Park overview
If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River Park on southern Vancouver Island is the place to go. Whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, or just want to take it easy in the sun, you’re bound to find something to do in this “recreation corridor” south of Duncan.
This spectacular park protects significant stretches of the Cowichan River, which is designated as both a BC Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River, and is internationally renowned for its wild salmon and steelhead fishery.
The park is adjacent to an abandoned rail right-of-way, which provides recreation opportunities for cyclists, hikers and horseback riders. While staying at the park, visitors can enjoy other features of Cowichan River Park. These include the historic 20 km long Cowichan River Footpath and a variety of day-use and picnic areas, each with their own unique features and highlights.
Visitors won’t want to miss the sights from the restored 66 Mile and Holt Creek Trestles on the Trans Canada Trail, which offer spectacular river views and the opportunity to imagine back to a time when log-laden traincars would thunder along these tracks high above the Cowichan River.
Advisories
Dates of operation
Park status:
Open
The park gate is open year-round
- Facility type
- Group camping
- Number of campsites
- Reservable frontcountry sites: 1
- Groupsites: 1
- Main operating season
- 2023: April 1 to October 31
- 2024: April 1 to October 31
- Winter season
- No services
- Booking required
- 2023: April 1 to October 30
- 2024: April 1 to October 30
- Winter season note
- A portion of the campground is open from Nov. 1 - March 29, during which time a winter fee is in effect (no water or firewood).
- Facility type
- Vehicle-accessible camping
- Number of campsites
- Reservable frontcountry sites: 27
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 39
- Walk-in sites: 4
- Main operating season
- 2023: April 1 to October 31
- Winter season
- 2023: January 1 to March 31, September 5 to December 31
- 2024: January 1 to May 12
- Booking required
- 2023: May 13 to September 3
- Winter season note
- A portion of the campground is open from Nov. 1 - March 31, during which time a winter fee is in effect (no water or firewood).
- Facility type
- Group camping
- Number of campsites
- Reservable frontcountry sites: 1
- Groupsites: 1
- Main operating season
- 2023: April 1 to October 31
- 2024: April 1 to October 31
- Winter season
- No services
- Booking required
- 2023: April 1 to October 30
- 2024: April 1 to October 30
- Winter season note
- A portion of the campground is open from Nov. 1 - March 29, during which time a winter fee is in effect (no water or firewood).
- Service note
- Maximum capacity per group site: 50 persons
- Winter season note
- Stoltz Pool Campground is open year-round; a winter camping fee is in place.
Safety info
- The Cowichan Fish and Game Association operates a shooting range in Cowichan River Park at 4295 Robertson Road. Park visitors hiking near the Glenora trailhead of the Cowichan River Footpath may hear gunshots during range hours. The shooting range is closed to the public as per its Park Use Permit issued under the Park Act, and operates in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Please stay on authorized trails and follow all signs.
- Visitors recreating within the park should leave a plan of their intended trip, including which trail or area of the park they plan to use, along with arrival and departure times, with a friend or relative.
Cliffs
Cowichan River Park contains many areas adjacent to the river with steep drop-offs and overhanging bluffs. Please stay on designated trails and respect signs and railings.
River course
The Cowichan River has fluctuating water levels and swift currents. Children should be accompanied by an adult when in or near the river. Visitors should also expect natural occurrences such as log jams and sweepers at any point and at any time along the river. Large rapids exist at Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls throughout the year. Information on these hazards and pull-out locations are posted at the park. Visitors wishing to swim, kayak, canoe, or float tube in this area must familiarize themselves prior to entering the river.
Camping
- Total number of campsites
- Total reservable frontcountry sites: 27
- Total vehicle-accessible sites: 39
- Total groupsites: 2
- Total walk-in sites: 4
Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park the BC Parks reservations system.
All campsite and group site reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served.
There are group campsites at Stoltz Pool and Horseshoe Bend.
Stoltz Pool group campsite
The Stolz Pool groupsite has been relocated inland due to bank instability caused by river erosion. The new location provides inclusive camping for RVs and tents. The shelter will be installed at the groupsite early June, while all other facilities will be in place at the beginning of April. Guests can access drinking water from the nearest campground loop.
Horseshoe Bend group campsite
This site has a shelter and is situated beside Cowichan River amongst the trees. There are 11 tent pads. Parking is in a gravel lot above the site. Vehicles are only allowed to drop off at the shelter and then have to park in the lot. Campers and RVs can camp in the parking lot. The shelter has a sink, wood stoves inside the shelter and picnic tables inside and out. Water is available by a water pump in the group site. Cowichan River is beside the site so watch small children. The river can be dangerous certain times of the year, especially in winter, fall or spring. This is a very private site and beautifully situated.
| Youth group camping fee | $1 per person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Children under 6 are free! |
| Regular group camping fee | $80 per group site per night, plus $5 per adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1 per child (6-15). Children under 6 are free! |
For information on the Youth group policy see the group camping page.
Stoltz Pool campground
There are 39 drive-in and four walk-in sites at the Stoltz Pool campsite, situated in a second-growth Douglas fir stand. All sites are well spaced with easy access to the river. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. Stoltz Pool campground is open year-round. A winter camping fee is in place.
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $20 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $10 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
There are four walk-in campsites at the Stoltz Pool campground. Camping is permitted only in designated campsites.
Stoltz Pool campground is open year-round, a winter camping fee is in place.
Winter vehicle-accessible camping fee: $11 per party per night
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:
Cold water hand pumps are located at Stoltz Pool campground, Stoltz Pool group site and Horseshoe Bend group site.
Drinking Water System Report 2021
A boat launch is located at the Stoltz Pool day-use area. Parking is available a short distance from the boat launch.
Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
There are four day-use areas at Cowichan River Park: The main day-use area at Stoltz Pool, as well as Skutz Falls, Marie Canyon and 66 Mile Trestle.
- Stoltz Pool day-use: This day-use and picnicking area is located adjacent to the campground and includes a boat launch, riverside trail, picnicking area with tables, parking, pit toilets, information shelter, and an all-purpose playing field. The picnic area overlooks the river from a grassy area nestled in a grove of large maple trees. The Burma Star Memorial Cairn, a replica of the Kohima Monument in Myamar (Burma) is located here. The cairn was erected by the Burma Star Association to commemorate and tell the story of Major Hoey and the Allied Second World War campaign in East Asia.
- Skutz Falls day-use: Located at the western trailhead for the Cowichan River footpath, this site offers parking, pit toilets, picnic tables, a river pull-out and information shelter. This site provides access to the Skutz Falls section of the river, where visitors can watch view spawning salmon.
- Marie Canyon day-use: Marie Canyon is a popular sit for picnicking and for viewing one of the more spectacular sections of the river. Facilities include parking, pit toilets, an information shelter, and a trail down to the canyon bottom.
- 6 -Mile Trestle day-use: Located near the beautiful 66 Mile trestle on the Trans Canada Trail, this site offers, parking, pit toilets, picnic tables, and an information shelter.
There are several pit toilets available throughout the park.
Activities
A maze of developed and undeveloped routes offers significant walking and hiking opportunities in and around Cowichan River Park.
- As emergency aid is not immediately available over much of this area, please always travel prepared.
- Basic supplies should include drinking water, a first aid kit, and adequate clothing and footwear.
- For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Walking and hiking trails
Stoltz Pool loop trail
This relatively short, gentle loop trail runs from the Stoltz Pool day-use area adjacent to the river for much of its length before gently climbing inland through second-growth forest above the campground. Fishing is excellent at many spots along this trail.
Skutz/66 Mile Loop Trail
This 8 km loop trail gives spectacular views along the Cowichan River. Crossing at both the Skutz Falls forest service bridge and the historic 66 Mile Trestle, this trail travels through a steep canyon environment high above the Cowichan River.
Cowichan River Footpath
This historic trail winds its way along the Cowichan River for approximately 20 km from Glenora to Skutz Falls. This is an easy to moderate level of hiking and you should allow approximately 6.5 hours to hike its length. The main trail is well marked but several older secondary routes still exist and these are not sign posted or maintained. Notices will be placed at each trailhead (Glenora and Skutz Falls) explaining any current situations of interest to trail users. There is no drinking water available on the trail and river water must be boiled, filtered, or treated prior to consumption. Parts of the trail are through private property, please respect these areas and any potential restrictions that may be in place.
Trans Canada Trail route
This section of the Trans Canada Trail route stretches from Glenora to Skutz Falls, an ambitious undertaking that involved the restoration of the 66 Mile and Holt Creek Trestles and the rehabilitation of approximately 13 kilometres of abandoned Canadian Pacific Railway grade. The beautiful railway trestles along this route offer spectacular views and a glimpse of the past to a time when log-laden traincars would thunder along the tracks high above the Cowichan River.
Swimming is a popular activity at the Stoltz Pool day-use area and below Skutz Falls.
Warning: The Cowichan River has fluctuating water levels and swift currents. Children should be accompanied by an adult when in or near the river. Visitors should also expect natural occurrences such as log jams and sweepers at any point and at any time along the river. Severe rapids exist at Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls throughout the year. Information on these hazards and pull-out locations are posted at the park. Visitors wishing to swim in this area must familiarize themselves prior to entering the river. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Canoeing is popular in the Stoltz Pool day-use area.
Kayaking is popular in the Stoltz Pool day-use area. Experienced whitewater kayakers may wish to navigate the river between Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon. The river is suitable for year-round kayaking, although the best water conditions are from October through to June.
Warning: The Cowichan River has fluctuating water levels and swift currents. Paddlers should also expect natural occurrences such as log jams and sweepers at any point and at any time along the river. Severe rapids exist at Marie Canyon and Skutz Falls throughout the year. Information on these hazards and pull-out locations are posted at the park. Visitors must familiarize themselves prior to entering the river.
This park offers excellent river fishing opportunities. The Cowichan River is a highly important river because of its variety and abundance of fish species, including coho, Chinook and chum salmon, steelhead and Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout. It is one of only two rivers in British Columbia known to have Brown trout, which was introduced from Scotland in the 1930s.
Spawning salmon are often easily seen during the fall spawning season at Marie Canyon. All fishing is often closed in this section of the river from October to mid-December. Specific fishing closures are posted at information shelters within the park.
For up-to-date information, all anglers should check all current and relevant freshwater (non-tidal) sport fishing regulations and saltwater sport fishing regulations, including the appropriate licensing requirements, prior to fishing.
River viewing points at Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon are prime locations to watch spawning salmon in the fall, or to have a picnic at the end of a day’s hike. Marie Canyon day-use overlooks the Cowichan River as it surges through a spectacular sheer rock canyon. Skutz Falls offers magnificent views of river rapids and a man-made fish ladder.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to roadways or the Trans Canada Trail. Bicycles are not permitted on developed hiking trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Cowichan River Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Horseback riding is permitted on the Trans Canada Trail.
Snorkelling and scuba diving are possible in the Cowichan river and holds great opportunities for fish viewing.
There are three main access points to Cowichan River Park, Skutz Falls road (West access), Highway 18 Connector (middle access), and Robertson road (South East access).
Skutz Falls road (West access)
Located off Highway 18, Skutz Falls Road provides access to Skutz Falls day-use area, Horseshoe Bend group campsite, Marie Canyon day-use area and the Skutz Falls trailhead of the Cowichan River trail. Follow signs from Skutz Falls road via Cowichan Lake road and Mayo road to Riverbottom road.
Highway 18 Connector (Middle Access)
Located off Highway 18, the Highway 18 Connector provides access to the Stoltz Pool campground, group campsite and day-use areas. Follow signs to Riverbottom road.
Robertson road (South East access)
Located on Robertson road in the Glenora area south of Duncan. To access this point proceed west on Glenora road, turn right onto Vaux road and continue down Vaux road, as it leads into Robertson road. This provides access to the Glenora trailhead of the Cowichan River trail.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 1,418 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
K2 Cowichan Park Services Ltd.
k2cowichan@shaw.ca
+1-877-559-2115
k2parks.ca
Nature and culture
History
Crown land in this area was recommended for protection in the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan. The park was established in July, 1995. This park contains the first campground built on Vancouver Island since the early 1980s, created in partnership with Forest Renewal BC (FRBC), the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative (CLCFC) and IWA. FRBC funded the project and CLCFC provided labour by hiring displaced forest workers from IWA local 1-80.
Cultural heritage
Cowichan, from the Coast Salish word “Khowutzun” meaning “land warmed by the sun,” is an area rich in First Nations, European and resource history.
The Cowichan Valley has been home to the Cowichan Tribes from the earliest times. Cowichan is a collective name for a number of villages on eastern Vancouver Island, including Comiaken, Somenos, Koksilah and Quamichan. Today the Cowichan tribes make up the largest band in British Columbia and members of the band own and reside on much of the land surrounding Duncan and the Cowichan River.
The first European settlers to the region arrived in 1862. Agriculture dominated the early colonial years. Mining replaced agriculture as the primary industry as the forested interior regions became more widely traveled, however it was the forest industry that had the greatest influence on development and settlement in the region. Most of the old-growth forest in the area was logged early in the 20th century, and forestry activities continue to this day.
Since the early 1900s the river has served as a transportation corridor to Lake Cowichan for local logging operations. Old spring board stumps and remnants of camps and rail lines testify to the area’s important logging history.
Conservation
The Cowichan River is internationally known for its highly valuable and productive fish habitat. Species include coho, Chinook and chum salmon, steelhead and rainbow, brown and Cutthroat trout. The park also protects representative Douglas-fir and Western hemlock forest communities and rare wildflowers.
Wildlife
The area is known to provide habitat for many species of birds and wildlife. Small mammals found in the park include shrews, voles, bats and the native red squirrel. Raccoons, mink, martens, and weasels are also common, and river otters and beavers inhabit the river. The native Vancouver Island ermine, a blue-listed species, has also been found in the park. Larger mammals include black bears, which can be seen in the park during salmon spawning, as well as cougars, black-tailed deer, and Roosevelt elk.
The Cowichan Valley sustains thousands of birds of at least 200 different species. Species resident to the park include osprey, hawks, owls, ravens, and crows as well as many species of songbirds. Bald eagles can be seen along the river in late fall and winter.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.