Now that it’s officially summer, it’s time to make memories. While there’s no shortage of lazy river floats in BC, there’s one on Vancouver Island that stands out because it’s just so effortless and gorgeous.
The Tube Shack at Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island has helped thousands float down the chill Cowichan River. To get to Cowichan, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Nanaimo, which is an hour and 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.
At The Tube Shack, tube rentals start at $20, and you get to float worry-free down the river for about 2.5 to three hours.
At the end of your floating journey, you can take a dip in the river and catch a ride on the shuttle bus back to where you started. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes, and the last one of the day is at 6:30 pm.
Because this once-hidden gem is a popular summer attraction, the Tube Shack requires all attendees to book tubes in advance. You can also upgrade to a “swift tube” for $10 – which is more like a mini inflatable kayak, so you can travel the river in style.
So if you’re looking for a way to cool off this summer, take a trip to Vancouver Island and float down this lazy river.
Cowichan River Float
Where: The Tube Shack, 109 S Shore Road, Lake Cowichan
When: June 23, 2023, to September 4, 2023
Cost: Tube rentals start at $20