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Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:K2 Cowichan Park Services Ltd.
k2cowichan@shaw.ca
1 877 559-2115
k2parks.ca


Cowichan River Provincial Park
Attention Visitors – Important Notice!
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River Hazards
Cowichan River is a natural watercourse with natural hazards that may pose significant risks to river users (tubers are especially at risk). Please use extreme caution around sweepers and strainers (partially and fully submerged trees).
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Boil Water Notice
The Vancouver Island Health Authority recommends visitors to Cowichan River Park to boil water collected from the water pumps for at least one minute or otherwise disinfect before drinking, brushing teeth or using water for food preparation that will not be cooked.
About This Park

If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River Provincial Park on southern Vancouver Island is the place to go. Whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, tubing, camping, fishing or 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 Provincial 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.
Established Date: July 12, 1995
Park Size: 1,414 hectares
Know Before You Go
Stay Safe
- 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.
- Cliffs: Cowichan River Provincial 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.
- 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.
Reservations
All campsite and group site reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Campsite Reservations
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Group Campsite Reservations
Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park through Discover Camping.
Location and Maps
There are three main access points to this Cowichan River Provincial Park:
- 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.
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF] for Cowichan River Provincial Park
Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking are 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.

Cycling

Fishing
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.

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Pets on Leash

Scuba Diving

Swimming
Swimming and tubing are popular activities 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 or float tube in this area must familiarize themselves prior to entering the river. There are no lifeguards at Provincial Parks.

Wildlife Viewing
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.
The restored 66-Mile and Holt Creek railway trestles along the Trans-Canada Trail 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.
At Stoltz Pool, the picnic site overlooks the river from a grassy area nestled in a grove of old big leaf 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.
Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water
Cold water hand pumps are located at Stoltz Pool campground, Stoltz Pool group site and Horseshoe Bend group site.
Annual Drinking Water System Report 2018

Group Camping
There are group campsites at Stoltz Pool and Horseshoe Bend. Reservation information »
Stoltz Pool group campsite
There is a shelter with a wood stove inside, picnic tables inside and out, and a fire ring. Water is available through a water pump at the site. Beside the shelter is a communal fire pit, surrounded by benches. There is no field area at this site, but instead there are 16 tent pads with trails leading to each one. There is a gravel parking lot situated between the river and the group site. Due to recent river bank erosion, the parking lot has limited room for RVs and travel trailers. If additional RV parking is required, please contact the Park Operator prior to your arrival. Please be cautious with children, as the river runs alongside the group site area, and can run high and fast during the spring and fall.
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.
Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $80.00/group site/night, plus $5/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!

Picnic Areas
- Stoltz Pool day-use: This day-use/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.
- 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.
- 66-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.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Winter Camping
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $11.00 per party / night