Cowichan Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cowichan Lake |
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Location | British Columbia |
Coordinates | 48°49′N 124°02′W / 48.817°N 124.033°W |
Primary inflows | Robertson River, Nixon Creek |
Primary outflows | Cowichan River |
Basin countries | Canada |
Max. length | 30 km (19 mi) |
Max. depth | 160 m (520 ft) |
Surface elevation | 164 m (538 ft) |
Settlements | Lake Cowichan |
Cowichan Lake is a large, beautiful freshwater lake. You can find it on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It's a popular spot for people who love nature and outdoor activities.
The lake is about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) long. At its widest point, it stretches about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) across. Cowichan Lake is also the starting point of the Cowichan River.
Exploring Cowichan Lake
Cowichan Lake is located in the Cowichan Valley. This area is part of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The lake's eastern shore is about 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) west of the town of Duncan, British Columbia.
Communities Around the Lake
Several communities are located along the shores of Cowichan Lake.
- The town of Lake Cowichan is at the east end. It's the biggest community and where the Cowichan River begins.
- On the south side of the lake, you'll find Mesachie Lake and Honeymoon Bay.
- Gordon Bay Provincial Park is also on the south side. It's a great place for camping and outdoor fun.
- The community of Youbou is located on the north shore.
History and Trails
The Cowichan Valley used to be a very busy place for the lumber industry. In the past, two major railroads had special tracks. These tracks went to and around parts of the lake. They helped move logs and timber.
Today, these old rail lines are no longer used by trains. Instead, they have been turned into a public trail system. This trail system leads eastward towards the lower part of the Cowichan Valley. It's a great place for walking, biking, and exploring nature.
Much of the land around the lake is still undeveloped. This is because timber companies own large areas of the surrounding land. However, there are now some new development projects starting in different spots around the lake.