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Explore Cowichan! Slow down and be a part of the Cowichan Way.
Come kayak, canoe or SUP with us!

View Available Tour OptionsSee Upcoming Special Events

IMPORTANT!    Cowichan Bay Kayaking is a resident of Bluenose Marina. We are privileged to be able to operate in this space. We ask that you respect the private nature of the marina. There are other part-time and full-time residents of the marina that we care about and are responsible to. Before you come, you need to understand that the marina is not open for walking around and exploring. It is private. If you do not have a booking already, please wait outside the fence and phone us to make your booking or ask any questions you may have over the phone. If you are dropping in, phone us for information, or use the intercom at the blue fence at the top of the marina.
If you have a booking with us, you may come down to the blue fence of the deck at Bluenose Marina. Follow the instructions on the signage while waiting to be escorted down to the Cowichan Bay Kayaking dock. You can let us know you are there using the intercom. It is available during open hours. Thank you for your understanding. 

2024 Season Schedule

Opening Hours 2024

June
Open at our dock: Saturday through Monday
2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
All other days and times by pre-booking only*

July
Open at our dock: Friday through Tuesday
2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
All other days and times by pre-booking only*

August
Open at our dock: All week
2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
All other days and times by pre-booking only*

September
We will be open Labor Day weekend. After Labour Day, we will restrict our open hours, as demand drops considerably. Rentals and tours will be available by pre-booking until September 19th. We are closed and away with all our kayaks to serve MOMAR September 20-23. After September 25th, rentals and tours will be by pre-booking only, and will be limited by staff and guide availability.

(*Staff will usually be available by phone between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm for enquiries and phone bookings. Historically, there are not enough bookings during the mornings to support staff to be at the dock then. The prevailing summer winds also limit the times for enjoyable paddling. These winds normally get too strong about 11:00 am until about 4:00 pm. If morning demand increases, we may consider staffing in the morning. We do understand that spontaneity in life is wonderful, but it is always best to pre-book.)

7:00 pm is the latest we will put someone on the water for a rental mid-summer; this gets earlier as we move toward Fall and shorter days.

Off-season (mid-Sept to early June) hours: Our dock is not open regularly and we have limited staff, but advanced bookings may be made for rentals and tours with enough lead time (subject to staff availability).

See our Events & Specials page for details on the following events:

Background

Co-create Your Experience With Us

You create your plan with us. We do the logistics and support, you do the experience and the fun.

Great Tours & Rentals

From start to finish, we cover everything you need to have a great experience. We take you paddling in Cowichan Bay to see the wildlife, to learn great kayaking skills and to pour yourself into nature. We also provide equipment rentals for your own excursions.

Knowledgable Guides

Our guides are trained and skilled. They know the ins and outs of your trip and provide exceptional interpretation of flora, fauna and natural history. You'll know more after you leave. All guides are certified.

Into Nature

Whether beginner or expeienced, we work with you to get you on the water or to the birds. We help you feel as comfortable as possible on our guided tours and get you set up for success for your self-guided tours if you are renting, all to get you into incredible Cowichan nature.
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Tours
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Rentals and Courses
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Kids' Adventures

What Our Guests Say

  • We did 8pm-10pm kayak to/through estuary and then to log booms and back to Cowichan Bay. Good overview before we left, quick fitting kayaks to everyone. Clear signals if safe/require assistance. Had the wonderful luck of seeing red sun set and then blood moon/full moon rise on the same trip. Lots of bio-luminescence, good guides. Thanks!

    Dean P

  • Our guide Jenny was wonderful and knowledgeable about the estuary. My husband and I rented kayaks and had her as our guide for a 2 hour paddle. The kayaks are in good condition, and Jenny took us to see seals basking in the sun. It was a nice easy pace for paddling, I got some wonderful photos and had a great time. Thanks Jenny and Coastal Bliss!

    Lynn

  • My son and I rented a double kayak for two hours. We explored the bay and marina. Saw lots of sea lions and osprey along with many fascinating boats. We definitely plan on doing this again! Gary was really helpful before and after our excursion.

    Ocean K

  • thanks again for another great day on the water. your team always makes renting a fast, enjoyable experience. you're always my go-to option for a quick afternoon paddle!

    Vince A

  • Our 2 hour kayak tour of Cowichan Bay estuary with our guide Travis was relaxing, educational, and a great way to spend a hot evening on the cooler waterway. Travis was professional, personable, and very patient with our limited experience in kayaks, and got us settled in them quickly, and safely. We enjoyed the leisurely pace, sighting different birds, and getting information about the local area from Travis.

    MMisto

  • Cynthia and I really enjoyed our Gulf Islands kayaking adventure with you. You happily tailored the trip and our days to meet our needs and accommodate the weather, tides and currents. The food was excellent (loved the spinach!) and the equipment you provided was of the highest quality that we have ever rented. We had such a good paddle with you we've been haunting craigslist etc and now are owners of a used Tyee fibreglass kayak like you have.

    Cynthia and Dave

  • I have very much enjoyed the Broken Group Island kayaking trip with you and Gary. I will definitely try to do it again, should I get back to the west coast in the near future.

    Martina

  • For two years in a row we have used Coastal Bliss to guide us through the Wild West Coast Trail. This year we also added a 1/2 day kayaking. Using Coastal Bliss ensured we get to see the best there is to see. A further advantage is that you will learn about the fascinating fauna, flora, history and geology on the coast. People do hike up on their own, but apart from the risk they take by going at it alone, they also rob themselves of a superior experience. While we were setting up camp they were cooking incredibly delicious snacks and meals. Who knew dehydrated foods could taste so good.

    Trina

  • A friend and I booked the two hour evening kayak tour in Cowichan Bay and it did not disappoint. Georgia and Gary were extremely friendly and helpful in teaching two newbies how to paddle properly and maneuver the kayak, and then Georgia guided us around the bay. It was a beautiful evening, the water was calm, and the scenery en route to the estuary was breathtaking. Georgia pointed out different bird species and we even spotted some seals swimming nearby. This was my first time on a kayak tour, but I will be back!

    Abbie

  • Reservedly we contacted Bliss Adventure Cowichan Bay to see if they could cope with old girls..2 with no experience. No problem, BUT "why dont you try our moonlight kayak experience?" It happened the moon was almost full just now. So we went for it. A whole new experience great fun and oh boy to see the moon rising up above the mountains as we paddled out at sea was unforgettable.We were made most welcome really enjoyed it. Thank you, it was BLISS.

    Fussy

  • I have done 4 brilliant multi-day trips with Coastal Bliss including 2 amazing kayaking adventures; 6 days in the Broken Group off Vancouver Island in 2014 with guide Phillip and 6 days in Nootka Sound in 2016, guided by Georgia. Both trips were fantastic. Georgia even organised a special trip for me to fit in with my itinerary as I had limited time, travelling from New Zealand. Coastal Bliss is well organised for everything; the food is fabulous, the guides have indepth local knowledge and the locations are outstanding - all reasons why I have signed up on 4 different occasions with Coastal Bliss.

    Jan