Cowichan Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cowichan Bay which includes 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 atCowichan Estuary Nature Centreat 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.

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
3 out of 5
1681 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC
The price is NZ$247 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
NZ$247
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
fantastic views
"The view of the harbor was amazing and the town is very nice. The restaurant in the hotel was 5 star but the hotel itself is quite dated"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Wessex Inn By The Sea
Wessex Inn By The Sea
2 out of 5
1846 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay, BC
The price is NZ$167 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$167
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (824 reviews)
"Definitely not a 5 star hotel but the staff are amazing and the view off my balcony of the ocean was beautiful... There is NO WAY you could get a hotel ocean front for this price, anywhere in the world! .. I would have rated it higher but the bathroom wasn't in the best condition."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Wessex Inn By The Sea
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
9775 First St, Sidney, BC
The price is NZ$221 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
NZ$221
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sidney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (599 reviews)
"Clean, good service, great downtown location near the shoreline."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
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.
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Cowichan Bay
Stay at this apartment in Cowichan Bay. Popular attractions Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan Wooden Boat Society are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
Cowichan Bay stay
"I really enjoyed my stay at Cowichan Bay in Danielle's guest house. The suite was quiet, nicely decorated, cozy and comfortable. There is a private sitting area with a partial view of the marina. I enjoyed hearing the sealions on the doc in the morning. The town is lovely with an excellent coffee ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Cusheon Lake Resort
Cusheon Lake Resort
3 out of 5
171 Natalie Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cusheon Lake and Salt Spring Vineyards ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
"Just the best stay. Relaxing, calm and quiet. Exactly what we needed. Staff were helpful and accommodating as well."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Cusheon Lake Resort
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 WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
9/10 Wonderful! (276 reviews)
"Really nice property and perfect for 4 people in a cottage. Very clean and comfy. We loved the convenience of parking in front of the cottage. Will stay there again!"

Reviewed on 14 Nov. 2024

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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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great whale watching experience

Cities near Cowichan Bay