South Central Vancouver Island Communities

Cobble Hill British Columbia
A small village that offers several art galleries, antique shops, a country store, B & Bs, a local pub and a coffee shop. Small farms throughout the area offer a variety of fresh produce including home-made cheese and farm eggs that can be purchased at the farm gate. Explore the many estate wineries, vineyards and Cideries; many of whom have won VGA awards.

Cowichan Bay British Columbia
The village of Cowichan Bay offers the traveller art galleries, B&Bs, hotels plus a unique variety of restaurants and neighbourhood pubs that are located alone the waterfront. Boaters appreciate the large well-maintained marina with good moorage and full services.

Crofton British Columbia
Located off the Island Highway, Crofton is situated in Osborne Bay and can also be reached by ferry from Salt Spring Island. The buildings here blend historic miners’ homes from the early 1900’s, with mid-century summer cottages and a modern sub-division. Small restaurants and shops in the village offer full-services. Explore the fishing dock and stroll along the waterfront. While in Crofton visit the Ole School House Museum located on the waterfront. The museum records and preserves the early mining and forestry history in the area. There are wonderful pictures that trace the growth of a young man through his early school photos until he reaches the position of principal at the local school.

Duncan British Columbia
The “City of Totems" is the Cowichan Valley’s largest island community. Over 80 totem poles can be found throughout the downtown area and along the Island highway. As a thriving family community Duncan offers a full range of commercial and residential services. It’s revitalized downtown offers a good selection of shops, professional and business services plus, local and island visual and performing arts. As well, you can enjoy a swim in the community pool or visit the local arena. Travelers can also enjoy a day trip by rail. You can leave Victoria in the morning and make a stop-over in Duncan where you can spend a few hours sight-seeing. Then later that afternoon the Day Liner train stops again in Duncan on the return trip, this time to pick you up and take you back to Victoria.

Genoa Bay British Columbia
A favourite among boaters for its safe harbour, marine services, boat charters and boat launch. Explore Genoa and the many sheltered havens along Genoa Bay Road or spend an afternoon fishing or watching huge bald eagles feed and take flight. Enjoy a picnic with family and friends and explore this wonderful Vancouver Island community.

Kuper Island British Columbia
Access this indigenous island by BC Ferries from Chemainus. Kuper Island is a Native Reserve belonging to the Penelakut tribe. Kuper is 8.66 sq. km. in size and has a population of about 185 people. There is a Catholic Church but no commercial establishments. Kuper Island is truly a ‘back to nature’ experience.

Maple Bay British Columbia
A favourite island destination for boating, kayaking and day trips. Maple Bay is a sea-side community that bustles with marine activity. There is a general store, marina and a coffee shop. Explore and enjoy the many clean secluded beaches in this area.

Mill Bay British Columbia
A scenic drive take you to a seaside village with small owner operated shops, restaurants and services. For the boater there is are full service marinas, moorage, fishing supplies, gas and boat launching sites. Travelers can enjoy the small car ferry with daily schedules between Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay.

Shawnigan Lake British Columbia
One of the largest lakes on Southern Vancouver Island, Shawnigan Lake is a popular summer resort and provides year round residencies. It’s a great place for swimming, fishing, sailing, canoeing and there are many public picnic sites to enjoy. The Village of Shawnigan Lake has country shopping, a service station, restaurants and pubs. Rail travelers can enjoy a stop over here in Shawnigan Lake Village since the community is on the E&N Railway line.

Thetis Island British Columbia
Travel the waterways with BC Ferries from Chemainus to Thetis Island. This island is 10 sq. km. long and offers a simpler, quiet lifestyle with limited amenities. There is a charming general store for your convenience. Recreation and leisure activities include, cycling, hiking through the forest, wetlands and rock cliffs. A secluded bay and coves provide an idyllic refuge for boaters, kayaking, canoeing and beachcombing. Thetis Island is great island sanctuary.