Cowichan Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cowichan Bay showing a bay or harbour
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Boomer Jerritt/Tourism Vancouver Island
Cowichan Bay
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 IslandOpens in a new window. 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
Stay at this hotel in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (940 reviews)
"Very friendly and accomodating staff ... especially Sahil. Very clean motel ... location is quiet and mere steps to the walkway at Cowichan Bay. We will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

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 ₹17,509 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹17,509
₹20,135 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"view of bay and quality of room"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

2 out of 5
2401 Mt Newton Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC
The price is ₹12,329 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹12,329
₹13,932 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Saanichton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,624 reviews)
"The room was great, just what we needed."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport
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.
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island

3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (317 reviews)
"Love the is cottage! Good for families and friends to share"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
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.

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Reviews of Cowichan Bay

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful spot!

Cities near Cowichan Bay