MEMBER PROFILE:
COWICHAN IS A CUSTOM DESIGNED PLAYGROUND
The Cowichan Valley Regional District, on beautiful Vancouver Island, has what it takes to deliver a first-class sport event experience: proven ability at delivering high-calibre events, a huge, experienced volunteer base, excellent indoor and outdoor facilities and easy access for visiting teams.
With a regional population of 85,000, Cowichan’s urban centres of Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan and Lake Cowichan are complemented by artsy seaside and rural villages.
As much as spectators and teams come for the sport, our world-renowned attractions ensure that time spent in our communities is as rewarding as the game itself. Cowichan has been lauded as one of Canada’s top places to visit by Vacay.ca and Duncan was named as one of North America’s ‘must see’ hockey towns by Expedia. Canada’s highest ‘mean’ temperatures and Mediterranean-like climate set Cowichan apart as a year-round destination.
We are big on big! The Kinsol Trestle is among the world’s tallest free standing wooden trestles – a highlight of hundreds of kilometers of groomed hiking and cycling trails. One of the world’s largest outdoor totem collections includes the widest totem pole on the planet. Laketown Ranch is one of Canada’s biggest outdoor music stages and event venues, where Sunfest attracts over 30,000 country music fans each year. And, of course, Duncan is home to the world’s largest hockey stick!
Winery & craft beer touring, visiting Canada’s only tea farm, cultural and wildlife experiences, whale watching, and art and music events galore round out a very full roster of activities.
Our rural mecca is an hour’s drive from Victoria and Nanaimo, two international airports and four major ferry terminals. Multiple bus lines and private transit companies make it easy to get to and around Cowichan. Ample accommodations range from simple to sumptuous.
SPORT SPECIALTIES AND AMENITIES
Within a network of over 50 venues, we have several flagship facilities.
- Five regulation size ice hockey arenas and three curling rinks.
- Cowichan Sportsplex’s 26 acres provides multiple fields and surfaces for softball, lacrosse, field hockey and athletics.
- Eight multi-sport centres include Cowichan Community Centre that hosts plenty of Junior A hockey action and an additional 15,000 sq. ft. of multipurpose space.
- Two major aquatic centres, ideal for competitive swimming and diving.
- Rowing Canada’s National Training Centre is moving to North Cowichan’s Quamichan Lake in 2020 and is currently a strategic camp location on the road to the Tokyo Olympics.
- A 60,000 sq. ft. athletic centre with basketball, volleyball and squash courts and climbing wall, and outstanding fields that host Rugby Canada’s U-20 training programs, are found at the region’s many international schools.
- At 62 acres, with a 14,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose space, Cowichan Exhibition Park is one of BC’s largest, and hosts equestrian and indoor sport events.
- The world’s second oldest grass tennis courts hold several international events a year.
- Canada’s only year-round outdoor motorsport facility attracts an international clientele.
- Three championship golf courses hold Provincial and National Amateur competitions.
Five mountains and hundreds of kilometres of paved and gravel surfaces host an epic variety of downhill, cyclocross and fondo cycling events, including the BC Bike Race that attracts over 600 cyclists from around the world.
Water events are huge in Cowichan, including the Brentwood International Rowing Regatta and Windfest Windsurfing Championships at Nitinaht Lake. Sailing competitions, whitewater kayaking, and triathlon events take place year round.
Rugby, soccer, football, lacrosse, cricket, pickleball, disc golf and even ultimate frisbee have more than a dozen places to call their own, and our 20 ballfields include multi-diamond, state of the art facilities.
Our Hosting Resume is a testament to the region’s capacity and drive to host successful regional, provincial and national events. Highlights include:
- 2018 BC Summer Games – more than 2300 athletes competed in 18 sports at 27 venues
- 2018 Box Lacrosse Provincial Championships
- 2017 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
- 2017 BC Scotties Ladies Curling Championships
- 2008 North American Indigenous Games
- Annual Lake to Lake Walk and Marathon
- In 2020, Cowichan hosts the Western Canada Wrestling Championships with 800 youth and adult competitors
The Cowichan Sports Tourism support program includes
- Robust grants program
- Regional sport calendar
- Event hosting assistance and equipment
- Bid assistance
You know your sport, and we know our communities. Let Cowichan Sports Tourism help you put both together so your tournament, championship, camp or conference is the best ever.
Cowichan Sports Tourism
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Cathy Mailhot, Regional Sports Tourism Coordinator
250-510-0649
If you would like to be the next member whose profile will be featured on the STC website, contact Barb MacDonald, Communications Consultant at bmacdonald@sporttourismcanada.com.