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 barking of hundreds of sea lions resting on the surrounding docks and shorelines. Every year, around mid-October, when the salmon run begins, hundreds of California Sea Lions are known to stop over in Cowichan Bay to enjoy a smorgasbord of salmon. This spectacle of nature is one of many reasons to add the Cowichan Valley to the list of must-visit paddle destinations. Thanks to its mild climate, the area offers options for paddling year-round. Not only is there year-round paddling, but this is one of the few areas in BC where, within a 30-minute drive, you can access ocean paddling, fresh flat-water paddling, and whitewater kayaking.
Sea Kayaking in Cowichan Bay
Cowichan Bay is the perfect place to start for those new to Sea Kayaking. The hills surrounding the Cowichan Valley provide a wind block, making for exceptionally calm waters in the bay. While the seasonal visit of sea lions is a must-see event, the whole year offers plenty of opportunities to see harbour seals, herons, eagles, osprey, and more! For a truly exceptional paddling experience, check out the bioluminescence tour with Cowichan Bay Kayaking. This tour sets out as the sky darkens and the moon begins to rise. The experienced guides know where to find the bioluminescent dinoflagellates, tiny single-celled organisms that cause the ocean’s surface to sparkle and glow a brilliant bright blue colour.
Overnight Sea Kayak to Musgrave Point
While there is a lot to see during a day of paddling within Cowichan Bay, there is no holding back a more experienced kayaker from wanting to paddle farther. Travelling from Cowichan Bay to Musgrave Point on Salt Spring Island exposes kayakers to stronger currents as they get into the open channel. An awareness of tides and proper timing with the direction of the tide is essential for paddlers embarking on this route. The Recreation Site at Musgrave Point is part of the BC Martine Trail and can be connected to other sites within the marine trail to expand this from an overnight to a longer multi-day trip. The primarily water-accessed campsite only has basic amenities, including pit toilets and picnic tables, so bringing everything you need is essential. While travelling back and forth between Cowichan Bay and Musgrave Point, keep your eyes open for the transient orcas known to travel through the channel regularly as they hunt seals.
White Water Kayaking on the Cowichan River
Part of what makes the Cowichan Valley such a great destination for paddling is that there is a little something for everyone. The Cowichan River, which flows into Cowichan Bay, is the site of some great whitewater kayaking that can be enjoyed with decent flows all year round. The stretch of river between Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon is often one of the first class 3 rivers for Vancouver Island paddlers. While this river is known as an intro to class 3 whitewater for many paddlers, a couple of optional class 4 rapids and the occasional surf wave keep the river fun for more experienced kayakers. Paddlers new to this area are encouraged to scout the optional rapids and the takeout spot before starting their run.
Paddle Cowichan Lake
Cowichan Lake is the second largest freshwater lake on Vancouver Island, at 31 km long, with a perimeter of about 110 km. This large body of freshwater boasts plentiful options for canoeing and stand-up paddle-boarding adventures! The lake is dotted with campgrounds that span from the more developed side of the lake in the heart of the Lake Cowichan community to Heather Campsite at the far eastern shores of the water body. These campgrounds can make a great spot to launch for a day trip or could be connected for a multi-day canoe trip. One of the best locations to launch from is Gordon Bay Provincial Park as it has options for Canoe and stand-up paddle board rentals on site. A great day trip option for canoeists or stand-up paddle boarders from Gordon Bay is to make a small crossing to Sandy Beach, an excellent spot to soak up the sun and have lunch sheltered from the wind at the base of Bald Mountain. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout and Cutthroat Trout, making it a great place to try kayak fishing.
The Cowichan Valley is a four-season playground for paddlers, but the paddling is just part of what makes this such a great destination overall. The Cowichan Valley offers a wide variety of places to stay, hosts a ton of great places to eat, and is also home to a thriving wine industry. Imagine spotting Orcas from a sea kayak in the morning and going for a wine tasting in the afternoon. That is something you can only experience in the Cowichan Valley.
