Winter Walks and Dine & Sip Cowichan

Mill Bay Nature Park, image courtesy Patty Abbot

Submitted by Patty Abbott, Visitor Centre Coordinator

1. Mill Bay Nature Park is a beautiful park situated minutes off the Trans Canada Highway, on Hollings Road just north of Mill Bay. While you meander through the forest trails down to the seashore, be sure to observe the variety of birds and other wildlife living among the forest. After your peaceful walk, finish the afternoon by heading down to the village of Mill Bay where you will find The Mill Pizza & Grill and Bridgemans Bistro – both offering fantastic Dine & Sip options.

2. Maple Grove Park and The Cowichan River Estuary is the perfect place to walk on a sunny winter day. The park is situated right across from the 3. Somenoes Marsh Garry Oak and Ye’yumnutsa Historical Scared Burial Ground. From Duncan, take Lakes Rd to Trillium Terrace. At the end of Trillium Terrace turn left onto York Rd, and park at the end of York Rd. This site is home to many birds, wildlife, rare flowers, and shallow root Garry Oak Trees. If you’re looking to grab something to eat post walk, The Italian Kitchen at Grove Hill Farms is close by, or head to Maple Bay and enjoy a lunch at the Shipyard Restaurant or to Genoa Bay Café in the heart of Genoa Bay.

4. Somenos Marsh located in Duncan is a unique experience for all ages and abilities and features an easy to navigate board walk and a tower viewing area. This trail is easily accessible off the Trans Canada Highway going north just past Beverley Street. Make sure you stay in the right lane as the parking lot come quickly after Beverley Street. This walk is a must for serious bird watchers. The Somenos Marsh is home to a huge diversity of birdlife and is considered one of the best areas for birding near an urban area in BC. As well, this marsh is the home to the second largest Trumpeter swans on Vancouver Island, which migrate to Somenos Marsh in the winter months to breed and feed on the abundant aquatic plants and seeds. If you can, make sure you get to there early to experience the morning mist and sun coming over Mount Tzouhalem. If you’re looking to grab a bite after your walk, head over to Brunch on 3rd, the Oak Taphouse, or the CVI Restaurant & Lounge at the Best Western – each are offering a fantastic dine menu.

5. Askew Park is a 3.4-hectare forested park located in the heart of Chemainus. The entrance to this park can be found at the corner of Chemainus Rd and Oak St, just off the roundabout. The Park is popular for its 8-kilometre walking trails and its year-round birdwatching opportunities. After your walk, check out either the Sawmill Taphouse & Grill or the Owl’s Nest Bakery – both serving a special dine menu at a fabulous price.

6. Stocking Creek Park is located just north of Saltair towards Ladysmith on 1A. This park offers a beautiful waterfall with several bridges and board walks throughout the trail. This light hike is definitely worth the visit! After your hike, have a meal at Fox and Hounds – a traditional British Pub Style Restaurant, or In the Beantime Cafe for their fantastic Dine & Sip Cowichan menus.

South Cowichan Tennis Club just north of Cowichan Bay. Approximately 4.5 kilometres long, this easy walking trail offers many vast views of the estuary and the tail end of Cowichan Bay. 230 species of birds and other wildlife inhabit this estuary – making this the perfect stop to see a magnitude of wildlife. Finish up your afternoon with some food or refreshments from one of the Dine & Sip Cowichan participating restaurants. Nearby you will be able to grab some delicious takeout from Cow Café West Coast Grill in Cowichan Bay, or you can head back towards Duncan and grab some refreshments and a light snack from Red Arrow Brewing Company.

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