Cowichan River

Cowichan River Provincial Park on Vancouver Island protects significant river sections near Lake Cowichan. The park preserves old-growth forests and crucial salmon habitat, offering world-class fishing, camping, and riverside recreation along one of BC's premier fly-fishing destinations.

Five Pacific salmon species (Chinook, coho, chum, pink, sockeye) plus steelhead and cutthroat trout. Salmon runs attract bald eagles, river otters, mink, and black bears. Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer inhabit forests. Kingfishers, herons, and songbirds abound.

Old-growth Coastal Western Hemlock forests with towering western redcedar, Douglas-fir, and hemlock (some 500+ years old). Understory includes sword fern, salal, and Oregon grape. Riparian zones support red alder, bigleaf maple, cottonwood, and willows.

Shaped by the river and Pleistocene glaciation. Bedrock consists of Karmutsen Formation volcanics overlain by glacial till and alluvial deposits. River pools, riffles, and gravel bars create diverse salmon spawning and rearing habitats.

Mild maritime climate with wet winters and warm, dry summers (15-25°C). River flow varies seasonally—highest during winter rains and spring snowmelt, lowest in summer. Mild conditions support year-round recreation and exceptional forest growth.

Central to Cowichan Tribes (Quw'utsun) for thousands of years, providing salmon and resources essential to culture. European settlement began mid-19th century. The Cowichan Lake Weir (1950s) altered flows, impacting ecosystems and traditional practices.

Established to protect salmon habitat and old-growth forests while providing recreation. Expanded over time to create continuous protected corridor. Management balances conservation with fishing, camping, and nature study in concert with Cowichan Tribes.

The river offers premier trout and steelhead fishing. Cowichan River Footpath accesses old-growth forests. Marie Canyon features dramatic narrows. Swimming holes popular in summer. Riverside camping provides immersive experiences.

Vehicle camping for tents and RVs (no hookups). Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and day-use areas. Accessed from Highway 18, 30km west of Duncan. Lake Cowichan nearby provides full services. Summer reservations recommended.

Protects crucial salmon habitat and old-growth ecosystems. Collaboration with fisheries agencies, First Nations, and conservation groups monitors salmon populations. Climate change challenges include altered flows, warming waters, and changing precipitation affecting salmon survival.