Thirty kilometres long and edged with forest and hidden beaches, Cowichan Lake is the freshwater jewel of the region. Located in the traditional territory of the Ts’uubaa-asatx people, who have been the stewards of these lands since time immemorial, Cowichan Lake is a prime paddling destination for paddlers of all skill levels. In particular, Gordon Bay Provincial Park on the lake’s eastern shore is a wide, sheltered cove that’s perfect for beginners. There you’ll find Pristine Paddleboards and the “Paddle Pod,” which rents out paddleboards and offers tours. They even offer a night-time glow cruise on the lake in which participants paddle around with LEDs attached to the underside of their boards, creating a surreal and fun adventure. Spend an evening, an afternoo,n or the whole day floating around islets and through shallows while taking in the beautiful surrounding scenery.