I often visit Vancouver Island in the autumn, and one of my favorite things to do is to take a day trip from Victoria to Cowichan Bay. There are so many things to do in Cowichan Bay in one day that you might end up wishing you’d stayed overnight. At the same time, though, the quaint little town center has lots of rustic charm and is perfect for exploring at a slower pace.
In this guide, I am going to highlight some of the best things to do in Cowichan Bay if you’re just visiting for the day from Victoria. I’ll also share some fun places to stop on the drive there, and a few restaurant and hotel recommendations for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city with an overnight stay.
All About Cowichan Bay
Cowichan Bay is a small town located about 50 kilometers north of Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Cowichan Bay is located on the unceded and traditional territories of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nation band in British Columbia. These communities have lived in the Cowichan Valley region for more than 4,500 years, developing a deep respect for the forests and sea that make this area so special.
In the 1850s, English settlers moved north from Victoria into the Cowichan Valley region. They settled here in Cowichan Bay, where the tranquil waters made it easy for passing steamers to drop off supplies. The new residents sent word back to England about the abundant salmon supply each autumn, and soon it Cowichan Bay became the sport-fishing capital of the British Empire.
Today, the town has about 2,400 residents and a small commercial district set up along the waterfront on Cowichan Bay Road. It has become a popular day trip location for everyone on southern Vancouver Island who loves nature and small town charm.
Stops Between Victoria and Cowichan Bay
It takes about an hour to drive from downtown Victoria to Cowichan Bay, but you can break up the trip with a few stop on your way. These are all on the east side of the divided highway, meaning it makes more sense to visit them on your way to Cowichan Bay rather than on your way back to Victoria.
Goldstream Provincial Park
The first major attraction you’ll pass on the road from Victoria to Cowichan Bay is Goldstream Provincial Park. Here, 600-year-old Douglas Fir trees line the riverbed where bald eagles swoop down to catch spawning salmon right out of the water.
The park is home to a number of popular hiking trails, including Gold Mine Trail to Niagara Falls and Prospector’s Trail up Mount Finlayson. However, no special shoes or gear are required to follow the flat, 700-meter pathway from the main parking lot to the free visitor’s center (of course donations are appreciated). In total, a quick walk through the beginning of the park and a visit to the interpretive center should take about 45-60 minutes.
The annual salmon run in Goldstream Park takes place from late October to December. In 2024, this saw more than 25,000 salmon swim through the park’s river, returning to the place where they were born to spawn and eventually die. The park and parking lot can get busy during this natural occurrence, so it might take a while to find parking.
Malahat Skywalk
The Malahat Skywalk is a new attraction on Vancouver Island that was built in partnership with the Malahat First Nation, one of the indigenous communities that lived on Vancouver Island before European colonizers arrived.
Your visit begins with a walk along a 600-meter treetop interpretive trail, with interactive and informational exhibits along the way. The entire route is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, thanks to its wide, flat pathways.
At the end of the treetop walk you will reach the spiral tower, rising 32 meters above the forest floor and offering panoramic views of the Saanich Inlet. A gently-sloping spiral walkway takes you to the top, which is situated 250 meters above sea level. From here, you can walk back along the same pathway, or slide down the 20-meter-tall, 50-meter-long spiral slide back to the base of the tower. Your ticket includes unlimited slides, so if you enjoyed the ride feel free to head back up and do it again!
On your way out, the gift shop here has a beautiful selection of high-quality local products (not tacky tourist souvenirs). You can also grab a coffee or tea for the road at the cafe in the gift shop.
Check Malahat Skywalk Prices & Availability
Mill Bay Road
En route to Cowichan Bay, we like to detour and drive along Mill Bay Road. The turn-off is near Bamberton Provincial Park, and you just need to follow Mill Bay Road towards the waterfront and then north. The road here hugs the coastline, and aside from the pretty landscape you might get lucky and spot sea lions or seals in the water, a bald eagle soaring overhead, or even a rainbow at the end of the road!
You can follow Mill Bay Road all the way to the town of Mill Bay, where you’ll re-join the Malahat Highway and continue driving towards Cowichan Bay.
Note: If you’re staying near the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, there is a ferry that crosses the Saanich Inlet from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay Road. This can reduce your active driving time and offer a change of scenery – details are on the BC Ferries website.
Things to Do in Cowichan Bay, BC
You might feel like you’ve already had a full day if you’ve already stopped at Goldstream Park and the Malahat Skywalk, but there are lots more things to do in Cowichan Bay! There’s a good parking lot at the north end of town, near the public boat launch.
See the Sea Lions in Cowichan Bay
The main reason that I like to visit Cowichan Bay is to see the sea lions that come every autumn to snack on the salmon that spawn in Goldstream Park. Hundreds of these animals, which can weigh up to 800 kilograms (nearly 2,000 pounds!), descend upon the docks in the Cowichan Bay marina, sometimes even climbing on board the moored fishing boats.
The sea lions in Cowichan Bay are spectacularly noisy and smelly. Each one can eat… and digest… up to 35 pounds of fish a day. Their numbers have grown to the point where they can barely fit on the dock, and when one sea lion vocally expresses his discomfort, many others begin to join in. You can hear and smell the sea lions from the opposite side of town.
After the salmon spawning season, most of the sea lions will follow the coast south towards Washington and even California. However, you can still spot the one hundred resident harbour seals and other creatures in the water year-round.
If you stay overnight at the Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, you’ll have a view of the sea lions right from your hotel room! If you’re not staying overnight, the access point for the public dock with a view of the sea lions is right beside the Cow Bay Marine Pub.
Whale Watching in Cowichan Bay
Cowichan Bay is also excellent for whale watching, holding the record for most whale sightings of any departure point on the island. Departing from the heart of Cowichan Bay, you will venture into the waters of the Salish Sea, which is home to orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and other aquatic animals.
Book a Whale Watching Tour in Cowichan Bay
Whale watching tours from Cowichan Bay use a combination of traditional speed boats and zodiacs (high-speed inflatable boats). Group sizes are limited to twelve passengers, and tours are led by experienced naturalists, marine biologists and licensed boat captains who know exactly where to look for the most wildlife during your half-day trip.
Cowichan Estuary Nature Center
Cowichan Bay is located on the Cowichan Estuary, which refers to the place where a river meets the sea. Here, freshwater Koksilah and Cowichan rivers meet the salt water of the Saanich Inlet.
At the kid-friendly Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre you can learn about this unique ecosystem through hands-on activities, tactile maps, live webcams of local bird nests and a marine observation tank that is home to living marine creatures. You can also learn about the history of the region, including the First Nations who lived in the area before traders from the Hudson’s Bay company arrived, and their descendants who still call the Cowichan Valley home.
Off-season hours are limited to weekend afternoons, but in the warmer months they are open more often.
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
The second museum in Cowichan Bay is the Cowichan Bay Maritime Center. Run by the non-profit Cowichan Wooden Boat Society, the museum focuses on the maritime history of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding communities.
Much like the Nature Centre, this museum has a number of hands-on and interactive exhibits that will be especially appealing for people visiting Cowichan Bay with kids.
For adults, the highlight will probably be the 100-meter heritage pier, which extends over the bay and connects to three different exhibit spaces.
The first gallery was designed in consultation with local First Nations elders and focuses on the craftsmanship of wooden canoes.
From there, you’ll continue on the pier to the second gallery, a hands-on space where anyone young at heart can try activities like knot-tying and pulley… pulling?
After that, it’s a short walk further down the old pier to the third gallery, home to classic boat motors that have been restored by the museum’s volunteers.
Finally, you’ll end your tour at the newest addition to the museum. At the far end of the historic pier you’ll reach “Ships, Boats and Handliners: A Living History”, a gallery that showcases the small wooden boats that were essential to the development of this region.
At publication time in Autumn 2025, the Cowichan Bay Maritime Center is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with weekend hours extending an hour earlier and later. You may find longer hours during the spring and summer.
Note: On my most recent visit the man at the front desk was so rude that we decided not to go inside. Be prepared for a frosty reception.
Explore the Public Pier
Most of the docks in Cowichan Bay are private, but the one closest to the sea lion colony is open to the public. You can access it from the parking lot between Oliver’s and Cow Bay Marine Pub.
The dock has some signs that provide a brief introduction to boating and fishing in the region. You can then walk right out to the different boats to see how they are constructed and what equipment is on board. During the autumn, when I usually visit, the docks aren’t too active. During the warmer months you are more likely to see some fishermen coming in with their catch of the day.
Of course, all of the boats are private property and you absolutely can’t board any of them! I don’t think I need to say that, but just in case!
Wild Coast Perfumery
One of my favorite stops in Cowichan Bay is always the Wild Coast Perfumery shop. I took a perfume-making class in Paris last summer, but I still don’t think I could craft anything as beautiful as the all-natural scents here!
This niche perfume shop crafts scents inspired by the local landscape and landmarks. Their perfumes are hand-blended, aged, filtered and bottled right in their Cowichan Bay shop, using natural ingredients (no petrochemicals, parabens or artificial fragrance oils).
If you’re looking for a great souvenir of your trip to Vancouver Island, consider one of their signature scents:
- Victoria – Victoria is known as Canada’s Garden City, and this scent evokes that idea with lavender, geranium and iris.
- Cowichan Rose – Inspired by local gardeners who live along the Cowichan River, this perfume has notes of rose, saffron, lemon, jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood.
- Carmanah – The Carmanah Valley on Vancouver Island’s Pacific Coast is home to the same ancient Douglas Fir trees you can see in Goldstream Provincial Park. This unisex scent pays tribute to old growth forests with lemon verbena, petitgrain, jasmine, cedar, fir, oud, ambrette and oakmoss.
- Island Wildflower – Coastal gardens meet natural wildflowers in this floral perfume with notes of hyacinth, quince, plumeria, balsam poplar and oakmoss.
Fortunately none of their scents are inspired by the sea lions! 😉 Wild Coast Perfumery has lots of other scents as well, but I think these four are extra-special as they are so closely inspired by things you’ll likely experience on your trip.
More Boutique Shopping in Cowichan Bay
The road in Cowichan Bay is lined with cute, independent shops. Give yourself time to browse through some of our favorites:
- Radway – This shop sells locally-made, sustainable and fair-trade clothing, health and beauty products, and home goods.
- True Grain – At this organic craft bakery that uses BC-milled flours you can find breads ranging from Red Fife sourdough to traditional French baguettes, plus sweet treats like cookies and cinnamon buns.
- Beachology – This is where coastal grandmothers come to shop for breezy linen outfits and chic home decor.
- Madam Calliope’s – If you’re into crystals, essential oils or tarot cards, this metaphysical shop will have something that piques your interest.
- Arthur Vickers Gallery – This gallery displays the words of Indigenous artist Arthur Victors, known for both his gold relief work, as well as other local artists.
If there is a particular store that you know you want to visit, confirm their hours before you drive out. The small-town vibes in Cowichan Bay mean that some stores have limited hours, while others may only accept cash or debit for payment.
Birdwatching in Cowichan Bay
Bring your binoculars to Cowichan Bay as you never know what birds you might be able to see from the shore.
I snapped that photo of a great blue heron on the pier while I was watching the sea lions – it let me come right up to it! I have since learned that Cowichan Bay has the largest heron colony (called a rookery) on Vancouver Island. I’ve also seen a colorful pileated woodpecker (with the bright red head) and bald eagles.
Out on the water, you can expect to see Canada Geese, loons, occasional swans, and ducks including mallards, buffleheads, scoters and mergansers. Don’t know what those look like? This guide to the birds of BC is helpful, or you can download the free Merlin Bird ID app (including the Western Canada package) before your trip.
The Cowichan Bay Estuary has a free viewing platform just a few steps down the road from the parking lot at the boat launch.
Cowichan Bay Wineries
Cowichan Bay and the surrounding Cowichan Valley are home to thirteen vineyards (and growing!). This was the first wine-making region on the island, with homesteaders producing wine since the 1800s and commercial wineries opening their doors in the 1990s.
These four wineries are the closest to the town of Cowichan Bay:
- Cherry Point Estates – My family who live on the island love the blackberry dessert wine from this vineyard known for its old vine wines.
- Cobble Hill Winery – Regenerative farming is practiced at this vineyard that produces small batches of merlot, pinot gris and other wines that are suited to the cooler climate of Cowichan Bay.
- Enrico Winery – The Red Dragon rosé here won the gold medal at the BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. They also have some fun sparkling wines.
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery – This eco-friendly winery is best known for its whites, including a great Charme de l’Ile (a sparkling white wine unique to Vancouver Island).
Check the website for each to see when their tasting room is open… but don’t drink and drive! If you’re particularly interested in wines it’s possible to take a Cowichan Bay Winery Tour from Victoria, with a driver and guide.
Where to Stay in Cowichan Bay
My top choice for a hotel in Cowichan Bay would be Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay. As you can see, this hotel is located directly on the waterfront. From your room you’ll be able to see the sea lions, seals and sea birds that call the bay home, and you’ll be within easy walking distance of the town center.
At the other end of town, the Wessex Inn by the Sea is a more classic motel-style option. It’s right in the town center, but it lacks the breathtaking waterfront views of the Oceanfront Suites.
There are also a number of waterfront cottages available as vacation rentals. I walked past this colorful cottage during my most recent day trip to Cowichan Bay and thought it looked super-cute; reviews from guests who have stayed there say the same thing!
Restaurants in Cowichan Bay
For such a small town, there are a surprising number of restaurants in Cowichan Bay! Most are located right along the waterfront, so you can easily walk between them to compare menus and prices. Here are a few to consider:
- The Cook & Butcher – Probably the most vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Cowichan Bay, the Cook & Butcher has meatless options including a quinoa veggie burger and a Gruyere and aged white cheddar macaroni and cheese, plus standard gastropub fare like seafood chowder, roasted garlic Caesar salad and burgers with beef and chicken.
- Oliver’s – This location used to be the Masthead Restaurant, but recently reopened as Oliver’s, a family-owned restaurant where you’ll find thoughtful West Coast cuisine like roasted beet and goat cheese salad, a squash and quinoa bowl and a salmon burger on a brioche bun.
- Rob’s Lighthouse Eatery – If you’re craving fish and chips from a little roadside stand with a few picnic tables, this harbourfront restaurant does sandwiches and wraps made with fresh-caught fish (vegetarian options are available) plus typical fish and chips platters served with tartar sauce and coleslaw.
- Cow Bay Marine Pub – Laid-back pub fare is on the menu at this restaurant that is popular with local residents. Pan-fried oysters, beer-battered mushrooms and butter chicken poutine are perfect for sharing.
Is Cowichan Bay Worth Visiting?
If you have a few days in Victoria then it’s absolutely worth taking a side trip from the provincial capital to visit a smaller town like Cowichan Bay. Similarly, if you’re driving from the norther part of the island (like Tofino) to Victoria, then Cowichan Bay could be a nice place to stop for lunch and stretch your legs en route.
Before you go, make sure to read these related travel guides:
🍁 How to Spend One Day in Victoria, BC, Canada
🍂 What to Expect at the Butchart Gardens in Autumn
🌊 The Best Things to Do in New Westminster, British Columbia
🌷 Victoria vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Visit?
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