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South Cowichan travel guides

Twelve fieldnotes for forest walks, coastal villages, local food and a well-planned stay.

SOUTH ISLAND FIELDNOTES EDITORIAL TEAM · SOURCES REVIEWED 24 SEPTEMBER 2026

View across Cowichan Bay toward a forested ridge, 2019 — Across Cowichan Bay · 2019

Start with a destination or a practical question, then follow the related guides to build the trip.

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01A South Cowichan weekend: forest, village, bayStart here 02Kinsol Trestle: access, the walk and what to noticeForest & trails 03Cowichan Bay: a waterfront day with a wooden-boat storyBays & villages 04Mill Bay: shore time and the Saanich Inlet crossingBays & villages 05Shawnigan Lake: village stops and public shore accessLakes & outdoors 06Cobble Hill: a village-and-country dayBays & villages 07Cowichan food and wine: plan a day around the tableFood & makers 08Duncan in a day: market, museum and the Totems TourTown & culture 09Where to stay in South Cowichan: choose your baseStay & plan 10Getting to South Cowichan: ferries, roads and local transportStay & plan 11Cowichan by season: build a plan that can changeStay & plan 12Family days in Cowichan: one good outing at a timeLakes & outdoors