Named after the Cowichan First Nations for whom it means “land warmed by the sun”, the Cowichan Valley is located between Victoria and Nanaimo on south Vancouver Island. Many hobby farms are across the region with an abundance of wineries and local food eateries inviting you to sip and savour.

Duncan is the Cowichan’s largest community. Known as the “City of Totems”, Duncan is graced with dozens of totem poles, principally located downtown and along the highway. Just north of Duncan is the BC Forestry Discovery Centre where visitors can stroll under 200-year-old, 55-metre-tall Douglas fir trees and visit a replica historic logging camp.

Visit Cowichan Bay and step on a whale watching vessel or participate in a guided Canoe or paddle board tour. Later, stroll through nearby Genoa Bay and enjoy a freshly cooked seafood platter or sip on one of the many local wines.

The pristine Cowichan Lake District, surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking. The scenic 75 kilometre drive on paved and gravel roads around Cowichan Lake, the largest freshwater lake on Vancouver Island, takes about an hour and a half. Cast a line in the Cowichan River which offers some of the best trout and steelhead fishing on the Island or take advantage of over 20 km of hiking trails in the area.

Chemainus, to the north of the valley, has won international acclaim for its Festival of Murals and the Chemainus Theatre. Ladysmith is the most northerly community in the Cowichan. Once a shipping port for coal, Ladysmith has been voted one of the prettiest towns in Canada by Harrowsmith Magazine. Take a walking tour and check out the restored 19th and 20th century buildings that house antique shops, delightful cafes and eateries. Then relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views.

Top 5 Things to Do

  • See the 39 outdoor murals in Chemainus
  • Explore "City of Totems" Duncan
  • Swim in Cowichan Lake
  • Visit pictoresque Cowichan Bay
  • BC Forestry Discovery Centre

Mountains, towns, lakes and rolling hills

The pristine Cowichan Lake District, surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking.

Experience Cowichan

Their motto: "Slow down, savour life" says it all.


Video courtesy of Tourism Cowichan

The murals in Chemainus are lovely. It's art and a history book at the same time.
Odette Brunee
Paris, France
The highway takes you straight through Duncan. Make sure you stop to see the totems!
Diederik de Jong
Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Itineraries that include British Columbia

Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 9 days
Okanagan Wine Tour
The Okanagan valley offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves fabulous wine accompanied by fine cuisine. This is a perfect opportunity to taste the global culinary infusion of locally grown products complemented with renowned Okanagan wines. With more than 150 wineries in the Okanagan region, our itinerary can only offer suggestions as to how to make the most of your RV wine tour experience. And please, no drinking and driving!
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 7 days
Sea to Sky Adventure
You may be familiar with British Columbia’s Sea to Sky because it played a starring role when Vancouver was host to the 2010 Olympic Games. Known for its breathtaking views and Vancouver’s greatest backyard and playground, escape the city and explore the Coast Mountain Range in the towns of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 16 days
Southern BC to the Rockies Circle
Enjoy 16 days exploring the beauty of Western Canada from the Pacific coast, to the Rocky Mountains, to the interior of British Columbia. This tour gives you a unique taste of some of British Columbia and Alberta’s most spectacular sights.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 7 days
Sunshine Coast
British Columbia's Sunshine Coast is a rugged, secluded, marvelously laid-back area people instantly appreciate when they make the journey. It stretches from Gibsons to Lund in an approximate 180 kilometre-long collection of ocean-side villages, creating homes for unique waterside shops, friendly locals and the easygoing, coastal lifestyle.
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Start/End Vancouver / Calgary
Duration 12 days
The Crowsnest Route - Vancouver to Calgary
A leisurely alternative to the more-travelled route, Highway 3 meanders south from Hope, BC through Manning Provincial Park and the mountainous terrain of the Cascades. It’s a 1250km scenic route that will have you discovering something new at every turn.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 24 days
Totem Circle
From spectacular coastline to mountains, to inland British Columbia and beyond, our Totem Circle tour takes you through some of Western Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in fur trading history and learn about the culture of the indigenous people who inhabited this land before the arrival of European settlers. Small cities and towns will delight you as you discover your own piece of paradise on this iconic route.
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Start/End Vancouver / Whitehorse
Duration 19 days
Vancouver to Whitehorse
Our one-way itinerary from Vancouver to Whitehorse via the Inside Passage takes you to unexpected places and encompasses two ferry rides along with the best of Canada’s spectacular outdoors. Please note that both a Northern Surcharge fee and the US Travel fee are applicable to this itinerary.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 10 days
Vancouver Island Experience
Enjoy ten days exploring the diverse landscape and culture of beautiful Vancouver Island. From rainforests to marshes, beaches to mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes, Vancouver Island is one of the world's premier locations for whale watching, birding and fishing. Your CanaDream RV is the perfect way to experience it all.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 30 days
West Coast Road Trip
We're Disney bound but the destination is just one part of the journey! The Pacific Coast highway is the ultimate west coast road trip. The beautiful thing about taking your holiday along the Pacific Ocean is the freedom to stop and take in the ocean breeze whenever your heart desires. Some of our favourite places to stop along this journey are the Redwood Forest, Cannon Beach, Mendocino and Big Sur. Of course, spending time visiting Disneyland and other area attractions is your ultimate goal but there's so much more to do and see on this Pacific Coast RV road trip. Please note that the US Driving fee is applicable to this route.
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Start/End Vancouver / Vancouver
Duration 12 days
Winter Sea to Sky
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of snow-capped mountains, towering in glory as they reach out to embrace the sparkling expanse of the sea. Transport yourself to a place where the silence of the forest is broken by crunching snow and the occasional cry of a bald eagle.
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