Cowichan FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Cowichan.

When is the best time to visit Cowichan?

Vancouver Island benefits from the mildest climate in Canada with westerly winds from the Pacific keeping it comfortably cool in summer (June-August) and mild in winter (November – March). The best weather from May to October is also the best time for bear spotting and whale watching. Temperatures usually range 21-27 degrees in summer and rarely fall below zero in winter but it’s wettest December to February.

What is the time difference between the UK and Cowichan?

Vancouver Island is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT -8:00) and switches to Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7) on the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.

What places combine well with Cowichan?

Cowichan is a great destination for those already exploring Vancouver Island. Cowichan is easily combined with Victoria to the south and Nanaimo and Parksville to the north.

There are regular ferry services to Vancouver Island from the mainland. Either from Tsawwassen south of Vancouver to Sidney half an hour from Victoria, or from Horseshoe Bay north of Vancouver to Nanaimo. It’s preferable to have a hire car on Vancouver Island because getting around is not easy otherwise.

What are the main cultural events in Cowichan?

The biggest festival is the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival in September.