Cowichan Bay is a short hop from Duncan. Cowichan Bay Road leaves the Trans Canada Highway about 3 kilometres south of the city, so a car or taxi is the easiest way to go. Public buses are limited, so check the BC Transit trip planner before counting on one.
Driving down Cowichan Bay Road
From Duncan, head south on Highway 1 and turn off onto Cowichan Bay Road, which leads down to the waterfront village. The distance is small, and the drive is a quick one in normal traffic. Put Cowichan Bay into a navigation app for live conditions, especially on summer weekends when visitors fill the village.
Once you arrive, parking is found in and around the village, close to the shops and the marina. Arriving earlier in the day helps on sunny weekends. A car also lets you stop at farms and tasting rooms in the Cowichan Valley on the way.
Bus service in the Cowichan Valley
BC Transit runs the Cowichan Valley system, and some routes pass through Cowichan Bay. One example is a Saturday morning service that links Mill Bay and Duncan for the Duncan farmers’ market by way of Cowichan Bay. Weekday and evening service is a different matter, and routes and times change with each schedule update.
- Open the BC Transit trip planner or app and enter Duncan and Cowichan Bay.
- Check the last bus back before you head out.
- Allow extra time for any transfer or walk from the stop.
A ride back after dinner
If the buses are not running when you want to leave, or you have luggage or a group, a taxi is the practical fallback. Use the taxi fare estimator for a rough idea of the fare, compare with the Uber estimate calculator, or look at local operators on the Cowichan taxi page.
A late meal on the water is easier when the ride home is already arranged, since evening choices are fewer in a small village.