Stunning photos of Cowichan’s glowing harvest season might draw you to the region this year but the natural magic you discover will keep you coming back for more.
Fall is a fantastic time to visit the Cowichan region known as the “land warmed by the sun,” with more than 800 farms harvesting ripe fruits and vegetables. As summer comes to a close, Cowichan comes alive with vivid colours beneath the golden sun.
Whether hiking the mountains, shopping at farms or enjoying a glass of local wine, beer or cider by the seaside, gorgeous views are inescapable.
Vineyards burst with purple and green grapes and orchards are packed with plump red and gold apples, waiting to be picked for fresh pies and local ciders.
Radishes and beets the size of your hand are plucked from fertile soil, thanks to the mild climate and surrounding mountains, which give Cowichan’s farmers the longest growing season in Canada.
Much of their fresh produce is showcased at the Duncan Farmers’ Market, a favourite weekend pastime of residents with 80 vendors (reduced from 250 to keep everyone safe during the pandemic) showcasing local food, drink and craft goods.
For a complete list of vendors, check out Duncan Farmers’ Market online. If you can’t make it out on a Saturday, they also offer online ordering for select vendors.
Nestled off main roads, farm stands invite visitors to taste the best of the region’s small-scale agriculture industry. The Cowichan Green Community has a handy map of all the farms in the region so you can easily plan your trip ahead of time.
Merridale Cidery and Distillery’s orchard in rural Cobble Hill is most picturesque during harvest season, and a great spot for an afternoon drink and wood-fire pizza from their full menu.
The kid-friendly (and dog-friendly) Riot Brewing in Chemainus is a top spot with locals, featuring unique seasonal beers, an outdoor patio and pinball machines.
Recently, the Cowichan Valley became an official wine region, the first outside of the Okanagan to receive such a distinction.
Wine lovers have been impressed by local award-winners such as Alderlea Vineyards’ 2019 Valerie or Unsworth Vineyards’Allegro.
Some of Cowichan’s most breathtaking views are best accessed by more than 170 hiking and biking trails covering 180 kilometres across five mountains where you can witness the crimson reds and golden yellows of the fall season as you stroll through ancient Garry oaks.
Instagram users may want to hike the trail up Old Baldy Mountain to find the “secret” swing and enjoy jaw-dropping views of the fall colours over Shawnigan Lake. (Comfortable shoes are a good idea.)
Visitors who prefer a relaxing drive can take a winding cruise through the farmland of Cobble Hill or North Cowichan and stop at True Grain Bread in Cowichan Bay for a homemade scone as you stroll along the marina.
In October, you can also visit the hundreds of sea lions who migrate to the waters of Cowichan Bay to lounge on the marina docks and feast on the abundant Chinook salmon.
Diverse lodging options include oceanfront hotels, secluded resorts and plenty of cozy bed and breakfasts.
Kiwi Cove Lodge—an active kiwi vineyard in Ladysmith, which harvests each fall—offers a dozen guest rooms.
With smaller crowds and mild weather, the fall is the perfect time to discover something new off the beaten path in Cowichan.
Visit TourismCowichan.com to plan your trip this harvest season.
