Cowichan Lake is one of the largest bodies of fresh water on Vancouver Island, BC. The lake is located 20 minutes (31 kilometers) west of Duncan along Highway 18. The Cowichan Lake region includes the villages of Youbou, Caycuse, Honeymoon Bay, Mesachie Lake, and The Town of Lake Cowichan.

The whole Cowichan Valley was a thriving lumber centre in British Columbia. In the past two major railroads had spur lines to and around parts of the lake. With the change in the logging industry, these rail lines have now been abandoned by the railroads and are now part of a major public trail system which leads eastward toward the lower end of the Cowichan Valley. The lake area is largely undeveloped because of the extensive logging by timber companies holding the land surrounding the lake. Currently there are development projects at new locations around the lake. This is leading to a greater variety of residents and visitors alike.