With the rising sentiment towards supporting and buying Canadian, many of us are seeking new ways to make the most of spring and summer travel that’s closer to home. Fortunately, world-class experiences—offering relaxation, adventure, and most importantly, fantastic food—can be found just a few hours away.
The Cowichan Valley, positioned between Nanaimo and Victoria, is home to a collection of award winning wineries that have gained significant acclaim. Beyond the celebrated wines, the region offers a vibrant food scene, with rich farmland and dedicated artisans, establishing the Cowichan Valley as a premier destination for both wine and food connoisseurs.
We’ve partnered with to highlight the most delicious experiences from the most “down-to-earth place on Earth.”
A taste of the land
Located on southern 麻豆传媒映画Island, Cowichan is home to the unceded and traditional territories of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Known as "the warm land," Cowichan’s mild climate and fertile soil make it a year-round haven for fresh, locally grown ingredients. One of the best ways to experience the region is through its vibrant farm-to-fork dining scene.
Take , for example—a working farm that serves mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas and organic salads made with ingredients harvested just steps from the kitchen. Guests can experience the farm life first-hand thanks to year-round farm stays and an on-site hot yoga studio, which offers access to Alderlea’s idyllic acreage (and a chance to interact with the farm animals).
The Cowichan Valley is home to an array of award-winning, seasonally inspired restaurants. In Shawnigan Lake, crafts authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican dishes, while in Cowichan Bay, serves up generous portions of BBQ classics with a distinctive local twist. From casual pub fare to fine dining, plant-based options and international cuisine, there’s something for every palate. You can view all of Cowichan’s restaurants .
Foraging, food tours, and slow travel
As a region that "grows everything well," Cowichan offers a sensory-driven escape for those looking to slow down and savour the moment.
Foraging tours provide a unique way to experience the land, guiding visitors through lush forests in search of wild mushrooms, berries and herbs—all of which frequently appear on local menus., for instance, has been offering foraging workshops since 2005, along with cooking classes and farm-to-table dinners.
Guided food tours are also a fantastic way to explore Cowichan’s culinary landscape. Companies like and offer curated journeys through the valley’s farms, wineries and cideries, making for a deliciously scenic adventure. You can view more guided tour options .
For those wanting to sample the region’s freshest local goods, a visit to the is a must. Every Saturday, this bustling market overflows with farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly-baked bread and handcrafted goods—a perfect way to connect with local producers and take a piece of Cowichan home with you.
Beyond the vine: cideries, distilleries and breweries
Unlike other wine regions, Cowichan’s climate allows for year-round outdoor adventures and food experiences, cementing its reputation as “Canada’s Provence.” While renowned wineries like and offer spectacular tastings, Cowichan is also home to some of B.C.’s best cideries and distilleries.
At —B.C.’s oldest estate cidery and first craft distillery—visitors can sip on crisp, orchard-grown ciders and small-batch spirits, all crafted with a deep commitment to sustainable farming. You can also book a cozy orchard yurt stay for the full farm-to-glass experience.
Beyond cider, Cowichan boasts four craft breweries and four craft distilleries, including , and . You can learn more about all there is to sip and savour .
More than a meal
Cowichan is a place where you can start your morning foraging with a local chef, enjoy lunch featuring just-picked produce and sip handcrafted cider as the sun sets. What truly sets the region apart, however, isn’t just the quality of its food—it’s the experience of meeting the people who grow, harvest and prepare it.
Whether you’re chatting with a farmer at the market, tasting estate-grown cider or learning about regenerative agriculture over a farm-fresh meal, every bite in Cowichan tells a story.
To learn more or plan your food-focused getaway today, visit .
