The Cowichan is a treasured, delicate thread of wilderness in populous southern Vancouver Island. The River begins its 47-kilometre journey at mountain-ringed Cowichan Lake, passing through forests and fields, and finally emptying into a large ocean estuary at Cowichan Bay. The River passes through two distinct climate zones, and as a result, has a stunning variety of plants, flowers, birds and waterfowl. The name Cowichan derives from the Coast Salish word “Khowutzun”, meaning land warmed by the sun. The Cowichan people still have a colourful, thriving cultural presence here.