Community Profiles

Cowichan Valley

Inspiring vistas of valleys and vineyards, forests and farmland, sparkling lakes and crystal-clear rivers abound in the picturesque Cowichan region.

South Cowichan - Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill and Mill Bay
(Area Population: 11,600)
These quaint, picturesque communities, steeped in logging, farming, and mining history, encompass the heart of South Cowichan. Drawn by the lovely lakes and parks and a variety of activities, visitors will quickly discover the Valley’s hidden gems.

Cowichan Bay (Population: 2,679)
The picturesque fishing village of Cowichan Bay is situated at the head of a natural deep-sea harbour. Most of Cowichan Bay’s commercial and residential buildings are on stilts. Shops, art galleries, accommodation properties, and excellent restaurants renowned for superb local seafood are perched over the water’s edge. The large marina is the focal point in town.

Duncan (Population: 5,000)
Duncan is the Cowichan Valley’s largest community, serving approximately 75,000 area residents. Known as the “City of Totems,” Duncan is graced with nearly 80 totem poles, principally located downtown and along the highway.

Cowichan Lake District (Area Population: 6,000)
The pristine Cowichan Lake District includes the communities of Lake Cowichan, Honeymoon Bay, Youbou, Mesachie Lake, and Caycuse. This mountainous area, rich with wildlife, is an ideal destination for a family vacation or an outdoor adventure.

The scenic 75-kilometre (47-mile) drive on paved and gravel roads around Cowichan Lake takes about an hour and a half. There are several parks, campsites, and lookouts to stop at for photo opportunities and wildlife viewing. Secondary roadways provide access to Port Renfrew (page 59) and Bamfield, the trailheads for the West Coast Trail, as well as to the old-growth forests of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. These roads also connect to Nitinat Lake, a tidal lake that opens onto the Pacific Ocean and is popular with wind surfers.

Maple Bay/Genoa Bay (Area Population: 1,848)
Sheltered Maple Bay separates Vancouver Island from Salt Spring Island and is a pretty seaside community that bustles with marine activity. Genoa Bay, just down the road, is quiet and more isolated. Relaxing activities await for visitors to the Maple Bay/Genoa Bay area.

Crofton (Population: 2,500)
Crofton’s pioneer families established homesteads in the small valley until 1902 when a copper smelter was built. The prosperity was short lived and Crofton was quiet until 1957 when B.C. Forest Products opened its pulp and paper mill. The town’s buildings are an eclectic mix of early 1900’s miners’ homes, mid-century summer cottages, and modern sub-division-style developments. Crofton offers affordable accommodations, an RV park overlooking Osborne Bay, great value restaurants, and numerous land and sea recreational choices.

Chemainus (Population: 4,000)
Chemainus has won international acclaim for its Festival of Murals, a very successful revitalization project that began in 1982 with the unveiling of five large murals, all professionally painted onto existing downtown buildings. The Festival of Murals has grown and now there are 33 murals. Chemainus is also home to the Chemainus Theatre, offering five centre-stage shows every year and a pre-show gourmet buffet. Chemainus won the 1994 British Airways Tourism Award, a competition involving more than 200 communities world-wide. This coastal community has much to offer visitors.

Ladysmith (Population: 6,700)
Situated on the 49th parallel, Ladysmith was established by coal baron James Dunsmuir as a shipping port for coal. Ladysmith received a provincial award for most beautiful community on Vancouver Island and a national Main Street Canada award as one of the four best revitalization projects in the country. As well, Harrowsmith Country Magazine named Ladysmith “one of the 10 prettiest towns in Canada.” Ladysmith offers some great ways to unwind.

Central Island

Sandy beaches, tranquil lakes, beautiful gardens, and exceptional golf courses make this region a wonderful year-round holiday destination.

Nanaimo (Population: 75,000)
The word “Nanaimo” is derived from the Coast Salish word “Sney-Ny-Mous” meaning “meeting place.” Mining brought white settlers to this area more than 150 years ago, when the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post and fort. The year 1874 marked the incorporation of Nanaimo as a town with a population of 1,400. In 1975, the city amalgamated with a number of improvement districts, forming a new city.

Today, Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second largest city and is known as the Harbour City for its picturesque harbour. Nanaimo is easy to get to, and its central location makes it an excellent base for tours of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.