South Island · Cowichan
Gordon Bay Park
About this Park
For a great family camping vacation, head to Gordon Bay Park. Located on the shores of Lake Cowichan, north of Duncan on Vancouver Island. In the summer the lake is warm and the sandy beach makes for great family swimming. History buffs find plenty to interest them in the park and the surrounding area, which is home to a second-growth Douglas-fir forest.
Set in one of Vancouver Island’s sunniest valleys, this area boasts the highest average annual temperature in Canada. The lake is known for its spectacular freshwater fishing in the spring, fall and winter, when anglers can be challenged by rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout. Waterskiing and windsurfing are also popular activities on the lake.
This small wilderness area features a number of walking and hiking trails with unparalleled views. Keen-eyed hikers can spot a variety of wildlife and birds, including juncos, Stellar’s jays, chestnut-backed chickadees, mergansers and golden eye ducks. Visit in April when the wildflowers are at their peak.
Special notes
A fascinating little museum with history about the area is located at Saywell Park. Teleglobe Canada presents guided tours of the Lake Cowichan Earth Satellite station. The forest industry has a number of displays and demonstration forests throughout the area.
Location notes
Gordon Bay Park is located 35km northwest of Duncan on southern Vancouver Island. The park, situated on the shores of Cowichan Lake, is accessed via Hwy #18 off Hwy #1. Travel 26km west on Hwy #18 to Lake Cowichan, then 14km on South Shore Road. Nearby communities include: Honeymoon Bay, Cowichan Lake, Youbou, Duncan, Victoria.
Activities
- 210:Hiking Gordon Bay has a number of short, in-park trails that lead to the lake. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 210:Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed on Cowichan Lake. A boat launch is located northeast of the day-use parking lot.
- 210:Fishing Cowichan Lake is known for its spectacular freshwater fishing in the spring, fall and winter. Anglers can be challenged by rainbow, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden trout.Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 210:Swimming Cowichan Lake provides excellent swimming and water-oriented activities. The water is warm in the summer and the sandy beach has a designated swimming area, identified by swim buoys. Access to the swimming beach is via the day-use area.
- 210:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 210:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Gordon Bay Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 210:Waterskiing Waterskiing is a popular activity on Cowichan Lake. A boat launch is located near the parking lot. Waterskiers must remain outside of the swim buoys.
- 210:Windsurfing Windsurfing is a popular activity on Cowichan Lake. A boat launch is located near the parking lot. Windsurfers must remain outside of the swim buoys.
- 210:Scuba diving Opportunities for fresh water diving exist in the lake.
- 210:Interpretive programs The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has a fun, hands on, Learn to Fish Program that teaches basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old. Check back to this page or ask the park operator for information.
Facilities
- 210:Bike park A children’s bike pump track is available for the use and enjoyment of visitors staying in the campground.
- 210:Picnic areas This park has a large day-use and picnic area with picnic tables, parking lot, adventure playground, amphitheatre, and flush toilets. The day-use area is a popular spot for local residents, who come to the park to swim and picnic.
- 210:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are located throughout the park. Flush toilets are located in the campground and day-use area and are open from April 1 to October 31.
- 210:Showers There are two separate hot shower facilities in this park, located within the campground.
- 210:Drinking water Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.Drinking water system reports 2024Drinking water report: Gordon Bay campground [PDF] Drinking water report: group site [PDF] Drinking water report: day-use area [PDF]
- 210:Accessibility information A number of facilities at this park are wheelchair-accessible, including picnic tables, the main campsites and group campsite, and the shower and flush toilet buildings.
- 210:Playground There is an adventure playground available at the day-use area of this park.
- 210:Boat launch A boat launch is located northeast of the day-use parking lot.
- 210:Campfires Campfire rings are provided at each campsite but be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
48.83432, -124.19832 · Cowichan