Cowichan Valley Rainbow, 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

Cowichan Valley's first snowfall - the view from the kitchen

I had the opportunity to fly with a great fellow to the west coast Vancouver Island town of Bamfield yesterday. It was purely a flight for enjoyment but I also used the journey as an “aerial photography test” to see whether photographing from small airplanes with windows actually works. I know many have been doing this for years but I have always used helicopters and ultralights for photography and we have always taken the doors off the aircraft. Being the beginning of winter up here with temperatures just

Continue reading Flying from Duncan to the West Coast

The vibrant town of Ladysmith is located at the northern end of the Cowichan region just south of Nanaimo. Best known for the Ladysmith Festival of Lights, Ladysmith is located in a stunning setting as these aerial photographs show. Ladysmith Harbour is a beehive of activity with many marinas and of course the logging and fishing industries well represented. The town itself is dotted with beautiful old buildings, many of which have been restored. Ladysmith looks great from the air and is just as charming from land.

Ladysmith Harbour aerial photograph, Vancouver Island aerial photography,

Continue reading Ladysmith Aerial Photos

The Kinsol Trestle is an amazing structure when viewed from the air. Aerial photographs show how large the Kinsol Trestle really is from a very different perspective. For those not familiar with the Kinsol Trestle, the trestle was completed in 1920, its dimensions measuring 38m (125 ft) high and 188m (614 ft) long making it the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth of Nations and one of the highest railway trestles in the world.

Aerial view of the Kinsol Trestle showing the Trans Canada Trail on the north side, Cowichan Valley, British Columbia,

Continue reading Kinsol Trestle Aerial Photos

The town of Crofton is dominated by the Catalyst Paper Mill located at the northern end of the town. For those interested in boats this is one of the best areas on the southern Vancouver Island coast to get a close up view of tugs and barges as well as smaller working commercial craft.

Aerial photo of Stuart Channel on the approach to Crofton, Crofton, British Columbia, Canada.

The tug Storm Coaster with chip barges from the Crofton Mill, Crofton, British Columbia, Canada.

Catalyst Paper Mill, Crofton, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Aerial photograph

Continue reading Crofton Aerial Photos

Chemainus is a charming town located in the Chemainus Valley on Vancouver Island. Saltair is located just north of Chemainus. Best known for its murals, Chemainus is also a popular recreation area with boating, diving, fishing and camping available. The Chemainus Theatre provides a full run of excellent performance and numerous coffee shops and galleries line the streets. Aerial photographs of Chemainus and Saltair show the beautiful location of these towns as well as the “working” atmosphere with the logging and fishing sectors represented.

BC Ferry Kuper approaching Chemainus. Aerial photograph of Chemainus,

Continue reading Chemainus and Saltair Aerial Photos

The history is quite interesting as well. In 1858, Father Pierre Rondeault established a mission for the Cowichan Indians. He built the old stone “Butter Church” on Comiaken Hill overlooking Cowichan Bay in 1870 but was forced to abandon that church in

Continue reading St Ann’s Church, Cowichan Valley

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