Posted on August 30, 2010
Island Profile: Cowichan Lake
After a sunshine-filled hike through Stanley Park this weekend, a group of friends and I were already thinking about next summer. Someone mentioned the notion of spending a week on glassy lake waters, causing me to quickly turn my mind to one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved bodies of fresh water.
Photo: PrincessAshley on Flickr
A 20-minute drive due west of Duncan, Cowichan Lake is the indisputable anchor of the Cowichan Valley. Stretching more than 30 kilometres, the lake is a top draw for recreation enthusiasts and boasts fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, swimming and windsurfing.
Map: Google Maps
It’s not difficult to see why Cowichan Lake is a favourite escape for tourists and Island locals alike…
Photo: bmann on Flickr
Photo: nep on Flickr
Photos: thorinside on Flickr
Like most everywhere on Vancouver Island, Cowichan Lake is no stranger to wildlife and limitless flora and fauna. Of particular note are the bountiful brambles of blackberries. Each year on the Labour Day weekend the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market celebrates this juicy fruit with a blackberry festival, featuring jellies, jams vinegar and more pies than you can imagine. This year’s Honeymoon Bay Blackberry Festival will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2010 on the south shores of the lake.
Photo: Cowichan Valley Photos
Photo: ciboulette on Flickr
Photo: bmann on Flickr
Photo: D G Brown on Flickr
Dirt roads spider out from the west side of Cowichan Lake, connecting hikers and bikers with a straight shot to the West Coast Trail by way Bamfield and Port Renfrew. Those less ambitious can take advantage of the gentler trails that encircle various parts of the lake.
Photo: mrjonathanpotter on Flickr
Photo: ozzieguy on Flickr
Sometimes “getting away from it all” only requires a short drive down a country road.
Photo: D G Brown on Flickr
For more information on Cowichan Lake and the nearby town of Lake Cowichan, please visit the Lake Cowichan online.
2. I’m once again fundraising for the BC-SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, aiming to raise $2,000 by September 12, 2010. As of today, I’ve already reached 25% of my goal and have only a few weeks left! Please consider donating to my effort and support this worthwhile cause.
What a beautiful stunning island I live on! So many unexplored places….