Trail of Lights Cowichan
November 20, 2026 – November 21, 2026 · Duncan
Explore local farms, wineries and makers along a self-guided holiday trail in the Cowichan Valley.
When: November 20, 2026 – November 21, 2026
Where: Duncan · Duncan guide · Cowichan Valley
Admission: Free
Official event websiteAbout this event
For two evenings in November, a thoughtfully curated stretch of the Cowichan Valley glows a little brighter. As the sun goes down, local farms, wineries and makers light up their spaces and welcome you in to ease into the holiday season.
Trail of Lights Cowichan is a self-guided, family-friendly celebration of small businesses, seasonal beauty and community connection. Follow winding country roads from stop to stop. Warm your hands around something hot. Find a gift made by the person handing it to you. Stay a little longer than you planned.
There's no set route and no rush. Go where you want, when you want, at your own pace. It's an invitation to slow down, explore somewhere new and experience the Cowichan Valley in a different light. Perfect for couples, families and anyone who loves supporting local.
Participating Stops for 2026:
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery: $5 tastings at the bar, live music, mulled wine and hot apple cider, and a festive craft station.
- Bridgemans Bistro: A waterfront Winter Wonderland with illuminated marina boats (vote for your favourite), an outdoor Santa photo booth, festive drinks and a holiday dessert flight. Complimentary hot chocolate with any menu item, plus the Cascadia Collective mobile shop popping up on site.
- Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre: A hands-on saltwater touch tank, 10% off everything in the gift shop, and hot chocolate, tea and coffee by donation.
- Cowichan Station Creamery: Locally made cheeses, ready for holiday entertaining and gifting.
- Dinter Nursery: Christmas trees, wreaths, porch pots and holiday greenery, plus a garden-inspired gift shop. On Saturday there's a Christmas Open House with door prizes, and a Local Makers Market from 10am to 3pm.
- Keating Farm: The Yuletide Market at a heritage working farm, with artisan vendors, food, music and festive activities. Holiday turkeys and farm apple juice are for sale. Admission is $5 and includes an entry to win a holiday turkey; kids 12 and under are free.
- Miller + Co. Furniture and Pottery: Handmade pottery, woodwork and holiday gifts from a family-run makers' studio. There's a Saturday morning wreath-making workshop (limited spots, registration required).
Make a Weekend of It:
Coming from further away? Stay a night or two with Cloud Concierge. Choose a suite in Shawnigan Lake village, a heritage cabin at Keating Farm or a family home by the Chemainus River. Guests who book their stay for the Trail of Lights weekend receive a welcome basket of local goodies. Book through Cloud Concierge.
Know Before You Go:
Free to attend. Some stops offer paid experiences, like wine tastings or market admission.
Self-guided and flexible. Choose which stops to visit and in what order.
Many stops open earlier in the day, so you can make a full day of it. Please check each business for hours.
Bring a designated driver if you plan to enjoy wine tastings.
Carpooling is encouraged, as parking is limited at most stops.
Supported by: Tourism Cowichan
Trail of Lights Cowichan is a self-guided, family-friendly celebration of small businesses, seasonal beauty and community connection. Follow winding country roads from stop to stop. Warm your hands around something hot. Find a gift made by the person handing it to you. Stay a little longer than you planned.
There's no set route and no rush. Go where you want, when you want, at your own pace. It's an invitation to slow down, explore somewhere new and experience the Cowichan Valley in a different light. Perfect for couples, families and anyone who loves supporting local.
Participating Stops for 2026:
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery: $5 tastings at the bar, live music, mulled wine and hot apple cider, and a festive craft station.
- Bridgemans Bistro: A waterfront Winter Wonderland with illuminated marina boats (vote for your favourite), an outdoor Santa photo booth, festive drinks and a holiday dessert flight. Complimentary hot chocolate with any menu item, plus the Cascadia Collective mobile shop popping up on site.
- Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre: A hands-on saltwater touch tank, 10% off everything in the gift shop, and hot chocolate, tea and coffee by donation.
- Cowichan Station Creamery: Locally made cheeses, ready for holiday entertaining and gifting.
- Dinter Nursery: Christmas trees, wreaths, porch pots and holiday greenery, plus a garden-inspired gift shop. On Saturday there's a Christmas Open House with door prizes, and a Local Makers Market from 10am to 3pm.
- Keating Farm: The Yuletide Market at a heritage working farm, with artisan vendors, food, music and festive activities. Holiday turkeys and farm apple juice are for sale. Admission is $5 and includes an entry to win a holiday turkey; kids 12 and under are free.
- Miller + Co. Furniture and Pottery: Handmade pottery, woodwork and holiday gifts from a family-run makers' studio. There's a Saturday morning wreath-making workshop (limited spots, registration required).
Make a Weekend of It:
Coming from further away? Stay a night or two with Cloud Concierge. Choose a suite in Shawnigan Lake village, a heritage cabin at Keating Farm or a family home by the Chemainus River. Guests who book their stay for the Trail of Lights weekend receive a welcome basket of local goodies. Book through Cloud Concierge.
Know Before You Go:
Free to attend. Some stops offer paid experiences, like wine tastings or market admission.
Self-guided and flexible. Choose which stops to visit and in what order.
Many stops open earlier in the day, so you can make a full day of it. Please check each business for hours.
Bring a designated driver if you plan to enjoy wine tastings.
Carpooling is encouraged, as parking is limited at most stops.
Supported by: Tourism Cowichan
More events in Cowichan Valley
Duncan Farmers' Market
More than 100 vendors fill downtown Duncan's market square every Saturday — farm produce, eggs, cheese, meat and seafood, baked goods, local artisans and food trucks — at one of BC's oldest and largest farmers' markets, running year-round.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Chemainus Theatre Festival)
Chemainus Theatre Festival's holiday production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a warm Pride and Prejudice sequel by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Runs November 13 to December 23, 2026.
Christmas Starts at the Farm (Merridale Cidery)
Merridale Cidery in Cobble Hill opens its holiday season with a free festive weekend at the farm.
Got Stones! — A Night of Rolling Stones Featured
A Rolling Stones tribute celebrating the band's Steel Wheels era, live at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on November 21, 2026.
While you’re there
Local businesses in Cowichan Valley
Making a day of it? These verified locals are nearby — see the full Cowichan Valley guide for restaurants, shops and more.
3D Electrical Services Ltd.
Family-run Duncan electrical contractor serving the Cowichan Valley with residential, commercial, voice-data and security work, plus 24/7 emergency service.
Alderlea Vineyards
One of Vancouver Island's oldest vineyards, on Stamps Road near Duncan, making estate-grown wines with tastings by appointment.
Ampersand Distilling Co.
Family-run, farm-based craft distillery near Duncan in the Cowichan Valley, known for its grain-to-glass gin, vodka and small-batch spirits.
See something wrong? Suggest a correction
← Back to the events calendar · Running an event? List it free.