ride with lots of photo stops’ kind of person, I recommend cycling along part of the Cowichan Valley Trail instead! 

Map of the best things to do in Cowichan Valley 

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Cowichan Valley 

As you can see, there is no shortage of amazing outdoor things to do in Cowichan Valley. It’s a beautiful place to explore so I hope this guide gives you all the information you need to plan your own trip to this incredible region.  

Where next?

A lot of people choose to visit Cowichan Valley as part of a longer Vancouver Island road trip. The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a great way to explore Vancouver Island’s beautiful southwest coast. The route traces the coastline from Victoria into Sooke and Port Renfrew before heading east to Lake Cowichan and Cowichan Valley. If you’re thinking of doing this, don’t forget to check out my Victoria and Sooke guides!

Love from Steph

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