7 Great Day Trips Cowichan Valley Wine Country. Beyond Nanaimo Nanaimo’s central location on the island makes it the perfect starting point for adventure in every direction. Here are seven favourite island day trips. 1. Fantastic Flora & Fauna [1 Day] Head up-island to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington for an up-close look at injured wildlife on the mend: black bears, eagles, swans and more. Stop at the Coombs Old Country Market for fresh produce and a glimpse of goats grazing on the roof. Just up the road is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, where a loop trail leads you through lush forest around upper and lower falls that are spectacular during fall and spring rains. End the day at Cathedral Grove, a woodland of towering Douglas Fir trees – some more than 800 years old. • Drive time: 45 min. each way • Route: Hwy. 19 north to Hwy. 4 west toward Port Alberni • Contact: Oceanside Tourism 1-888-799-3222 www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com • Drive time: 1 hr. each way • Route: Hwy. 1 south to Duncan; Follow roadside signs with grapes symbol • Contact: Tourism Cowichan 1-888-303-3337 www.cowichan.bc.ca Stubbs, Nanaimo Visitors 07 pat 10/21/06 10:16 AM Page 1 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 2. Wine & Culture [1 Day] Pack a picnic lunch and set out on a self-guided winery tour through Cowichan Valley’s (Duncan/Cobble Hill area) rolling hills and serene countryside. Every vintner in this valley offers tours, tastings and on-site sales. In summer, some feature live jazz and classical music on their estates. Drive through Duncan to see totem poles carved by the local First Nations people. Head to Chemainus for a walking tour of downtown building murals, then catch a live show at the Chemainus Theatre. Composite www.tourismnanaimo.com 49