Cowichan Valley

Kinsol Trestle

Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun,” and is why our valley is, and always has been known as The Warm Land.

Cowichan is located in Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climatic zone and is home to the warmest year–round temperatures in the country. For decades now, Cowichan has been producing amazing artisanal food and drink from the region’s burgeoning farms, wineries, cideries and distilleries. Yet, the food and drink are just the tip of the iceberg! From concerts and festivals to outdoor fun, like biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and more, Cowichan features a long list of things to do all year round.

But what really makes this warm land live up to its name is the chill, unhurried pace and the many quiet, unspoiled spots to enjoy it in.

Visit the charming communities of Duncan — the City of Totems, Chemainus — world famous for its many murals, the laid-back seaside village of Cowichan Bay or have a dip in beautiful Shawnigan Lake. Maple Bay and Genoa Bay are unforgettable serene getaways and Lake Cowichan, with its large warm lake and namesake river, are playgrounds for swimming, river tubing and fishing.

A mild, Mediterranean-like climate and an abundance of fertile land are just two of the factors that have helped Cowichan become what renowned foodie James Barber referred to as “Canada’s Provence.”

Other factors include many gifted farmers and culinary artisans, some of whom have chosen to move here just for the opportunity to be in a world class milieu.

Certainly, if you choose to visit here, you will have the chance to eat and drink extremely well! Wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries dot the landscape, all of which supply the growing number of fine restaurants, bistros and bakeries.

A place as eclectic and beautiful as Cowichan can’t help but attract an equally diverse group

Cowichan

The Warm Land is calling

of artisans. The region is home to many highly talented painters, potters, sculptors, weavers, jewellers, glass blowers, knitters and carvers whose works can be seen in home studios and galleries all along the Cowichan corridor.

There isn’t one single icon that represents Cowichan better than the “Cowichan sweater.” Woolly, thick and typically featuring classic Coast Salish motifs, these sweaters are as world famous as they are effective in keeping you warm and dry.

Designs on the sweaters vary greatly, but often depict the same kind of animals seen on totem poles: bears, ravens, thunderbirds and whales.

The sweaters are still made here in Cowichan by a group of dedicated knitters.