Cowichan Bay and Beyond

The coast and inland waterways of this Vancouver Island region serve as great destinations for recreational boaters.

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Words by Steve Fennell

A boating trip in Cowichan Bay is exciting. Located along the shores of southern Vancouver Island and about a 60-minute drive north of Victoria in the Cowichan Valley, this coastal community is easy to access for cruisers navigating the Southern Gulf Islands or those towing a boat on the Trans-Canada Highway.

One appealing aspect of the area is its unique microclimate produces the highest temperatures in Canada all year. Due to this weather, it's often called The Warm Land and is one of the thriving agriculture hubs on the island. Naturally, a variety of food producers are based in the region and yield excellent seasonal fruits and vegetables, livestock and quality dairy products. 

All of this fresh bounty is supplied to the many local farmers’ markets, grocers, and restaurants. Pubs, craft breweries, wineries, and cideries are also well-regarded as they grow and/or source many of the region’s flavours for their beverages and menu items. 

Although food and drink are a big part of visiting the area, boating and on-water activities are just as popular. Of the many welcoming communities in the valley Cowichan Bay - as well as the nearby Town of Lake Cowichan - are some of the most enjoyable destinations for boaters. They serve as the gateway to many points of interest on land and a variety of activities on the water. 

Cowichan Bay

At the end of the bay is the Cowichan Bay Fisherman’s Wharf Association. It’s a popular stop for transient boaters since the federal dock is protected by a floating breakwater with 244 m (800 ft) of transient moorage. Keep in mind that the guest docks are available on a first-come, first-served basis and a tender is required to access the shore.

The wharf has several amenities including 30-amp power, shower and laundry facilities, WiFi, a pump-out station, and a designated picnic/grill area. Other services among its secured grounds include a travel lift, boat maintenance, a chandlery and bait and tackle. 

A shuttle service at the wharf is available to access specific areas, but the heart of Cowichan Bay is just minutes from the slips. Along Cowichan Bay Rd. are local shops, restaurants, and welcoming accommodations. A post office and pharmacies are also nearby. 

Of special note, The Cook and Butcher has recently been rebranded and renovated or visit the newly opened Leeward Café (beside True Grain Bakery). Another attraction to see is the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, showcasing the region’s history and a collection of hand-built wooden boats.

If you prefer your own transportation for a few days, Budget Rent a Car in Duncan (about 13 minutes from Fisherman's Wharf) conveniently offers a free shuttle service to and from several points in Cowichan Bay including the number of additional marinas. 

Another area to stay in a slip is Maple Bay Marina, which is just outside of Duncan in the south end  of Maple Bay in Bird’s Eye Cove. Easily accessible by boat from Fisherman’s Wharf through Sansum Narrows, the full-service marina is where you can buy fuel, pump out waste tanks, stock up on ice, and refill propane tanks. Showers, laundry, and waste disposal services are other niceties.

Maple Bay Marina’s grounds round out with what they call the Marina Centre. It includes the Shipyard Restaurant & Pub, the Mariners Market & Espresso Bar, and an accommodating outdoor day-use area with a large picnic pavilion and gardens.

One of the latest developments at the marina (introduced last year) is its rebuilt E Dock, which has 15 m (50 ft) finger slips on the marina’s south side and linear ties on the north side. They are designated for monthly and annual stays, but there is transient moorage to accommodate vessels up to 34 m (110 ft) with 30- and 50-amp power. The end tie of at G dock was also recently extended to accommodate vessels up to 34 m (110 ft) and has 30-amp power as well. 

As boat traffic increases during peak season, the managers of Maple Bay Marina suggest contacting its office on VHF channel 66A for fuel services after arriving in the bay just to ensure organized wait times. A discount on fuel is available for moorage customers, yacht club members, overnight visitors and Power and Sail Squadrons members.  

The Town of Cowichan Lake

Recreational boating isn’t just limited to the coast here. If you have a runabout, pontoon or fishing boat, the community of Lake Cowichan is about 40 minutes from the bay and its waters are ideal for wakeboarding, tubing, paddleboarding, and fishing. 

At 30 km (19 mi) in length, it's one of the largest freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island and caters to boaters all season with a number of boat launches and parks with excellent camping. It also has a marina with a fuel station, ski and board shop, and Grab-and-Go food store. 

Once on the water, there are a number of popular places to see including - but not limited to - Lily Beach in Honeymoon Bay, Arbutus Park in Youbou, and Gordon Bay Provincial Park on the south side of the lake, which has excellent swimming. If you’re new to the area, staff at the marina will be happy to recommend anchorages, more beaches to visit, and the best parts of the lake to enjoy wakeboarding or tubing. 

The lake is also known for its fishing and be sure to ask locals about the best locations and times to cast for cutthroat, rainbows and browns. Serious fly fishermen will want to visit the Cowichan River as it is well-known for its active species. 

At the end of the day, the community of Lake Cowichan is where you can buy groceries, refuel, browse the local shops and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience. There’s also the Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market held every Saturday from May-October. It’s just a short walk from Lily Beach.

Combined with the number of activities in the surrounding areas, the region will offer a well-rounded vacation that will be one of the highlights of your summer.  

For more information visit www.tourismcowichan.com