Mount Tzouhalem (zoo-hay-lum) is a fascinating place, with a rich history and stunning views. The mountain is named after one of the fiercest of the Cowichan war chiefs. He was banished due to his frequent murders, and took up residence in a cave on the side of this mountain. This hike will lead you to a large Christian Cross near the summit, originally a wooden cross, placed by local Catholic churches in the 1970's. The trail leads through the forest with several stunning views of 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.
The Cowichan Valley
The Cowichan Valley encompasses quite a large area. From the north end of Ladysmith to the south end of Shawnigan Lake, as far east as Maple Bay and west past the small communities along Cowichan Lake, the Valley has a population of 77,000 as of 2006. With an amazing 2,047 hours of sunshine every year, it's fitting that The Cowichan Valley comes from an First Nations word meaning "the warm land". We are becoming known for our award winning wineries and the 'slow food' way of thinking. With idea growing conditions, more and more farms are springing up from orchards and vegetable production to organic meat, artisinal cheesemakers and dairy farms. It's interesting to note that downtown Duncan is home to Vancouver Island's largest Farmer's Market.