Life is different in the Cowichan Valley. Nurtured by the highest average seasonal temperatures in all of Canada, the region's name is derived from the Coast Salish word "Khowtzun" meaning "The Warm Land". The mild weather, beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle make this area particularly appealing to retirees, artists, families and those trying to escape the trappings of the larger urban areas.

Home to only 74,000 people, the fast growing region stretches from the Malahat in the south to Ladysmith in the north encompassing the communities of Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Honeymoon Bay, Crofton, Chemainus, Saltair and of course Ladysmith. The region is actually larger than a good number of countries.

Ideally situated between Victoria and Nanaimo, the valley is itself a bedroom community to those larger cities and also offers easy access via ferries and air to Vancouver and Seattle. Victoria and Vancouver also offer International Airports. The Island Highway, which has seen dramatic improvements over the past few years, connects all the communities of the island to the Cowichan Valley and also offers some of the nicest scenic driving anywhere.

Breathtaking scenery, mild climate year round and the natural geography of the valley make this area a spectacular place for the outdoor enthusiast. Protected by the Gulf Islands, the water's of this area are a boater's dream come true. Ocean kayaking, sailing, power boating, fishing, scuba and windsurfing are all at your doorstep. Excellent moorage is readily available and cruise ships now frequent the area. Local ocean waters provide fisherman the opportunity to catch Salmon, Cod and a wide variety of fish species.

The west coast is renowned for it's rugged beauty, pristine beaches and temperate rain forests. With great year round weather the area is fantastic for golfers too. Arbutus Ridge, a popular retirement community is nestled amongst 18 holes of challenging golf. Duncan Lakes, Cowichan, Mt. Brenton and March Meadows golf courses also offer superb golf.

Duncan, known as the "City of Totems", is central in the Cowichan Valley and offers much of the area's amenities. Such amenities include shopping, Community Center, Theatre, Pool, Library, Schools, Curling Rink, Museums, Community College, fine dining, pubs and hotels and more.The Cowichan Valley Community Center boasts the world's largest hockey stick and puck ( 205 feet long and weighing 31 tons) and is also home to the BCHA "Cowichan Capitals"(great hockey!).

For families there are several highly rated (provincially) schools and numerous private schools most popular of which are Brentwood College School, Shawnigan Lake Preparatory School, Queen Margaret School and Maxwell International Baha'i School. With excellent recreational and educational opportunities the Cowichan Valley is an ideal environment in which to raise children.

Forestry and farming are the principal industries in the region. Several forestry companies along with their lumber mills and pulp and paper mills have provided employment for much of the local population. Forestry has been somewhat on the decline and tourism is gaining momentum as a local industry. Cut backs in forestry as well global and local economic factors have created good real estate opportunities for buyers in the Cowichan Valley.

The local real estate market peaked in around the end of 1994 and appears to have bottomed out with prices having dropped 12-15% in that period. Traditionally a high priced market w.r.t. the rest of Canada, the Cowichan Region is now considered quite stable as far a real estate prices go and that combined with low interest rates has created excellent buying opportunities. A baby boomer wave of retirees is expected on the horizon and real estate forecasters have been quoted as saying that southern Vancouver Island is one of the best places for real estate investment in all of Canada.

Whether you are looking for a retirement home, a hobby farm, a quiet place to raise the kids, a luxury waterfront home or just a recreational get-a-way, the Cowichan Valley has it all.