The number of sailing and fishing boats in the water, and cafes and ice cream stores on land is a sure sign that Cowichan Bay is well liked by landlubbers and salty dogs alike. This sleepy waterfront town is a great place to drop by if you’re in the area. Be sure to check out the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Museum, which is built on a wooden pier that extends 350 feet out into the bay. The museum features beautiful wooden boats, old outboard engines, historical model sailing ships, and historical information about the area. The Centre is an active wooden boat building shop and the friendly people who run the place are always happy to talk about what projects they’re working on. Admission is free but donations are requested.
Recharge yourself with the best baked good on Vancouver Island at the True Grain Bakery. Their chocolate buns or Bavarian style pretzels (each only a $1), along with a hot cup of coffee, are the perfect pick me up in the afternoon. The bakery itself is warm, cozy, and smells of, well, good things baking, so take a break while you're there.
To get to Cowichan Bay, take Highway 1 north from Victoria for 30 or 40 minutes to Mill Bay. Continue north on Highway 1 through Mill Bay and take a right on Cowichan Bay Road. Follow this road for 4 kilometers, which will parallel the bay and become the main street in town. Both the museum and the café are on this road and are easy to find.
Combine a hike in Goldstream, cider tasting at Merridale, and a visit to Cowichan Bay for a great day out.
