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Explore the ocean, lakes, and rivers in Cowichan for the best paddling experiences!

Located in Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean Climatic Zone, Cowichan is home to the warmest year-round temperatures making it known as "The Warm Land". These warm year-round temperatures makes Cowichan an ideal community for paddlers. Not only is it bordered by the ocean, but Cowichan is also home to some beautiful lakes and rivers. Shawnigan Lake, Cowichan Lake, and the Cowichan River are just a few spots where you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and more! With a variety of different waterways Cowichan is a perfect spot to fit every paddlers needs.

Featured waterways in Cowichan

Here are some of the area’s best bodies of water to dip into.

Cowichan Itinerary

The Cowichan Valley is a 3,500-square-kilometer regional district located in the southern portion of Vancouver Island between the large cities of Victoria and Nanaimo. It includes the communities of Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus and offers all manner of watersport experiences from paddleboarding on Lake Cowichan and sea kayaking the Saanich Inlet to whitewater canoeing on the Cowichan River. It’s also a renowned agricultural area that boasts food markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants, and multiple brewpubs.

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Meet the specialists Cowichan

From guides and instructors to marina owners and sales reps, here are the people who will ensure you’re not sent up the creek without a, well, you know. 

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Proud to offer paddling tours and instruction accessible and enjoyable for people of all levels.
Tours, Rentals & Lessons
Blue Dog Kayaking

Book a kayaking or SUP tour or lesson with Blue Dog Kayaking. Amber specializes in safety training before going out to explore.

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Lessons, Tours & Rentals
Coastal Bliss Adventures Ltd.

Experience amazing sea kayaking tours with Coastal Bliss Adventures.

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Tours, Rentals & Lessons
Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre

Choose from different kayaking tours or check out their other watersports rental options at Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre.

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Rentals and Tours
Kaatza Adventures

With tour and rental options Kaatza Adventures is a great way to explore Cowichan Lake.

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Rentals, Tours & Lessons
Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals

Rent a paddle board with Palli Palli Mobile Ebike & Paddle Board Rentals.

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Tours and Rentals
Pristine Paddleboard Adventures

Located on Cowichan Lake Pristine Paddleboard Adventures is the perfect place to rent a paddleboard and explore the lake at your own pace.

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Tours, Retail, Lessons & Rentals
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures

With many kayak and paddleboard rental and tour options Sealegs Kayaking Adventures has something for everyone!

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Tours
Sea to Sky Expeditions

Book an unforgettable guided kayaking tour with Sea to Sky Expeditions.

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Rentals
Shawnigan Surf & Board co

Create your own adventure with paddleboard rentals from Shawnigan Surf & Board Co.

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Rentals, Tours & Lessons
Wilderness Kayaking Co

Wilderness Kayaking Co offers many different kayaking tours, lessons, and has many rental options for kayaks and paddleboards.

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From Rivers to Lakes to Ocean, Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley Offers it all

The kayak is bobbing up and down as it flows through the gentle ocean waves in the sheltered waters of Cowichan Bay. What should be a peaceful scene is interrupted by the…

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