Sea Lions Drop In To Cowichan Bay For About a Month
A Very Large, Loud and Lazy Group
Sea Lions, a very large group of them have been dropping into the seaside town of Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island for the past few years. For about a month in the fal they have been showing up in droves, parking their bear-size bodies on a private dock that belongs to the Cowichan Bay Hotel and Suites. They are a sight to be seen and heard. Their loud barking sometime goes through the night. They spend their days, lazing on the dock, cuddling their giant bodies together and sometimes slipping into the water to do a little swimming and fishing. No one in Cowichan Bay is sure why they just started showing up. Some say they are following the salmon. Whatever the reason, it is good for the seaside village, attracting visitors by the thousands and even prompting a Sea Lion Celebration for a couple of years. October has been the best time to see the creatures. They stay for a few weeks, and just as they suddenly appear, so do they disappear.
The village of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding area is home to a host of artists, craftspeople, and cottage industries – including some fine local wineries. Cowichan Bay is a friendly and picturesque waterfront treasure nestled on the southern edge of Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley and surrounded by a tapestry of and fishing boats, piers and floating homes. In addition to the beautiful scenery, tourists are attracted by the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere this fishing village has to offer.Cowichan Bay is the perfect location for those interested in boating, kayaking, diving, and the experience of a true working marine community. Seasonal activities also include whale-watching tours and, depending on the time of year, visitors can also see bald eagles, seals, herons and other marine wildlife in the area.
The surrounding hillside vineyards are also worth a visit and guests will be able to taste some of the best wines the region has to offer.Local waterfront restaurants offer a daily variety of fresh seafood paired with the best locally produced wines. With easy access from Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria, Cowichan Bay is a little treasure with lots to offer!In July 2009, Cowichan Bay had the privilege of becoming Canada and North America’s first Cittaslow community – a real slow food area – and is gaining international recognition for its local charm, cuisine and quality of life.
What To Do After Watching The Sea Lions-Visit Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
Along the seaside main drag of the village is the eye-catching Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan Wooden Boat Society.
The Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre is a community-based maritime museum and the home of the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society which preserves, exhibits and demonstrates the Maritime heritage and culture of wooden boats, especially as experienced on Canada’s West Coast.
The Society was originally conceived in the 1970s as a wooden boat building centre but has expanded its role to become a maritime centre, a museum and a wooden boat workshop. In addition to the exhibits and museum the Centre holds wooden boat building classes in its superbly equipped workshop. The Society also operates an historic marine ways for the hauling and cleaning of boats and maintains a small fleet of traditional small craft.
Wooden boats made by students of the wooden boat building program are auctioned of in the Maritime Centre.
1761 Cowichan Bay Rd.,
Cowichan Bay, BC
p: 250.746.4955
e: cwbs@classicboats.org
Where To Stay Near The Sea Lions At Cowichan Bay- Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay is an all suite hotel property that sits right on the scenic Cowichan Bay. The hotel’s dock is where the sea lions have chosen to stay for a month for the last few years.
And, if you get tired of watching the sea lions, the Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay has daily, year-round access to an indoor heated pool, indoor hot tub, his and hers saunas, and a fully equipped gym – each with beautiful views of Cowichan Bay and Mount Tzouhalem.
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay
1681 Cowichan Bay Road
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
V0R 1N0
Toll Free 1.800.663.7898
Local 250.715.1000
Restaurant 250.597.0050
info@oceanfrontcowichanbay.com
Teri Church seeks out interesting travel experiences around the world. Her favorite subjects to report on are ethical and earth friendly, but she’s the first to admit, she’ll give anything a try.