Favorite Things to Do Close to Xanadu

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 favourite 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!

Favorite Restaurants Closest to Xanadu

Xanadu guests are so lucky, you can walk down the tree lined driveway and across the road to the famous Arbutus Ridge Golf Course and Dining Room. Arbutus Ridge have a wonderful restaurant that is open daily from 8 am until 8pm. The restaurant has beautiful views out over the valley and the Gulf islands. Personally, I love to eat there. The food is great, fresh and not overly expensive. They have a great wine list of local wines and ciders, and my youngest daughter even works there as a server.

My other favourite places to eat are the Rock Cod Cafe in Cowichan Bay for seafood and fish and chips, followed by homemade ice cream at the Udder Guys.

I also enjoy wood fired pizza and fresh foods from Merridale Bistro and Orchard Cookhouse. The restaurant overlooks their orchard and is lovely. They also serve their wonderful ciders. My personal favourite is Merry Berry. Yum..

For a special evening out my all time favourite is Unsworth Winery. They have a magnificent restaurant that overlooks their beautiful winery and the hills of the Cowichan Valley. The food is local, fresh, is delicious and I am getting hungry thinking about them. Definitely worth a visit!

Favorite Wineries Closest to Xanadu

Welcome to the Cowichan Valley! We are second only to the Okanagan for British Columbia’s most number of wineries. The Cowichan Valley has the highest average year round temperature in Canada, making it perfect for grapes, and the name Cowichan means “The Warm Lands”.

You can easily walk to my next door neighbours, Damali Lavender Farm and Winery, who are producing lovely wines, as is Enrico Estate Winery a few minutes further walk down the road. A few minutes drive to the North of Xanadu is the famous Cherry Point Vineyards, and Blue Grouse Vineyards. If after visiting those four wineries, you are just getting started, then drive around the beautiful country roads of the valley and stop at more of the local wineries. They all will be pleased to host you in their tasting rooms and tell you of their wonderful vintages including blends, fruit wines, brandy and vodkas.

Only a few minutes drive away you can also enjoy an afternoon at Merridale Cidery, which makes wonderful apple and berry ciders. They also have a lovely bistro for lunch and dinner, and host cidery tours.

Also all guests at Xanadu Estate receive a bottle of Xanadu Estate wine produced by Jane. Come and relax on the expansive lawn, enjoy the views of Saltspring Island, and savour your wine. A friendly bunny or deer may come by to visit you as well.