Spotlight on Cowichan Bay

Spotlight on Cowichan Bay

by | Jun 11, 2023 | Corporate Tours, Cowichan Valley, Transportation, Wine Tours


Spotlight on Cowichan Bay

A picturesque little seaside village on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Cowichan Bay is clustered around the ocean in the Cowichan Valley, approximately halfway between the cities of Victoria and Nanaimo. Looking across the Bay, you can see the beautiful scenery of the area dominated by Mount Tzouhalem.

Cowichan Bay draws its name from a word in the Hul’q’umi’num language (“Quw’utsun”) which means “to warm one’s back in the sun”. The name came from a large rock formation on the side of Mount Tzouhalem said to resemble a frog basking in the sun.

Today, the village is affectionately known to its 2,800 residents and Valley locals as “Cow Bay”.

A Brief History

Cowichan Bay has a rich history dating back many thousands of years, and was originally home to Cowichan First Nations  tribes including the Knepisen, Comiekan, Clem Clemluts and Kipalus totalling somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 members. These native peoples sustained themselves by harvesting salmon and shellfish found in the area. A rare soapstone bowl was discovered in Cowichan Bay in the late 1800s. Now part of the British Museum’s collection, the bowl is believed to come from the Marpole Culture (400 BCE-400 AD) and is one of only about 50 ever found.

Originally located at the flats at the top of Cowichan Bay, the village was the first settlement north of Victoria, starting in the 1850s as a Hudson’s Bay Company fort.

The first Europeans arrived in 1862 on the HMS Hecate. They settled Cowichan Bay to farm and trap, to log the rich forest land, and to fish for salmon and herring. Fish harvested from Cowichan Bay were so abundant that they were shipped all over the world.

By 1900 Cowichan Bay was well established as the salmon capital of the world, offering fishing and sailing. For landlubbers, Cow Bay is home to the second oldest grass tennis courts in the world (after Wimbledon) and the oldest in Canada!

Famous Residents

James Dunsmuir – Former Premier and Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, James Dunsmuir was part of the famous coal mining family. After his retirement in 1909, he moved into the baronial mansion he built called Hatley Castle. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a fishing lodge in Cowichan Bay where he passed away in 1920.

Robert William Service – Known as the “Bard of the Yukon”, Robert Service was a poet and writer of the Yukon Gold Rush. He worked as a labourer on several farms in Cowichan Bay between 1896 and 1903.

Arthur Vickers – A renowned First Nations artist and story teller, Arthur Vickers creates highly sought after and internationally collected art inspired by his heritage and the natural beauty of the seaside communities he loves. The Arthur Vickers Gallery can be found on Cowichan Bay Road.

Cowichan Bay Today

Cowichan Bay is still a flourishing fishing community, so you can watch the boats come in to harbour bringing in their daily catch. The village also has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and shops showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Everything from handmade pottery and jewelry to one-of-a-kind paintings and sculptures are there to be discovered.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk, stop for a coffee or a meal, and soak up the atmosphere of this lovely seaside village. Feeling more adventurous? There’s whale watching and kayak rentals to get you out on the Bay.

The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre displays a collection of historic boats and exhibits showcasing the traditions of the local fishermen. You can take a guided tour and watch demonstrations of traditional boat-building techniques.

Cowichan Bay is also home to a number of parks and nature reserves. Hecate Park is as a popular picnic and beach area for locals. The park has a boat launch for day fishing or cruising the Bay.

Just a short drive from the village is the Cowichan River Provincial Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming spots along the river. In the park, the Cowichan River Footpath winds 20 km through dense Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock Forest following the river to Skutz Falls.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer is festival season in Cow Bay! The 35th Annual Wooden Boat Festival in July features wooden boats on display, boat races, local music, kid’s fishing derby, and a clam chowder contest.

August brings us the Cowichan Valley Wine Festival, featuring tastings and tours of the region’s best wineries, including Cow Bay’s Rocky Creek Winery, and the Cowichan Bay Regatta which is the second largest regatta on Canada’s West Coast.

Fall brings the salmon back on their way to their spawning grounds in the Cowichan and Koksilah Rivers and the sea lions are not far behind! Come into Cowichan Bay and see them haul themselves out onto the floating breakwater near the Government Dock. It’s quite a spectacle! Bald eagles, seals, and heron are frequent visitors to the Bay.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Cowichan Bay is a must-visit destination in the Cowichan Valley.

Sunfest 2023

Sunfest 2023

by | May 31, 2023 | Cowichan Valley, Latest News, Transportation

Sunfest 2023

It’s the ultimate celebration of country music, and it’s back at Laketown Ranch from Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6, 2023!

The four-day music festival held in the picturesque town of Lake Cowichan is sure to draw country music devotees and those who want to enjoy the mid summer party atmosphere that comes with it. Over the course of the weekend, Sunfest performers expect to showcase their talents to an audience of some 40,000 fans.

History

Sunfest, first established in Florida in 1983 has become the the annual global music festival to experience. Drawing music lovers from far and wide, that first Sunfest put on an eclectic mix of performers that appealed to people of all musical tastes.

Every year since, the festival has expanded to cities throughout the United States and Canada, each a unique reflection of its location and fans.

In the Cowichan Valley, Sunfest was first showcased at Providence Farm in 2000. It began as a one-night event but soon outgrew the Farm, and in 2004 it was moved to Avalon Acres on Herd Road in North Cowichan.

The festival organizers had to move the event yet again as demand increased beyond the space available at Avalon Acres. In 2010, after taking a year off to develop a plan for a much larger festival event at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds, Sunfest was once again back on, delighting the Valley’s country music fans.

In 2015 Sunfest organizers announced the purchase of land at Meade Creek creating a permanent venue at Laketown Ranch which has hosted the festival ever since.

Lineup

Sunfest is a star-studded affair with previous headliners including Darius Rucker and Randy Bachman, Eric Church and Toby Keith, and who can forget Carrie Underwood’s appearance or Keith Urban’s performance?

This year promises to be just as exciting! Here’s a taste of the talent on display over the weekend.

Jade Eagleson, Kenny Hess, and Bobby Wills will kick off the festivities on Thursday. Friday will showcase the talents of Lainey Wilson, Kameron Marlowe, and Willie Jones. Billy Currington and Lonestar will usher in the weekend on Saturday. As if this isn’t enough, Sunday’s performers include the incomparable Blake Shelton, along with High Valley, and Lindsay Ell.

For the full lineup, check the website.

Hot Tips

The Sunfest organizers want everyone to have a blast while keeping safe and healthy. So, bear in mind these hot tips:

  1. There’s a lot of people out there and the sun will likely be beating down on you. Take care of yourself! Watch for signs of sunstroke and wear a hat and sunscreen. Ask for help if you need it.
  2. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate! There are water stations throughout the site. The water is fresh and clear, a product of the natural aquifer located directly under Laketown Ranch.
  3. Yes, there are Beverage Gardens but don’t over indulge. You want this weekend to be memorable for all the right reasons!
  4. Sunfest is committed to principles of sustainability and responsibility. Laketown Ranch is a beautiful, pristine, natural environment. It is home to a variety of wildlife including herds of elk. Please remember to properly dispose of your waste. Garbage, recycling, and compost bins are provided. Leave no trace!

Transportation

Probably the biggest headache associated with attending a festival with this many other people is driving there and finding parking! Want to avoid the whole hassle? Me too!

Shuttle service is available to and from Youbou, Lake Cowichan and Honeymoon Bay through MyGo Tours and Transportation. The fee is $15 each way, and reservations are recommended. Sit back and relax. You’ll have a great time!

Sunfest is a testament to the power of music in bringing people together. It’s a celebration of music, creativity, and energy generated by the collective experience of music lovers from the Valley, the Island, and farther afield. This year’s festival is going to be epic! Don’t miss it!

 

Take Flight! Have a Beer

Take Flight! Have a Beer

by | May 26, 2023 | Brewery Tours, Cowichan Valley, Pub Shuttle


Take flight! Have a Beer

Not into wine tasting? How about a beer tasting? Many craft breweries, pubs, and even some restaurants now offer “beer flights”. A beer flight is a tasting experience that allows beer enthusiasts to explore various beer styles, flavours, and aromas in a single sitting.

Origins

Beer flights actually harken back to the beginning of beer brewing, when beer was often consumed in small quantities to quench thirst or as part of a meal. The craft beer movement of the 1970s and 1980s brought beer flights to the forefront as a popular way to sample different types of beer.

The craft beer movement began with the desire to create unique and flavourful beer that was different from the mass-produced lagers and ales that dominated the market. Craft breweries were a local phenomenon often attached to the sustainability movement. Brewmasters began to experiment with different brewing techniques, ingredients, and styles, creating a wide variety of beer, each having unique flavours and characteristics.

To introduce their new beer and allow customers to sample them, craft breweries began offering beer flights. A typical beer flight consists of as few as three or as many as eight small glasses of beer. The number of beers included in a flight varies depending on the establishment. Customers can choose from a selection of beers and the samples are served in a specially designed wooden paddle or tray with small holes to hold the glasses securely.

Flights are often served with tasting notes or descriptions that provide information about each beer’s style, ingredients, and flavour profile. This helps drinkers understand and appreciate the various nuances and characteristics of each beer they are sampling.

Benefits of Beer Flights

Beer flights are now widely available in a variety of settings, providing an opportunity for customers to taste new beers without committing to full-sized servings.

Flights allow you to sample a variety of beer and discover new flavours and styles. This can be particularly beneficial if you are new to craft beer or if you are looking to expand your palate.

Beer flights also allow you to compare and contrast different beer types. By trying several beers side by side, you can pick up on subtle differences in flavour, aroma, and the feel of the beer on your tongue. This can be a great way to develop your beer tasting skills and become more knowledgeable about beer.

Finally, beer flights can be a fun and social way to enjoy beer with friends. By sharing a beer flight, you can try a variety of beers together and discuss or debate their flavours and characteristics. This can be a great way to bond over a shared interest in beer and to learn from each other’s perspectives and tasting experiences.

Creating Your Own Beer Flight


1. Select your beer

To create your beer flight, start by selecting beer in a variety of different styles, such as pale ales, stouts, lagers, or sour beers. This will allow you to compare and contrast and develop your understanding of beer. Be mindful of the alcohol content of each beer you choose, selecting a range of lighter through heavier beers.

Alternatively, you can choose beers from different breweries or regions to compare their unique characteristics.

2. Arrange your glassware

Once you have made your selection, pour a small amount (around 2-3 ounces) of each beer into a separate glass. Be sure to label each glass with the name of the beer and any other relevant information, such as the style or ABV (alcohol content).

3. Taste the beer

Start with the lightest or lowest ABV beer and work your way up to the heaviest or highest ABV beer. Starting with a lower ABV beer will help you pace yourself and avoid becoming too intoxicated.

When tasting your beer flight, it’s important to take your time and savor each beer. Take a sip of each beer and try to pick up on subtle flavours and aromas, and how the beer feels in your mouth. Pay attention to any other characteristics that stand out to you.

4. Take notes

You can use a tasting sheet or notebook to record your observations for each beer you’ve tasted so you can remember the individual beers and compare them later.

Again, start with lighter beer, such as lagers or pilsners, and work your way up to heavier beer like stouts or porters. This will help prevent your palate from becoming overwhelmed by strong flavours.

Beer tasting notes are an easy Google search away and easily created at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or new to the world of craft beer, sampling beer flights will greatly enhance the pub crawl experience or provide a unique twist on adult birthday gatherings.

Cheers!

It’s Wine Time: Pinot Noir

It’s Wine Time: Pinot Noir

by | May 2, 2023 | Cowichan Valley, Wine Tours

It’s Wine Time: Pinot Noir

If you’re a red wine lover, you are undoubtedly familiar with this perennial favourite. One of the most popular and widely grown red wine grape varieties in the world, Pinot Noir is sometimes referred to as the “noble grape” because it produces high-quality, elegant wines.

History

Pinot Noir grapes have been cultivated for centuries. During their invasion of France, the Romans saw the Gallic tribes of the Burgundy region drinking wine with unusual flavours of cherries, toast, red fruit, and spices. The wine soon became a highly desired prize for the Romans and remained so for over 300 years.

Cistercians monks are believed to be the first to understand that different vineyards produced different wines depending on the location and the types of grapes grown there. Over time, the monks decided that the pinot noir vineyards produced the highest quality grapes and therefore the best wine. As a result, it became the official wine used in Communion, and the Catholic Church is credited with its continuing popularity ever since.

Growing Pinot Noir

Growing Pinot Noir grapes is no easy task! These grapes are notoriously difficult to cultivate. They are thin-skinned, sensitive to climatic and soil conditions, and require special handling both on the vine and in the winery.

Pinot Noir grapes thrive in cooler climates around the world. Cool temperatures slow down the grapes’ ripening, allowing them to develop complex flavours and aromas. Well-drained soil limits the vine’s water consumption and leads to the development of intense flavours.

Complex, elegant, and aromatic, Pinot Noir wines are typically light to medium-bodied, and have flavours of red fruit such as strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. Aging in barrels brings out hints of vanilla or oak, and the wine exhibits earthy undertones with spice and floral notes.

Pinot Noir grapes are also used to produce sparkling wines such as Champagne and other sparkling wines. Difficult or not, no wonder it’s the 10th most planted grape in the world and the second most planted red grape in B.C.!

Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir

The Cowichan Valley is a relative newcomer to the production of wine. Its first vineyards were planted in the 1970s. Today, the Valley is an “Official Wine Producing Region” and there are more than a dozen established wineries, many of which produce Pinot Noir.

The problem child of the grape world, Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow, but the Cowichan Valley’s cool, maritime climate and well-drained soils made up of clay, sand, and gravel help it to thrive here. Tourism Cowichan notes that Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir put the area on the wine-lovers’ map!

Wineries

The Cowichan Valley is a wine region that all Pinot Noir lovers should explore and experience. Local wineries produce exceptional Pinot Noir wines that showcase the area’s terroir. “Terroir” (pronounced tare-WAHR) translated from French, means “a sense of place.” It refers to the unique amalgamation of the grape variety, climate conditions, soil type, and production technique that combine in a unique way to create a wine that cannot be reproduced anywhere else.

Canadian wine journalist Anthony Gismondi, one of North America’s most influential voices in wine places three Pinot Noir wines from Cowichan Valley wineries on his Top 10 BC Pinot Noirs list.

Two Pinots from Unsworth Vineyards make the list’s top 5 and Unsworth Vineyard Pinot Noir Saison Vineyards 2020 tops the list! The winery’s Pinot Noir grapes are grown on the estate’s 12-acre vineyard, planted on well-drained, marine silt and sandy loam soils. The wines are aged in French oak barrels for 12 months giving them a smooth, velvety texture and a long, lingering finish.

The third Pinot Noir to make the list is from the Blue Grouse Estate Winery, one of the Cowichan Valley’s most notable Pinot Noir producers. The winery’s grapes are grown on the estate’s sustainably farmed vineyards on a south-facing slope overlooking the valley. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months, allowing subtle vanilla and spice tones to infuse the wine.

Another noteworthy Pinot Noir producer in the Cowichan Valley is Alderlea Vineyards, one of Vancouver Island’s oldest wineries. The winery’s Pinot Noir is produced using sustainable farming practices from grapes grown on the estate’s 5-acre vineyard. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months, adding complexity to the wine’s earthy notes and a long finish. Alderlea’s 2015 Pinot Noir was a Silver medal winner at the NorthWest Wine Summit.

On your next wine tour, try the Valley’s fabulous Pinot Noir wines!

Laketown Shakedown

Laketown Shakedown

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Cowichan Valley, Latest News, Transportation

Laketown Shakedown

This year’s Laketown Shakedown is from June 30 – July 2, 2023 in beautiful Youbou! Come see the fantastic lineup of artists at Laketown Ranch. Camp out or just come for the day.

At The Ranch

We provide two buses that shuttle to and from Laketown Ranch. (locally) We are located by the parking at the highway entrance.

The white bus is an 18 seater and the black one is a 14 seater.
We shuttle to Youbou, Lake Cowichan and Gordon Bay. Youbou has specific drop off points.

We do not shuttle to/ from other locations such as Duncan, Nanaimo, Victoria etc

MyGo Shuttle Bus

MyGo Shuttle Bus

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Cowichan Tours

Prices

Youbou as far as the bridge (firehall) is $15.
Past the bridge is $20.
We do not go past Cowan Road.

Lake Cowichan as far as Mesachie Lake is $15.
Past Mesachie is $20.
We do not go past Gordon Bay.

Prices are ONE WAY PER PERSON.

Contact

Text/Phone: 250.732.1120  (Phil)
Email: info@mygo.ca (Phil)

Reservations

Reservations (guaranteed seating) are by communicating with us in advance. Ask for Phil
Payment required in advance (credit card or etransfer).
Those people who pay in advance will have guaranteed pick up at an agreed upon time and place.

We stay at Laketown until 1:30am and may stay later based on volume.

Top Ten Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus

Top Ten Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus

by | Apr 15, 2023 | Cowichan Valley

Top 10 Reasons to Take a Wedding Shuttle Bus

Why take a shuttle? It’s your wedding and you want the best: the best venue, the perfect ceremony, and a party you’ll never forget. This is your once in a lifetime after all! You want your guests to talk about this event for years!

Taking a wedding shuttle bus, especially the Cheers Cowichan bus, is an easy, worry-free way to make sure guests get to where they need to be on time and in comfort.

Here are the top 10 reasons to take a wedding shuttle bus.

1. It’s Safe

Safety is the most important reason to use the services of a wedding shuttle bus. It’s your special day and you want only the best memories associated with your wedding. Having a shuttle bus means your guests won’t be drinking and driving. They and you, can really enjoy the reception knowing they have a safe ride home. The responsibility shifts to the shuttle bus driver and we’ve got the best!

If your wedding is at a large venue, be aware that many venues now require shuttle buses for insurance purposes. Even for a smaller more intimate wedding, having a shuttle bus protects homeowners from being responsible for the actions of those that have had a few too many after leaving their personal property.

2. It’s Convenient

What could be more convenient for you and your guests than having them picked up by a wedding shuttle? No worries about guests getting lost or being delayed getting to the ceremony or the reception. And no arguments about who will be the designated driver! The shuttle bus picks them up and drops them off when and where they need to be.

3. No Parking Problems

No car. No parking. No problem! Parking can be a real challenge in some locations, especially if you’ve chosen a unique, off the beaten track site. With a shuttle bus, guests don’t have to worry about driving around looking for a parking spot that’s not a 10-minute walk to the venue, and what if it’s raining or you’re carrying a wedding gift? The shuttle will drop them off at the door, avoiding the walk, the weather, and the hassle of parking.

4. It’s Comfortable

A wedding shuttle bus provides a comfortable way for guests to travel to your wedding in style. Buses are climate controlled, have comfortable seating, and provide amenities such as Bluetooth connections for your favourite playlists. Travelling by shuttle ensures the guests get to the wedding in a comfortable, stress-free atmosphere.

5. It’s Environmentally Friendly

Want to feel even better about your wedding? How about taking more than 30 cars off the road? Taking a wedding shuttle to transport a large group of people is the environmentally friendly option. By removing all those cars driving to the wedding venue from the road, carbon emissions are reduced and Mother Nature thanks you!

6. It’s Better for Traffic

Multiple cars on the road all going to the same place means more traffic congestion and more chances of traffic jams and fender benders. Taking a shuttle bus smooths away these potential bumps in the road!

7. It’s Cost-Effective

Are you having a destination wedding? Are guests coming from out of town? A shuttle bus transports a large group of people at once, saving money for guests who would otherwise have to rent a vehicle or take a cab.

8. Increased Attendance

A wedding shuttle bus can also increase attendance at the wedding. Guests who may not have been able to attend because of transportation issues can now be there for your special day because there is a shuttle bus available.

9. It Provides Unique Photo Ops

As wonderful as your formal wedding photos will be, nothing quite beats the candid, unposed selfie for catching the spirit and joy of the day. The shuttle bus can provide great photo opportunities. Guests can take photos of themselves and others on the bus, and the bus itself can be a unique backdrop for wedding photos, adding a fun and interesting element to the pictures.

10. It Bonds Yours Guests

Last but certainly not least, taking a wedding shuttle bus can provide a great bonding experience for your guests. It extends the wedding experience to include the journey. Chatting with one another, taking photos, practising speeches, all help to promote a sense of camaraderie among your guests.

When planning your wedding, consider arranging for a wedding shuttle bus to make your guests feel as special as you do.