It is important to respect other trail users and support the organizations that maintain the trails where ever you ride.

Tips on how to ride safely and responsibly.

Vancouver Island

Cowichan

Cowichan Valley
Photo by Tom Richards

Get lost In our space

Nestled between Victoria and Nanaimo, Cowichan is comprised of many small communities and has all the fast downhills, flow trails, cross-country climbs, and jumps you could wish for. This biking haven is home to more than 170 trails sprawling over 180 kilometres of varying difficulty. The majority of these trails can be found on four different mountains: Mount Prevost, Mount Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, and Cobble Hill. There is also the new Fairservice Fun trail network to check out at Lake Cowichan.

Mount Prevost is famous for nurturing world champions, with double-black pro lines and endless trails to test your skills. The forest of Mount Tzouhalem, known locally as Mt. Zoo has 36 km of trails featuring everything from green to double-black lines. While the boardwalks, bridges, and technical rocky terrain of Maple Mountain will challenge even the most skilled riders nearby Cobble Hill with just over 200 metres of vertical has 28 trails suitable for beginner to intermediate riders.

Post-ride, there’s plenty to do in Cowichan—grab a beer in a brewhouse, tour a vineyard, hit a farmer’s market, swap your pedals for a paddle, or visit the beautiful waterfront village of Cowichan Bay.

Number of Trails:
149
Highest Elevation:
786 m
Trails:
easy
9
intermediate
72
difficult
52
extra difficult
16
Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Inspiration

Uncover stories from Cowichan and beyond.

Getting Here & Trail Access

Find your way to Cowichan on Vancouver Island.

Cowichan is north of Victoria via (Highway 1) and south of Comox via Highway 19. Cowichan can be easily accessed from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland by BC Ferries.

Driving Distances & Times (to Duncan as a central hub):

  • Victoria - 61 km (38 mi), 50 minutes
  • Vancouver via BC Ferries - 100 km (62 mi), 3 Hours
  • Nanaimo - 50 km (31 mi), 40 minutes

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is located 30 minites north of Duncan with regional and interprovincial flights available with Air Canada and West Jet. Harbour Air offers daily seaplane service to the Nanaimo Harbour from downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour), Richmond (YVR South Terminal/Fraser River), and Sechelt (Sunshine Coast).

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located one hour south of Duncan via Highway 1 or via the Mill Bay ferry terminal.

Trails in Cowichan can be accessed from four main areas:

More information on Cowichan trails can be found at Ride Cowichan.

See Tourism Cowichan Opens in a new window/tab. for more info

Support Our Local Trails

Consider supporting the associations in Cowichan that help maintain the trails and advocate for the mountain bike community.

Cowichan Valley

Nearby Spots