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Description
The Cowichan Bay Estuary is an estuarine ecosystem covering about 400 hectares. It is located at the point where the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers converge and flow into the Salish Sea. The estuary is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Freshwater from rivers mix with saltwater from the ocean, creating an environment rich in biodiversity. More than 200 bird species have been recorded. Bird you can observe include many species of ducks, gulls and birds like Trumpeter Swan, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Wilson's Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Horned Grebe and Belted Kingfisher.
Details
Access
The Cowichan Bay Estuary is located in Cowichan Bay, on Vancouver Island. Cowichan Bay is situated about 40 kilometers south of Nanaimo and roughly 50 kilometers northwest of Victoria. From Victoria take Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) north towards Duncan. Take the Cowichan Bay exit (Exit 27) and follow the signs to Cowichan Bay village. From Nanaimo take Highway 1 south towards Duncan, then take the Cowichan Bay exit.
The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is located near the village on the west side of Cowichan Bay. It serves as an educational hub where visitors can learn about the estuary’s birds, marine life, and overall ecosystem.
There are several accessible walking trails in the area. Press P on the map for directions to a parking lot.