Situated on beautiful Cowichan Lake, one of the largest fresh-water lakes on Vancouver Island, is the town of Lake Cowichan. The Cowichan River flows through the center of town and you’ll see lots of kids jumping off the bridge in the summer.
Kaatza Station Museum & Archives (Kaatza meaning Big Lake to our first nations) is a great heritage museum in the town of Lake Cowichan. In the heart of the town is the start of the Trans Canada Trail which continues down the river, winding into Duncan. The avid hiker can take advantage of the many hiking trails offered in the area. Water enthusiasts will love Lake Cowichan! Great waterskiing and fishing! Experienced wilderness paddlers can enjoy the tranquil smaller lakes of the Nitinat Triangle. Looking for a spot to windsurf? Head up to Nitinat Lake.
Enjoy the coastal rain forest trails in the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, one of the West Coast’s most remarkable wilderness areas. Access either end of the world-famous West Coast Trail at Port Renfrew or Bamfield via roads leading from Cowichan Lake.
Lake Cowichan is absolutely spectacular in the summer! There are majestic mountains that surround the lake. They feel so close and when the sun shines on them … well, it’s just fantastic!
A small lakeside community located on the north shore of Cowichan Lake, Youbou is the second-largest community on Cowichan Lake. Just for clarification purposes Youbou is pronounced UBOW. That’s always a tough one for newbies :o)
Held annually in August, is the Youbou Regatta, a swimming and paddle boarding contest. Great food, music, and so much more fun! For a peaceful setting in Arbutus trees, the waterfront park of Arbutus Park offers a large sandy beach, a playground and the Big Pool. As well as a diving board, a slide from the dock and lifeguards during summer season. Youbou is great for the water enthusiast!
With camping and rec sites nearby and wonderful hiking trails atop Baldy Mountain, this area is a recreational dream.
Nestled along the southern shore of Cowichan Lake, Honeymoon Bay was originally a lumber mill town and has now transformed into a much sought after beautiful tourist destination. In fact, the area is the gateway to some of the most spectacular camping and hiking available on Vancouver Island.
Honeymoon Bay offers an opportunity to stroll along the sensational hiking trail of the Cowichan River Footpath and Mesachie Mountain Trail. From the area, you can access a few trailheads of the world-famous West Coast Trail. March Meadows Golf and Country Club offers a super challenging 9-hole course. I’ve lost a few golf balls playing on that course :o)
From the pristine waters of Cowichan Lake, to the wonders of the ancient forest of Carmanah Walbran, you will find it easy to satisfy your desire for outdoor adventure in Honeymoon Bay.
