Other Activities

Check our Links page to find out more information on any of these activities, as well as more than 30 terrific destinations that are only day trips away from Sun Lotus.

Cowichan River Tubing:

Please visit our Tubing page - click here

Hiking:

There are countless hiking trails around the Cowichan Valley, but most notable is the 7 km hike up Mt Prevost or 3 km up Mt. Tzouhalem for the stunning views of the Valley floor, estuary, bays and islands; not to mention, the historic 22+ km cross country trail that follows the pristine Cowichan River as it winds its ancient path from Lake Cowichan to the town of Duncan.

Water Sports

Swimming and Snorkeling:

Cowichan River:
A thirty minute hike from the house brings you to the shores of the Cowichan River where you can find a private swimming hole and spend a relaxing day picnicking & swimming in the warm Cowichan River. With the many varieties of fish and underwater life, snorkeling has also become a very popular and rewarding river activity.

Shawnigan Lake & Quarry/Cowichan Lake:
Here’s a great day: rent mountain bikes, and ride two hours to gorgeous Shawnigan Lake to swim in either the lake itself or the beautiful limestone/argillite quarry. Bring a lunch, or dine at the local pubs and come back to Sun Lotus for a relaxing hottub and campfire. If 4 hours of biking is too much for you, Cowichan Lake is only a 1 hour bike ride, and is the source of the warm waters which feed the beautiful river.

River & Sea Kayaking/Canoeing:

The Cowichan River is a beautiful challenging technical river for kayaking, canoeing or rafting.

Local sea kayaking lessons and excursions are also available, as well as rentals-try a kayak vineyard tour, or perhaps two hours at sea in the sunset, or in the moonlight are for you.

Fishing:

As we are only a 20 minute walk to the river, our place is a convenient and economical fishing lodge, especially in our mild winter when fishing on the Cowichan River is at its best. Information on fishing can be found on our links page.

Fresh water: steelhead, brownthroat, cutthroat & rainbow trout, bass, sunfish
Salt water: coho & spring salmon, ling & rock cod, sole, prawns, Dungeness crab

Many local operators offer charters and boat rentals for both fresh and salt water fishing.

Wake/KneeBoarding, Jet Skiing:

At both Cowichan Lake and Shawnigan Lake rentals are available.

Hiking:

There are countless hiking trails around the Cowichan Valley, but most notable is the 7 km hike up Mt Prevost or 3 km up Mt. Tzouhalem for the stunning views of the Valley floor, estuary, bays and islands; not to mention, the historic 22+ km cross country trail that follows the pristine Cowichan River as it winds its ancient path from Lake Cowichan to the town of Duncan.

Road Biking/Touring:

Old Lake Cowichan Road, this beautiful winding country road takes you from our house to Lake Cowichan (where you can catch a swim in the warm waters). There’s hardly any traffic, it’s well shaded, and from the house to Lake Cowichan is less than an hour in gentle uphill steps.

The Estuary, this 40 minute flat-land loop tour takes you through beautiful Native reserves. With the mountains surrounding, you bike through acres of lush green meadows, farm land and to the river’s side (for a swim). A little detour will take you through a small, cool green forest to the salmon hatchery-arriving back at the Farmer’s Market where you can have a nice lunch or ice cream.

More wild (and not so wild) Adventures

Golfing:

With several beautiful public courses in and around Duncan the avid golfer will definitely get in their game. Check the links

Paragliding:

Mt.Prevost is a popular launch for handgliders and paragliders, no experience necessary to go on a tandem passenger flight-just courage!

Sailing & Whale Watching:

Local operators offer a variety of sailing and jet-boat whale watching excursions around the Gulf islands, with the added bonus of spotting a wide variety of sea & sky creatures in their natural habitat.

Bungy Jumping:

The most terrifying ride in North America, is only 30 minutes drive from the ranch. If you don’t “Bungy”, maybe you’d rather try the “ultimate swing” or the “zip line”-they’re all a “RUSH”!

Etc.

Scuba diving, Ocean and River Fishing, Windsurfing, Horseback Riding, Go-Karting, Birding, Antiquing, Vineyard Tours, Professional and Dinner Theatres, Art Studio Tours, Festivals and Concerts, etc. etc. etc…. Check out the links.