Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE COWICHAN
VALLEY
area's Aboriginals, which means “the
big lake.” Thirty kilometres long, it is
one of the biggest lakes on the island.
Shawnigan Lake
Located some 50km west via a forest
road, Carmanah Walbran Park
is a magnifi cent wild expanse compris-
ing close to 17,000ha of ancient forests.
This protected area fl ourishes in the
humid climate of the West Coast and
boasts some of the world's tallest spru-
ces, reaching almost 100m in height,
as well as centuries-old Western red
cedars.
This small town's main attribute is, of
course, the lake of the same name. It
is the largest body of water in the re-
gion. The other major attraction here
is the Kinsol Trestle
, one of the
longest wooden railway bridges in the
world. Built in 1921, it was once used
for the transport of copper ore.
Lake Cowichan
FROM NANAIMO
TO TOFINO
Lake Cowichan is a small town built
on the shores of the lake of the same
name. Located 31km east of Duncan, it
is easily reached via Highway 18. The
lake was nicknamed
Kaatza
by the
Nanaimo
Nanaimo is an important town because
of its link to the continent, where fer-
ries pick up hundreds of tourists head-
COWICHAN VALLEY WINES
Just south of the city of Duncan, on a wine route open to tourists,
lie the vineyards whose wines are among the most renowned on
Vancouver Island. Most properties are accessible from Highway 1,
between Duncan and Victoria, and you can pay these wine growers
a visit to sample their wares. The entrances are marked with specifi c
road signs (often a bunch of grapes) that indicate where to make a
turn.
The Cowichan Valley vineyards have slowly but surely acquired a good
reputation. The region's mild climate, sandy beaches and peaceful
bays, as well as the beauty of its rural landscapes, have attracted
scores of poets and nature lovers. Wine growers from the world
over increasingly covet this part of Vancouver Island, and many have
managed to set themselves up here.
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