Cowichan

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 spans 3,500 square kilometres in southern Vancouver Island and is home to communities like Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from peaceful SUP sessions on Lake Cowichan and saltwater kayaking in the Saanich Inlet to adrenaline-pumping whitewater canoe runs on the Cowichan River. Off the water, the region serves up a feast of local flavours with its farmers markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants and some great 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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