One of our favourite places to walk and see the wildflowers is Somenos Conservation Area. It is home to many
rare wildflowers, especially the pink fawn lily and the rare deep soiled Garry Oaks. This area is home to deer, river otters, racoons and over 200 types of birds. Travel to Trillium Terrace off Lakes Road and left on York Road.
Bright Angel Park in Cowichan Station minutes from Duncan on the Koksilah River is a pleasant way to spend the day with friends and family. It boasts several picnic shelters and natural tree climbing structures as well as some accessible pathways for walkers and wheelchairs. There are an abundance of trilliums and fawn lilies along the inner trails going down to the Koksilah River as well as many other species.
Stoney Hill Regional Park in Maple Bay is a 3.2 kilometre loop and a perfect place to appreciate Earth Day and any other day with its incredible views of Sansum Narrows and Saltspring Island. Hike through sections of Garry Oak Trees and beautiful displays of Arbutus Trees. There is a small marshland area that has a unique display of lupines and colorful foxgloves and many more. This is one of our favourite hikes. To get there follow Maple Bay Road to Genoa Bay Road and look for signs to Stoney Hill Road. Parking is limited.
Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve is a favourite, located on the South Shore Road in Honeymoon Bay approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the village. The reserve is a mere 15 acres and home to one of the largest
displays of the rare pink fawn lily. Many other species can also be found such as wild bleeding heart, California
tea-wild ginger Trilliums, Solomon Seal and many more. There are many local walks in the area and a great
opportunity to view different wildlife.
Ladysmith Ecological Bog Reserve – a 380 -acre reserve location is northeast of Ladysmith There are several trails and we recommend the Yellow Point Park loop which is 5.3 kilometres long. This is an easy trail and features many different wildflowers and a great place to view different bird species and other types of wildlife.
Wildflowers can be found from March to late May in the Cowichan Valley and are usually found along streams and creeks as well as alpine meadows. They come in a variety of shapes and colours in the spring. The Cowichan
Regional Visitor Centre has a selection of hiking and walking books as well as a good selection of wildflower books.
Come for a visit at The Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre located at 2896 Drinkwater Road Duncan.
Patty Abbott
Visitor Centre Coordinator
EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY!