The docks and float homes
Walk the public docks off the main street for the float homes, fishing boats and resident seals and sea lions. Best light is morning.
Destination day · park once and walk
Cowichan Bay — the village on stilts
- Drive
- 25 min south
- Park
- Village lot on Cowichan Bay Rd
- Walking
- One flat waterfront street, 1 km
- Best day
- Any; mid-week is quietest
A fishing village built partly on pilings and floats over the estuary, and North America's first official Cittaslow ("slow city") community. Everything is on one waterfront road: bakery, cheese shop, galleries, boats, ice cream. It is also the closest living example of the float-home tradition the inn itself came from.
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
Pier-top galleries of wooden boats, boat-building and local maritime history, plus a working shop. Small, friendly and by donation.
True Grain Bread
An organic craft bakery milling its own flour since 2004. Sunday sourdough usually sells out before 11.
Hilary's Cheese & Deli
Local artisan and imported cheese, soups and cheese boards with harbour views. Open Wednesday to Monday, 9–5; farm visits can be arranged.
The Cook and Butcher
Restaurant and butcher shop in the village; good for a proper lunch or picnic supplies.
Rock Cod Café
Casual seafood and burgers on an oceanfront patio, or take-out to the docks.
Original Udder Guys Ice Cream and Candy
Absolutely amazing. Say hi to Chase.
Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre
A short drive to the estuary's west side: interpretive displays, scopes and boardwalk views over one of the richest bird estuaries on the coast. Winter is peak waterfowl season.