Xanadu is in the heart of the Cowichan Valley. There are gentle walks and rugged climbs all around here. I enjoy walking down the driveway, and getting onto a pleasant trail that takes me to the ocean. It takes about 30 minutes and passes waterfalls, creeks, and beautiful forest glens. At the end of the trail you can collect rocks and shells on the beach, and enjoy the water views out over Satellite Channel. You may see a seal, or a walrus, and definitely see lots of birds. There are picnic tables en route, the path is well marked and it is lovely and cool there in the heat of the day. My favorite place to escape to.
I also love swimming in Shawnigan Lake. Shawnigan Lake is a lovely, clean fresh water lake about 10 minutes drive from Xanadu. There are several provincial and local parks around the lake for swimming and picnicking. There are play grounds for children, lots of hiking trails, safe swimming and the lake is a perfect place to spend an afternoon. In the summer, when it is hot in the evenings, I love to go over for a cool down swim before bed!
I also love spending time in Cowichan Bay. Cowichan Bay is a unique, funky, original fishing village that now has lots of nice shops, restaurants and bars. I can happily spend an afternoon looking in all the shops, and having a local beer in the Cowichan Bay Pub. I like feeding the seagulls french fries from their outside deck. Their food is also very good. They regularly win awards for their seafood chowder. It is the kind of pub that you could even take your mother into. It is nice inside, is right on the water, and is full of locals to chat to. Come and enjoy Paradise!