Cowichan Lake VACATION IDEAS I ACCOMMODATIONS I EVENTS & MORE
2015
Yours to
VISITOR’S GUIDE
Find adventure...just up the road
EXPLORE!
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
Welcome to
COWICHAN LAKE
Cowichan Lake is situated on the southern half of Vancouver Island, halfway between the island’s east and west coasts. Thirty-four kilometers from the town 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 areas 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 communities, 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 areas 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 townships 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... This is my Anywhere Vacation Capital of Vancouver Island
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, summer community events.
EX
“ YO U R S TO E X P LO R E ” PL
ORE
The Cowichan River starts at the weir. This heritage river has been known as the Fly Fishing Capital of Canada since the early 1900s. Come and discover what we have to offer.
Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce Our Visitor/Business Centre is located in the log cabin at Saywell Park on South Shore Rd.
Open Daily through September 7
250-749-3244 l www.cowichanlake.ca l info@cowichanlake.ca
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
July to September 2015
Travel Info Centre If 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 Road and 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.
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
COWICHAN LAKE Yours to explore
If 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, water skiers, kayakers, canoers 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, weather 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, a convenience store are also on site. A number of stores in the around the communities lake sell supplies for your day on the water.
Lake Cowichan welcomes boaters! Boating on pristine Cowichan Lake is always a favourite for family fun. However, there are a few things locals would like you to keep in mind. Be courteous and considerate. Residents, other boaters, and beach-users deserve no less. Be muffled! Remember to maintain your muffler in good working order and to disconnect muffler cut-outs or by-passes 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.
COWICHAN RIVER Yours to explore For 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, 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.
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
July to September 2015
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Local Beaches Lakeview 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. Located on the right past the houses. Use caution, river moves swiftly. Spring Beach Meades Creek Pleasant wooded park with washroom and picnic tables. Named for it’s natural springs that flow year round. Follow North Shore Road and turn left on Meades Creek 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.
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. 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. This small beach provides plenty of shade and there’s a small dock. No boat access is allowed. Central Beach Honeymoon Bay Turn right onto Park Road from South Shore Road. The beach is below the parking lot. Washroom facilities are at the top of the parking lot. 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.
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. Arbutus Park Youbou Drive through Youbou until you reach the west entrance to Elder Crescent. Arbutus 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 scenic view. It can be reached by driving about 38 kilometres on either side of the lake, through Youbou or Honeymoon Bay, via a gravel road.
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
A chance to hike the area and meet some of the local residents
If you are new to Lake Cowichan or just visiting and you want to know more about the area why not just take a hike. Cowichan Retreads Hiking Group hosts a 2 to 5 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 am and drives to the trail head. A vehicle is not necessary as car pools are organized.
Hikes range from easy to advanced in locations along rivers, creeks, up mountains, through ancient forests or on surrounding islands. 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 club members Willa Suntjen 250-749-4144 and David Kidd 250-749-7790 To join the Retreads Hiking Club, contact Cowichan Lake Recreation at 250.749.6742. You may also contact the club directly by email at cowichanlakeretreads@gmail. com
Welcome to Lake Cowichan
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
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www.Town.LakeCowichan.bc.ca
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Lake CowichanGazette GazetteVisitor’s Visitor’sGuide Guide Lake Cowichan
July September 2015 137 May toto September 2012
Cowichan Lake
Heather Campsite
Kissinger Lake Campsite
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Maple Grove Campsite Nixon Creek Campsite
➤
t Lake, To Nitina Valley, h Carmana , Bamfield i, nd rn Port Albe National Park a im Pacific R Trail ast West Co
Pine Point Campsite
Caycuse
Youbou Caycuse Campsite
Bald Mtn.
Springs Beach
Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Wildflowe i r Wildflower Preserve
Honeymoon Bay
Lake Cowich Cowichan han Mesachie Lake
Beaver Lake Resort
Legend Campsite
Picnicking
Boat Launch
Swimming
Cowichan Lake MARINA Cowichan • Boat Rentals & Floating Store 17 Grew Bow Riders with • Fuel 130 H.P. Inboard Premium boat gas, ice, pop, candy,
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
Music in the Lake Every 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 4 to August 29 Summer Nights presents music in the park with bands that ranging from country and western, folk music and rock. The nights kick off with children’s activities from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by an open stage from 6 to 6:45 p.m. before the main performers take the stage from 7 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 Charbeneau and the Wild Sundays, the Good Time Band, Jan Matthews in Overdrive and the Medford Choir performing songs by the Beatles, with the headliner of the final performance to be announced. The music is free but there is a donation box if you feel like donating to our local radio station CICV “the Lake”, the Kaatza Arts Group, Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue, Lake Cowichan Seniors Center or the Kaatza Museum. These are all not for profit organizations in this area. Central Park is located by the roundabout at South Shore and North Shore roads.
Capture the Past at the
Kaatza Station Museum & Archives Saywell Park, Lake Cowichan
TUBE and KAYAK RENTALS on beautiful Cowichan Lake & River
• Shuttle service included in rentals • Life jackets available in all sizes • Book online at www.orkaadventures.com Now in partnership with
to offer Paddleboard Rentals
250.932.2222
Email: info@orkaadventures.com 65 Cowichan Lake Road Lake Cowichan BC
NEW DISPLAY Cabinet of Curiosity 1925 Ownership Map Logging, railway, pioneer life, general store, mining tunnel
OUTDOOR DISPLAYS
1927 Shay locomotive – 1916 wooden boxcar – 1918 wooden caboose, Diesel locomotive - speeder trailer Winter Hours - Mon. – Friday 10am – 4pm Summer Hours - Seven days a week 10am – 4pm
www.kaatzamuseum.ca 250-749-6142
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
July to September 2015
LOCAL HISTORY Yours to explore
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Kaatza Station Museum and Archives Explore 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 Shay locomotive, flatcar, and 1916 caboose. There is also a 1927 Plymouth locomotive and a speeder. The museum is located 125 South Shore Road, in Lake Cowichan. The main building is open from: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seven days a week from: June to August Open 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday January to May September to December For more information, go to: www.kaatzamuseum.ca Email: kaatzamuseum@shaw.ca, or phone 250-749-6142
Ts’uubaa-asatx Square The new town square was officially opened this year, with naming rights given to the local First Nation band. “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 have recruited artist Ron Hamilton, whose work was featured in the 2010 Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver, to carve
a totem pole to be placed in the square this September. Hamilton and other carvers will be in the square all summer putting the finishing touches on the pole. Ts’uubaa-asatx Square currently 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.
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 railways, 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.
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
Salmon and Mushroom Festival annual event. The event runs September 26 and 27 at Centennial Hall (309 South Shore Road) 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 250749-6291, or by e-mail at mayocreekgardens@ shaw.ca. You can also check out the festival website at salmonmushroomfestival.com.
Just before the snow begins falling around the lake, the Salmon and Mushroom Festival brings the area’s mushroom enthusiasts come 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 16th year of this
Farmers’ Markets The Cowichan Lake area is home to two summer markets: the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market and the Lake Cowichan Downtown Market, a new addition this year. The Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market features a wide variety of homemade and artisan goods, including wild-crafted herbal, medicinal and
personal care products, twig and barn board 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 Road, across from the Honeymoon Bay Fire Hall.
Summer 2015 Cowichan Lake Recreation Swim Lessons: Four 2 week sets of Red Cross lessons July 6 - Aug 27 at Arbutus Park
Free Drop-in Parks Program | July 6 - Aug 28 | 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 8 | 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 10 - 15 | Ages 11 - 14, Aug 17 - 22 Power skating for ages 6+, Aug 10 - 14
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COWICHAN LAKE RECREATION PROGRAMS
Call Cowichan Lake Recreation at: 250.749.6742
Visit: cvrd.bc.ca
@mycvrd
facebook.com/mycvrd
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. The Downtown Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Labour Day. It can be found at Ts’uubaa-asatx Square, Lake Cowichan’s new town square, which is located in front of the library on South Shore Road.
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
July to September 2015
LAKE COWICHAN Yours to explore
The 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 Riverside 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 Road 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 residents 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 3).
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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. See page 11 for more details.(Pictured) • 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 beautuful public beach and day picnic area, as well as 72 campsites. See page 6 for camping details.
The Duck Pond
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
S LCOME ENIORS! E W We invite all seniors visiting the area to drop in for a visit, meet other “golden agers” and enjoy a cup of coffee or something from our kitchen.
THE 50 LAKE PLUSAND ACTIVITY COWICHAN DISTRICT CENTER SENIORS CENTER 55 AVENUE 55CORONATION CORONATION AVENUE (BESIDE THE POST OFFICE)
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
STORE HOURS 7:00am to 9:00pm 7 days a week Open until 10:00pm July & August For all your needs
• Groceries • Service Deli • Produce • Fresh Bakery • Meat • Bulk Food Lottery Centre And a whole lot more! Lake Cowichan Country Grocer 83 Cowichan Lake Road
Camping There 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. Moorage is available. 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.
Beaver Lake Resort
Private
Just west of Lakeview, this private resort features 65 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.
Gordon Bay Provincial Park
Provincial
TimberWest Sites (4)
Forestry
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 and a shower house that is wheel chair 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. TimberWest sites are located at various locations around Cowichan Lake. Firewood will be available on-site while campfires are permitted 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 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.
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.
250-749-6335
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
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.
Khowutzen Forest Service Recreational Sites (3)
Also located at various locations around Cowichan Lake, with waterfront sites available for a premium. Firewood is available when fires permitted. 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 on-site host will collect fees on a daily basis. Call 250-7464555 for more info or go to www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
July to September 2015
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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.
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.
Peter's Pond
Private
Located in Honeymoon Bay, this facility includes camping for tents and trailers with power, moorage and water hook-ups. 250-749-6687 or 250-7157490.
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
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July to September 2015
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide
YOUBOU REGATTA Yours to explore
One of the busiest days of the summer happens at Arbutus Park in Youbou on August 8. The Youbou Regatta boasts the shortest parade in the world, starting at 10 a.m. from the Youbou Hall to Arbutus Park, but it’s certainly one of the most enthusiastic. 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, three-on-three volleyball and canoe races. There is a 19+ dance in the Youbou Hall at 9 p.m. that evening. Tickets are $15 each. Call 250-749-6742 for more information. The band Clearcut will be playing.
Lake Cowichan Gazette Visitor’s Guide The 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
KIDD’S B&B David & Beth Kidd
July to September 2015
Circle Route Yours to explore
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Nanaimo
Pacific Marine Circle Route
Honeymoon Bay Mesachie Lake
N
Chemainus Crofton Duncan Cowichan Lake Cowichan Bay
Mill Bay Port Renfrew Jordan River Sooke
Victoria
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 Phone 250 749 7790 forestry has opened Toll Free 866 749 7790 up some views of the various mountains, increasing opportunities for 518 Point Ideal Drive wildlife viewing along the remote (Box 1152) road. Lake Cowichan, BC Once one Canada V0R 2G0 reaches the coastal community of Port Renfrew, there kiddsbb@shaw.ca are a myriad of www.kiddsbb.com
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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 USA the area. If one sets their travel odometre to zero as soon as one enters the road out to Port Renfrew in Mesachie Lake, the following mileage will be enough to provide simple and precise direction. Be aware, some active logging. 0.0 KM Signs: Circle Route Pt. Renfrew, turn left 8.7 KM Signs: Circle Route, Pt. Renfrew, right turn. Seattle 14.4 KM Tree stump on the left with sign: Hillcrest Main. 16.0 KM Harris Creek watershed, creek on left side. 19.6 KM Series of very sharp switch back turns on steep down grade. 29 KM Harris Creek, huge spruce tree at left. (Must see). 31 KM Steep downhill with curves. 33 KM Narrow bridge over the narrow, deep and unique canyon of Harris Creek. 37.3 KM Narrow and bumpy pavement starts 39.5 KM Sign: Nino Creek. San Juan River is left below (south). 41.7 KM Narrow bridge over Harris Creek. 43.7 KM Narrow bridge over Granite Creek. 47.1 KM Fish Hatchery and control gates in Granite Creek. 48.5 KM Fairy Lake: recreation area with camping. 49.9 KM Narrow bridge over Fairy Creek. 54 KM Sign: Turn right for West Coast Trail head. 55.3 KM Pascheedaht RV and campground on waterfront of Port of San Juan. 55.7 KM Cross San Juan River into Pt. Renfrew.
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.
• Clear the area around your campfire of all debris for at least (1) metre. • Set up tents at least (5)meters upwind of grills and campfires. • Keep your fire small and use it only for cooking and warmth • 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.
A little extra caution is an item well worth taking on any camping trip whether it is in the back yard or the great outdoors.
Have a great summer and enjoy Lake Cowichan.
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