17 Nanaimo → Cowichan Bay
Some of the best rural backroads on southern Vancouver Island. Farm country, wineries, First Nations communities, and the charming float village of Cowichan Bay. Legendary cinnamon buns await in Ladysmith.
Overview
Stage 17 contains some of the best rural backroads on southern Vancouver Island. Along this stage you'll find farms, wineries, small seaside towns, and many First Nations communities. The Cowichan Valley is known for its wine, artisan food, and relaxed pace of life — a welcome contrast to the urban riding of Stage 16.
The Nanaimo Lakes Road section is scenic and forested. The Crow and Gate Pub is a classic British Columbia country pub. The Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith is famous for cinnamon buns (some say the best in Canada). Cowichan Bay itself is a beautiful float village with a working waterfront and great seafood — a perfect place to spend the last night before the final stage.
Bastion Square Park or anywhere along the Nanaimo waterfront — a local favourite gathering spot with harbour views and multiple coffee options.
Crow and Gate Pub for classic pub fare. Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith for legendary cinnamon buns. Rock Cod Cafe in Cowichan Bay for excellent seafood at stage end.
Mount Prevost — exceptional views of the entire Cowichan Valley. Cowichan Bay Village — a beautiful float village with shops, galleries, and a working waterfront. The Dinghy Dock Pub — Canada's only licensed floating pub, accessible by ferry ($9 round trip). Old Stone Butter Church — a mid-1800s church abandoned for over 100 years, now a National Historic Site.
Traffic can back up on Saturdays and peak summer weekends. Cowichan Bay is a wonderful place to spend the night before the final stage back to Victoria.
Stage Map
Photos
