Cowichan Valley Travel, Tourism and Photography Information » Nature

The Cowichan River in Photos

Kevin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:36:06 +0000

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

Continue reading The Cowichan River in Photos

First Snow in the Cowichan

Kevin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:27:08 +0000

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

Mushroom season in the Cowichan

Kevin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:58:06 +0000

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

Continue reading Mushroom season in the Cowichan

Goldstream River and Cowichan River Salmon Run

Kevin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:05:38 +0000

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

Continue reading Goldstream River and Cowichan River Salmon Run

Views from Mt. Prevost – Cowichan Valley

Kevin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:41:54 +0000

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

Continue reading Views from Mt. Prevost – Cowichan Valley

Pond Critters – Tree frogs and wasps

Kevin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:44:25 +0000

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)

Cowichan Wasp

Macro Monday

Wallace Island Marine Park – British Columbia

Kevin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:25:28 +0000

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.

Continue reading Wallace Island Marine Park – British Columbia

Wildflowers of the Cowichan Valley

Kevin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:19:08 +0000

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,

Continue reading Wildflowers of the Cowichan Valley

Alpacas and Swans

Kevin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:59:14 +0000

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.