Cowichan Bay

Travel 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.

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 WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
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 €168 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€168
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Thanks for everything. Great property all round."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Fairways Hotel on the Mountain

Fairways Hotel on the Mountain

2.5 out of 5
1376 Lynburne Pl, Victoria, BC
The price is €162 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€162
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,161 reviews)
"We stayed in one of their beautiful King suites! Very comfortable, large accommodations. Staff was very friendly and helpful and check-in was very quick and seamless! Definitely would stay again very convenient to get to highways to explore."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Fairways Hotel on the Mountain
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 WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards ...
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Private large up to 3 bedrooms waterfront suite,pet friendly. *Long Term Rates

Private large up to 3 bedrooms waterfront suite,pet friendly. *Long Term Rates

North Saanich
Stay at this vacation home in Sidney. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and Resthaven Park are ...
Private large up to 3 bedrooms waterfront suite,pet friendly. *Long Term Rates
Eagle' house, Room #2

Eagle' house, Room #2

Victoria
Stay at this vacation home in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Butchart Gardens and Cordova Bay Golf ...
Eagle' house, Room #2
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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