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.

Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
3 out of 5
1681 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC
The price is CA $235 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $235
CA $270 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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)
"Staff was friendly. Great location by the water."

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2025

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 CA $119 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $119
CA $137 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (871 reviews)
"Nicevsmaller hotel, clean and friendly."

Reviewed on Apr. 2, 2025

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 CA $180 per night from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8
CA $180
CA $204 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
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! (833 reviews)
"It is a good location, and convenient for my travel purposes."

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2025

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.
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! (293 reviews)
"Overall, really loved the cottages, it was quiet, peaceful, and convenient location, just a few minutes from the Grange. Units are very nicely laid out. Only unpleasant thing about my stay was that on 1st night, there was no water pressure in the showers. It was fixed on 2nd night but nevertheless, ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 29, 2025

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Garden cottage
Garden cottage
saltspring island
Stay at this cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Weston and Ruckle Provincial Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
Cottage on Salt Spring
"Spectacular!! Quiet, cabin is clean, with a loft, wood burning fire place… exceptional. Hosts were great. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2025

Garden cottage
Oceanfront Suite with Hot Tub
Oceanfront Suite with Hot Tub
Duncan
Stay at this apartment in Duncan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Hand of Man ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
Great location and perfect couples escape
"Well appointed suite in quiet area. Hot tub and croissants an added bonus. Nice pub close by for dinner"

Reviewed on Mar. 23, 2025

Oceanfront Suite with Hot Tub
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

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Reviews of Cowichan Bay

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice tourist spot.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very cute little village! Some great restaurants as well

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Have a car and STOP to take in nature.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful, quaint, and friendly seaside community.

4/5 - Good

HeatRash

We went to Duncan walked around and looked at the Totem poles, we went to Chemainus and looked at all the murals,drove up to Parksville and saw the Sand Castle competition ,then went for a hike at Englishmans Falls, Mill Bay lunch at Brigemans Great.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots of vehicles parked on side of road, but still places to get a spot.

Cities near Cowichan Bay