What you’ll do
Discover the charm of the Cowichan Valley on a three-day adventure through Vancouver Island’s southern gem.
Famous for its world-class wineries, this fertile valley offers wine lovers a taste of some of British Columbia’s finest. The beauty of these wineries is responsible for us moving to the valley 😊
Stroll through charming seaside towns like Cowichan Bay and Chemainus, known for their artsy vibes and colorful murals.
Explore large freshwater lakes perfect for paddling or cooling off after a day of mountain biking on the region’s scenic trails.
Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting bustling markets and indulging in farm-to-table dining at amazing local restaurants.
Cowichan Valley is the ultimate blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights!
Day 1
Disclaimer: Our Vancouver Island travel guide offers packed, detailed itineraries designed to help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful and diverse region. Vancouver Island is vast, with countless sights to see and experiences to enjoy, so there is plenty of ground to cover. While our itineraries provide a full and exciting schedule, we encourage you to tailor your trip to fit your preferences.
Please keep in mind that driving distances between destinations can vary significantly. We recommend doing some research to understand the travel times between locations and planning your route accordingly. Our itineraries are meant to inspire your journey, allowing you the flexibility to make your trip as short, long, busy, or relaxed as you like.
Happy exploring!
The Cowichan Valley is one of our favourite regions on Vancouver Island. We made it our home, after all :)
Staying in Cowichan Bay is a great choice as it is a central location to explore the whole valley from.
And the town itself is absolutely adorable with great bakeries, restaurants and shops. And keep your eyes open for the migratory sea lions!
True Grain - Cowichan Bay
bakery
Cozy artisan bakery with premium treats
True Grain in Cowichan Bay is a cozy bakery that serves up top-notch artisan bread, pastries, and treats.
With a focus on organic and handcrafted goodies, this spot is a must-visit for bread lovers.
True Grain is an Old World-inspired European bakery with a commitment to using quality ingredients make it a go-to destination for those craving a taste of something special.
Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the premium experience!
Cowichan Bay
Sightseeing
Charming waterfront community on Vancouver Island
Cowichan Bay is a charming waterfront community on Vancouver Island, known for its laid-back vibe and seaside charm.
With a focus on the slow movement, it's all about taking it easy and enjoying the simple things in life.
There's tons of great seaside spots to check out here like artisan shops, fresh seafood restaurants, an amazing bakery, and local boutiques.
Whether you're here for a quick visit or a longer stay, don't forget to soak in the ocean views and relax in this picturesque coastal gem.
If you are here in November, you can see (and hear and smell!) the male migratory Steller sea lions. These big boys visit Cowichan Bay every November to feast on the salmon returning to the Cowichan and Koksilah Rivers on their way to the spawning grounds. Weighing up to 800 kg, they are a sight to see!
Stoney Hill Regional Park
park
Scenic nature walk with amazing views!
Stoney Hill Regional Park is one of our favourite hikes on the island and is a must stop if you are in the Cowichan Valley!
We think this hike is a crowd pleaser due to its ease of access and HUGE payoff with this banging view of Sansum Narrows and Saltspring Island.
There are multiple viewpoints along this trail. Make sure to check them all out!
Dog friendly, family friendly, parking and toilets available.
Tip: If you want to make this hike easier, you can hike to the first lookout and then hike back out the way you came in instead of completing the loop. The last 2/3 of the trail is a bit more challenging.
AllTrails hike linked here.
This hike is rated as easy. Length 3.4 km, Elevation 109 m, Route Type Loop.
Cowichan Valley is a truly incredible area and has so much to offer. But perhaps what makes it most famous is it's wineries. The Cowichan Valley is becoming more and more well known for being an excellent wine region and it's wineries are impressive! A trip to the valley is not complete without a winery tour (even if you don't like wine!).
We have listed some of our favourites here. We would suggest planning to tour two or three of them for a great experience.
*Notes:
Rocky Creek and Zanatta have no food options. Blue Grouse, Enrico and Averill Creek serve small appetizers and charcuterie boards. Cherry Point is the only winery within our recommendations that has a full restaurant (bistro open Thursday - Sunday, 11:30am - 3pm - Reservations Recommended) so plan your tour accordingly.
Many wineries are only open seasonally and have limited hours (most commonly open 11 am to 5/6 pm).
Cherry Point Estate Wines
winery
Charming bistro with local ingredients
Cherry Point Estate Wines boasts a charming bistro nestled in the heart of Cobble Hill, BC.
Some of our favourite wines come from this winery and the tasting experience is wonderful.
This is one of the only wineries in Cowichan Valley with a full restaurant. The menu that showcases fresh, local ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, this spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch or a casual weekend meal.
Hours
Tasting Room Open Daily 10-5pm
Bistro Open Thursday - Sunday 11:30am-3pm
Reservations Recommended
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
winery
Family-owned winery in Cowichan Valley
Blue Grouse Estate Winery is a truly gorgeous sight. The views remind us of Tuscany and it is what convinced us to finally move to the island!
This is a family-owned winery and vineyard located in the Cowichan Valley (an up-and-coming winery region in Canada!). They produce award-winning white and red wines, including Pinot Gris, Ortega, Pinot Noir, and more. With a focus on sustainability and showcasing the unique terroir of Vancouver Island, Blue Grouse offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for wine tasting, events, and vineyard retreats.
Winemaker Bailey Williamson's dedication to artisanal production shines through in every sip, making it a must-visit spot for wine lovers looking to experience the best of Island winemaking.
Some small plates and charcuterie are also available here.
Tours and guided tastings can be booked online.
Open all year, daily from 11am – 6pm
Rocky Creek Winery
winery
Cozy family winery with award-winning wines
Rocky Creek Winery is a cozy family-run spot in Cowichan Bay, BC, where every sip tells a story.
Being a small, family owned winery, you get a truly intimate experience and the tastings are full of passion! This really is one of the gems of the island.
With 100% island-grown sustainable wines that have snagged over 100 medals, this winery offers a laid-back tasting experience with a personal touch.
Whether you're sipping inside or enjoying a picnic on their outdoor patio, you'll feel right at home with their friendly staff and delicious wines.
Plus, they even welcome furry friends outside, so your dog can join in on the fun too!
Do not miss their Wild Blackberry wine!
Note: no food is served here.
Hours
April to October: Wed to Sun 11 to 4 pm
They accept walk-ins without appointments.
Zanatta Winery
winery
Charming winery restaurant with picturesque views
Zanatta Winery in Duncan, BC is a charming winery nestled in the oldest vineyard on Vancouver Island. This is another Cowichan Valley winery that reminds us of Tuscany!
With a quirky old farmhouse setting surrounded by natural gardens and vineyards, it offers a magical winery experience.
Guests can enjoy delicious wines while soaking in the picturesque views. The outdoor seating on the veranda adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit this little slice of Italy right in the heart of the Cowichan Valley!
Note: There is no food served here.
Hours
Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Enrico Winery
winery
Cozy winery with award-winning wines
Enrico Winery is a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque Cowichan Valley and is one of our favourite wineries to visit!
The grounds and views of the vineyards are gorgeous. There is a large outdoor area to enjoy and often live music on the patio. You can also enjoy some small plates and savor delicious bistro-style dishes.
The friendly staff, led by passionate owner Lorin, provide personalized tastings and share their expertise, making it a must-visit spot for wine enthusiasts looking for a laid-back and enjoyable outing.
Hours
Tasting Room Summer Hours Wednesday thru Sunday 12-6pm.
No reservations required
Averill Creek Vineyard
winery
Family-owned winery in Cowichan Valley
Averill Creek Vineyard is a family-owned winery on the side of Mount Prevost, one of the Cowichan Valley's tallest mountains, making the view from here incredible.
It is known for producing honest wines that reflect their unique site and cool climate. Established by owner Andy Johnston, who followed his passion for winemaking after a career in medicine, the vineyard focuses on crafting elegant Pinot Noir and other varietals with minimal intervention. The estate practices organic and biodynamic principles in their vineyard management. With a commitment to sustainability and a laid-back approach to winemaking, Averill Creek Vineyard offers a genuine taste of Vancouver Island's terroir in every glass.
There is a very beautiful patio to sit out on while you taste your local wines and take in the view.
Some small plates are available for purchase here.
Hours
TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 11-5.
The Masthead Restaurant
restaurant
Waterfront dining with elegant service
The Masthead Restaurant in historic Cowichan Bay is where you can sip on classic cocktails, savor local wines and enjoy top-notch cuisine while taking in a stunning waterfront view. This spot is perfect for a special night out.
The bar is a real eye-catcher when you walk in and gives the space a classy, elegant feeling.
Reservations are a good idea, so give them a call to secure your table!
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
hotel
Seaside retreat
OceanFront Suites is the perfect choice for your Cowichan Valley visit. The location allows you to easily access the valley as it is centrally located.
Plus, Cowichan Bay is a must see and staying in this seaside town is a special time.
The hotel offers a picturesque and cozy retreat with comfortable accommodations, stunning ocean views, and a tranquil seaside village setting.
Book through the link below! 👇