If you love floating on a lake or river on a hot summer day, you'll want to check out a spot in B.C. known for its crystal clear water and surrounding forests.

This beautiful lazy river includes a BC Ferries ride to Vancouver Island and it's the perfect summer adventure from Vancouver.

Located less than an hour's drive from Nanaimo, the Cowichan River is a popular spot for tubing every year.

You can either bring your inflatable water tubes to the river or rent one from The Tube Shack, which is on-site.

Once you have your floaties, you can set out on a relaxing 2.5-hour float down the Cowichan River.

If you rent from The Tube Shack, you'll also be offered a complimentary shuttle service to take you back to where you started once you're done floating.

Those who bring their tubes can book a shuttle-only service at Cowabunga Tubes on North Shore Drive at Lake Cowichan. This means they can avoid the Tube Shack lines and get on the water faster.

In 2024, The Tube Shack will also be offering its customers river-safe sunscreen.

So if this seems like the ideal summer activity, start planning your next trip to Vancouver Island so you can relax and float down this lazy river.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.