EXPLORE: WATERSPORTS

The Cowichan opens the doors to endless outdoor fun in all seasons. The warm summer days invite you to enjoy the swimming and the water sports at three of the most beautiful lakes on Vancouver Island; the popular shores of Shawnigan Lake, the pristine waters and the magnificent back country of Lake Cowichan, and the fishing and surfing of tidal waters of Nitinat Lake.

Kayaking
Opportunities for ocean kayaking abound in the Cowichan Region. Our Eastern shores border on many bays and channels that offer endless opportunities for paddlers of all ages and abilities. These protected waters offer kayakers the chance to view rugged sandstone bluffs, copper-coloured arbutus trees and many different varieties of marine and bird life including majestic bald eagles. Provincial Marine Parks are plentiful and several of the Gulf Islands are easily accessible. Many launching sites exist from Cowichan Bay in the South to Ladysmith Harbour in the North with several others in between. Cowichan Lake is becoming increasingly popular with ocean kayakers due to its tremendous size and magnificent mountain setting. “Kaatza ” (The Big Lake) as it was known by First Nations peoples is the second largest body of freshwater on Vancouver Island at over 30 kilometers in length. The Cowichan River, recently designated a Canadian Heritage River, flows from Cowichan Lake and offers excellent whitewater kayaking on a year round basis due to steady flows from the lake. Cowichan River Provincial Park protects popular kayaking spots such as Skutz Falls, Horseshoe Bend and Marie Canyon. The Koksilah and Chemainus rivers also offer several stretches suitable for whitewater paddlers, however, these two rivers tend to be rain dependent and so are typically best from November through May.

Diving & Snorkling
Take the plunge and discover why the Jacques Cousteau Society gives top marks to the clarity and biological diversity of our coastal waters. There ’s a whole world waiting under the ocean. Explore the recently sunk Boeing 737 artificial reef off the coast of Chemainus brimming with wildlife. Divers will be treated to a stunning display of original First Nations ’ art on and around the plane. All manner of sea life reside in and around the airliner.Whatever your choice, there are lots of protected inlets and bays providing excellent diving conditions. Visit one of the
local dive shops for guided tours, equipment rentals and information on the best spots.

Fishing
Both Cowichan fresh and salt water fishing are in a class of their own. The Cowichan River is internationally renowned for its wild salmon and steelhead trout, while Lake Cowichan is quite simply a paradise for trout fishing. If you prefer salt water fishing, explore in and out of the bays and channels for pacific salmon, prawns, crabs,and cod. There are many guides, outfitters and charters in the area to help you make the most of your fishing trip.

Fishing Contact one of our local marinas. They can provide or line you up with a guide for your personalized fishing trip. Visit Marinas

Fishing - Kaatza Salmon & Steelhead Outfitters Equipment & Guides - Duncan area (250)-746-7124

Fishing - Kenzies Fishing Adventures Licenced to fish 44 lakes and 11 rivers ! 30 Years of experience Visit Website

Fishing - River Quest Charters First class Steelhead, Salmon and Trout fishing on the 'Heritage' Cowichan River. Fish from the comfort and safety of heated, 16 foot welded aluminum drift boats with fully licensed and insured guides - Duncan area Visit Website

Kayaking - Aquatica Outdoor Recreation Co. Aquatical Outdoor Recreation Co. is located out of Lake Cowichan, BC. We provide an exciting concept in adventure travel adaptable to any interest or physical fitness. By combining an ecotourism experience with an interactive style, Aquatica' trips offer families, or adventure seekers a truly unique way of seeing the diversity of our inland waterways and forests. Our aim is to provide people with a positive paddling experience, and place emphasis on safety and the development of each individual's skills. We offer hourly, daily, or weekly rentals, and lessons. We also look forward to hosting large corporate groups, school groups, community centres and ESL groups. Visit website

Kayaking - Island Outdoor Centre Say `Yes' to adventure. Experience our "Discover Sea Kayaking" sessions. You will receive instruction, equipment orientation, and enjoy a paddle in the protected waters of Ladysmith Harbour - instruction, kayak rental, all equipment and guided tours. Visit Website

Kayaking - Orca Kayak Adventures Vancouver Island is the prime destination for Sea Kayakers on this planet. On these tours you will encounter Natural Phenomena that cannot be found anywhere else. Vast wilderness environment, hundreds of miles of rugged unspoiled coastline, natural hotsprings, thundering waterfalls, white shell beaches, old growth rainforests, unique sealife, snow capped mountains, and First Nations' Culture are just a part of Orca Kayak Adventures - Ladysmith area. Visit Website

Kayaking - River- Kindred Spirit Kayaking Co. If you are up for some excitment on the water you are in the right place. Running rapids or floating down the beautiful river, there is something in it for everyone. Come check out!! - Duncan area Visit Website

Kayaking - Sealegs Kayaking Adventures Based in the quiet ocean side community of Ladysmith. This quaint hillside town is home to Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, a fabulous beach park, heritage downtown, antique stores, awesome kayaking sites and is perfectly located for you to enjoy an incredible variety of outdoor recreation and adventure travel opportunities. Visit Website

Kayaking - Warm Rapids Inn Don has been kayaking since 1979 and currently holds valid river kayak instructor certificates from the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the Whitewater Kayaking Association of BC (WKABC). For several years, Don has been guiding ocean kayak trips during the summer months in coastal BC waters. Rose is also certified to instruct by the WKABC. Don and Rose are both trained in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid and are also members of the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (SKGABC). Both are certified by the SKGABC to guide ocean kayak trips. Ocean kayak rolling instruction and rescue clinics are also available. Visit website

Kayaking - Wilderness Kayaking Wilderness Kayaking is located on the waterfront at Maple Bay and offers tours and rentals. From our shop you can view Saltspring Island one of the popular paddling destinations in the Gulf Islands. We are also a short drive to many spectacular west coast paddling destinations. Visit Website

Sailing & Boating For all your ocean-going and freshwater boating needs Visit Sailing & Boating

Scuba Diving - Vancouver Island Scuba Time We invite you to visit us in the Cowichan. Vancouver Island is Canada's premier dive destination and is rated second best in the world by Jean Michel Cousteau. It is home to an endless variety of marine life and many artificial reefs. Visit Website

Waterskiing - Shawnigan Pro Watersports For the waterskiing enthusiast! Charter services, ski instruction and a full line of watersport equipment and clothing at Shawnigan Lake. Visit Website

Windsurfing Nitinat is a saltwater, tidal lake that has received international acclaim from windsurfers. Nitinat is west of the Cowichan Lake District. There is also excellent windsurfing on the right day on Cowichan Lake and in Maple Bay Visit Website

   

TO DO IN MAY

> Farmer's Market

> Market in the Square

> International Half Iron Triathlon

> Window ART Displays

> Go To Events Calendar

 

	PHOTO GALLERY

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