Christina's Guidebook
Sightseeing
A fantastic lake for swimming, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. Close by is the historic Kinsol Trestle, which is a must see!
49 locals recommend
Shawnigan Lake
A fantastic lake for swimming, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. Close by is the historic Kinsol Trestle, which is a must see!
The amazing Butchart Gardens is a great place to visit. If you are here at Christmas, you must see the 12 days of Christmas light up. It won't disappoint! Food on site or you can bring your own.
9 locals recommend
Butchart Gardens
Butchart GardensThe amazing Butchart Gardens is a great place to visit. If you are here at Christmas, you must see the 12 days of Christmas light up. It won't disappoint! Food on site or you can bring your own.
A local hiking favourite with the locals. Only 2 km from our cottage, this park offers tons of hiking trails and a fantastic view from the top overlooking Cobble Hill and the ocean, over to the airport in Victoria.
46 locals recommend
Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area
A local hiking favourite with the locals. Only 2 km from our cottage, this park offers tons of hiking trails and a fantastic view from the top overlooking Cobble Hill and the ocean, over to the airport in Victoria.
Just a short drive away, this beach is a must see. When the tide is out, you can go for a long walk along the water's edge.
18 locals recommend
Cherry Point Beach
800 Garnett RdJust a short drive away, this beach is a must see. When the tide is out, you can go for a long walk along the water's edge.
A new local attraction that offers great views from the top, plus you can slide you way down!
108 locals recommend
Malahat SkyWalk
901 Trans-Canada HwyA new local attraction that offers great views from the top, plus you can slide you way down!
A local favourite, especially for families. Pack a picnic and enjoy the ocean! A water park and playground is great for the kids and food is on site.
40 locals recommend
Transfer Beach Park
Captain Tristan de Konnick WayA local favourite, especially for families. Pack a picnic and enjoy the ocean! A water park and playground is great for the kids and food is on site.
Love trains and trees? Then don't miss out on this stop! Great for families and children. Ride a steam train through our forests and discovery more about our history of logging in BC.
50 locals recommend
B.C. Forest Discovery Centre
2892 Drinkwater RdLove trains and trees? Then don't miss out on this stop! Great for families and children. Ride a steam train through our forests and discovery more about our history of logging in BC.
Ocean Ecoventures Whale Watching guarantees a whale sighting! This is a MUST, especially if you love to see these majestic animals in their own habitat.
45 locals recommend
Ocean Ecoventures Whale Watching
1721 Cowichan Bay RdOcean Ecoventures Whale Watching guarantees a whale sighting! This is a MUST, especially if you love to see these majestic animals in their own habitat.
Founded in 1886, this museum offers many displays of natural and human history in BC, as well as houses the BC Provincial Archives. Enjoy a show at the IMAX theatre or stroll through the many displays of history. You'll need a few hours to fully enjoy this museum.
534 locals recommend
Royal BC Museum
675 Belleville StFounded in 1886, this museum offers many displays of natural and human history in BC, as well as houses the BC Provincial Archives. Enjoy a show at the IMAX theatre or stroll through the many displays of history. You'll need a few hours to fully enjoy this museum.
Majestic and full of history, you must check out the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth of Nations and one of the highest railway trestles in the world. Located approximately 15 min drive from our cottage and it's a great place to go for a walk or bike ride.
168 locals recommend
Kinsol Trestle
2869 Glen Eagles RdMajestic and full of history, you must check out the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth of Nations and one of the highest railway trestles in the world. Located approximately 15 min drive from our cottage and it's a great place to go for a walk or bike ride.
City/town information
The London of the West! This beautiful city, the capital of British Columbia, with many historic buildings, our parliament buildings and history, has a very British feel to it. There are many sites to see, tons of restaurants, theatre, and shops. Worth a day or at least an afternoon visit. The afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel is top on our list if you have time.
230 locals recommend
Victoria
The London of the West! This beautiful city, the capital of British Columbia, with many historic buildings, our parliament buildings and history, has a very British feel to it. There are many sites to see, tons of restaurants, theatre, and shops. Worth a day or at least an afternoon visit. The afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel is top on our list if you have time.
Famous for their murals and shopping at the small boutique stores. Check out the sweet shop Hansel and Gretal while you are there!
67 locals recommend
Chemainus
Famous for their murals and shopping at the small boutique stores. Check out the sweet shop Hansel and Gretal while you are there!
Only a short drive away, the small town of Duncan, BC offers a close hand look at the carvings by our first nations. This town is located on the traditional lands of the Cowichan First Nation. Take a totem tour or enjoy our little shops along the way.
43 locals recommend
Duncan
Only a short drive away, the small town of Duncan, BC offers a close hand look at the carvings by our first nations. This town is located on the traditional lands of the Cowichan First Nation. Take a totem tour or enjoy our little shops along the way.
This town is located on the 49th parallel and is rich with logging history. Many small shops and the BEST cinnamon buns we've ever had from Old Town Bakery! Also check out Wild Poppy Market for those who are gluten free. Their bread is amazing!
34 locals recommend
Ladysmith
This town is located on the 49th parallel and is rich with logging history. Many small shops and the BEST cinnamon buns we've ever had from Old Town Bakery! Also check out Wild Poppy Market for those who are gluten free. Their bread is amazing!
A small community nestled in the bay that is known for its fishing and scenery. If you're lucky, you will see the sea lions that like to hang out on the docks. Great restaurants along the water as well.
109 locals recommend
Cowichan Bay
A small community nestled in the bay that is known for its fishing and scenery. If you're lucky, you will see the sea lions that like to hang out on the docks. Great restaurants along the water as well.
Food scene
Unsworth Vineyards is a short drive away. Their wines are amazing, plus they have a restaurant on site that serves 5* meals. Best to make a reservation for the restaurant.
111 locals recommend
Unsworth Vineyards
2915 Cameron Taggart RdUnsworth Vineyards is a short drive away. Their wines are amazing, plus they have a restaurant on site that serves 5* meals. Best to make a reservation for the restaurant.
One of the first wineries in our area and a must see!
62 locals recommend
Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard
2182 Lakeside RdOne of the first wineries in our area and a must see!
A fantastic winery with an amazing view over the Cowichan Valley! It's North of Duncan, but worth the drive.
45 locals recommend
Averill Creek Vineyard
6552 N RdA fantastic winery with an amazing view over the Cowichan Valley! It's North of Duncan, but worth the drive.
Cherry Point Estate Wines is a short drive away, very close to Cherry Point Beach. While you are there, try their Blackberry Port, which they are famous for.
45 locals recommend
Cherry Point Estate Wines
840 Cherry Point RdCherry Point Estate Wines is a short drive away, very close to Cherry Point Beach. While you are there, try their Blackberry Port, which they are famous for.
Wondering where the locals go? You found it, the Cobblestone Pub! Just a short 2 km from our cottage, this pub is the local hub of Cobble Hill. Great food, drinks and live music. All ages welcome during some hours, over 19 after hours.
26 locals recommend
Cobblestone Inn
3566 Holland AvenueWondering where the locals go? You found it, the Cobblestone Pub! Just a short 2 km from our cottage, this pub is the local hub of Cobble Hill. Great food, drinks and live music. All ages welcome during some hours, over 19 after hours.
Another local pub, this one located in Cowichan Bay. If you're lucky, you can get a table looking over the ocean. It is a beautiful spot and they made themselves famous with their Coast to Coast Caesar. Dare to try it!
25 locals recommend
Cow Bay Marine Pub Inc
1695 Cowichan Bay RdAnother local pub, this one located in Cowichan Bay. If you're lucky, you can get a table looking over the ocean. It is a beautiful spot and they made themselves famous with their Coast to Coast Caesar. Dare to try it!
Looking for fine dining with a view to match? Then you've found it! This is a MUST restaurant to try if your budget allows. Phone ahead to book the best table with a view.
21 locals recommend
Villa Eyrie Resort
600 Ebedora LnLooking for fine dining with a view to match? Then you've found it! This is a MUST restaurant to try if your budget allows. Phone ahead to book the best table with a view.
Another winery, very close to us! A beautiful spot to enjoy a Summer afternoon. And the wine is great too!
54 locals recommend
Enrico Winery
3280 Telegraph RdAnother winery, very close to us! A beautiful spot to enjoy a Summer afternoon. And the wine is great too!
Love gin? Then check out our local distillery that has won awards world wide! Their gin put them on the map, but they've now branched out to other favourites.
9 locals recommend
Ampersand Distilling
4077 Lanchaster RoadLove gin? Then check out our local distillery that has won awards world wide! Their gin put them on the map, but they've now branched out to other favourites.
Love beer? This local hub offers you a taste of our locals beers paired with great food! If you're a large group, reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
46 locals recommend
Craig Street Brew Pub
25 Craig StLove beer? This local hub offers you a taste of our locals beers paired with great food! If you're a large group, reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Another local favourite that makes their own cider from their apple grove. Take a stroll through their orchard or enjoy their great ciders with their local fare. No reservations needed but recommended.
105 locals recommend
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale RdAnother local favourite that makes their own cider from their apple grove. Take a stroll through their orchard or enjoy their great ciders with their local fare. No reservations needed but recommended.
The historic Fairmont Empress afternoon tea service is a must if you have the time and your budget allows. Enjoy a traditional high tea with many delights. The hotel is fit for the Queen.
194 locals recommend
Hotel Fairmont Empress
721 Government StThe historic Fairmont Empress afternoon tea service is a must if you have the time and your budget allows. Enjoy a traditional high tea with many delights. The hotel is fit for the Queen.
Great food in a great atmosphere, where you feel like you're suspended over the ocean in Mill Bay! Just a short drive down the highway from our cottage, this is a perfect restaurant for a romantic evening or a family dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially if you'd like a table with a view.
74 locals recommend
Bridgemans Bistro
740 Handy RdGreat food in a great atmosphere, where you feel like you're suspended over the ocean in Mill Bay! Just a short drive down the highway from our cottage, this is a perfect restaurant for a romantic evening or a family dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially if you'd like a table with a view.
Craving pizza? This restaurant offers the BEST wood fired pizza in our area! And the best part is that it's only minutes away, located in Valley View Centre, across the highway from our cottage.
40 locals recommend
Pizzeria Prima Strada
14-1400 Cowichan Bay RdCraving pizza? This restaurant offers the BEST wood fired pizza in our area! And the best part is that it's only minutes away, located in Valley View Centre, across the highway from our cottage.
Seafood, fresh local fare and a view. You can't get any better than that! This is a wonderful restaurant that prides itself on not having a microwave in their kitchen, meaning you only get fresh food, sourced that day! A favourite with our family. Located in the heart of Cowichan Bay, only a few minutes away.
11 locals recommend
The Vine
1765 Cowichan Bay RdSeafood, fresh local fare and a view. You can't get any better than that! This is a wonderful restaurant that prides itself on not having a microwave in their kitchen, meaning you only get fresh food, sourced that day! A favourite with our family. Located in the heart of Cowichan Bay, only a few minutes away.
Another great restaurant, this time located right on Shawnigan Lake! They pride themselves on sourcing local food and the menu changes daily. Great atmosphere, great food for all ages!
47 locals recommend
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
2460 Renfrew RdAnother great restaurant, this time located right on Shawnigan Lake! They pride themselves on sourcing local food and the menu changes daily. Great atmosphere, great food for all ages!
Local Activities
Avid golfer? The Cowichan Golf Club is a par 70, 6189 yard, 18-hole course in Duncan, BC and features all the hallmarks of Vancouver Island golf. The course also features views of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding mountains with many tight fairways lined with trees. Full service club-house on site as well. Enjoy a terrific day of golf, beautiful scenery, challenging holes, excellent service, and a great club-house and restaurant
8 locals recommend
Cowichan Golf Club
4955 Trans-Canada HwyAvid golfer? The Cowichan Golf Club is a par 70, 6189 yard, 18-hole course in Duncan, BC and features all the hallmarks of Vancouver Island golf. The course also features views of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding mountains with many tight fairways lined with trees. Full service club-house on site as well. Enjoy a terrific day of golf, beautiful scenery, challenging holes, excellent service, and a great club-house and restaurant
Just minutes from our cottage, the Bill Robinson design 18-hole golf course is rated Four Stars by Golf Digest, Best Destination Golf Course in British Columbia by Golf Nerve Magazine and One of Canada’s Ten Best Courses for Your Money by Westjet Magazine. The facility has played host to numerous provincial and national championships and achieved a Sustainability Award from Tourism Vancouver Island.
The golf course and clubhouse are specifically designed to offer some of the most stunning views on Vancouver Island amongst the characteristic Arbutus tree. The back nine climbs a ridge to overlook the Satellite Channel where you will find the Satellite Bar & Grille including wrap around patio and ocean views.
28 locals recommend
Arbutus Ridge Golf Club and Satellite Bar & Grille
3515 Telegraph RdJust minutes from our cottage, the Bill Robinson design 18-hole golf course is rated Four Stars by Golf Digest, Best Destination Golf Course in British Columbia by Golf Nerve Magazine and One of Canada’s Ten Best Courses for Your Money by Westjet Magazine. The facility has played host to numerous provincial and national championships and achieved a Sustainability Award from Tourism Vancouver Island.
The golf course and clubhouse are specifically designed to offer some of the most stunning views on Vancouver Island amongst the characteristic Arbutus tree. The back nine climbs a ridge to overlook the Satellite Channel where you will find the Satellite Bar & Grille including wrap around patio and ocean views.
Located approximately 20 min drive from our cottage, Duncan Meadows sets seamlessly into the landscape. The course’s many lakes and ponds create an eco-culture that is home to many types of waterfowl. And from every tee, golfers are rewarded with unforgettable mountain and valley views. Rolling waves of wild grasses border many holes while yet others are carved from wooded maple and fir. Rising high above the nearby majestic Mt. Prevost, eagles ride the thermals, watching over your every shot. Glimpses of deer and mist enshrouded greens await early morning foursomes.
The course itself is an exceptionally strong mix of parkland and links style holes exquisitely sculpted from the gently rolling and verdant landscape. Meandering creeks crossed with small rock bridges recall the roots of the game in Scotland while the manicure of the greens is consistent with today's best conditioned facilities.
Duncan Meadows has a deserved reputation as a player's course that rewards forethought and patience. Testament to the course's quality are the player's who have emerged as champions here... Both LPGA player Paula Creamer and PGA player, and B.C. native Chris Baryla have won major competitions at the course "Where Champions Are Crowned."
6 locals recommend
Duncan Meadows Golf Course
6507 N RdLocated approximately 20 min drive from our cottage, Duncan Meadows sets seamlessly into the landscape. The course’s many lakes and ponds create an eco-culture that is home to many types of waterfowl. And from every tee, golfers are rewarded with unforgettable mountain and valley views. Rolling waves of wild grasses border many holes while yet others are carved from wooded maple and fir. Rising high above the nearby majestic Mt. Prevost, eagles ride the thermals, watching over your every shot. Glimpses of deer and mist enshrouded greens await early morning foursomes.
The course itself is an exceptionally strong mix of parkland and links style holes exquisitely sculpted from the gently rolling and verdant landscape. Meandering creeks crossed with small rock bridges recall the roots of the game in Scotland while the manicure of the greens is consistent with today's best conditioned facilities.
Duncan Meadows has a deserved reputation as a player's course that rewards forethought and patience. Testament to the course's quality are the player's who have emerged as champions here... Both LPGA player Paula Creamer and PGA player, and B.C. native Chris Baryla have won major competitions at the course "Where Champions Are Crowned."
Looking for some family fun? The Cowichan Aquatic Centre is home to our local indoor pool and water slides. You can also catch a hockey game of our hometown team, The Capitals or go ice skating. Great fun for families, plus check out the largest hockey stick in the World while you are there!
6 locals recommend
Cowichan Aquatic Centre
2653 James StLooking for some family fun? The Cowichan Aquatic Centre is home to our local indoor pool and water slides. You can also catch a hockey game of our hometown team, The Capitals or go ice skating. Great fun for families, plus check out the largest hockey stick in the World while you are there!
Shawnigan Surf & Board Co is the local SUP and boat rental place in Shawnigan Lake. Book a time to learn how to wake surf, or enjoy the peace and serenity of the lake while on a SUP.
2346 Shawnigan Lake Rd
2346 Shawnigan Lake RoadShawnigan Surf & Board Co is the local SUP and boat rental place in Shawnigan Lake. Book a time to learn how to wake surf, or enjoy the peace and serenity of the lake while on a SUP.
Want to kayak around the Cowichan Bay? You can rent from Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre and explore away! Paddle over to Genoa Bay for lunch, or check out all the scenery around the marina. If you're lucky, you'll spot our local seals or maybe even an orca!
17 locals recommend
Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre
1765 Cowichan Bay RdWant to kayak around the Cowichan Bay? You can rent from Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre and explore away! Paddle over to Genoa Bay for lunch, or check out all the scenery around the marina. If you're lucky, you'll spot our local seals or maybe even an orca!
City advice
Getting around
Best to have a vehicle to get to places.
Local transit is sparse, taxis are few and far between and we don't have Uber. We are very rural.
Don't miss
The Saturday Farmer's Market is a must see!
Located in Duncan, BC, the farmer's market is every Saturday and has many, many local vendors and delights.
Book before you go
Local Wine Tours
Best to book this in advance. We have over 12 wineries in our area, many are award winning!
Book before you go
Whale Watching
Whale watching tours are offered from Cowichan Bay, BC or Victoria, BC and if you have the time, book it! Seeing the whale in their natural habitat is surreal.
Book before you go
Fishing Tours
We have many fishing tours in our area, but you need to book in advance! Check out companies online or reach out to us and we can help you book a guided tour.
What to pack
Bring rain gear
We do live in a rain forest, so best to be prepared! Our weather can go from rainy, to sunny, to snow, all in one day.
Don't miss
The many beaches and trails in our area
We have many, many local parks and trails to be enjoyed, plus beaches within a 10 min drive. Enjoy our ocean or lake beaches any time of the year. A local hiking mountain, a favourite with the locals, is only 2 km down the road.