Things to do in Cowichan Bay

2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned garden that has been family-operated for over a century. In the early 20th century, the Butcharts quarried limestone and established a cement plant here. After the quarry was abandoned, Mrs. Butchart, who had a passion for gardening, decided to transform the quarry into a Sunken Garden. Subsequent generations continued to manage and expand the site, eventually forming the current layout, which connects the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Mediterranean Garden. Well-manicured lawns and paths connect these 5 major gardens. The Sunken Garden, transformed from the former quarry, is the signature attraction of the entire site. The valley floor, surrounded by rock walls, is filled with geometric flower beds. You can overlook the entire view from the viewing platform. Nearby, the Ross Fountain was built by the Butcharts' grandchildren to celebrate the garden's 60th anniversary, featuring water jets that soar into the air and change patterns.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Cowichan Valley

Malahat SkyWalk

A main feature of this attraction is a 250 ft observation tower where visitors can climb the winding stairs to the top and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views. From the top of the observation tower, visitors can overlook the beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains of Kaoyiqin Valley, and also take in views of the distant Pacific coastline.

Kinsol Trestle

This is a historic wooden bridge with a clear stream beneath it, surrounded by lush forests. Visitors can not only admire the spectacular bridge but also enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

Hand of Man Museum

The Raptors

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Victoria’s Inner Harbour is a waterfront living room that opens the entire city to the bay. During the day, it feels more like an open-air stage, with street performers often entertaining on the waterfront promenade, colorful water taxis shuttling between docks, seaplanes frequently taking off and landing just above the water, and most whale-watching tours departing from this harbor. You can take a water taxi to nearby docks to see houseboats and seals, or take a ride in a British-style sightseeing carriage for a leisurely loop around the harbor. Whether you want to admire the architecture, wait for the night view, or just relax in the sea breeze, there is something for everyone here. It is also a window into the British charm of Victoria.

Duncan

Duncan, located in the north of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, retains a large number of Indian aboriginal woodcarving works and has become a tourist attraction with great cultural characteristics - "The City of Totems" Totem, Canada's original An important symbol of resident culture and a national cultural treasure. The wood carving totems that can be seen everywhere in Duncan Town fully reflect the characteristics of different indigenous tribes with their rich modeling techniques and a wide range of themes (fish, moon, stars, eagles, otters, etc.). Therefore, it has become an important "cultural window" for understanding Canada and Canadian history and cultural traditions.

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is located in the temperate rainforest of North Vancouver, and its centerpiece is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Capilano River canyon. The bridge is approximately 137 m long and hangs about 70 m above the river. It was originally built in 1889 by Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay using hemp rope and cedar planks, and after several reinforcements and renovations, it is now supported by a steel cable structure. Stepping onto the bridge, with the rushing river and lush canyon vegetation below, the bridge sways gently in the wind; as you cross, you can take in the full view of the river valley and gaze at the towering ancient trees on both banks. Beyond the bridge itself, the park offers two distinctive experiences. Treetops Adventure is made up of a series of small suspension bridges suspended among the treetops dozens of meters above the ground, letting visitors move through the upper rainforest from a squirrel's-eye view. The Cliffwalk extends outward along a granite cliff, clinging to the rock face with a cantilevered structure; some sections use open grating floors, with the deep canyon directly below, creating a strong sense of thrill. The park also features an Indigenous cultural display area, Kia'palano, where totem poles created by First Nations carvers stand, and interpretive panels and guide presentations introduce the deep connection between local Indigenous peoples and this land. Within the park, the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, and Cliffwalk can all be linked on foot, and the overall visit takes about two to three hours.

BC Forest Discovery Centre

The forest discovery center covers approx. 100 acres and features exhibits on modern forestry innovation in British Columbia, as well as forest and marsh trails for birdwatching.

Merridale Cidery & Distillery