Cowichan River, British Columbia
A Shared Treasure
Nominated in 1999

The Cowichan River on Vancouver Island flows 47 kms from mountain-ringed Cowichan Lake through forests and fields to a large ocean estuary at Cowichan Bay. Cowichan, derived from the Coast Salish word ‘Khowutzun’ means “land warmed by the sun” and ice formation on the river is rare. The estuary is a wintering area for thousands of waterfowl, and salmon and trout spawn up the river and its tributaries. This provided a rich food source and the river was a central location in the history of the Salish Aboriginal people. Today, the river valley is a homeland to the Cowichan First Nation and a recreational treasure at the doorstep of nearby communities. A footpath along its entire length and a park along 20 km of the river allow access to fishing, swimming, tubing and canoeing.