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 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 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! (915 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good service"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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 £172 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£172
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Beautiful view from our room, spacious and very comfortable room. Especially our king size bed was so soft and comfortable, had a great night sleep! The front desk was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. The location was perfect."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Cowichan Bay, BC
The price is £127 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£127
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Excellent location for a chill getaway in nature. It’s so peaceful here! The birds are absolutely magical. Close to town and right on the water with all amenities. Couldn’t ask for anything better! Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
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.
Comfortable one bedroom by the ocean
Comfortable one bedroom by the ocean
Cowichan Bay, BC
Stay at this holiday home in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cherry Point Estate Wines and Arthur Vickers ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"This apartment is a just about perfect. The unit is brand new, lovely decorated and has all the best fixtures and appliances. It is in a beautiful secluded area a short walk to a quite beach and short drives to popular area beaches. The ferry in close by Mill Bay takes you on a short trip to Buchart ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

Comfortable one bedroom by the ocean
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Cowichan Bay, BC
Stay at this apartment in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Excellent location for a chill getaway in nature. It’s so peaceful here! The birds are absolutely magical. Close to town and right on the water with all amenities. Couldn’t ask for anything better! Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Garden cottage
Garden cottage
saltspring island, BC
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Weston and Salt Spring Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
"This is a little gem of a place. So tucked away and quiet. Really nicely built and comfortable and cozy. I would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Garden cottage
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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Beautiful spot!

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