What To Do
SELF GUIDED FARM TOURS
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the farm with a self guided tour map to learn about the different types of lavender and vines. Pick your own bundle of lavender and watch the daily farm activities. In harvest season you may see lavender being harvested for hanging in the drying shed or for distilling in the 100 gallon steam distillation system. There are chickens, geese, sheep and pigs to visit and of course a browse in the lavender shop to see all of the products we make from our lavender.
DAMALI LABYRINTH
(photos by Enise Olding)
Damali labyrinth was created in the Spring of 2007. Sited in a dell facing huge cedar trees & arising from the mossy ground in turf berms, Damali labyrinth is a 13 meter diameter, classic 7 circuit Cretan design. Your first view of the labyrinth is inspiring as you approach from above between vineyard and lavender. Open to visitors from 10am - 4pm daily during the Spring & Summer.
Special private walks such as milestone birthdays and memorial walks can be arranged through developer Patti Fenske. Some very special events are held at the labyrinth throughout the year & during the lavender festival in August.
SELF GUIDED TOURING
This area of Vancouver Island has been described as having a ‘Mediterranean' climate and boasts the warmest mean temperature in Canada. It's no surprise the region has been dubbed 'The Provence of the North'. The burgeoning agri-tourism industry is creating a lot of excitement as many farms have a tourism component to complement their product based businesses. Many local vineyards & farms do tours and tastings and some have delightful cafes, picnic areas and special events.
The area is becoming known for the diversity of product that the farmers and organic growers produce & local shops & restaurants serve up some of the tastiest, freshest and healthiest food you will find anywhere in the world. Be sure to visit the weekly farm markets in the region where the vendors will be more than happy to tell you all about their products and how they're grown.
The local Coast Salish First Nations people named the area ‘Cowichan’ which translates to 'the Land Warmed By The Sun’. Nearby downtown Duncan is 'the City of Totems' where you will find the largest totem in the world by weight and width. You can learn more about the culture of the Coast Salish people at
Qu'wutsun Cultural & Conference Centre
There is an uncontested rumour that there are ‘more artists per capita in Cowichan than in any other place in North America’ thus giving rise to a lively and thriving arts and cultural scene. Local artists display their work in the many small galleries, coffee shops and restaurants in the area.
The quality and quantity of local performing musicians is also remarkable and everywhere you go you are likely to find live entertainment, be it at showrooms, restaurants, pubs, festivals and markets.
Cowichan Folk Guild / Islands Folk Festival
First class theatres draw high caliber entertainment to the area and many more intimate venues feature highly talented small theatre groups.
Throughout Cowichan you will find town sites and villages that have everything from enchanting boutiques and galleries & funky antique shops to top of the line culinary and clothing stores.
There's so much more! The seaways of Cowichan have some of the best scuba diving in the world! Some of the best fly-fishing in the world is done on the Cowichan River. There are 5 golf courses in the area and one of the best is right across the road from Damali !
Arbutus Ridge Golf & Country Club
How about a hike in one of the parks or on one of the many marked trails. If you prefer you can explore on horseback or bicycle or view the incredible coastal scenery from an ocean kayak or canoe. You may see seals or otters and you will definitely see the endangered Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagles which abundantly populate the area. You can take a guided wildlife & whale watching trip out of Cowichan Bay.
Speaking of wildlife! There is something different to see at every time of year. In the Fall, huge flocks of Trumpeter Swans turn local fields to white and the air is filled with the calls of hundreds of Canada Geese and a ‘World Class Important Bird Area" provides sanctuary to over 200 species of birds.
Fish ladders on the Cowichan River provide great entertainment also as you watch salmon seemingly fly up the falls. Raccoons, deer and wild rabbits are abundant and if you’re lucky you may see Roosevelt Elk, Black Bear, huge Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls or even, if you’re really lucky, in the right place at the right time and very quiet, a fleeting glimpse of the shy, elusive cougar.
At the end of such busy days you are going to want some pampering. How about a private suite with an ocean view soaker tub or hot tub overloooking gardens & meadows? Country charm and tranquility complete with the wafting aroma of lavender and herbs. Lounge on the warm sunny decks, bask in the healthy glow of the infrared sauna or curl up with a book in the window seat . You’ll need to stay a while to discover all that the Cowichan has to offer.
Take the time to .....Indulge your senses - Savour the lifestyle
