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The Cowichan River in Fall, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The Cowichan River is one of the more interesting rivers in southern British Columbia, both from a historical standpoint as well as a recreational view. With its source in the mountains above Cowichan Lake, the river wanders through steep canyons and open valleys, finally arriving in Cowichan Bay after a 47km run.
The mood of the river varies with the seasons and rains as was evident a couple weeks ago when we had some massive flooding in the area and the river was roaring. The other extreme is peak summer when a favourite [...]
We received our first snow in the Cowichan Valley last night and while it isn’t as deep as last years’ once in a hundred years snowfall it still makes for pretty scenery. I’ll likely head out a little later with my camera and walk around the neighbourhood as I don’t like driving in the white stuff! The forecast is for warm weather and rain, better hurry up!
Cowichan Valley's first snowfall – the view from the kitchen
Oyster Mushroom, Vancouver Island.
Mushroom season in the Cowichan Valley hits its peak in November as far as photography is concerned. We will likely have mushrooms until late spring but the variety of beautiful fungi seems to peak in late fall. I have been fortunate enough to get out a few times, partly to pick edible mushrooms but also to photograph these amazing plants. Here is a sample of Cowichan mushrooms from last week.
I’ll provide better identification later but don’t have access to my Pacific Northwest Mushroom field guides right now.
Do you enjoy mushroom photos? Take a look at my mushroom gallery for [...]
Cowichan River, Cowichan Valley, British Columbia
With fall fast approaching one of the highlights of this region are the salmon runs that occur in many of our rivers. In Goldstream Provincial Park and in many areas of the Cowichan River the salmon appear about mid-October and may be viewed for about ten weeks. These dates vary from year to year but I have never been disappointed during this peak period. It is the Chum salmon that is most abundant in this river, Coho and Chinook salmon may also be seen as well as the Steelhead and Cutthroat trout.
The best viewing area by far [...]
I try to do photography from the peak of Mt. Prevost in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island a few times a year. The view is spectacular with the town of Duncan and Cowichan Bay below and Salt Spring Island and the other Southern Gulf Islands in the distance. On clear days the mainland mountains in British Columbia and Washington State are visible.
September tends to bring fog in the early morning making for interesting photography as the lighting is truly beautiful. Evenings are often clear with gorgeous sunset colours. Before you ask; you can drive almost all the way to the [...]
With the very hot weather we have had in the Cowichan Valley the past few weeks we aren’t the only ones taking a break from the heat by seeking out water. We have two small wine barrel ponds on our deck and they are teeming with life. While many folks will find some of the animals objectionable like the wasps, our large colony of tree frogs is downright cute.
Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla)
Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla)
Cowichan Wasp
Cowichan Wasp
Macro Monday
Sunset at Wallace Island, British Columbia
While Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park is not technically located in the Cowichan Region, most boaters that access the park will be doing so from the harbours located in the Cowichan area. With this in mind, I have brought this article over from my Kevin Oke Photography web site.
A true gem in the British Columbia Provincial Marine Park system, Wallace Island is conveniently located close to many ports in the southern Vancouver Island area. Numerous beaches, coves and inlets provide prime anchorage and kayaking opportunities while hiking trails run the length of the island. [...]
I have spent the past few days photographing wildflowers on the Cowichan River and will likely head down to Cowichan Bay today. This seems to be a particularly good year for flowers, likely a result of the wet early spring and then the beautiful weather we have had the past three weeks.
I’m not sure how many wildflower species are present in the valley but I have it in my head that I’m going to photograph most of them this year and put together an online wildflower field guide on this site. I also want them to be “good artistic” photos, [...]
This week wasn’t all about Cowichan Valley water buffalo as I spent a considerable amount of time photographing birds and some of the local farm animals. The winter brings Trumpeter Swans by the hundreds to the valley. While driving around you see these beautiful birds in the fields and lakes of the area.
Alpacas are a popular farm animal in the area. This young fellow lives at a very picturesque farm on Koksilah Road south of Duncan.
Looking for images of British Columbia’s beautiful Cowichan Valley? You have come to the right place. Kevin Oke Photography has over 80,000 photographs available of the Cowichan Valley and the surrounding areas. From wooden boats to spectacular aerial photographs we can provide you with what you are looking for. Posters, screensavers and art prints are available as well. Can’t find what you want? Please