If you have never been to Cowichan, BC, then put it on your bucket list because it’s amazing. Not only is it beautiful and near the water, there is amazing food and there’s so much to do and see. Whether you’re planning a girl’s trip, a romantic getaway or a family trip, you won’t be disappointed. (Can you tell I like Cowichan?) My most recent trip was with the famjam and I’m so excited to share 8 Family Friendly Things to do in Cowichan!

Family Friendly Things to do in Cowichan

1.Take the Helijet
We started our adventure to Cowichan on the Helijet. The kids had never been on a helicopter before and we thought that it would be a great experience.

It was a quick 18 minute flight (compared to the ferry that takes 1.5 hours) with a breathtaking view. It’s definitely worth it and did you know, that each child flying with a paying adult is free? Can’t beat the deal or the view.

2. Island Raptors
Our first stop was at the Raptors in Duncan. This is a sanctuary for birds of prey. We had such an amazing experience here and learned so much! It is definitely something you want to add to your bucket list. Words wouldn’t do it justice, so here’s a little video of our experience.

3. Merridale Cidery
I had been to Merridale once on a girls trip and had a great time, touring the amazing grounds and learning all about the process along with trying cider flights and tasting a charcuterie board.
This time around we had the kids and there was so much fun to be had. Starting with a wonderful brunch, this time we toured the grounds in the form of a delightful fairy hunt that we all enjoyed.

4. Explore Downtown Duncan
We had a lot of fun just exploring around Downtown Duncan. From Volume One Bookstore and Cowichan Valley Museum, to ice cream parlours and the farmer’s market, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

We loved the little footprint walking tour of all the beautiful totem poles around Downtown Duncan.

5. Kinsol Trestle
We did a little nature walk/hike to see Kinsol Trestle and it was definitely worth it! It is one of the world’s largest and tallest freestanding rail trestles! It’s 187 metres long and 44 metres high, right above the Koksilah River.

6. BC Forest Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre was on our list of things we wanted to do, but unfortunately we ran out of time. There are so many great exhibits, trains, dining and lot of great events that coincide with special holidays. We will definitely be heading there next time.

7. Eat Amazing Food
Honestly, I can’t say enough about all the amazing food we ate in Cowichan. From the pizza at Prima Strada and fish at Rock Cod Cafe, to brunch at Merridale and comfort breakfast at the Old Fork Restaurant, it was all delicious. So good, that I had to write an entire post about all the places you have to eat at in Cowichan.

8. Where to Stay
And of course, for any trip, where you stay is always important. We stayed at two great places and I’d recommend it for any families going.
First we stayed at the Best Western PLUS Chemainus . Our suite was perfect, with two bedrooms and a full kitchen.

The kids loved having an indoor pool and hot tub. And the complimentary hot buffet breakfast was so great with everything you could want from fresh waffles (see image below) and baked goods, to cereal, oatmeal and fruit. And of course we can’t forget coffee.

For the second part of our trip we stayed at Ramada by Wyndam Duncan. Our room was great for a family of four. We had our own master bedroom, the kids had a separate room with a bunk bed and there was even a kitchen!

It was such a nice space with so much character. And it didn’t hurt that one of our favourite restaurants, the Old Fork, was attached.

This list of family friendly things to do in Cowichan is really the tip of the iceberg. There are so many great adventures to have and delicious food to eat. We had such a great time and created wonderful memories. Check out Tourism Cowichan tourism for more awesome things to do and see in Cowichan.

*A big thank you to Cowichan Tourism for planning such a wonderful Family trip to Cowichan. This was a gifted experience. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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