VISITOR`S GUIDE - Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce

2016 COWICHAN LAKE
VISITOR’S GUIDE
Find adventure…just up the road
VACATION IDEAS I ACCOMMODATIONS I EVENTS & MORE
Welcome to
COWICHAN LAKE
C
owichan Lake is situated on the
southern half of Vancouver Island,
halfway between the island’s east
and west coasts.
Thirty-four kilometres from the City of
Duncan, the lake is an ideal vacation destination with its temperate weather and
many beaches and trails.
The Cowichan Lake area sits in the midst
of a temperate rain forest, making for lots
of rain in the winter and lots of sun in the
summer. Known by the area’s First Nation
communities as Kaatza, or “the big lake,”
Cowichan Lake is 30 kilometres long and
is one of the largest bodies of fresh water
on Vancouver Island.
The lake is home to five commun-
ities, including Lake Cowichan, Youbou,
Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay, Caycuse.
Port Renfrew, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is also accessible from the
lake by taking the Pacific Marine Circle
Route out of Mesachie Lake. The Circle
Route is a paved, meandering highway
beside which visitors can view ancient
old growth trees, explore trails, and much
more.
This Visitor Guide provides information
on many of the area’s attractions, events,
and communities, but it only begins to
scratch the surface in terms of what the
area has to offer. Take advantage of swimming, boating, kayaking, water skiing,
and canoeing. Camp in one of the many
campgrounds, or take part in one of the
many events hosted by the local communities every summer.
The Cowichan River has also become
increasingly popular over the years. River
enthusiasts often park in Lake Cowichan
and ride inner tubes or inflatable rafts
down to Skutz Falls, or drive to Marie Canyon and tube to Stoltz Pool.
Lake Cowichan is the largest community
at the lake, with roughly half of the area’s
6,000 residents. It has an abundance
of accommodations including hotels,
cottage rentals, bed and breakfasts, and
plenty of camping. There are excellent
stores, restaurants and a multitude of
other services.
Cowichan Lake...
Vacation Capital of
Vancouver Island
Home of Sunfest
EX
“ YO U R S TO E X P LO R E ”
PL
ORE
Cowichan Lake is the second largest on Vancouver Island –
34 km in length. We are located just 26 km west of Duncan on
Highway 18. Enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing,
camping, cycling, hiking, tubing, golfing, recreation sports, trestles, canyons, waterfalls,
mature forest, salmon streams and summer community events.
Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce
Our Visitor/Business Centre is located in the log cabin at Saywell Park on South Shore Rd.
We are open year round 5 days a week – but during the summer months we are
Open Daily 9-5 July 1st to Sept 5th
250-749-3244 l www.cowichanlake.ca l info@cowichanlake.ca
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Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
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Lake COWICHAN GAZETTE VISITOR’S GUIDE 2016
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Travel Info Centre
I
f you have decided to vacation in the
Cowichan Lake area, it is definitely
worth your while to make the Cowichan
Lake District Chamber of Commerce Visitor
Information Centre your first stop.
The centre is located in the middle of
the town of Lake Cowichan at 125C South
Shore Rd. It has all the information you
need to make your vacation the best it can
be. The Centre is open every day throughout the summer, from the May long weekend through September. The capable staff,
student employees, and volunteers will
help find exactly what you need and provide you with valuable local information.
During the off season the Visitor Centre
is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Visitor Centre building is a log cabin
situated in beautiful Saywell Park. Beside
it is a large grass area with picnic tables
and a ‘beach’ volleyball court, public washrooms with showers and shade provided
by deciduous trees, all with the Cowichan
Lake and Cowichan River in view.
Once inside the building, find brochures
for local businesses, maps, historical information, safety and logging road tips, as
well as information about the Cowichan
Lake area, the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver
Island, and the rest of B.C.
The helpful staff will be able to provide
information on the best accommodations,
sightseeing locations, and events such as
Lake Days, Heritage Days, and other community events. You can always visit www.
cowichanlake.ca call 250-749-3244 or visit
one of two information kiosks the centre
provides in Lake Cowichan and Mesachie
Lake.
The first is located just outside the Visitor
Centre in Lake Cowichan. The second is
located next to the Mesachie Lake Skydome ball field. Get to Mesachie Lake
by driving west for only a few kilometres
along South Shore Road. This kiosk provides information on the Pacific Marine Circle Route along with the communities of
Sooke, Port Renfrew, Victoria, Duncan, and
the many communities in between.
The Visitor Information Centre is managed by the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the
Town of Lake Cowichan.
Lake Cowichan Gazette
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PO Box 10, Lake Cowichan, BC VOR 1R0
250-749-4383 or 250-748-2666
Publisher: Shirley Skolos
Editor: Andrea Rondeau
Photos by: James Goldie, Lexi Bainas
Sales associate: Lauri Meanley
Published by Black Press
www.lakecowichangazette.com
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
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COWICHAN LAKE
Yours to explore
I
f you’re looking for a place to cool off,
while surrounded by a warm, beautiful
landscape, Cowichan Lake is the place
for you.
Visitors come to the Cowichan Lake area
for many reasons, but mostly it’s to play on
or in the water.
Every summer boaters, swimmers, waterskiers, kayakers, canoeists and even sailors
head for the water to cool off and have
some fun in the sun.
There’s plenty of room on the 34-kilometre long lake to accommodate many
recreational uses. So, whether you fancy
water skiing, a relaxing day of lake fishing
or perhaps a group cruise of the lake, look
no further than the two marinas on Cowichan Lake for easy access to the water.
The Cowichan Lake Marina is located
in Lake Cowichan, off Point Ideal Road.
Just turn right after the Visitor Information
Centre.
The marina provides 115 moorage slips,
including some capable of accommodating boats up to 55 feet. There are boat
rentals, including deck boats and bow
riders. A boat launch ramp, fuel, holding
tank pump out, and a convenience store
are also on site.
A number of stores in the communities
around the lake sell supplies for your day
on the water.
Lake Cowichan welcomes boaters!
However, there are a few things
locals would like you to keep in mind.
Be courteous and considerate.
Residents, other boaters, and beachusers deserve no less.
Be muffled! Remember to maintain
your muffler in good working order
and to disconnect muffler cut-outs
or bypasses so they cannot be easily
reconnected while the vessel is in
operation — as per item 1,000 of the
Small Vessel Amendments to the
Canada Shipping Act.
Specializing in Western Clothing,
Horse Tack and Riding Apparel
n
i
W
o
t
r
Ente
2 tickets to
Thursday’s kick-off
to Sun Fest 2016
Equine
Emporium
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
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OPEN DAILY 10-5pm
4485-A Trans Can. Hwy, DUNCAN
250-746-8122
equineemporium@shaw.ca
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COWICHAN RIVER
Yours to explore
F
or those interested in slightly more
turbulent water, the Cowichan River
is a natural playground.
The river flows some 30 kilometres from
Cowichan Lake through the Town of Lake
Cowichan and Duncan to its estuary in
Cowichan Bay.
The Cowichan River is designated as a
Provincial Heritage River and a National
Heritage River and provides opportunities
for swimming, canoeing, tubing, whitewater kayaking, and rafting. It features
calm waters through Lake Cowichan,
but downstream there are several rapids,
including those at Skutz Falls, that should
be respected by recreationists.
The Cowichan River is world famous for
its fishing, especially fly fishing. Several
types of salmon and trout are swimming
about, just waiting to strike your hook.
You can access the river from several
spots in the Town of Lake Cowichan,
including the Duck Pond (off Park Road),
Saywell Park and Central Park, Little Beach
on Greendale Road and from the Trans
Canada Trail or via the Skutz Falls turnoff
from Highway 18, about 10 kilometres
east of Lake Cowichan.
Cowichan River Provincial Park, east of
Lake Cowichan, is a 1,414-hectare park
that stretches alongside more than 20
kilometres of the river.
The river is also a hiker’s heaven, with
20-kilometres of winding trails on both
sides of the river that provide many spectacular views, as well as the chance to see
a variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. The
trails link in several locations with the Trans
Canada Trail.
Open until 10:00pm
May long weekend thru
September long weekend
Market Café
www.countrygrocer.com
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COWICHAN
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Take a hike
I
f you are new to Lake Cowichan or just
visiting and want to know more about
the area, why not just take a hike?
Cowichan Retreads Hiking Group hosts a
two- to five-hour (pet free) hike on a local
area trail or another Central Island location
each Wednesday. The group meets at
Saywell Park at 9:30 a.m. and drives to the
trail head.
Hikes range from easy to advanced in
locations along rivers, creeks, up mountains, and through ancient forests.
You can join the Retreads Hiking Club for
$15/year for unlimited hikes or just show
up and pay $2/person to join a hike.
More information about the hikes can
be found at the Cowichan Lake Sports
Arena, local area halls, the Lake Cowichan
Visitor Information Centre next to Saywell
Park or contact Willa Suntjen 250-7494144 and David Kidd 250-749-7790. Email
cowichanlakeretreads@gmail.com
Look for the Retreads reports in the Gazette!
Looking for an update on the local hiking scene, or want to know what to expect
before checking out a new trail? Look for the Retreads reports in the Lake Cowichan Gazette or online at lakecowichangazette.com
ENJOY YOUR STAY!
We welcome visitors to our area
Open
Sunday
Thursday
Openat11Noon
a.m. daily,
12 to
noon
Sunday
11 am Friday and Saturday
Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 210
Lake Cowichan, 15 North Shore Road
AND GIFT SHOP
Available for Banquets and Receptions
SUMMER HOURS: Mon - Wed 8am-2pm
Thurs - Sun 8am-5pm
778-429-9009 • 10375 Youbou Road
V.I. LABOUR SERVICES
Temporary Labour Staffing
“FOR WHEN YOU NEED
WORKERS NOW!”
• General Labourers • Handymen
• Cleaners
• And More
Toll Free:
Website:
E-mail:
1-866-779-9946
www.VILabour.com
info@VILabour.com
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
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Local Beaches
L
akeview Park, Lake Cowichan
Large sandy beach area with little
shade. No dogs are allowed on the
beach. The Town owned facility is a kilometre west of town on South Shore Road.
Drive past the arena and look for the sign
on your right.
Riverside Park, Lake Cowichan
Quaint park on the river known to locals
as the Duck Pond: picnic tables, washrooms and a playground, sandy beach
and floating dock. Turn onto North Shore
Road and turn left at Park Road or take the
footbridge across the river into downtown
Lake Cowichan. No lifequards on duty but
the river flows slowly.
Little Beach, Lake Cowichan
Small but popular swimming hole on
the Cowichan River. Turn onto Greendale
Road, follow it for about half a kilometre.
Road and follow it until you get to the forest plantation, look left for a yellow gate.
Park along the road and the beach is a
short walk in.
Price Park, Youbou
Fern-lined walking trails lead to secluded, natural beaches. Swordfern Creek, an
important spawning ground for fish, flows
quietly through the park. From Youbou
Road turn left onto Miracle Way opposite
the ‘Welcome to Youbou’ sign. The park is
at the end of Miracle Way.
Located on the right past the houses. Use
caution, river moves swiftly.
Spring Beach, Meade Creek
Pleasant wooded park with washroom
and picnic tables. Named for its natural
springs that flow year round. Follow North
Shore Road and turn left on Meade Creek
Bear Lake Park, Mesachie Lake
Small park set under mature trees complete with picnic tables, lawn area, fishing
dock and boat launch. Drive west on
South Shore Road to Mesachie Lake, turn
right on to Bear Lake Road and follow it to
the end, where it turns into Fish Road. At
the end of Fish Road you will find the park.
Riverside Inn
Est 1884
PUB, BEER & WINE STORE
OPEN DAILY 9am-11pm • 250.749.3256
56 North Shore Road Lake Cowichan B.C
Look for our food truck at Sunfest
Open Mon & Tues 11am to 1pm
Wednesday to Sun 11am to 7pm
1-250-932-3830
ahamidakhan@hotmail.ca
104 South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan, B.C.
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Local Beaches cont.
Lily Beach, Honeymoon Bay
Five minutes west of Mesachie Lake, turn
right on Beach Drive and turn into the
parking lot. You can only access the beach
via a short trail. Plenty of shade and there’s
a small dock. No boat access is allowed.
Gordon Bay Park, Honeymoon Bay
Beach access is available to the public.
The beautiful pebble beach offers a swimming area surrounded by a log boom and
a kids’ play area. Drive through Honeymoon Bay, turn right at the fork in the road
onto Walton Road. The park is at the end of
Walton Road.
Central Beach, Honeymoon Bay
Turn right onto Park Road from South
Shore Road. The beach is below the parkArbutus Park, Youbou
ing lot. Washroom facilities are at the top of Drive through Youbou until you reach
the parking lot.
the west entrance to Elder Crescent. Arbu-
tus Park is the only life guarded park on
the lake. It has a beach, dock, slide, diving
board, washrooms and picnic area.
Heather Campsite
Located on the west end of Cowichan
Lake, this campsite has a nice sandy beach,
a boat launch, and a scenic view. It can be
reached by driving about 38 kilometres
down either side of the lake, through
either Youbou or Honeymoon Bay, via a
gravel road.
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
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Music in the Lake
E
very other Saturday night this summer come and enjoy a concert in
the park, grab a blanket, bring a
chair or just sit on the grass at the Central
Park Bandshell. Your family will enjoy a
wide variety of local entertainers.
From July 3 to Sept. 3 Summer Nights
presents music in the park with bands
that range from country and western,
to folk music and rock. The nights kick
off with an open stage at 6 p.m. before
the main performers take the stage from
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bring your dinner or just some snacks
to enjoy as you listen to music from
bands and singers like The McCandless
Family, Darryl Alsbrook, Balaam’s Donkey, Genevieve Charbonneau and the
Wild Sundays, the Good Time Band, Jan
Matthews in Overdrive and the Medford
Singers performing songs by the Beatles,
with the headliner of the final perform-
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ance to be announced.
The music is free but there is a donation box if you feel like donating to
our local non-profit radio station Radio
Cowichan 97.5 FM.
Central Park is located by the roundabout at South Shore and North Shore
roads.
Lake COWICHAN GAZETTE VISITOR’S GUIDE 2016
LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE VISITOR’S GUIDE 2016
LOCAL HISTORY
Yours to explore
Kaatza Station Museum and Archives
E
xplore the many displays and wonders the Kaatza Station Museum has
to offer. Here is where you will find
historical information on the area’s extensive logging industry, the railway, and the
families who forged a community out of
temperate rainforest wilderness.
Kaatza museum staff will introduce you
to the many exhibits, which include a
pioneer life display with a 12-foot-high
mural depicting life in Cowichan Lake in
the 1920s; the John Padjen Room illustrating the history of the IWA in Cowichan; as
well as a store, a post office, a mine shaft
and much more.
The museum consists of three buildings:
the main building (or old train station)
where the majority of the museum’s collection and gift shop items are on display;
the Bell Tower School where you will find
a collection of photographs by Wilmer
Gold; and the Mesachie Lake school building with a workshop for volunteers and
more display items.
Outside the museum find rail and logging industry machinery, including a 1927
Plymouth locomotive and a speeder.
The museum is located 125 South Shore
Rd., in Lake Cowichan.
The main building is open from:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Seven days a week from:
June to August
10a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday
January to May and
September to December
Information: www.kaatzamuseum.ca
Email: kaatzamuseum@shaw.ca, or
phone 250-749-6142
Museum Fast Facts
• The John Padjen Room:
Illustrating the history of the International Woodworkers of America in
Canada
• The Mill Room:
Telling the story of the three mills that
were in Cowichan Lake area
• The Wilmer Gold collection:
Consisting of many large format
photos of the logging industry in the
1930s and 1940s
• The Harry Wright Library:
Containing over 600 books about rail-
ways, both their history and operation
• A 1949 era classroom display
• A fine collection of antique logging
equipment, including power saws and
mill equipment
• Extensive archives, chronicling
the history of the Cowichan Lake area
people. It includes newspapers dating
back to 1921, maps, and various other
historical articles.
• 1927 Shay locomotive, a log car, a
1916 caboose, a 1927 Plymouth locomotive and a speeder.
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
VISITOR’S
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Come see us for
#1 customer service!
The Footwear
Centre
42 South Shore Rd
250-749-3721
Salmon
and
Mushroom
Festival
2.00 FLOATS
$
Redeemable only at Lake Cowichan location
OPEN DAILY 530am-10pm
96 Wellington Road West, Lake Cowichan
(250) 749-0111
Summer 2016
Cowichan Lake Recreation
Swim Lessons: Three sets of Red Cross lessons
July 5 - Aug 26 at Arbutus Park
Free Drop-in Parks Program | July 4 - Aug 26 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Mon, Wed, Fri at Central Park | Tues at Mesachie Lake Skydome
Thurs at Honeymoon Bay Hall
Canada Day: July 1 at Mesachie Lake Skydome | 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Live music, performances, concession, crafts, games, vendors and more. All
welcome, free admission.
Youbou Regatta: Sat, Aug 13 | Parade at 10:00 am
Youbou Hall to Arbutus Park followed by swim races, canoe races, volleyball
tournament, and tons of fun for the whole family. A free event for the whole family.
Summer Hockey School with Steve Lingren, Head Instructor
Ages 6 - 10, Aug 8 - 13 | Ages 11 - 14, Aug 15 - 20
Power skating for ages 6+, Aug 8 - 12
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COWICHAN LAKE RECREATION PROGRAMS
Call Cowichan Lake Recreation at: 250.749.6742
Visit: cvrd.bc.ca
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@mycvrd
facebook.com/mycvrd
J
ust before the snow begins falling around the lake, the Salmon and Mushroom Festival brings the area’s mushroom
enthusiasts out to celebrate mushroom season.
Salmon and Mushroom Festival organizer, Ingeborg Woodsworth, says the Cowichan Lake area is prime for collecting
mushrooms.
“I thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” she said of her initial
arrival in the Cowichan Lake area. “The variety! It’s a privilege to
be here.”
This year will mark the 17th year of this annual event.
The event runs September 24 to 25 and will include mushroom identification activities, vendors selling mushrooms and
local crafts and wares, workshops, and other mushroom-related
activities.
For more information on the festival, Woodsworth can be
contacted at 250-749-6291, or by e-mail at mayocreekgardens@
shaw.ca. You can also check out the festival website at salmonmushroomfestival.com.
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
VISITOR’S
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COWICHANGAZETTE
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2016 2016
FARMERS MARKETS
Yours to explore
T
he Cowichan Lake area is home to two summer markets:
town square, which is located in front of the library on South
the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market and the Lake Cowic- Shore Road.
han Farmers Market, a new addition last year.
The Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market features a wide variety
Winery and Craft
of homemade and artisan goods, including wild-crafted herbal,
medicinal and personal care products, twig and barn board
Brewery Tours Daily
furniture, candles, soaps, pickles, pies and fresh locally-sourced
produce, all in a rustic “frontier town” setting.
The Outdoor Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. until Thanksgiving. It’s located at 10063 South Shore Rd.,
across from the Honeymoon Bay Fire Hall.
The Lake Cowichan Downtown Market gives locals a chance
to sell anything they “make, bake or create,” including art, homemade crafts, home-baked goods, fresh produce and more.
RENT OUR BUS/DRIVER- SPECIAL EVENTS
The Downtown Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2
PRIVATE SUNFEST TRANSPORTATION
p.m. until Labour Day.
250-710-7391 cheerscowichan.com
It can be found at Ts’uubaa-asatx Square, Lake Cowichan’s new
SEE THE EXHIBITS IN A 100 ACRE LIVING MUSEUM
RIDE THE RAILS • WALK THE TRAILS
AN ADVENTURE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
BC FOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE
BCFORESTDISCOVERYCENTRE.COM
2892 DRINKWATER ROAD, DUNCAN BC V9L 6C2
(ON THE TRANS CANADA HWY.)
INFORMATION
250-715-1113
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
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CAMP SITES
Yours to explore
T
here are 800 sites at campgrounds
along the 75 kilometres around
Cowichan Lake.
The main camping season extends from
the long weekend in May to the Thanksgiving Day weekend in October.
Lakeview Park Campsite Municipal
Lakeview Park, located just west of Lake
Cowichan, has 69 sites, 28 of which have
lake views. Wireless internet is available
and there are free children’s programs
and family movie nights. Be sure to book
your boat moorage beforehand, online,
otherwise you’re likely to find yourself out
of luck. For more details or reservations
call 250-749-6681 (from June to August
call 250-749-3350) or visit their website
online at www.town.lakecowichan.bc.ca/
camping.
Gordon Bay Provincial Park Provincial
Gordon Bay, further west along the lake
past Honeymoon Bay, is a large provincial
campground on the shore of a small bay.
It has many amenities, making it one of
the most popular in the B.C. Parks system.
There are 126 campsites with water on
tap. Gordon Bay has a large sandy swimming beach with a floating boundary
of large boom logs, an amphitheatre,
an adventure playground for children
YoU Can’T Eat FanCY
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and a shower house that is wheelchair
accessible. Reservations at the park are
recommended, especially for summer
camping. Call B.C. Parks at 1-800-689-9025,
250-749-3415 (local number) or visit www.
discovercamping.ca for information.
Beaver Lake Resort Private
Just west of Lakeview, this private resort
features 50 camping RV and tent sites,
with full connections to hydro. There is
also a lakefront cabin for rent, laundry
facilities, free hot showers, flush toilets,
water craft rentals, a horseshoe pit, guest
programs and crafts for the younger kids.
Call 250-749-7792 for rates.
the RiB EyE
n’t have
{Which is why we do
No fancy frills. No stuffed shirt
attitude. Just real people and
great food. Everything you want
in a steakhouse. Only casual.
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER.
DINE IN. TAKE OUT.
@MrMikesOnline mrmikes.ca
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2763 Beverly Street, Duncan BC
Lake COWICHAN
GAZETTE
VISITOR’S
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250-715-2070
Camp sites cont.
TimberWest Sites (4) Forestry
TimberWest sites are located at various locations around Cowichan Lake. Firewood will be available onsite while campfires are
permitted by the Coastal Fire Centre for $8/ level wheel-barrow
load. Fees are collected daily by an attendant. Call 250-749-3873
for more information.
1. Heather Campsite
Located on the west end of the lake there are 47 camping
sites. The 12 beach sites are very popular, although they require
campers to carry in all gear and supplies. Water is available from
taps, but it should be boiled before drinking. Garbage can be
disposed of onsite.
2. Kissinger Lake Campsite
Located on the shores of a small lake stocked with rainbow
trout, Kissinger has 26 sites among trees, eight with a lake view,
and is on the road to Nitinat.
2. Pine Point Campsite
A rustic site, with 58 sites. There are beautiful views across the
lake, a paved boat launch and a beach of small gravel. There are
no water taps or pumps, so campers should bring their own
water. In order to keep from attracting bears, there are no garbage cans, so bring strong black garbage bags to carry refuse
away from the site.
3. Nixon Creek Campsite
On the south side of the lake and is heavily treed with an older
stand; a West Coast feel. The narrow road leading down into the
site is about 1.5 kilometres. The campground is a Forest Service
site with 48 campsites, a gravel boat launch and a scenic walking
trail along the beach. There are no garbage cans or water on tap,
so be prepared to carry water in and garbage out.
Lubin’s Campground Private
Lubin’s is located on Cowichan Lake in Youbou. It offers RV
hook-ups and a boat launch. Call 250-745-3464.
3. Caycuse Campsite
Shady during the hot summer weather, Caycuse is on the
south side of the lake with 26 sites among the forest, some with
lovely lake views. Boiling the water is advised.
4. Little Shaw Campsite
Northwest toward Youbou on the site of an old log dump at
Little Shaw Creek, this small site has five camping spots, all of
which are carry-in.
Grand Getaways Property Management (3)
Also located at various sites around Cowichan Lake, with
waterfront sites available for a premium. Firewood is available
when fires are permitted by the Coastal Fire Centre. There are pit
toilets — just to be on the safe side, make sure to take your own
bathroom tissue. Quiet time is from 11 p.m., gate is closed at
10 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Visitors are asked to leave by 8 p.m. Sites are family oriented. An
onsite host will collect fees on a daily basis. Call 250-701-1976 for
more info or go to www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
1. Maple Grove Campsite
Another rustic camp that has 61 campsites; some in the open
but many under tall trees with lovely southern views across
the lake. Four sites are walk-in. There is a paved boat launch (for
boats no longer than 14 ft.) and a gently sloped gravel beach for
sunning and swimming. It is also a good hiking area.
Lake LAKE
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LAKE DAYS
Yours to explore
O
ne the Cowichan Lake’s oldest
celebrations, Lake Days started
out in 1931 as a community
picnic, a fancy dress parade and a day of
logger sports. Today, it is one of the area’s
most beloved traditions and includes a
whole week of family friendly events and
activities.
Organized this year by the Kinsmen and
Kinettes of Lake Cowichan, Lake Days
runs from June 5 to June 12, and kicks off
with a soap box derby, which is a hit with
young competitors and older spectators
alike.
Other events include the RBC Cowichan
Idol singing competition, a community
breakfast at the Lake Cowichan Fire Hall
on June 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.,
followed by the grand parade along
South Shore Road beginning at 11 a.m.
All day long there will be activities at
Saywell Park in the centre of town —
everything from children’s games, vendors
and community services booths, to food
vendors, 50/50 draws, a dunk tank and a
beer garden.
This year will also feature the return of
logger games, a throw back to the Lake’s
rich history of logging and continued
relationship with the forestry industry. The
logger games are all open to participants
from the public and include the nail drive
(which is the one event also open to children under 13), the choker race and the
axe throw.
That evening is the annual Lake Days
Dance, a 19+ event hosted at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena and featuring the
band Row of Crowz from Duncan. Tickets
are $20 and available at the Cowichan
Lake Sports Arena.
Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday there is a road hockey tournament beginning at 8 a.m. with finals at
3 p.m., the Kinsmen Annual Ducky Derby
Race in the Cowichan River starting at 1
p.m. and the RBC Cowichan Idol finals at
4 p.m.
Gerard’s
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LOOK FOR OUR FOOD TRAILER
AT SAYWELL PARK, LAKE COWICHAN
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#102-205 South Shore Rd.
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250-932-9332
Lake COWICHAN GAZETTE VISITOR’S GUIDE 2016
LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE VISITOR’S GUIDE 2016
Lake Days Cont.
Lady of the Lake
P
erhaps the most anticipated activities during Lake Days week are
the Lady of the Lake events. Now
in its 72nd year, the Lady of the Lake
competition features local high school
girls who spend several months training
in public speaking and community
leadership.
During Lake Days, they host multiple
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
public events including the Strawberry
Tea night , Opportunity Night and
the Lady of the Lake Grand Ball. These
events are a chance for community
members to meet the candidates and
learn more about why they are participating in the program.
On Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. in
Saywell Park the new Lady of the Lake
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
is crowned, along with the new runners up, who receive the titles first and
second princesses. The Lady of the Lake
and her princesses then spend the year
as ambassadors for the Lake district,
promoting Cowichan Lake in other
communities, participating in parades
across the province and attending community events throughout their reign.
KIDD’S B&B
David & Beth Kidd
Ice Cream Impossible
Home of Cowichan Style
Deep Fried Ice Cream
• Ice Cream Cones
• Gift Shop
122B South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan
250-749-4405
deepfriedicecream@shaw.ca
Lake LAKE
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Phone 250 749 7790
Toll Free 866 749 7790
518 Point Ideal Drive
(Box 1152)
Lake Cowichan, BC
Canada V0R 2G0
kiddsbb@shaw.ca
www.kiddsbb.com
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Ts’uubaa-asatx Square
T
he new town square officially
opened last year, with naming
rights given to the local First Nation.
“The choice of the name was where we
come from. We called it Ts’uubaa-asatx,
the people from the front of the lake, by
the rivers, by the streams. It shows that
we’re the people living by the lake,” said
Chief Cyril Livingstone.
In return, the Ts’uubaaasaatx recruited
artist Ron Hamilton, whose work was
featured in the 2010 Cultural Olympiad in
Vancouver, to carve a totem pole that was
placed in the square in November of 2016.
Hamilton and other carvers spent all of a
summer in the square putting the finishing touches on the pole. It was raised with
great fanfare last fall and now stands as a
beloved local landmark.
Ts’uubaa-asatx Square also features a
large gazebo and is located on South
Shore Road, right next to the Vancouver
Island Regional Library and the Forest
Workers Memorial Park.
The Square also hosts the Lake Cowichan Downtown Market every Saturday at
10 a.m.
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250-715-6038
250-749-4192
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LAKE COWICHAN
Yours to explore
T
he Town of Lake Cowichan is situated at the east end of Cowichan
Lake along the banks of the Cowichan River. Just a 20 minute drive from
Duncan, known as the City of Totems,
Lake Cowichan is the ideal destination for
any summer vacation.
The Town of Lake Cowichan was incorporated in 1944 and currently has a population of approximately 3,000 people. This
number more than doubles in the summer months.
Before settlers arrived, local First Nation
bands from both the east and west coasts
of Vancouver Island used Lake Cowichan
for fishing and hunting and utilized the
area’s large cedars for building canoes.
European settlement of the Town of
Lake Cowichan began in about 1833
when William Forest arrived in Cowichan
Bay.
Soon after he and James Tolmie (the
older brother of a later premier of British
Columbia) toured the lake with the help
of the First Nation Ikilass brothers.
After assuring the provincial government that at least 12 settlers would move
to the area, Forest was authorized to
build a road to the town. This project was
completed in 1886. The town’s ties to the
logging industry began with these first
settlers.
The industry flourished until January
2001, when the town of Youbou saw the
closure of the last mill on the lake.
Even though local mills have since
closed, logging is still plays an important
role in the economy.
Visitors are reminded to maintain caution when driving any of the roads in the
area, as active logging still takes place and
logging trucks are a common sight.
As you can imagine, Lake Cowichan is
rich with history. For instance, the River-
side Inn, which is located just before the
South Shore Road Bridge, was originally
built in 1883.
Other notes of interest include Dr. Stoker,
who lived in Marble Bay, and had two
famous brothers. One was a surgeon for
the royal family, and the other was infamous Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula.
The 1883 Stoker and Simpson home,
located at Nels Beach, is now used for
the University of Victoria’s Centre for Field
Studies.
Today, the town boasts several fine bed
and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, a grocery store with a bakery, a marina, as well
as a variety of commercial outlets.
If you plan to take advantage of the lake
and do some fishing, water skiing, sailing,
or kayaking, the marina is a great place
to start. It is located at 415 Point Ideal Rd.
and provides moorage, rentals and much
more. June hours are Monday to Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July and August 10 a.m.
to sunset. You can also access the lake
through the public boat launch off North
Shore Road.
In recent years tubing down the river has
become a popular activity for tourists and
locals alike.
Get in the water at Lake Cowichan and
enjoy a lazy ride down to Little Beach or
Skutz Falls, or choose a more challenging
route and begin your journey at Marie
Canyon and ride down to Stoltz Pool.
Tubers are reminded not to litter and to
respect the many private residences that
line the banks of the river.
For more local information, go to the
local Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre and staff will be happy to help you
find accommodation, local attractions,
activities, and much more. The centre is
located by Saywell Park on South Shore
Road (see page 4).
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Town Parks
• The Friendship Park Fisheries
Trail is located beside the Country
Grocer store on Cowichan Lake
Road. The path winds along Oliver
Creek, with several bridges and
benches along the way.
• Central Park is alongside the river
in downtown Lake Cowichan next
to the traffic bridge. There is a fountain, picnic tables and an outdoor
stage. The fountain is in honour of
Dr. William Carpentier who grew up
in Lake Cowichan and was a physician to the astronauts of the Apollo
11 moon landing in 1969. Lake
Cowichan’s war memorial is located
beside the stage.
• The Duck Pond, officially called
Riverside Park, is located on Park
Road off North Shore Road. Here you
can take a relaxing dip in the Cowichan River.
• Saywell Park is located at the
head of the river, next to the tourist
information booth in downtown
Lake Cowichan on South Shore
Road. This park is home to many
summer activities.
• Lakeview Park Campground
is just west of town on South Shore
Road. It has a beautiful public beach
and day picnic area, as well as 72
campsites. See page 14 for camping
details.
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SUNFEST
Yours to explore
Carrie Underwood
Sunfest 2016
Headliner
Photo courtesy of
www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com
S
unfest Country Music Festival, which
attracts tens of thousands of people
each year, has moved! 2016 marks
the popular event’s first year in its new
home at Laketown Ranch, a sprawling
172-acre site in Lake Cowichan’s backyard
that includes parking, camping grounds
and the largest permanent outdoor stage
west of Cavendish, PEI.
This year’s festival headliner features
none other than Carrie Underwood, one
of country’s biggest stars.
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Other big name performers include
Dierks Bentley, Dallas Smith, Chase Bryant,
The Road Hammers, High Valley and Neal
McCoy. Local rockers Row of Crowz will
also be featured on the main stage, too.
The festival runs from July 28-31.
Tickets and festival passes are available
through Sunfest’s website or by calling
855-486-4776.
Since the music doesn’t get started until
around 4 p.m. each day, festival goers are
encouraged to come visit one of the com-
munities around the Lake where residents
and businesses are planning a variety of
events.
During the weekend of Sunfest, Lake
Cowichan will feature small stage concerts, beer gardens, a farmers market, food
trucks and more.
On Saturday, July 30, Youbou is hosting a
day of events their community association
has dubbed “West of Sunfest,” which will
include a pancake breakfast, a community
market and beer garden.
Lake LAKE
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Circle Route
T
he Cowichan Lake area is a well
connected tourist destination,
with recent upgrades to the Pacific
Marine Circle Route improving matters
significantly.
The Circle Route is a series of highways
and roads that start at Victoria, and goes
north through Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, and
Duncan. The road then goes west through
to the Cowichan Lake area, and then
south to the coastal community of Port
Renfrew. The road then winds back east
through Sooke to Victoria.
In addition to linking traveling tourists
to the Cowichan Lake area from other
Island tourist destinations, the Circle Route
provides access to the tourist-spot-filled
road out to Port Renfrew, starting near the
community of Mesachie Lake, a few kilometres west of Lake Cowichan. There is
signage to direct people new to the area.
But remember to gas up before you
leave, as there aren’t any service stations
until you reach Sooke.
After about 29 kilometres of traveling
south of Mesachie Lake, one will reach the
Harris Creek Spruce Tree, an old growth
forest, with one particularly large tree
singled out for tourists to view in closer
detail. The big tree is circled with a wooded platform you can walk around.
There are also two well-maintained
beautiful campsites next to small lakes
along the road, including Lizard Lake, at
38 kilometres from Mesachie Lake with 28
campsites, and Fairy Lake, at 49 kilometres
from Mesachie Lake, with 36 campsites.
Logging trucks can be expected on the
road, so drivers are cautioned to watch
out for them. Recent forestry has opened
up some views of the various mountains,
increasing opportunities for wildlife viewing along the remote road.
Once one reaches the coastal community of Port Renfrew, there are a myriad of
sites to enjoy. The area is world-renowned
as a prime place for studying marine life,
with tidal pools trapping sea life for observation. Strange geophysical shapes are
carved into the area coastline, with lots of
photograph opportunities being provided. There are also various hiking trails and
lots of ocean fishing opportunities in the
area.
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250-715-0116
280 Government Street, Duncan
www.sherwood-house.com
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YOUBOU REGATTA
Yours to explore
O
ne of the busiest days of the summer happens at Arbutus Park in
Youbou on Aug. 3.
The Youbou Regatta boasts the shortest
parade in the world, starting at 10:30 a.m.
from the Youbou Hall to Arbutus Park, but
it’s certainly one of the most enthusiastic.
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Following the parade, Arbutus Park
comes alive with activity.
The first splash hits the water with the
Clarence Whittingham Memorial Quarter
Mile Swim.
A tugboat owned by Whittingham —
an iron vessel for towing logs on the lake,
takes the swimmers a quarter mile out
and they swim back to the dock.
This is followed by kids and adult swimming races, cannonball and belly flop
competitions, watermelon eating, threeon-three volleyball and canoe races.
Call 250-749-6742 for more information.
Lake LAKE
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Community Events
Family Heritage Days weekend May 20-23
Lake Days week June 5-12
Lake Cowichan Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market , Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Every Sunday is the Trunk Treasures 2-6 p.m. in Ts’uubaaasatx Town Square. These markets run right up to Thanksgiving in October
Canada Day celebrations around the lake on July 1
Honeymoon Bay Days is July 23
Welcome to
Sunfest July 28-31 Youbou Regatta Aug. 13 as well as the RBC/A&W car show
Labour Day Weekend is the Chili Barn Dance and the
Honeymoon Bay Blackberry Pie Festival Salmon & Mushroom Festival/Savour Cowichan Sept. 24-25
Lake Cowichan!
Enjoy Your Stay
Oct. 15 Business Showcase
Santa Parade is Dec. 3
Lake Cowichan Fire Department
SUMMER FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Fire Safety isn’t something you can
afford to take a vacation from!
“Stay Alert...Stay Safe”
even when you and your family are
away on a camping vacation.
• Max campfire size 18”x18”x18”. Gas campfires are ok during campfire bans
• Don’t leave children unattended and never leave them near a campfire alone.
• Never use water to control grease fire flare ups on gas barbeques. In a fierce flare-up
turn off the gas and remove the food and the grease will burn off in a few minutes.
• Make sure that your fire is out before going to bed.
• Keep a supply of water near your fire.
• Check and maintain gas connections and fume vents on camping trailers.
• Develop an escape plan and keep a small axe handy for emergency escapes.
• Use only battery operated lights in your tents. Never use matches, candles or an open
flame in a tent.
• Never use gasoline or naptha (camp fuel) – it can cause an explosion.
• Never cook or smoke in your tent – it’s a fire hazard and a carbon monoxide danger.
• A fire extinguisher is a must for every camper’s equipment.
• It is also recommended a portable smoke detector be part of every holidayer’s
equipment.
• If fire gets on your clothing or someone else’s, remember – stop, drop and roll to
smother the flames.
Remember WaterSafety! Wear life jackets! Keep boat safety equipment on board.
For a full set of rules on Water safety and fire please go to our website
Lakecowichanfire.com
Have a great summer and enjoy Lake Cowichan.
Lake LAKE
COWICHAN
VISITOR’S
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What some
people call a great
vacation spot…
you can call home
Call Keith or Tracy for
a look at some of the most
beautiful waterfront properties
on Vancouver Island!
www.lkc.ca
WATERFRONT • RECREATIONAL • RESIDENTIAL
Keith Nelson
Tracy Forrest
250-749-6660 • Toll free page 1-800-729-3246 • 145 South Shore Rd. Lake Cowichan • www.lkc.ca
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Lake COWICHAN GAZETTE VISITOR’S GUIDE 2016