Cowichan Lake Research Station Conference Centre Tours & Recreation
Last updated on July 19, 2016On scenic Cowichan Lake, a 90 minute drive north of Victoria, the Cowichan Lake Research Station Conference Centre provides groups with a unique opportunity to learn about forest biology and ecology in a rustic setting.
Tours
Walking and jogging trails wind through the site. Tours of the research station beside the conference centre can be arranged. Tours will bring visitors to the following areas around the research station:
There are three types of tours available, listed below.
Scientific & Technical Tours
Restrictions apply for this tour. Please contact the administrative office for details.
The nursery area, forest area, and clone banks and archives area are available for scientific and technical tours. The tour duration for each area is two hours.
A notice of 10 business days is required to take this tour, though some requests may be accommodated with less notice time.
General Interest Tours
This tour will acquaint you with B.C.’s best-known tree species, such as the Douglas-fir and the western redcedar.
The nursery area, forest area, and clone banks and archives area are available for general interest tours. The tour duration for each area is 45 minutes.
A notice of 10 business days is required to take this tour, though some requests may be accommodated with less notice time.
Self-Guided Tours
Only the forest area is available for self-guided tours. The tour duration for this area is 30 to 45 minutes. Signs are posted along the trails that provide you with information about each section of the forest area.
Please check in at the front office upon arrival. If staying after 3:30 p.m., check for gate closing times at the administration office.
Please refrain from smoking in the forest. Be aware that bears, cougars and other wildlife may be present in the area. Trails may be slippery or have fallen trees. Hike with care.
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Recreation
Visitors can hike along forest trails and lakeside beaches. Activities to enjoy on the water include boating, swimming and fishing.
The cookhouse's outdoor area has a volleyball/badminton court that is perfect for team-building exercises and for promoting health and wellness.
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Nearby is the Town of Lake Cowichan, a major recreational hub in the Cowichan region and a terminus for the Trans Canada Trail.
Enjoy a game of golf on a scenic, tree-lined course. March Meadows in Honeymoon Bay has a practice range, a practice green and full dining facilities.
The Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve was established for the preservation of the rare pink fawn lily and other wildflowers.
Just a short drive away, the BC Forest Discovery Centre is home to several historical locomotives and a dozen heritage buildings.
Book a Visit
Directions
The Cowichan Lake Research Station Conference Centre is located at:
7060 Forestry Road
Mesachie Lake, B.C.
The B.C. Government protects, manages and conserves the province's forest genetic resources through excellence in cone and seed services, research and tree breeding.