If the weather did not turn, we could have stayed at our blissful campsite at Lake Cowichan for days, however, a storm front made us decide it was time to move on. We had read about the Cowichan Valley which is considered the “gourmet trail” through Vancouver Island and part of the slow food movement. Sam and I both love eating local food and supporting small farmers so we thought this area would be interesting to explore and it was.

We went to two wineries that seemed to specialize in mostly white wines (it is too cool for good reds) and a place that made hard apple cider. The curvy back roads of the Cowichan Valley were just stunning, especially with the fall colors starting. All along the way, small farms had tables in front of them with vegetables, fruit and eggs for sale, all on the honor system. We bought everything from fresh off the tree apples to garlic and cherry tomatoes, it was a great experience.

Sam buying local produce at one of the many small farms.

From Cowichan Valley we spent two days at the Goldstream campground where we went on hikes and used it as a base to explore Victoria.

Maple leaf found on our hike near the Goldstream park.

Lots of old gold mines and waterfalls along the hike.

After a few days in the central part of the Island we headed to the South West part of the coast to hike part of the Juan de Fuca marine trail which stretches over 29 miles along the coast. This part of the island had a lot of great campgrounds along the beach. We spent days going from one campground to the next and hiking along the coast.

Hiking the Juan de Fuca trails begins with long stretches through rain forest.

Beautiful secluded beaches along the trail.

After six weeks in Alaska we were just loving soaking up the warm sun.

Rope swing hanging from a tree hundreds of feet up.

Happy hour at French Beach campground.

Our camp spot at Jordon River Campground.

We loved how empty the campgrounds were so late in the season.

We were alone at almost every beach, paradise.

We will never forget Vancouver Island and plan to go back one day to explore more of the wilder Northern parts of the Island.