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 graze. 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 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.
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 look at 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 view of Cowichan Bay.
Wireless internet is available for your personal laptop, as are cd players in each room. There is also a small library on the upper floor, which guests are welcome to use.
How to get here:
From Victoria
- Take the TransCanada #1 north to Koksilah Road.
- Turn right on Koksilah and go to the intersection of Cowichan Bay Road.
- Straight ahead, Koksilah Road becomes Cherry Point Road.
- Proceed on Cherry Point Road until you come to the 4th street on the left which is Lambourn Road.
- Turn left onto Lambourn and immediately left again onto Garret Place.
- 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 view points when you cross the Malahat, which are identified by signs on the highway and you might want to stop and take pictures of the truly spectacular views.
From Nanaimo
- Take the TransCanada #1 south
- Pass the City of Duncan until you reach the 3rd traffic light south of Duncan, which is Koksilah Road.
- Turn left onto Koksilah Road and then
- Follow the same instructions as above.
