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Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay

Photo gallery for Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay

Sunset from my dock Aug 2018
August sunset 2018
Overgrown grape arbor
Sunset from the deck
Nesting Osprey

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Cowichan Bay, BC
  • Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Maple Bay Marina
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Duncan, BC (DUQ)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

1 Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay

Enjoy a quiet restful retreat on Cowichan Bay just steps from historic Cowichan Bay Village. Watch eagles, blue herons, kingfishers, sea birds, otters and seals from the comfort of your living room or the large deck and 40 foot dock. If you like to cook take advantage of the culinary delights of the Cowichan Valley with the well equipped semi stocked kitchen. In the evening, take in the entertainment at one of the eight restaurants in the village, watch the sunset from your very own deck or relax and enjoy your favorite program on the TV after the view fades. At day's end fall asleep in a comfortable foam top queen bed. This utterly charming fully furnished 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom ocean front cottage has everything you need.

Eight restaurants are with a five minute walk, including fine and causal dining, pubs, great seafood, as well as a coffee shop, liquor store, and bakery. Kayak rentals, whale watching, and boat tours are also available year round and it is an easy five minute drive to grocery stores and other amenities. Explore the Saturday farmers market in nearby Duncan or enjoy shopping in the historic town centre. Kayaking, hiking and cycling are within easy access for active visitors and will suit all levels of ability.

Cowichan Bay is ideally located less than an hour south of Nanaimo and less than an hour north of Victoria. Also accessible by float plane from the lower mainland to Maple Bay just 20 minutes away by car.

Seasonal pricing offers great value to the visitor who is looking for something a little different without sacrificing comfort and within an easy drive from Victoria or Nanaimo or float plane trip from the lower mainland.

Property manager

Debra Larusson

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available

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9.0 out of 10, (21 reviews)
Welcome To the Ocean Front Cowibbean Guesthouse

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
Not suitable for children.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Cowichan Bay

Located in Cowichan Bay, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the ocean. Rocky Creek Winery and Cowichan Golf and Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore The Raptors and Cowichan River Provincial Park. Cowichan Wooden Boat Society and Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Cowichan Bay, BC

What's nearby

  • Cowichan Wooden Boat Society - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard - 6 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Maple Bay Marina - 20 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal - 68 min drive - 75.2 km

Getting around

  • Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Green Leaf Vietnamese Bistro - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Small Block Brewery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Charming Waterfront Cottage with ocean views over Cowichan Bay located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is steps away from Cowichan Wooden Boat Society and Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre. Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and Rocky Creek Winery are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

The property was exactly as advertised. The location has a great Island vibe with an amazing view, and close to restaurants etc. We stayed eight weeks as a home base to visit family nearby, and were very pleased with our choice. Debra is always available, helpful and pleasant. We will book there again.
Stayed 56 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Darrell J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Life at the Bay

Living by the seaside offers endless tranquility. You get up looking at the activities of the bay and it doesn’t stop until you lay your head down. Otters, Seals, Sea Lions and Orca Whales along with birds were observed on this trip. This cottage is the perfect getaway. I enjoyed walking in the area and getting along with the locals. It’s extremely close by foot for a number of dining opportunities or cook in a full kitchen while looking out on to the bay. I really enjoyed my stay while in Cowichen Bay.

10/10 Excellent

Debbie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary Get Away

We had a great stay here, cozy and comfortable. Debra was spot on with her recommendations for places to eat and things to do. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

V H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet little cottage with gorgeous views. Exceptionally clean with all necessary conveniences

This is a great little find!!! I’ll be back. Owner Debra very helpful ❤️

10/10 Excellent

Susanna E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cottage with gorgeous view and excellent hostess!

We spent our anniversary at Debra's cottage on Cowichan bay and we had a fantastic time! This lovely cottage was spotless and well appointed, and the views were incredible. Not only do you get a view of the bay and surrounding mountains, you get a front row seat at the marina which bustles all day. We enjoyed seeing the kayakers leave for their "night row" in the evenings. The kitchen is fully stocked with appliances, dishes, and cookware so we ate several meals there, right on the patio. It was a spectacular place to sip a glass of wine and eat fresh seafood while enjoying the sunset. Several restaurants and shops are steps away, so we never wanted for anything. There is a local bakery called "True Grain" - there were excellent pastries, rolls and bread and they start serving at 8AM. It's a really quaint place and great place to start the day with a cup of coffee and a treat. We dined at the "Masthead" restaurant on our final night there - exceptional food and service. We highly recommend it! Debra was the quintessential hostess. We got in MUCH later than anticipated and she patiently waited for us to get there, way after dark. She also familiarized us with all the local fun things to do and gave us some good advice about which ferries to take (both to and from the Island!) She lives right on site, so she was easily accessible when we needed her for anything (but she was very cognizant of us needing privacy, too - it was the perfect amount of interaction.) She was fantastic in every way. The kitties Amber and Pumpkin were there, too. Sometimes Amber would join us on the patio and we enjoyed that! All in all, we could not have asked for a better venue. This was everything we wanted and more. We highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to get away to a beautiful place but still be within walking distance of restaurants/shops/kayaking.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nick and Carol L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very relaxing and peaceful

Debra was a great host and was very willing to share her knowledge and provided suggestions for our stay. The property was very relaxing and an excellent environment. Debra was forthcoming about any challenges her property may present to some guests, none of which were deal breakers for us. We would certainly stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Diane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Couldn't be better

This unit charmed us from the first moment we walked in. The home itself was spotlessly clean, and beautifully decorated. If we hadn't been blessed with perfect weather, we could have been comfortable relaxing inside looking out the huge windows. We were blessed with sun, so spent most of our time outside on the deck, watching the activity on the docks and looking for seals. The location is perfect - very private and peaceful, but within walking distance of several excellent restaurants and an outstanding bakery. We will definitely return and will recommend this home to others.

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vancouver Island paradise

The location is superb... a bit magical. Sitting on the deck right on the water was heaven. Debra was very pleasant. We will be back🙂
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing, better than ever expected, immersed in a world of beauty - felt like a local every day

Our brief but overwhelmingly wonderful stay has left us with a profound and positive experience - we have decided that we shall be moving over there permanently in 2 years time.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream vacation home

This quaint little house on the sea is literally a hidden gem. If you like a unique experience with all the comforts of home but in a picture perfect setting ,this is the place for you. Debra feels like family and you are free to have as much or as little interaction as you want. She is there with great advice on what to do and where to go. We will be back as often as possible.!

10/10 Excellent

Ross T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Great host, unique and wonderful setting
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply wonderful

It was a special trip for us and this little cottage was perfect. So much so we preferred to have our dinners on the deck rather than at restaurants. Everything was convenient, the cottage spotless and well appointed. Our host, Debra was very nice though we hardly saw her. I would highly recommend and if we come back - would definitely rent it again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Frank C., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Cowichan Bay

The stay in Cowichan Bay was lovely. The people in the village are friendly and offer great advice on things to do during your stay. The food and experience at the Masthead was amazing and the atmosphere with some live music during dinner added to the overall experience. A morning walk to the bakery for fresh baked pastries and their daily riser along with a cup of coffee was relaxing. The various wineries, distilleries and cideries were all great and offered tastings.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tamara D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint well-appointed waterfront cottage

Situated in the heart of the village, this cottage is a perfect hideaway for lovers. Beautiful views of the harbour and mountains are enjoyed from inside or off the deck. A very calming home, beautifully decorated in west coast style, comfortable and well-appointed with all the amenities, and in very quiet place. Offers seclusion, yet opens up to enjoy the great outdoor views in a very comfortable setting. Debra is a knowledgable, friendly and hospitable host. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lynn O., Canada/Victoria, British Columbia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

It was a wonderful get away, Debra was helpful and easy to contact.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christina R.

Quiet and Relaxing

Debra’s place was clean, beautiful, and provided an overall great experience. She and everyone I spoke with in town were warm and welcoming. The house had some condiments (olive oil, salt, pepper, etc.), dishes, pans, tea kettle, etc. Cycle Therapy in Duncan gave my bike a quick, last-minute tune up before I rode the Trans Canada trail to Lake Cowichan and True Grain Bakery down the street from the house has the best cheese twists ever. This was an awesome place to disconnect — thanks, Debra!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Derek O., Campbell River, B.C. Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cow Bay getaway

This cottage was perfect for the two of us. We used it as the hub for our Cowichan Valley exploring. The kitchen was well equipped and the other amenities were great also. Comfortable bed and lots of towels. Enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the bay. Very likely to return! Debra was a gracious host.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Sittin' in the mornin' sun I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes. Sittin' on the dock of the bay.

Welcomed with the perfume of newly blossomed Lilacs overhanging the gate bode well of our stay at this unique property! The Cottage stands on and over the water of beautiful Cowichan Bay with views of the estuary and marina. Complimented by a lovely deck and your own floating dock, myriad bird species, otters and seals, this was a perfect place to decompress! Inside your space is airy and bright and well appointed. Your Host Debra is most helpful and knowledgeable of local eateries and excursions! We did try to leave one morning to explore some of the local countryside, did not get very far before we asked each other why we had left our little piece of heaven, turned around and back to our Happy Place! This is a very unusual maritime community with a diverse bunch of lifestyles and a rich history as well as wildlife galore. Something for everyone! Looking forward to our next opportunity to return! Cheers, Heather and Rob!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

100% Worth it for the views & location.

My wife & I were initially going to book a ultra modern condo in downtown Victoria, then on a whim, decided to book something more rustic & personal. We knew even before we arrived in Cowichan Bay that we had made the correct decision. The area is breathtakingly beautiful. If you are looking for a quiet & local feeling place this is it. Our suite (we called it home when we were there) was impressively clean, & exactly as the description & pictures showed. Debra ( the owner) was very thoughtful & quick to respond if we had questions about the building or the local scene. My only complaint was that we had to leave & come home to reality. We stayed 4 nights which gave us a fair bit of time to venture out & do a lot of exploring of the south part of the Island. We thought we might cook but did not because the local restaurants were well priced & fresh. (we ate at the Cow Cafe two nights in row for $30.00 total!! each night) Local fare is on most menus, well worth trying the seafood anywhere you go. We enjoyed our coffee each morning on the deck looking our into the bay & watching the birds and other ocean animals do their thing. It was quiet & relaxing. The perfect home base for those who are adventurists or those who are just looking to relax. We did a lot of both. I can honestly say that we didn't have any negative things to say about this property & highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Terri S., Edmonton

Charming Cottage

My husband and I just loved our stay in Cowichan Bay! We hit the Trans Canada Trail for a hike near Shawnigan Lake (Kinsol Trestle then along the Koksilah River) then again for a bike ride from Duncan (recommended by owner). Rented a canoe just steps away from the cottage and had a wonderful day on the water (again, recommended by owner), easy paddle to Genoa Bay. So many hikes to choose from, we were thankful for the owners recommendations (are you starting to see a pattern here :-) The cottage is cozy and comfortable and the view is amazing. Will highly recommend this place to everyone we meet. Did I mention best owner ever!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

TRACY T., RICHMOND

Cowichan Bay YAY!!

What a lovely little village this is, the views, the boutiques and don't even get me started on the restaurants. Debra 's home was so beautifully decorated and kept and shore front would be an understatement as when tide was in we were in the water. Amazingly set up for a chillaxing weekend, watching seals, heron and being cuddled by Ember the small black lab (cat). I have to give a special review to The Masthead Restaurant for one of the best meals I have had in my lifetime and The Vine for a very close second. Thank you Debra for your hospitality and for allowing us Sister-In-Law's to catch up after a very tough long year. Sincerly, Tracy & Mary
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

John B., Westlock, AB

Wow. Just wow.

A month came and went way too quickly. Just how much time should a person spend, just sitting looking out the window? The view is never the same as the lighting changes from dawn to dusk every day. I read 5 books sitting there while this went on. We chose a winter getaway from our home on the prairies, leaving 30 below to come to the milder climes of the coast. We were surprised by the amount of sun, expecting lots of rain. I think in the whole month we were there, we only had two rainy days. Occasionally overnight a dusting of snow would appear on the hills, only to be brilliantly illuminated by the morning sun. Debra’s home is a century old, but beautifully renovated. We have never stayed in a vacation rental so well-equipped. Waffle iron? Check. Pannini grill? Check. Blender? Check. French press? Check. Our vacation pattern is to prepare our own breakfast and lunches, and go out for supper. With a choice of numerous excellent restaurants within literally a few minutes walk, this home could not be better located. A delicious bakery too (we didn’t have time, with only a month, to try all their different breads!). The bed was super-comfy. The bathroom floor was heated! Debra was a friendly, excellent host. I hope we return!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Leanne M.

Just fantastic!!!

This was such a lovely place to stay it was so handy to everything, our host Debra was wonderful. Upon arrival Debra showed us many of the places of interest and told us where we could get supplies. The cottage itself was great, everything you need for pantry items and lots of pots and pans. We had a nice quiet stay because that is what we needed, but on the other the other hand there was so much to do if you wanted. Loved our stay, Thanks again Debra. Leanne Milmine
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lynn R.

Picture-Perfect Cottage on the Bay

Staying here was like walking into a picture-perfect postcard. It was exactly as I hoped it would be. Everything from the peaceful waterfront location; the charming and cozy cottage with lovely furnishings and décor; the extra comfy bed and heated bathroom floor; the patio/deck/dock with spectacular views of the bay and marina; and Debra the gracious owner/host; was simply the best! The cottage is just steps from the wharf with everything you need; restaurants, general store, bakery, boutiques, maritime museum, galleries, and whale watching tours. Debra was an excellent host, very friendly and attentive. She provided advice and maps about what to see and do during my stay (although at times I just relaxed on the patio/deck and enjoyed the peace and amazing views), and she was readily available to answer any questions. I was fortunate to spend an absolutely wonderful week here and already looking forward to a return stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B., St Albert, Canada

Unique Experience

Debra was a fantastic host. Her sweet home was well equipped, clean and beautifully furnished. The bed was comfortable, the view incredible and there were many books to choose from if you are looking to pass some time with a good read. We chose this property for our holidays because we wanted to experience being right on the water in a bay. Being right on the bay offers a very unique experience in so many ways; watching the birds, the sea life, the tide roll in and out and the hustle and bustle of a quaint summer village all created a special experience for us. The lack of privacy took some getting used to, but it was quiet enough and well worth the experience. The owner lives in the back part of the same house, and she respected our privacy and was readily available to answer any questions we had. We enjoyed the kayaking which was a short walk from our front door. We also took in a local wine tour, golfed and road our bikes through some local trails. If you are looking for something a little different than this is the place to experience it.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

About the host

Hosted by Debra Larusson

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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