The Cowichan Valley Trail will take you from Duncan through Lake Cowichan and down past the Kinsol Trestle following former CN and E&N railway lines. With many access points and 8 trestles, it's a beautiful trail to walk, jog or bike. From the Island Spirit Team, we hope you enjoy your time in the Cowichan Valley.
All the Island Spirit Legacy Caches are within a 2 steps of the trail, unless otherwise noted. There is no need to bushwack or trample the vegetation.
8 Spotted Skimmer
In and around many of our lakes and ponds you will be able to spot the Eight Spotted Skimmer perched on branches and plant stems. Their 4 wings each have 2 black spots alternated with white and clear markings, hence the name. They will feed on mosquitoes, termites and butterflies as well as other flying insects. Eight Spotted Skimmers mate in the air and later the females will lay their eggs in the water. After hatching, the nymphs live underwater and breath though gills. They hunt for aquatic insects, tadpoles and sometimes even small fish. They use a set of pinchers that they can shoot out at their prey and then retract back to their mouth.