Adventure & Specialty Sports
With spectacular scenery like ours, why wouldn’t we compete on our local mountains and waterways? Cowichan’s terrain is a destination for cycling, mountain biking and equestrian competitions, while sailing and rowing regattas, kayaking, dragon boating an kiteboarding athletes will also find plenty of locations to make a splash.
Mountain Biking
Downhill and mountain cycling enthusiasts can’t say enough about Cowichan’s variety of epic trails and tracks. Many of the world’s top riders either developed or honed their technique on Mt Prevost, Maple Mountain, Mt Tzouhalem and Cobble Hill Mountain. The development of new trails and the region’s natural environment make this one of the fasted growing mountain biking destinations in BC for recreational riders and competitions. Additional information is available from Tourism Cowichan the Cowichan Trails Stewardship Society, and CVRD Trails .
Road Cycling
The Cowichan region offers meandering country roads that take one by pastoral farmlands and vineyards with a new view around every corner. While idyllic enough for the most leisurely of rides, Cowichan’s roads and byways are also challenging enough for those that prefer an adrenaline surge. Several road races and tours are held every year in the region, and cycling clubs welcome new members. Visit Cycle Therapy for more on local resources.
Cowichan Exhibition Park
Cowichan Exhibition Park is one of the largest facilities on the Island. The park offers a 14,400 sq. ft. multi-purpose hall, which is home to wheelchair rugby, roller derby, pickle ball courts, indoor soccer and baseball training. The hall has a commercial kitchen, sound system, tables, and chairs and can hold up to 1400 guests. There are two meeting rooms on site, one with a full kitchen and one with a half kitchen. There is plenty of easily accessible parking for cars and RV’s. The Park also has a first class sand riding ring, a bark mulch show ring, 3 large barns, and a light horse barn. For more information, visit Cowichan Exhibition.
Equestrian
There are many equestrian centres throughout the region that offer training, plus space and facilities for competition events that attract participants from across the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit Cowichan Horses.
Kayaking
Whether white water or ocean kayaking, or even stand up paddling is your passion, we’ve got several locations to get you out on the water. Bring your own kayak or go with a guide to explore our calm bays and inlets, or test your strength and skills on the Cowichan, Koksilah or Chemainus Rivers. Visit Cowichan Kayak & Canoe Club for more information.
Sailing
It may be less than 50 miles from the north to south reaches of the Cowichan Region by land, but our undulating shore line, with countless bays and inlets, serviced by world class marinas and sailing organizations, offer almost unlimited exploration. Skills training for all ages is offered, and annual regattas attract hundreds of international competitors to test their abilities in dozens of races. Learn more about local sailing opportunities through the Maple Bay Yacht Club and the Cowichan Bay Sailing Regatta.
Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
Nitinaht Lake, a true tidal lake located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is home to some of the best kiteboarding conditions on the continent. For three days in August, Windfest attracts hundreds of competitors from all over the world. Additional information can be found here.
For more listings, see Cowichan Region Sports Facilities, and Sports Organizations.
