Protecting the Cowichan River

Float Green, Keep the Cowichan Clean

The Cowichan River is more than just a place to float—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem, home to incredible wildlife, and a special spot for locals and visitors alike. We all have a part to play in keeping it clean, healthy, and beautiful. Here’s how you can help

An illustration of a water bottle with the text 'Take a water bottle with you wherever you go' encircling the bottle on a blue background.

BYOB - Bring Your Own Bottle

We’re making a big change: no more single-use plastic water bottles. Instead, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and take advantage of our brand-new water refill station. Don’t have one? No problem! We’ve got Tube Shack-branded reusable bottles available for purchase. Staying hydrated is important, and doing it sustainably helps keep plastic waste out of the river.

Three cans with eco-friendly themes: the first and third cans say 'PACK IT IN' and 'PACK IT OUT,' respectively, with stylized text resembling a can. The middle can features an illustration of a mountain landscape with a river and trees, emphasizing outdoor or camping messages.

Pack It In—Pack It Out

If you bring it with you, take it with you when you leave—it’s that simple. Empty cans, snack wrappers, lost flip-flops… none of it belongs in the river. Trash harms wildlife, pollutes the water, and ruins the natural beauty we all love. So, be a responsible tuber: keep track of your stuff and use the garbage and recycling bins at the end of your float.

Illustration of sun protection items including a bottle labeled 'Wear', a jar marked 'River-Safe', and a tube labeled 'Sun Screen' against a yellow background.

Wear River-Safe Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are safe for the river and its wildlife. Many chemical sunscreens contain ultraviolet filters (UVFs) like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, octisalate, enzacamene, and nano-particles, which can be harmful to aquatic life. Instead, look for non-nano mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block the sun’s rays without polluting the water. Some trusted river-safe sunscreen brands include Think (Sport, Baby, Kids), All Good, Attitude, Raw Elements, Raw Love, Suntribe, WaxHead Sun Defense, and Stream2Sea. Additionally, you can protect yourself from the sun by wearing shade-providing hats, sunglasses, and UPF (sun-protective) clothing. Choosing the right sun protection helps keep the Cowichan River clean and thriving!

Poster with the words "Respect the Locals" and illustrations of a bird above a fish.

Respect the Locals—Wild & Human

The Cowichan River isn’t just a beautiful place to explore—it’s home to wildlife, lush ecosystems, and local residents. Fish, birds, and other wildlife rely on this ecosystem, so please avoid disturbing animals, trampling plants, or leaving behind anything that doesn’t belong. And let’s not forget the people who live along the river—be mindful of private property, keep noise levels reasonable, and respect the space we all share.