Traversing
the southern part of Vancouver
Island, this 100km (63mile) unpaved stretch of road leads to small
west coast logging and fishing villages. Along Highway 18, near Cowichan
Lake is the Cowichan Valley Demonstration Forest with extensive walking
trails offering a self-guided tour explaining the forest and it's management.
At the town of Lake Cowichan (28 km or 17 miles west of Highway 1) one
road follows the north shore of the lake to Youbou. The southern route
passes through Gordon Bay Provincial Park and Honeymoon Bay Wildflower
Ecological Reserve where many wildflower species are protected. 19km past
Cowichan Lake turn right to Bamfield (65km). To Nitinat Lake and Carmanah
Pacific Provincial Park, follow left.
Nitinat
Lake:
This lake is a tidal inlet, connected to the ocean by Nitinat Narrows.
It is known for thermal winds, making it a windsurfers paradise.
Carmanah
Walbran Pacific Provincial Park:
Located about 40 km (25 miles) past Nitinat Lake is the Carmanah Walbran
Pacific Provincial Park. A trail from the road leads to Carmanah Creek
and onto other trails
leading through stunning groves of what are believed to be the world's
tallest sitka spruce. The awe-inspiring Carmanah Giant, at 95m (312 feet),
may be accessed via steep and muddy hiking.
Bamfield:
This fishing village is home of the Bamfield Marine Station, which is
maintained for research by five western universities. Bald eagles, stellar
sea lions and orcas are just some of the wildlife found here. The
West Coast Trail, which is part of Pacific Rim National Park ends
here. The hike generally begins at Port
Renfrew.
The following BC Adventure members would like to serve you:
Lake
Cowichan to Bamfield (Hwy 18)
