Cowichan River Park is a BC Parks recreation corridor south of Duncan on southern Vancouver Island. BC Parks says the park protects significant stretches of the Cowichan River, a BC Heritage River and Canadian Heritage River known for wild salmon and steelhead.
The park has three main access areas: Skutz Falls Road, Highway 18 Connector, and Robertson Road.
Cowichan River Park is a strong all-rounder for camping, hiking, swimming, paddling, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, and river viewing. Visitors can use Stoltz Pool campground and day-use areas, Horseshoe Bend group campsite, Marie Canyon day-use area, Skutz Falls, and the Glenora trailhead.
The trail network is a highlight. The historic Cowichan River Footpath runs about 20 kilometres from Glenora to Skutz Falls, while the Skutz/66 Mile Loop Trail offers an eight kilometre canyon route. The Trans Canada Trail section includes restored 66 Mile and Holt Creek trestles on abandoned railway grade high above the river.
Fishing opportunities include coho, Chinook and chum salmon, steelhead, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Spawning salmon are often seen at Marie Canyon in fall.
Plan around frontcountry camping, group camping, Cowichan River Footpath hiking, trestle viewpoints, Stoltz Pool swimming, canoeing, whitewater kayaking for experienced paddlers, river fishing, fall salmon viewing, cycling on the Trans Canada Trail, and horseback riding.
The river has fluctuating water levels, swift currents, log jams, sweepers, cliffs, and large rapids at Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls. Leave a trip plan, stay on authorized trails, check fishing closures, treat river water, and expect gunshots near the Glenora trailhead during range hours.
