Beach bell tents in Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley is a scenic highlight for campers on BC’s Vancouver Island.
- Cowichan Valley
Popular camping styles for Cowichan Valley
Beach bell tents in Cowichan Valley guide
Overview
In the southern region of Vancouver Island is a scenic valley where temperate climates create a unique cultural center: the Cowichan Valley. This area has the right combination of rich soils and mild temperatures to host vineyards, orchards, and productive farmlands year-round—not to mention incredible camping.Between visits to cideries and artisan markets, hit the trails to experience the Cowichan Valley’s hiking, mountain biking, and Cowichan Valley camping, from secluded tent campsites and amenity-rich RV parks to cozy cabins. From lowland routes to steep mountain climbs, the valley has something for every skill level.
Where to go
Watch the Wildlife
Diverse Cowichan Valley ecosystems offer a wide range of wildlife watching opportunities. Take a whale watching tour off the coastline, or stay inland to watch Roosevelt elk roam the hills and valley near Youbou. A number of estuaries attract diverse bird species, while sea lions and seals are prolific along the shorelines. Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is a special protected wilderness offering permitted backcountry camping.
Test Your Legs on the Trails
Hiking is a favourite activity among Cowichan Valley campers thanks to extensive trail systems and a varied terrain that means you might find yourself navigating a peak one day and a coastline the next. Mount Prevost and Mount Tzouhalem are two of the more challenging peaks, but the views at the top make each well worth the effort. For a mild hike (or bike), try the Cowichan River Trail at the valley floor. Cowichan Lake, the Cobble Hill Mountains, and Heather Mountain are just a few of the many notable trail systems waiting to be explored, some of which run through Cowichan River Provincial Park
Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
This park is home to a significant percentage of the largest old-growth Sitka spruce in British Columbia. Gnarled cedar trees are also estimated at more than 1,000 years old in parts of the park, which also features great trail systems and camping sites with backcountry and wilderness designations. Daytrippers can enjoy the picnic sites between hikes, as well as scenic drives in and around the area.
Cowichan Bay and the Coast
Conveniently located adjacent to the coast, the Cowichan Valley is also loaded with opportunities where the land ends. Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Crofton, and Maple Bay are some of the prominent coastal communities where campers can launch on guided boat excursions or sit back and enjoy the sunset while eating at a local waterfront restaurant. These communities offer great wildlife watching, places to walk along the shore, and opportunities to charter boats for fishing and touring.
When to go
The beauty of the Cowichan Valley is the pleasant climate. Summer temperatures are rarely hot, with daily average highs peaking in the low 70s. Although summer is perfect for outdoor fun in the Cowichan Valley, there really isn't a bad month to visit the valley. British Columbia is notoriously cold throughout the winter months, but this valley offers refuge. Winter temperatures are cool, but they tend to stay above freezing, which makes it possible to continue recreating outside without gearing up for full winter weather. Expect occasional rain throughout the winter in addition to plenty of sunny days. Rain can muddy trail conditions, but otherwise, it should have little impact on your ability to enjoy the outdoors.
