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Cowichan
Bay
Cowichan Bay is a little seaside village located 28 km (17 miles)
south of Duncan and 6.5 km (4 miles) east
of Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island's
south-east coast.
Valleyview
Centre
To get here you have to turn off the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 at Cowichan
Bay Road traffic signal located at the Valleyview Centre north of
Mill Bay or take the Cowichan Bay exit
just south of Duncan.
Unique
Atmosphere
You will find the atmosphere of Cowichan Bay very unique with many
of the buildings built out over the water on stilts. The view of
the ocean is everywhere as you walk the main street along the waterfront
known locally as "The Village." Wooden-boatbuilders from
a bygone era appear out of the buildings and dock area.
Cowichan
Bay Maritime Centre
If you have a fond affection for wooden boats, make sure you visit
the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre. The Centre is run by the non-profit
Wooden Boat Society with a mandate of preserving and celebrating
British Columbia's Maritime past as it relates to Cowichan Bay.
Cowichan
Bay Maritime Museum
Located at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre is the Cowichan Bay
Maritime Museum. The museum is open all year long to the public
admission by donation. The exhibits include the history of Cowichan
Bay, and range from boatbuilding techniques to a display of restored
marine engines.
Fresh
Seafood
One thing that Cowichan Bay has is a good selection of fresh seafood.
If you enjoy fish & chips there are a few good cafés
and restaurants located here. During the daytime there is nothing
better than a meal combined with the views and sunshine of Cowichan
Bay.
Local
Vineyards and Wineries
At the restaurants you might notice that some of the wines are from
local vineyards and wineries. The entire Cowichan Valley is famous
for its fine wines and Cowichan Bay is proud to have the Blue Grouse
Vineyards located in its backyard.
Cowichan
Bay Events
There are a couple of events in Cowichan Bay that you might consider
worth seeing. One is the other is the annual sailing race that takes
place in July, the Cowichan Bay Regatta. The other is the Cowichan
Bay Boat Festival, an event which makes a good reason for living
on the coast.
Cowichan
Bay Boat Festival
If you're into wooden boats, then the Cowichan Bay Boat Festival
is definitely a must. This fun-filled family event includes lots
of activities specifically for children including remote-controlled
boats, fishing off the pier and a crafts area. Other highlights
are the Fast and Furious Boat Building Competition/Race and the
Fast and Furious Mural Painting.
If
You're Boating
If you do come into Cowichan Bay by boat there are a few locations
where you might consider tying up. In town there is the Cowichan
Bay Marina, Pier 66 Marina and Oceanfront Grand Resort & Marina.
Also across the east side of Cowichan Bay is the sheltered waters
of Genoa Bay and the Genoa Bay Marina.
Tide
Charts and Satellite Map
Make sure you visit Canadian Government's Department of Fisheries
and Oceans for tidal information and Marine Services On-Line for
relevant information.
First
Nations
As you travel through Cowichan Bay, you'll notice a strong First
Nation presence. Cowichan Bay is traditionally home to the Coast
Salish people. If you have time, seek out some artists plying their
craft on traditional artwork. You will be amazed at the untold stories
that are carved into cedar blocks or woven into Cowichan Indian
Sweaters.
Mount
Tzouhalem
Another
adventure near Cowichan Bay worth considering is hiking up or mountain
biking along the trails that are on Mount
Tzouhalem. Considered sacred by the local Cowichan First Nations
Mount Tzouhalem offers you a beautiful view of the Cowichan Valley
and Cowichan Bay.
Information
on Cowichan Bay
Accommodation
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