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Andrea Johnson
Cowichan Bay
Boats moored in the marina at Cowichan Bay
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Cowichan Bay
The Masthead Restaurant on the dock at Cowichan Bay
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D.Hayes
Cowichan Bay
Cowichan Tribal journeys
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Dave Blackey
Cowichan Bay
Cycling and hiking trails abound in Cowichan (this one is Mt Tzouhalem)
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MARK MARGERISON Highlight Stud
Cowichan Bay
Lavender farms and vineyards are common sights in Cowichan’s gorgeous countryside.
By Cathy Mailhot
Cowichan Bay, one of the most picturesque locations on Vancouver Island, is an eclectic seaside village filled with wharves & piers, stilt & floating homes. The main street is lined with marinas and marine stores, artisan food shops, restaurants, cafes, seafood shops, boutiques, art galleries and studios, kayak rentals, and whale-watching tours.
Cowichan Bay's popular Fisherman's Wharf has recently added two additional 30-meter floats with 30-amp power, new dock lighting, and a new sani-station for pumping out boats. Home to a working fleet of salmon, crab, prawn and tuna boats be sure to check out the signs on the rails of the pier describing the different types of boats in the fishing flotilla.
The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre offers hands-on exhibits, artifacts and photographs depicting the Bay’s colourful history. Watch while classic and modern wooden boats are being built or restored.
The town is home to artists, craftspeople, and cottage industries and offers a variety of accommodations from resorts and inns to B&B’s. Great eateries include upscale dining, family style, pubs, and west coast casual. Many have outdoor seating, and menus feature the area’s abundant fresh seafood and fine local wines.
Learn about the Cowichan River Estuary, its watershed, marine life, and natural and cultural history at the Nature Centre. See and touch marine and intertidal creatures in the aquarium and touch tank; and enjoy wildlife and bird watching along the ocean front interpretive trail and from the viewing tower.
Take in a round of golf at nearby Cowichan Golf & Country Club, or play tennis at one of the oldest lawn tennis courts in the world.
Rent a bike at Oceanfront Suites, and cycle to the mouth of the Cowichan River. It is a bird-lover’s paradise, home to approximately 220 species including eagles and trumpeter swans. During the spring and fall there are remarkable opportunities to view migratory flocks as they navigate the Pacific Flyway.
Along the way you’ll see a monument to much celebrated poet Robert Service, honoring his time spent as a storekeeper living in Cowichan Bay. It’s thought that much of his well-known writing was done while he lived there.
Drive or cycle to Rocky Creek Winery to enjoy their sumptuous blackberry wine – a local specialty!
Top 5 Things to Do
- Check out the Spot Prawn Festival, held each May, featuring street vendors, cooking demos, and of course, countless dishes featuring spot prawns.
- View the world-renowned works of Coast Salish artist Arthur Vickers.
- Get the adrenaline pumping - go whale watching in a rigid hulled boat. Prepare to be amazed at Ocean Ecoventures’ passionate knowledge of the area’s marine life.
- Relax with a locally blended tea or gourmet roasted coffee while savouring a delicious, organic bakery creation at True Grain Bakery.
- Shop at funky studios, shops and galleries and meet the talented, unique folks that created your ‘find’.