Explore the ocean, lakes, and rivers in Cowichan for the best paddling experiences!
Located in Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean Climatic Zone, Cowichan is home to the warmest year-round temperatures making it known as "The Warm Land". These warm year-round temperatures makes Cowichan an ideal community for paddlers. Not only is it bordered by the ocean, but Cowichan is also home to some beautiful lakes and rivers. Shawnigan Lake, Cowichan Lake, and the Cowichan River are just a few spots where you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and more! With a variety of different waterways Cowichan is a perfect spot to fit every paddlers needs.
Featured waterways in Cowichan
Here are some of the area’s best bodies of water to dip into.
Cowichan Lake
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Meet the specialists Cowichan
From guides and instructors to marina owners and sales reps, here are the people who will ensure you’re not sent up the creek without a, well, you know.
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Traditional Oar & Sail
Embark on guided excursions aboard traditional wooden boats exploring BC’s stunning coast. Experience the joys of oar and sail with us!
Learn MoreRoad Trips in Cowichan
Cowichan Road Trip Itinerary
The Cowichan Valley spans 3,500 square kilometres in southern Vancouver Island and is home to communities like Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from peaceful SUP sessions on Lake Cowichan and saltwater kayaking in the Saanich Inlet to adrenaline-pumping whitewater canoe runs on the Cowichan River. Off the water, the region serves up a feast of local flavours with its farmers markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants and some great brewpubs.
Eleven BC Waterways You Should Paddle For World Rivers Day
The first river I paddled in British Columbia was the Slocan in the East Kootenay. It was, and still is, unbelievably beautiful. Having grown up canoeing the flat-as-glass prairies, I had never…
From Rivers to Lakes to Ocean, Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley Offers it all
The kayak is bobbing up and down as it flows through the gentle ocean waves in the sheltered waters of Cowichan Bay. What should be a peaceful scene is interrupted by the…
Oar-ganize Your Year
Whatever type of paddling you prefer, here are the events you’ll want to take part in around the community.
These waters are calm, make a splash by submitting your event, or check out our full events calendar.
