Area Information

The Town of Lake Cowichan is a growing, vibrant community of approximately 3,000 people, with an additional 3,500 people in the surrounding area.

This idyllic community is situated on Cowichan Lake with the beautiful heritage Cowichan River flowing through the center of town. It was incorporated as a municipality in 1944.

The Town of Lake Cowichan may be reached via Duncan from either Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo B.C., and is 20 minutes by road from Duncan. Other communities comprising the Cowichan Lake area are Honeymoon Bay, Mesachie Lake and Youbou, all within easy reach by road. Each community has access to scenic Cowichan Lake, one of the largest fresh-water lakes on Vancouver Island.

Secondary roadways provide access to Port Renfrew, Nitinat and Bamfield, which are the trailheads for the West Coast Trail unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the old growth forests of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.

Area Map

Lake Cowichan

Located on one of the largest freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island, is gateway to miles of spectacular boating, hiking and camping opportunities.

Youbou

Nestled on the sunny side of the lake. Enjoy both mountain and lake activities offered by this charming village.

Honeymoon Bay

Situated on the south arm of Cowichan Lake. This area has an average summer maximum temperature of over 24 degrees C, the highest in Canada.

Mesachie Lake

Home to the BC Forest Research Station - visitors can easily access trails planted with trees in various stages of growth. An identifying guide to trees in the area can be found on the wooden map at the park on Bear Lake Road.

Caycuse

A former logging camp and copper mine on the south shore of Cowichan Lake was once an active, bustling community. Today it is home to a small group of year round residents.