Cowichan Lake & Gordon Bay Provincial Park: A fresh-water paddler's paradise

Tucked away in the heart of the Cowichan Valley you will find Cowichan Lake, a large 30km long lake located on southern Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada. Known for it's clean emerald-coloured waters, it has become a summer hot-spot for water sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventure seekers. There are many campsites around the lake that can accommodate campers of all capacities - from cyclists travelling light with small tents to glampers backing up their large travel trailers equipped with everything including the kitchen sink.

The town of Lake Cowichan is situated on the east end of Cowichan Lake, 27 kilometres west of Duncan BC. The Cowichan Lake region has played a major role in the development and expansion of the forest industry in Western Canada. For more information about the history of  Cowichan Lake and the surrounding area, click here.

Gordon Bay Provincial Park was designated a BC Park September 18th, 1969. Outfitted with 126 reservable dry camping sites, public restrooms, public showers, hiking trails, boat launch, public beach and other amenities, this park serves as a great launch pad for Stand-Up 

Paddleboarding. Roughly 400m from the beach are the Gordon Bay Islands, a small island group at the mouth of the bay to the North West. From a far, the water has a blue turquoise hue to it making it look like a tropical paradise! There are a few great spots to land on the islands and enjoy the breathtaking sights this part of Cowichan Lake has to offer. For more information about Gordon Bay Provincial Park, CLICK HERE.

Sat Nav: 48.8361° N, 124.1977° W

Travel along Hwy 1 north bound from Duncan BC, then turn left onto the Cowichan Valley Hwy #18. Head west towards the town of Lake Cowichan for 20mins (27km). Continue through the town of Lake Cowichan westbound and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout. Continue straight, over the bridge as Hwy 18 turns into South Shore Road. Continue along South Shore Road for roughly 14mins, (13.1km) then a right turn onto Walton Road. Drive slowly for about .6 of a km to the entrance of Gordon Bay Provincial Park.

Launch Point #1:

Take the first right turn as you enter the park and it will lead you to the free public boat launch. This is the best place to launch your paddleboard especially if you are bringing an amount of gear with you for a full day or multi-day paddle. The boat launch gives you great access to the water and no need to carry your gear and equipment a long distance. Please note that this launch is used by many boaters with boat trailers in tow. After getting your gear out of your vehicle at the boat ramp, be courteous and park your car at the far end of the parking lot to give boaters with trailers more room to maneuver in the lot as their vehicle and trailer are longer in length. Use of the boat launch and parking in the launch area as well as the Day-Use parking lot both FREE!

Launch Point #2

If you are looking to get some leisurely beach time in and would like to have a more casual paddlboarding experience, we suggest parking at the Day-Use parking lot. The parking lot can be found by driving up the main entrance road of Gordon Bay Provincial Park. You will eventually see the Park's Gate House to the left. (If you are wanting to check in for camping in the park, turn left here). Continue passed the BC Parks Gate House, over the cement bridge and then turn right into the Day Use parking lot. There are public restrooms in the building on the right side of the parking lot. This is also the main access to the public beach. The waters directly off the beach are the designated swimming area in the park. These waters are protected by a large log boom offering a calmer area to swim and offer protection from watercraft and waves from the rest of the lake. It can be tricky to paddle between the log boom sections. If you do decide to launch from the main beach, the south side or (right side) of the beach is the best place to get around the log boom and into the lake. Note: If you decide to warm up or paddle with children behind the log boom in the designated swimming area, exercise caution and avoid other people swimming.

Before you head out: plan your paddle trip, check the weather report and confirm the forecast. The wind can pick up on this lake, especially when you least expect it. If you are planning on going out for multiple hours or for the entire day, bring essential safety gear and have a plan. Inform a fellow camper or family member of your trip plan including your route and expected time you will be returning. Safety is paramount when paddling anywhere, especially of large bodies of water.

Note: Cellular service is weak in the park and on the water. Take this into consideration when planning your adventure.

For the most scenic experience, follow the log boom north and follow the shoreline towards the Gordon Bay Islands. This is also the best route in windy conditions. The Islands are roughly 400m from the main beach. They offer a few nice places to set up a beach blanket and soak up the sunshine if you choose to do so. Note: Use your discretion when paddling in the channel between the shore and the islands. Later in the year (August and onwards) the channel can become shallow and your board fin(s) can bottom out on the rocks below. Once you have circumnavigated the Islands or wish to venture further into the lake, go passed the islands and paddle left around the corner to the west and follow the shoreline. Roughly 1 km west from the Islands you will encounter massive moss-covered cliffs coming right out of the lake's emerald green water! This is one of the most rugged and untouched places on the lake. You may continue west along the shoreline, paddle across the narrows to the other side of the lake or loop back towards Gordon Bay. You may experience wavy conditions - boats do travel through the narrows as well so be prepared for a few sets of waves to come your way. 

Wildlife

On your adventure, you may encounter different bird species or waterfowl such as Stellar’s Jays and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, as well as Mergansers and Golden Eye Ducks. Cowichan Lake is also home to a number of different fish species such as Dolly Varden, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout live in the lake and chum, coho and Chinook salmon spawn in the lake and its tributaries. Steelhead spawn in the Cowichan River. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. 

Paddleboard Rentals, Lessons Tours and More

If you are travelling light or you forgot to bring a piece of gear or equipment for your adventure, no problem! Nestled in the trees between the south side of the main beach and the boat launch you will find the "Paddle Pod" home to Pristine Paddleboard Adventures, a small rental and tour company offering several Red Paddle Co models to choose from. They also can rent you a paddle, PFD or offer you some paddle tips or information about the park and surrounding area. Rentals and tours or lessons can be booked ahead of time online at www.pristinepaddleboard.com