Somenos Lake, just north of Duncan, is one of the best birding spots on Vancouver Island. The shallow lake and its surrounding marshes form a significant wetland that attracts waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors throughout the year, with peak numbers during winter when trumpeter swans gather in their hundreds. The Somenos Marsh Wildlife Refuge encompasses the lake and adjoining wetlands and is protected under provincial designation.
A trail and viewing platform at the north end of the lake give good sight lines across the water and reeds. In winter, the combination of swans on the water, eagles in the trees, and the Cowichan Valley hills behind makes this one of the more atmospheric birdwatching sites in the region. The lake is a 10-minute drive from downtown Duncan on the Trans-Canada Highway.