Attracting more than farmers and forestry workers, however, the Cowichan region is also the home of a thriving artistic community.  In fact, Vancouver Island boasts the highest concentration of artisans in all of Canada (perhaps it comes with the weather.)  Studio tours, farmers’ markets, music festivals, theatre performances, and craft fairs provide venues for artists and their wares throughout the year.

The Cowichan region is also well known for its natural beauty and with it comes an abundance of opportunities for enjoying it.  Swimming (including tubing down local rivers), mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camping & fishing are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.  There are over 25 provincial, municipal, and forest-company managed parks & wilderness areas, as well as 10 marinas and 4 golf courses. With both rich cultural and climatic assets, the Cowichan area has become a popular destination for summer travellers.  As with the rest of British Colombia, tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the Cowichan Valley, providing approximately 20% of the region’s employment.

The average house price in the Cowichan region is $175,000. This is roughly $100,000 less than the average cost of a home in Victoria and a fraction for most Vancouver locations. With two major cities within commuting distance this makes the Cowichan region a very competitively priced real estate market for families.