Welcome to The Tube Shack
Just an hour from Victoria or Nanaimo, The Tube Shack gives families, friends, and groups an easy way to unplug and enjoy one of Vancouver Island’s favourite summer traditions. Floating the Cowichan River is an immersive, slow-down-and-enjoy-it experience, the kind that gets people off their phones and into the moment.
We make it simple. Our high-quality tubes are built for the river (no popping on the first rock), and our shuttle brings you right back to where you started; no long walks, no two-car shuffle, no stress. With free sunscreen and straps to tie your group together as well as dry bags and reusable water bottles available for purchase, we’re a true one-stop shop that gets you on the water faster.
Whether you’re a local who floats every year or visiting for the first time, The Tube Shack makes exploring the Cowichan River easy, accessible, and unforgettable.
Accessibility & Safety
on the River
Accessibility:
Running a river tubing business naturally comes with some accessibility challenges, but we work hard to make the Cowichan River experience enjoyable for as many people as possible. In recent years, we upgraded our dock with two platform entry points to make getting into your tube easier and more stable. We also have a dedicated dock attendant to steady tubes, grab paddles and straps, and, on windy days, give you a quick tow into the current.
For guests using wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers, we’re happy to coordinate storing your equipment on one of our shuttles so it’s ready for you at Little Beach. At the end of your float, our beach team is there to help carry tubes up the hill. If you need help getting up yourself, just let them know, they’re always glad to lend a hand.
We also accept Access 2 Cards; simply show it to our team at the counter.
If you have accessibility questions or concerns before booking, feel free to email us.
Safety:
Staying safe on the river, and in the summer heat, is always our top priority. Because of this, we have a strict policy: we cannot allow adults who cannot swim to float the river. The Cowichan has deep sections, faster-moving stretches, and unpredictable moments where even strong swimmers need to be confident in the water. A lifejacket helps, but it can’t replace basic swimming ability, and allowing non-swimmers puts both them and others at risk.
Children who cannot swim must ride in a Swift Tube with an adult and wear a lifejacket at all times. For anyone who wants extra support or simply feels more comfortable with added flotation, we provide complimentary lifejackets with every rental.
We also encourage all guests to come prepared: bring water, wear river-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and keep an eye on each other for signs of heat or dehydration. And as always, alcohol is not permitted on the river.
For more information on water safety, visit Adventure Smart.
Our Sustainability Story
River Safe Sunscreen
Since 2019, The Tube Shack has been dedicated to using and sharing information about river-safe sunscreen. We know that what we put in our river matters; ordinary sunscreen contains harmful chemicals such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Parabens, which can damage marine life and water quality. That’s why we provide free mineral sunscreen at the counter for anyone who needs it. We’ve also partnered with the BC Conservation Foundation to learn more about how sunscreen affects the watershed and to help visitors make simple, river-friendly choices during their trip.
Quick Tip: Mineral sunscreen works a bit differently — use small amounts, apply in sections, and reapply every two hours (or after swimming). A little goes a long way!or immediately after towel drying and at least every two hours.
River Clean Up Efforts:
During the summer, our team heads out daily in kayaks to clean up surface-level debris between The Tube Shack and Little Beach. Each cleanup takes about two hours and helps keep the surface and shallow areas of the waterway clean.At the start of each day, our drivers and beach staff set out garbage and recycling bins. At the end of the day, they clean the beach, collect everything, and bring it back for us to dispose of properly — with all returnables donated.
In 2023, we expanded these efforts by hiring a local professional diver to complete weekly deep cleans of the “big pool” at the start of the river — reaching spots our kayaks can’t.
Every September, we also lead the Annual River Cleanup of the Upper Cowichan River. Staff, Sundown Divers, boaters, and local volunteers come together to clear the river from the weir to Little Beach. We provide drinks, lunch, snacks, and thank-you gift bags for everyone who helps out. The 2025 cleanup was a big success, with divers reporting less garbage each year.
Biosphere Sustainability Certification:
Over the past few years, the Tube Shack has been actively working toward achieving Biosphere Certification. Biosphere, created by the Responsible Tourism Institute, is an internationally recognized sustainability certification aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We are currently at the Committed level and aim to advance to Certified in 2026 upon the completion of one more sustainability project. Achieving certification is just one step, however, as Biosphere requires ongoing and evolving efforts. We are excited to continue finding new ways to minimize our impact and operate more sustainably, even beyond certification.
Some of our recent initiatives include, installing a water refill station and providing reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastics, enhancing accessibility with two dock platforms for easier water entry, promoting employee wellness through a step competition encouraging healthy movement, and collaborating with local businesses to strengthen the economy and support a thriving Lake Cowichan community.
Water Refill Station and Water Bottles:
In 2025, we made a big commitment: no more single-use plastic water bottles. We installed a water refill station and stocked durable reusable bottles for guests who didn’t bring their own. The transition was smooth, and in our very first season we kept 1,691 single-use bottles out of circulation. It’s a small change that’s made a noticeable difference for guests heading out on the river, and we’re excited to see that number keep climbing as more people take advantage of the refill station each summer.
Curious how you can help protect the Cowichan River?
Real Stories From the River
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![Two people are relaxing on inflatable kayak floats on the Cowichan River, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.]()
Fantastic experience with the Tube Shack! They were organized and efficient, even on the hottest day of the year. The staff were helpful, the tubes were great (love the Swift ones). The shuttle driver was kind and such a great way to get right back to my vehicle. Oh yes, and the ice cream was DELICIOUS! We will definitely be back!
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![A carved wooden Bigfoot statue wearing a blue inflatable tube around its waist, standing on a wooden base outside against the Tube Shack.]()
Another fabulous day floating on the river made absolutely easy by the Tube Shack! Definitely was worth getting the cooler tube to put our stuff in. And the ice cream at the end was amazing!
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![A peaceful river scene with trees on both sides, several boats docked along the shoreline, and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.]()
Love the convenience factor with this company! Staff are always friendly and work hard on either end of the float. We go multiple times a season and always enjoy ourselves! Doc to bridge takes the longest, I find, but past that she was nice moving :) If you’re looking for a relaxing time fun time with some swimming and beautiful scenery than this is for you! If you’re looking for something quick that you don’t have to work at a bit then this is not for you.
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![Two people in swift tubes on the Cowichan River with a forested shoreline and mountains in the background.]()
Staff were so friendly and the experience was a blast, especially great on the hot summer weekends. Recommend getting the swift tube as they are easier to control like a kayak and more comfortable.
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![A clear river flowing through a lush green forest under a blue sky with clouds.]()
Thank you, Tube Shack, for a great river float experience. Everything was very easy and straightforward to book, and helpful details were provided ahead of time to plan accordingly. The gear was good quality, make sure you ask for a tether and grab a paddle just in case, and use the provided environment safe sunscreen - all included! Our group had a great time and enjoyed Cowabunga Cones after, highly recommend!
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![Group of people preparing for a Vancouver Island tubing trip by the Cowichan River on a wooden dock, with some carrying paddles and inflatables, and others helping children into kayaks.]()
Booking, waiver and pick up were all super easy. Staff were friendly and the shuttle drivers were prompt, even on a very busy day. Their website has a lot of great info to ensure you're prepared before you go.
About the Owner
My name is Aaron Frisby and I am the owner of The Tube Shack. I moved from New Zealand to Langford in 2004 and purchased the Shack in 2011. Since then, the business has grown steadily and become a staple of Lake Cowichan and its economy, bringing in tourists from around the world to enjoy the beauty of the Cowichan Valley and shop at its small businesses. While I still live, operate a roofing business, and hold the head coach positions of the Westshore Rugby Club and Canadian Men’s Touch Program in Langford, I also have a home in Lake Cowichan and split my time between the two, spending tons of time in Lake Cowichan during the summer while the Shack is in operation and enjoying everything the town has to offer with my kids. In 2022, I was fortunate enough to be voted in as a Lake Cowichan Town Councillor and, since then, have provided a voice for business owners, promoted tourism, and worked towards the beautification and improvement of Lake Cowichan.