Getting There --The Cowichan Valley is about a 45-minute drive north of Victoria along the Island Highway (Hwy. 1), which includes the notorious Malahat Drive. The Malahat is a narrow, winding, steep stretch of mountain road that runs along the edge of a plunging cliff; it is as deadly a drive as it is beautiful, so stay alert. Bus tours run from Victoria to the Cowichan, and there is Greyhound bus service as well (tel. 800/661-8747; www.greyhound.ca); however, to really make the most of this area, you will want a car.

Visitor Information -- The Tourism Victoria Information Centre (tel. 800/663-3883 or 250/953-2033; www.tourismvictoria.com) has loads of info on the Cowichan, but you can get still more details directly from Tourism Cowichan (tel. 888/303-3337 or 250/746-4636; www.cvrd.bc.ca).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.