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
The price is CA $159 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $159
CA $183 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
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! (955 reviews)
"Older property but clean and well kept. Bit noisy when folks upstairs were stomping around."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $280 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
CA $280
CA $322 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Nice to have water access right off our patio. Ground floor room was excellent."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 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 CA $206 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
CA $206
CA $233 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Saanichton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,673 reviews)
"Wonderful place to crash for a night after arriving at Victoria Airport."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 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.
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse

Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse

Cowichan Bay
Stay at this apartment in Cowichan Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. 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 Jun. 25, 2025

Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse
Garden cottage

Garden cottage

saltspring island
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! (81 reviews)
"love our time here, its so quiet and peaceful, just what we needed."

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2025

Garden cottage
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! (319 reviews)
"Love the is cottage! Good for families and friends to share"

Reviewed on Jun. 27, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Cowichan Bay