Cowichan Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Visit this pretty bayside village to find a fantastic local culinary scene, artists’ workshops and a long maritime history.

The seaside village of Cowichan Bay looks into a scenic inlet on the southeast coast of Vancouver Island. The small community is known for fine local produce and artisan workshops. Stroll down the village’s seafront promenade and visit a café or studio or head onto the water in a kayak or boat. Spot whales in the beautiful bay and enjoy local wines and cheeses from Vancouver Island.

Walk along the waterfront and see the collection of charming shops and cafés fringing the shore. Visit artisanal bakers, ceramicists, cheese-makers, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and several restaurants. Spot the gently waving masts of the ships docked in the marina. Cowichan Bay, once a busy deep-water port, is still occasionally frequented by tankers and container ships.

Explore the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and walk onto its scenic wooden boardwalk. Here, you’ll find the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society, dedicated to the preservation of the town’s long tradition of boatbuilding.

Join a whale-watching or scenic boat tour for a fascinating insight into the waters around Vancouver Island. You might see humpback whales, orcas, seals and sea lions streaking through the water below your boat and bald eagles flying overhead. Alternatively, rent a kayak and explore the coastal waters or the mouth of the Cowichan River. Join guided tours or cruise along the coastline at your own pace.

Look for morning birds at Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre at Hecate Park. Then head to the village’s waterfront pub for a relaxing lunch and drinks. Appreciate stunning views of the bay and surrounding hillsides while you sample local seafood and regional wines. Looking north, you’ll see Mount Tzouhalem and its forest reserves.

Cowichan Bay is on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, a 1-hour drive north of Victoria and the same distance south of Nanaimo. Reach Victoria by ferry from Tsawwassen, Anacortes or Port Angeles. Nanaimo Airport is located in Cassidy.

Wessex Inn By The Sea
Wessex Inn By The Sea
2 out of 5
1846 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,306 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹7,306
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (663 reviews)
"Xxx"

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Wessex Inn By The Sea
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
3 out of 5
1681 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC
The price is ₹15,108 per night from 21 May to 22 May
₹15,108
per night
21 May - 22 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing views"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
849 Verdier Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
The price is ₹17,742 per night from 30 May to 31 May
₹17,742
per night
30 May - 31 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent hotel and area , very relaxing and clean , lots of amenities"

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Inn Victoria Elk Lake, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Victoria Elk Lake, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
4670 Elk Lake Dr, Victoria, BC
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (130 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Property was great. Road noise from our room was a little noisy for me as I’m a light sleeper but didn’t bother my family."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Holiday Inn Victoria Elk Lake, an IHG Hotel
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies or patios.
9/10 Wonderful! (258 reviews)
"The only thing missing was a charger for the EV. Would have been nice to top up after a long day in the road to your the island and get back home"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Mineral Springs Resort
Mineral Springs Resort
2.5 out of 5
1460 North Beach Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site.
8.6/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Mineral Springs Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cowichan Bay

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Aug 2019

Beautiful spot!

Cities near Cowichan Bay