7 Things to Do in Cowichan Valley and Chemainus in 2026
Plan a Cowichan Valley day trip with seven stops, including the Malahat SkyWalk, Kinsol Trestle, Chemainus murals and Cowichan Lake. Includes local tips and official links.
Start above the trees at the Malahat SkyWalk, cross a historic wooden trestle near Shawnigan Lake or spend an afternoon following the murals through Chemainus. The Cowichan Valley has enough for a weekend, but two or three stops make for a relaxed day trip from Victoria or Nanaimo.
Choose an area first. The Malahat and Shawnigan Lake work well together, as do Duncan and Chemainus. Give Cowichan Lake its own afternoon if you want time by the water.
Take in the Views at Malahat SkyWalk
Follow the elevated walkway through the forest to the spiral tower, where you can look out across the coastline and surrounding islands. This is a paid attraction. Check current admission, opening hours and activity availability before you go.
Local tip
If you’re driving from Victoria, make this your first stop on the Malahat before continuing toward Shawnigan Lake and the Kinsol Trestle.
Official Malahat SkyWalk website
Walk Across the Kinsol Trestle
The historic wooden railway trestle is part of the Cowichan Valley Trail. For a shorter visit, start from the south access near Shawnigan Lake, walk to the bridge and return the same way. Check the regional district’s map if you want to extend the walk.
Local tip
Use the south parking area if you’re approaching from Shawnigan Lake. Decide at the bridge whether you want to keep walking or turn back.
CVRD access information and trail map
Spend an Afternoon at Cowichan Lake
Start in the town of Lake Cowichan , or continue to Gordon Bay Park for a lakeside picnic. If you’re planning to paddle or swim, check the weather, water conditions and park advisories first.
Local tip
Enter your exact stop in navigation. Lake Cowichan takes you to the town, while Gordon Bay Park takes you to a specific spot on the lake.
BC Parks information for Gordon Bay
Visit a Cowichan Cidery, Winery or Brewery
Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill offers cider and spirit tastings and guided experiences. Pick one stop that fits your route and check whether the experience you want takes reservations.
Local tip
Pair a Cobble Hill stop with the Malahat or Shawnigan Lake. If you’re tasting, arrange a designated driver or transportation before setting out.
Merridale tastings and tours
Follow the Chemainus Mural Walk
Explore downtown Chemainus on a self-guided walk past murals and sculptures. The outdoor artworks are scattered around town, so use the mural map to choose a short route or spend longer exploring side streets.
Local tip
Start around Willow Street and open the mural map before you set off. Give yourself time to read the artwork descriptions and stop at a local café.
Visit Chemainus mural guide
Follow the Yellow Footprints in Duncan
Duncan’s self-guided Totems Tour takes you through downtown. Stop at the interpretive signs to learn about the carvers and the stories connected to each pole. The city also offers a digital tour with audio, video and written material.
Local tip
Look for the yellow footprints near the Cowichan Valley Museum to get started. If you’re short on time, use the city’s map to pick a few nearby stops.
City of Duncan Totems Tour
Add a Seasonal Event to Your Visit
The Chemainus Sip & Shop takes place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Willow Street . Admission is free. The outdoor night market includes local vendors, live music, food and drinks for purchase.
Local tip
Do the mural walk in daylight, then return to Willow Street for the market. For a different weekend, check the regional events calendar before choosing your travel date.
Official Sip & Shop details · Tourism Cowichan events calendar
What can I do in the Cowichan Valley in one day?
Pair the Malahat SkyWalk with the Kinsol Trestle for an outdoor day, or combine Duncan’s Totems Tour with the Chemainus murals for a town and arts outing.
What can I do for free?
Walk the Kinsol Trestle or take a self-guided walk around the Chemainus murals or Duncan’s downtown totems.
Is the Chemainus mural walk a festival with fixed dates?
The murals are permanent outdoor artworks you can explore on a self-guided walk. Seasonal events such as Sip & Shop have separate dates.
Where should I go for a lakeside picnic?
Gordon Bay Park is on Cowichan Lake. Check the BC Parks page for current access and advisories