Fun Stuff To Do Around Here

Check our Links page to find out more information on any of these activities.

Water Sports

Tubing:

Float with an inner tube down sections of the warm Cowichan River. It’s a stunning trip, a real eco-tour, where every bend in the river reveals different species of flora and fauna as well as intriguing geological formations. Catch a glimpse of eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, ducks, river otters, fish and maybe even a bear.

The sections of the river that are normally “tubed” by locals, range from quite gentle which anyone can easily do, to a bit more challenging for those with a taste for more wild adventures. You can either play in a small section, running the same rapids over & over, or you can go for hours getting an up-close tour of the beautiful & intricate Cowichan river eco-system.

When the sun is out in the “Warmland” there is nothing that beckons louder. It’s awesome and it’s cheap & you can rent your gear from us!!

Swimming and Snorkeling:

Cowichan River:
A thirty minute hike from the house brings you to the shores of the Cowichan River where you can find a private swimming hole and spend a relaxing day picnicking & swimming in the warm Cowichan River. With the many varieties of fish and underwater life, snorkeling has also become a very popular and rewarding river activity.

Shawnigan Lake & Quarry/Cowichan Lake:
Here’s a cheap trip: rent mountain bikes, and ride two hours to gorgeous Shawnigan Lake to swim in either the lake itself or the beautiful limestone/argillite quarry. Bring a lunch, or dine at the local pubs and come back to the ranch for a relaxing hottub and campfire. If 4 hours of biking is too much for you, Cowichan Lake is only a 1 hour bike ride, and is the source of the warm waters which feed the beautiful river.

River & Sea Kayaking/Canoeing:

The Cowichan River is a beautiful challenging technical river for kayaking, canoeing or rafting.

Local sea kayaking lessons and excursions are also available, as well as rentals-try a kayak vineyard tour, or perhaps two hours at sea in the sunset, or in the moonlight are for you.

Fishing:

As we are only a 20 minute walk to the river, our place is a convenient and economical fishing lodge, especially in our mild winter when fishing on the Cowichan River is at its best. Information on fishing can be found on our links page.

Fresh water: steelhead, brownthroat, cutthroat & rainbow trout, bass, sunfish
Salt water: coho & spring salmon, ling & rock cod, sole, prawns, Dungeness crab

Many local operators offer charters and boat rentals for both fresh and salt water fishing.

Wake/KneeBoarding, Jet Skiing:

At both Cowichan Lake and Shawnigan Lake rentals are available.

  Hiking and Mountain Biking

This area has some of the finest terrain around, and it’s all within minutes of the ranch. This is just a sample…

Mt Prevost boasts quick runs; 20 minutes to drive up, and a 20 minute hair raising ride down--with several trails to choose, from moderate to expert with built up jumps, drops and ladders…lush green forest, fast flowing earthy trails with an awesome view of Duncan and the Valley floor.

Mt. Tzouhalem, a 1-2 hour climb brings you to the top of this majestic mountain with ocean and valley views, the decent can vary from beginner to expert and takes as long as you want.

Cowichan River Trail, a beautiful and historic 20 km cross country trail with smaller obstacles, follows along the stunning Cowichan River from Duncan to Lake Cowichan. Beginner to intermediate. Bring your camera and capture wonderful wildlife pictures, or your binoculars and do some birding.

Road Biking/Touring:
Old Lake Cowichan Road, this beautiful winding country road takes you from our house to Lake Cowichan (where you can catch a swim in the warm waters). There’s hardly any traffic, it’s well shaded, and from the house to Lake Cowichan is less than an hour in gentle uphill steps.

The Estuary, this 40 minute flat-land loop tour takes you through beautiful Native reserves. With the mountains surrounding, you bike through acres of lush green meadows, farm land and to the river’s side (for a swim). A little detour will take you through a small, cool green forest to the salmon hatchery-arriving back at the Farmer’s Market where you can have a nice lunch or ice cream.

LEARN OR IMPROVE YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKING WITH A WORKSHOP
Do you know what makes mountain or trail biking so appealing? It’s the fact that like hiking, you can explore the forests and the bush--except you move much quicker, get much farther and see that much more.

The rush from downhill mountain biking specifically appeals to those who love the adrenaline kick achieved in such sports as skiing, and snowboarding.

Would you like to learn basic mountain biking? Do you ride trails, but would like to ride downhill? Individualized lessons to improve your skills are available with certified instructors. They will patiently help you strive for whatever level you are seeking at a reasonable price. If you are totally un-initiated, consider renting mountain bikes and taking lessons to see if this wonderful and exhilarating sport is for you.

More Biking…
There is much more to explore in this area and beyond:
-The Trans Canada trail,
- bicycle vineyard tours
-The smaller islands of:
Salt Spring, Hornby, Kuper, Galliano, Thetis, Gabriola etc
-Goldstream Park, Shawnigan Lake, Spectacle Lake, Nitinat Lake, Koksilah River Park, the Hartland Dump

ETC. ETC. ETC….check out the links

Get lost in the Canadian wilderness

4X4 Camping and ATV Excursions
We can help you arrange day trips to practically uncharted territory in a 4X4 vehicle, these excursions allow you to see the truly wild side of the B.C. wilderness, do some caving, hiking, biking, fishing or just enjoy the peacefulness and stunning beauty of Nininat River, Cowichan Lake, Carmanah Walbran Old Growth forest or various other (practically secret) destinations.

More wild (and not so wild) Adventures

Golfing: with several beautiful public courses in and around Duncan the avid golfer will definitely get in their game. Check the links

Paragliding: Mt.Prevost is a popular launch for handgliders and paragliders, no experience necessary to go on a tandem passenger flight-just courage!

Sailing & Whale Watching: local operators offer a variety of sailing and jet-boat whale watching excursions around the Gulf islands, with the added bonus of spotting a wide variety of sea & sky creatures in their natural habitat.

Bungy Jumping: The most terrifying ride in North America, is only 30 minutes drive from the ranch. If you don’t “Bungy”, maybe you’d rather try the “ultimate swing” or the “zip line”-they’re all a “RUSH”!

Etc.
Scuba diving, Ocean and River Fishing, Windsurfing, Horseback Riding, Go-Karting, Birding, Antiquing, Vineyard Tours, Professional and Dinner Theatres, Art Studio Tours, Festivals and Concerts, etc. etc. etc….check out the links