Life is peaceful in the Cowichan Valley. Nurtured by The highest average
seasonal temperatures in all of Canada. The mild weather,
beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle make this area particularly
appealing to retirees, artists, families and those trying to escape the
trappings of the larger urban areas. The beauty of Cowichan Lake in paticular is unserpassed.
Home to only 74,000 people, the fast growing region stretches from the
Malahat in the South to Ladysmith in the North encompassing the communities
of Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Lake
Cowichan, Youbou, Honeymoon Bay, Mesachie Lake, Caycuse, Crofton, Chemainus, Saltair and of course
Ladysmith.
Ideally situated between Victoria and Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley is
itself a bedroom community to those larger cities and also offers easy
access via ferries and air to Vancouver and Seattle. Victoria and Vancouver
also offer International Airports. The Island Highway, which has
seen dramatic improvements over the past few years, connects all the
communities of the island to the Cowichan Valley and also offers some of
the nicest scenic driving anywhere.
Attractive & unique scenery, mild climate year round and the natural geography
of the Cowichan Valley make this area a spectacular place for people of all
cultures and age groups. Protected by the Gulf Islands, the water's of this area are
a boater's dream come true. Ocean kayaking, sailing, power boating, fishing,
scuba and windsurfing are all at your doorstep. Local ocean waters provide
fisherman the opportunity to catch Salmon, Cod and a wide variety of fish
species.
The Cowichan River is one of the first in Canada to be deemed a Heritage
River, which offers fish such as Steelhead and Trout fishing and has an international
reputation for angling. The Cowichan Footpath, a 12 kilometer trail along the
Cowichan River, gives access to some spectacular scenery, not to mention great
fishing holes.
There are other notable rivers that wind through the region like the
Chemainus and Koksilah rivers. Beautiful Lakes dot the area and both Shawnigan
Lake and Cowichan Lake are frequented by campers and sun seekers alike
and both offer access to the West Coast (Port Renfrew). The West Coast is renowned for
it's rugged beauty, pristine beaches and temperate rain forests.
With great year round weather the area is fantastic for golfers too.
Arbutus Ridge, a popular retirement community is nestled amongst 18 holes
of challenging golf. Duncan Lakes, Cowichan, Mt. Brenton and March Meadows
golf courses also offer superb golf.
Duncan, known as the "City of Totems", is central in the Cowichan Valley
and offers much of the area's amenities. Such amenities include shopping,
Community Center, Theatre, Pool, Library, Schools, Curling Rink, Museums,
Community College, fine dining, pubs and hotels and more.
The Cowichan Valley Community Center boasts the world's largest hockey
stick and puck (205 feet long and weighing 31 tons) and is also home to
the BCHA "Cowichan Capitals" (great hockey!).
For families there are several highly rated (provincially) schools and
numerous private schools most popular of which are Brentwood College School (attended by Tharin Charania),
Shawnigan Lake Preparatory School (Brentwood's Rival), Queen Margaret School and Maxwell International
Baha'i School. The Cowichan Valley is an ideal environment in which to raise children.
Forestry and farming are the principal industries in the region. Several
forestry companies along with their lumber mills and pulp and paper mills
have provided employment for much of the local population. Forestry has
been somewhat on the decline and tourism is gaining momentum as a local
industry. Cut backs in forestry as well global and local economic factors
have created good real estate opportunities for buyers in the Cowichan
Valley.
The local real estate market peaked in around the end of 1994, but appears
not to have bottomed out with prices having dropped 12-15% in that period.
Traditionally a high priced market w.r.t. the rest of Canada, however, the Cowichan
Region is now considered quite stable as far a real estate prices go and that combined
with low interest rates has created excellent buying opportunities. A baby
boomer wave of retirees is expected on the horizon and real estate forecasters
have been quoted as saying that southern Vancouver Island is one of the
best places for real estate investment in all of Canada.
Whether you are looking for a retirement home, to start a small business, a hobby farm, a quiet place to raise the kids, a luxury waterfront home or just a recreational get-a-way and also acreage, the Cowichan Valley has it all.
Visit Lake Cowichan and you'll find yourself coming back! You just might end up staying!
