About The Wharf
Management of the wharf (along with all public wharves on the BC coast and interior) was divested by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbors Program (DFO/SCH) in the late 1990’s. The wharf was then leased from DFO/SCH by the CBFWA and is governed by the rules and regulations of DFO/SCH to serve commercial and Indigenous fishing vessels, marine industry vessels, and pleasure craft in descending priority.
Fish sales off commercial fishing vessels occur when in season - check out the links to several websites.
The wharf is proud to be home port to the RCMSAR 34 fast rescue craft and the Cowichan Tribes emergency services vessel.
Every year during every August long weekend, the Cowichan Bay Regatta fills the wharf with up to 100 sailing vessels. The wharf does NOT accept any transient moorage during the Regatta.
The wharf is currently accepting moorage applications from commercial fishing vessels and commercial work boats for consideration by the Board of Directors. Inquire at the wharf office. Pleasure craft applications are being accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Moorage
About mooring here as a transient vessel:
The wharf is the sole provider of transient moorage in the village of Cowichan Bay. All transient vessels are bound by the rules of the wharf as stipulated in the CBFWA moorage agreement which is available for viewing at the office.
No reservations for transient vessels - first come first serve. Maximum 1-week stay.
Mariners are advised to call 250-746-5911 the day of arrival to inquire about availability - if there is no room, we can save you a trip into the Bay!
Registered transient guests are required to be off the floats by 11:00 am the day of departure to accommodate newly arriving transient vessels.
Linear ties only - no slips or berths. At peak times, vessels will be required to raft to moored vessels.
When approaching the harbour, all mariners must attempt to call 250-746-5911 or radio VHF 66A CAN (1 watt channel) for direction before landing/tying up.
When mariners call and are allowed to tie up to ‘come in for lunch’, we ask that day visitors be off the floats by 2:00 pm to accommodate arriving transient vessels staying overnight.
There is limited space for people day visiting on dinghies and tenders on the dinghy dock below the East gangway.
The next closest harbour accepting transients is at Genoa Bay on the north side of the Bay.
There is NO fuel dock in Cowichan Bay and limited provisions. The closest fuel is at Maple Bay to the North and Mill Bay to the South. Both are equidistant from the wharf.
The village has a small chandlery, liquor & convenience store, bakery, ice cream & candy shop, and restaurants.
Public Access
Public access is limited to foot traffic only:
No public vehicle access or parking on the wharf head - stalls are for client vehicle loading and unloading only (1 hour max).
This is a working wharf: whether viewing the sea lions (October -November) or just out for a stroll, pedestrians are to be aware of and yield to vehicles on the approach and wharf head. For your safety, please use the walkway.
No public washrooms - facilities for paying clients only.
No diving, no swimming, and no sportfishing from the wharf and floats.
Crabtraps are tolerated from floats ONLY - NOT from the wharf. Drop traps only - no ‘throwing out’. It is the Trap owner's liability if entanglement with a vessel occurs. Unattended crab traps will be removed and confiscated.
Pictured: Aug 2024 Cowichan Bay Regatta members returning from their beach breakfast - ready to race!
