In a quiet corner overlooking Cowichan Bay and within easy reach of beaches and local activities

This charming Bed-and-Breakfast is located on a quiet cul-de-sac above the popular fishing village and tourist spot of Cowichan Bay – affectionately known as "Cow Bay" by the locals. It is set amid serene scenery with meadows shared by grazing cattle and black-tailed deer. Several nearby vineyards and orchards produce excellent wines and ciders – book a wine-tasting or cider tour and find out for yourself!

The village of Cowichan Bay has an interesting array of museums, shops and tourist services (whale-watching, ocean-kayaking, sailing etc.) and a number of restaurants where patrons can eat while watching the marina activities.

Pursue favourite holiday activities here such as golf, fishing, hiking, biking, bird-watching or beachcombing in one of the many secluded coves. Photographers will have many opportunities to take home spectacular pictures; there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Visitors may also enjoy exploring the diverse the galleries and studios that dot the landscape – a very talented community of artists and artisans make their home here. Find that special piece of art or that one-of-a kind gift!

If you crave a day of shopping, or want to take tea at the Empress Hotel, a trip into Victoria takes 40 minutes and the harbour city of Nanaimo is but 45 minutes away. Both cities are worth exploring and your hosts will be able to help you select places of interest. Another favourite with guests is a trip to the Saturday market on Saltspring Island aboard the Crofton Ferry, which is 15 minutes away. There are so many things to do and see, make sure you have your camera ready at all times.

We take great pride in providing a lavish breakfast and the very best in sleep comfort to our guests. Our beds are comfortable, topped with memory foam and dressed with quality linens - so comfortable, you won’t want to get up in the morning! Our delicious breakfasts are served in the upstairs dining room, which has a view of Cowichan Bay. We think breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s why there is a large selection of hot and cold dishes, served with freshly-baked bread and buns, and European coffee.

Our Accommodation:

Bayview Room

Cowichan Suite bedroom

Dining Room

Sitting Room

By the Bay offers a self-contained one-bedroom vacation suite (The Cowichan Suite), complete with fully-equipped kitchenette; living room with fireplace and eat-in area; and bedroom with four-poster queen size bed and private bath. A second bedroom, which is adjacent, can be included when two couples or a family travel together.

The Vacation Suite overlooks the lush garden in front. The terrace is the perfect place to sit and read, watch the birds and enjoy the distant views of Mount Tzouhalem and Salt Spring Island.

The Bayview Room is an upstairs bedroom with queen-size sleigh bed, private bath and a view of Cowichan Bay.

Wireless internet is available for your personal laptop, as are DVD players in each room. There is also a small library on the upper floor, which guests are welcome to use.

• Rates and Availability (BB Canada)

How to get here:

From Victoria

1. Take the TransCanada #1 north to Koksilah Road.
2. Turn right on Koksilah and go to the intersection of Cowichan Bay Road.
3. Straight ahead, Koksilah Road becomes Cherry Point Road.
4. Proceed on Cherry Point Road until you come to the 4th street on the left which is Lambourn Road.
5. Turn left onto Lambourn and immediately left again onto Garret Place.
6. By the Bay is the first house on the left hand side, identified by a sign at the bottom of the driveway.

There are several scenic viewpoints when you cross the Malahat, which are identified by signs on the highway. You might want to stop and take pictures of the truly spectacular views.

From Nanaimo

1. Take the TransCanada #1 south
2. Pass the City of Duncan until you reach the 3rd traffic light south of Duncan, which is Koksilah Road.
3. Turn left onto Koksilah Road and then
4. Follow the same instructions as above.

What some of our visitors had to say:

Thank you so much for such a wonderful stay! Breakfast was AMAZING! Everything was so delicious and beautifully presented on your fabulous linens and china, WOW! The rooms were confy and clean and we all slept so soundly – it was so peaceful. And to our wonderful Hosts-you were so welcoming, friendly and gracious – we can’t wait to come back Thank you! - G, E & K, Calgary

It was serendipity to find you, Eva and Mike, on our Vancouver Island trip to the grass court tournament at the South Cowichan Tennis Club. Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality, the breakfasts are the best we have ever had anywhere. Beautiful and delicious beyond belief!! We loved hearing your stories of sailing, gardening, beachcombing and travelling. We hope to return next year and we will spread the word about this fabulous spot. I think the breakfast spurred C. on – he’s in the finals. Many thanks! - M & C, Seattle

We loved having the chance to get to know you and deeply appreciate your generous hospitality. Your delicious food and the elegant and gracious accommodations were such a treat The special breakfasts prepared the men so well for the tournament. Thank you so much! Gratefully yours, - D & S, Seattle

The stay here was just wonderful! The company and the food was just amazing. We loved staying here! - P & K, UK

What a delightful couple you are! We were spoiled by your hospitality. The décor, the food, the accomodating attitude made our stay in the valley a memorable one! We are grateful for the chance to know you. Merci! - S & N from Calgary

Your home is an oasis of peace, warmth and contentment. Thanks so much for creating this space - and being willing to share it. We’ll never forget the breakfast!! - C & AC, Vancouver

What a beautiful place to stay! Thank you so very much for such a warm and wonderful stay! You guys are terrific and we really enjoyed getting to know you over breakfast. Breakfast was AMAZING!!! - B & J, Vancouver

What can we say? We have yet to find such gracious hosts on this planet!! You both have such hearts of gold and we feel at home away from home. Eva, your breakfasts are truly a feast and the best we have had anywhere in Canada. We so loved our stay and your warm hospitality – we’ll be back!! - O, S & R from Delta, B.C.

What a delightful holiday we have had with you in Cow Bay!! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and breakfasts that were just "over the top". The accommodation was perfect. Come to Seattle and we’ll return your hospitality! - L & S. R

Thank you for taking such good care of our tennis players!! Beautiful beds, fabulous linens, country drawing room and fabulous food. We loved it all!!! - D & S, Seattle

You have made our stay so much better by your generous care. We felt like we were staying with family!! Your breakfasts were out of this world!! - J & C, Alberta

Eva and Mike Spellman   •  1345 Garret Place   •  Cowichan Bay  BC   •   V0R 1N2  •  Canada  •  250-737-1244   •  info@bythebaybb.ca

Member: Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, South Cowichan Bed and Breakfast Association