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Cowichan Valley Wine Country

Vancouver Island · Wine Country

Highlights

  • Tastings at family-run Cowichan Valley wineries and cideries
  • Vancouver Island's mildest, sunniest microclimate
  • A scenic ferry crossing to Nanaimo
  • A quieter, less-touristed alternative to the Okanagan

Itinerary

7:30 AM

Pickup & ferry crossing

An early pickup around Vancouver sets you on your way to the terminal for the ferry crossing to Nanaimo, sailing across the Strait of Georgia toward Vancouver Island. Enjoy the scenic crossing with views back toward the mainland's Coast Mountains, a relaxed start to a day devoted to the boutique wineries and cideries of the Cowichan Valley, one of BC's fastest-rising wine regions.

Vancouver, BCVancouver, BC
Nanaimo, BCNanaimo, BC
Cowichan Valley (Duncan), BCCowichan Valley (Duncan), BC
10:00 AM

Arrive Nanaimo

Arrive in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island's second-largest city, known for its historic harbourfront and as the birthplace of the famous Nanaimo bar dessert. From here, it's a short, scenic drive south into the Cowichan Valley, where the island's warm microclimate and fertile soil have made it one of British Columbia's fastest-growing wine regions, drawing comparisons to famous wine valleys further south.

Nanaimo, BCNanaimo, BC
Vancouver, BCVancouver, BC
Cowichan Valley (Duncan), BCCowichan Valley (Duncan), BC
10:45 AM

Winery tastings

Spend the late morning visiting two to three family-run wineries or cideries scattered across the Cowichan Valley, often called Canada's warm land for its mild, Mediterranean-like climate. Sample locally crafted wines and ciders on sun-dappled patios surrounded by vineyards and orchards, chatting with the small-scale producers whose passion has helped put this quiet valley on the map for BC wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Cowichan Valley (Duncan), BCCowichan Valley (Duncan), BC
Vancouver, BCVancouver, BC
Nanaimo, BCNanaimo, BC
1:00 PM

Duncan

Arrive in Duncan, known as the City of Totems for its collection of over 40 hand-carved totem poles displayed throughout the downtown core, each telling a story from local First Nations culture. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the town's cafes or restaurants, and take some time to wander the streets and admire the striking totems before continuing your Cowichan Valley day.

Cowichan Valley (Duncan), BCCowichan Valley (Duncan), BC
Vancouver, BCVancouver, BC
Nanaimo, BCNanaimo, BC
3:00 PM

Return to Nanaimo

Begin the drive back north to Nanaimo, retracing the scenic route through the Cowichan Valley's rolling farmland and vineyards toward the ferry terminal. It's a relaxed final leg of the day, with one last look at the valley's pastoral scenery before boarding the return ferry crossing back across the Strait of Georgia toward the mainland and the city of Vancouver.

Nanaimo, BCNanaimo, BC
Cowichan Valley (Duncan), BCCowichan Valley (Duncan), BC
Vancouver, BCVancouver, BC
6:30 PM

Arrive back in Vancouver

Arrive back in Vancouver in the early evening, your driver dropping you off in the city after a day spent among the vineyards, cideries, and totem poles of the Cowichan Valley. It's a flavourful, scenic escape to Vancouver Island's wine country and back, all completed within a single day, leaving plenty of evening left to relax back in the city.

Vancouver, BCVancouver, BC
Nanaimo, BCNanaimo, BC
Cowichan Valley (Duncan), BCCowichan Valley (Duncan), BC

Route & Distances

  1. VancouverNanaimoferry crossing, ≈ 2 hr
  2. NanaimoCowichan Valley (Duncan)≈ 45 km
  3. Cowichan Valley (Duncan)Nanaimo≈ 45 km
  4. NanaimoVancouverreturn ferry, ≈ 2 hr

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

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Departure dates are temporarily closed. This calendar will reopen here once we are officially operating. In the meantime, contact us to register your interest.

What's Included

Includes

  • Round-trip transport and ferry crossings
  • English-speaking guide (Vietnamese on request, subject to availability)

Excludes

  • Wine and cider tasting fees
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Gratuities for your guide

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

  • Winery tasting flights≈ $15–25 CAD / person / stop

Cancellation Policy

CancelledRefund
21+ days before departureFull refund
7–20 days before departure50% refund
Less than 7 days before departureNo refund

Good to Know

  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
  • Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
  • Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
  • Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries do we visit?

Typically 2–3, depending on the day and each winery's hours.

How does this compare to the Okanagan?

The Cowichan Valley is a smaller-scale, cooler-climate wine region — quieter and less touristed than the Okanagan.

Can wine be shipped home?

Most wineries can arrange shipping within Canada — ask on site if you'd like to order more than you can carry.

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From $190 CADper person, CAD

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