| |
Map Copyright
Tourism Vancouver Island
South Central Island
Inspiring vistas of valleys
and vineyards, forests and farmland, sparkling lakes and crystal-clear
rivers abound in the picturesque South Central region.
Malahat Mountain
Enjoy
incredible views of the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island and surrounding
Southern Gulf Islands from various vantage points along the Malahat
Mountain pass. Only 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria and considered
the gateway to the beautiful Cowichan Valley, where you can roam the
countryside, try wine and cider-tasting, beachcombing, hiking, or savour
the day's catch at a quaint fishing village...and much much more. The
area offers world-class dining and a wide range of accommodations from
camping, cottage bungalows, bed and breakfasts and luxurious resorts.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
South Cowichan - Shawnigan
Lake, Cobble Hill and Mill Bay
(Area Population: 11,600)
These
quaint, picturesque communities, steeped in logging, farming, and
mining history, encompass the heart of South Cowichan. Drawn by the
lovely lakes and parks and a variety of activities, visitors will
quickly discover the Valley’s hidden gems.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
Cowichan Bay (Population: 2,679)
The
picturesque fishing village of Cowichan Bay is situated at the head
of a natural deep-sea harbour. Most of Cowichan Bay’s commercial and
residential buildings are on stilts. Shops, art galleries, accommodation
properties, and excellent restaurants renowned for superb local seafood
are perched over the water’s edge. The large marina is the focal point
in town.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
Duncan (Population: 5,000)
Duncan is the Cowichan
Valley’s largest community, serving approximately 75,000 area residents.
Known as the “City of Totems,” Duncan is graced with nearly 80 totem
poles, principally located downtown and along the highway.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
Cowichan Lake District (Area Population: 6,000)
The pristine Cowichan Lake District includes the communities of Lake
Cowichan, Honeymoon Bay, Youbou, Mesachie Lake, and Caycuse. This
mountainous area, rich with wildlife, is an ideal destination for
a family vacation or an outdoor adventure.
The
scenic 75-kilometre (47-mile) drive on paved and gravel roads around
Cowichan Lake takes about an hour and a half. There are several parks,
campsites, and lookouts to stop at for photo opportunities and wildlife
viewing. Secondary roadways provide access to Port Renfrew (page 59)
and Bamfield, the trailheads for the West Coast Trail, as well as
to the old-growth forests of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. These
roads also connect to Nitinat Lake, a tidal lake that opens onto the
Pacific Ocean and is popular with wind surfers.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
Maple Bay/Genoa Bay
(Area Population: 1,848)
Sheltered
Maple Bay separates Vancouver Island from Salt Spring Island and is
a pretty seaside community that bustles with marine activity. Genoa
Bay, just down the road, is quiet and more isolated. Relaxing activities
await for visitors to the Maple Bay/Genoa Bay area.
Crofton (Population: 2,500)
Crofton’s
pioneer families established homesteads in the small valley until
1902 when a copper smelter was built. The prosperity was short lived
and Crofton was quiet until 1957 when B.C. Forest Products opened
its pulp and paper mill. The town’s buildings are an eclectic mix
of early 1900’s miners’ homes, mid-century summer cottages, and modern
sub-division-style developments. Crofton offers affordable accommodations,
an RV park overlooking Osborne Bay, great value restaurants, and numerous
land and sea recreational choices.
Chemainus (Population: 4,000)
Chemainus
has won international acclaim for its Festival of Murals, a very successful
revitalization project that began in 1982 with the unveiling of five
large murals, all professionally painted onto existing downtown buildings.
The Festival of Murals has grown and now there are 33 murals. Chemainus
is also home to the Chemainus Theatre, offering five centre-stage
shows every year and a pre-show gourmet buffet. Chemainus won the
1994 British Airways Tourism Award, a competition involving more than
200 communities world-wide. This coastal community has much to offer
visitors.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
Ladysmith (Population: 6,700)
Situated
on the 49th parallel, Ladysmith was established by coal baron James
Dunsmuir as a shipping port for coal. Ladysmith received a provincial
award for most beautiful community on Vancouver Island and a national
Main Street Canada award as one of the four best revitalization projects
in the country. As well, Harrowsmith Country Magazine named Ladysmith
“one of the 10 prettiest towns in Canada.” Ladysmith offers some great
ways to unwind.
View
all member businesses in this region
View
all book online businesses in this region
Back
to Top
|
