When you stay at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Cowichan Lake Sports Arena and Mesachie Lake. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking. Also, Meade Creek Road Park and Marble Bay Park are within a short drive.
Vancouver Island Regional Library - Cowichan Lake Branch - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
Lake Cowichan Municipal Office - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Kaatza Station Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Central Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Cowichan Lake Sports Arena - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 32 min drive
Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 46 min drive
Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome) - 62 min drive
Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base) - 68 min drive
Galiano Island, BC (YMF-Montague Harbour Seaplane Base) - 152 min drive
Restaurants
Ed's Coffeehouse - 1 min walk
A&W Restaurant - 4 min walk
Jakes @ The Lake - 1 min walk
riverside inn - 6 min walk
J&V Burgers & Pizza - 4 min walk
About this property
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages
When you stay at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Cowichan Lake Sports Arena and Mesachie Lake. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking. Also, Meade Creek Road Park and Marble Bay Park are within a short drive.
At a glance
Hotel size
7 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 2:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 50+ Mbps)
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free offsite parking within 16 ft
Street parking available
Other information
Smoke-free property
No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
What to do
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Kayaking nearby
Water skiing nearby
Services
Virtual front desk
Facilities
Garden
Picnic area
Accessibility
Smooth flooring in room
Thin carpet in room
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch Smart TV
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Yard
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Soap and shampoo
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 50+ Mbps)
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Breakage deposit: CAD 500.00 per stay
Policies
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
This property accepts credit/debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
This property is professionally cleaned.
Property Registration Number 00002549
Also known as
Riverside By Cowichan Cottages
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages Guesthouse
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages Lake Cowichan
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages Guesthouse Lake Cowichan
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like cycling, fishing, and hiking. Additional recreation nearby includes birdwatching. Enjoy amenities like a picnic area and a garden.
Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a yard.
What's the area around Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages like?
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages is a short 1-minute walk from Vancouver Island Regional Library - Cowichan Lake Branch and 5 minutes' walk from Central Park.
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Reviews
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8
Cleanliness
9.6
Amenities
9.6
Staff & service
9.8
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
The air conditioning was effective in keeping guests cool during hot days. (3 reviews)
Wonderful spot right on the river. The kids loved lit. Great location
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
May 24, 2026
Good location, beautiful environment, clean space, comfortable bed.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 5, 2026
Had a great quick stay. The dock was lovely and its very close to amenities.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 4, 2026
Very peaceful and beautiful river surroundings
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 21, 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The room was tastefully updated, clean and comfortable. It had everything we needed in the kitchen, the bed was comfortable and it was spacious for my wife and me. The shared outdoor space was immaculate and we enjoyed a morning of swimming off the docks and reading in the hammocks. The climate control in the room worked efficiently and quietly. Ed’s coffee shop next door was cute and convenient. Our stay felt like a home away from home. Thanks for a great time!
Verified review
8/10 Very good
Jun 3, 2026
We had one of the three rooms facing the river - highly recommend as other rooms have limited windows/light and are on the road side. Excellent public space (we were a group of 8) so could sit outside under a covered shelter with firepit or at an outside table looking over the river. They were very accommodating of our needs and responded quickly although they were not on site. Easy walk to top to eating spots and access to bike rail trail.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 23, 2025
Room was spotless, had everything a small family would need for a comfortable stay The cabin is very modern and could not be better located in the heart of Lake Cowichan We can’t wait to come back !!!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 20, 2026
The kitchen was very well equipped! The suite was very clean and comfortable.
We enjoyed walking down to the pier and sitting and enjoying the view. The location was very convenient to the river, restaurants, trails and shops. We enjoyed being able to walk places, and never used our car at all during our stay.
We chose the larger accommodation, which we really didn't need. Our suite included a queen bed, bunkbeds and a pull-out chesterfield. We have family with children and the accommodation would be so perfect for them.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 28, 2025
Super convenient location, amazing view of the river, clean & cozy room with lots of amenities. Would absolutely stay here again & will definitely recommend to others!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 27, 2026
Clean room, great space and it had everything you would need and more! Might have to come back in the Summer to enjoy the outdoor space and waterfront.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2026
Clean and quiet
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 10, 2025
Perfect location to explore around Lake Cowichan, tube the river, or just enjoy the river out front.
We loved our time here.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 4, 2026
Clean room, good emenities, good location. Awesome
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 7, 2025
Staying at this property was very relaxing and enjoyable. It was very clean and quiet. Great amenities and accessible to what ever one would need.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 13, 2026
The room was very clean. The location is right on the main road through town so it is walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Our unit was one of the river view ones so right beside the water and very quiet with no noise from the steet It also had patio doors facing the water so lotlight
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
May 23, 2026
Clean and comfy room. I chose the River view room, which had direct access to the patio, backyard, and the riverfront platform/patio. Everything was great, however, the one thing that I would note is that the walls (and flooring?) are very thin because I could clearly hear my neighbors walking around, which woke me up several times.
AC was effective and couch was comfy. TV was placed very high, which made it uncomfortable to use.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2025
What a lovely place to stay! Will definitely be coming back. Hopefully it will be hotter next time so we can swim off the dock. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 28, 2025
Clean, modern suite. Excellent location on the river and walking distance to shops and restaurants. Host was very responsive to my questions.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 8, 2026
Cozy, clean and comfy! Check-in was seamless as was checking out. Toiletries were appropriate and some condiments provided. Communication between the owner was responsive and polite. Would definitely recommend and return to stay here again.
Big fan of the stickers!
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 25, 2025
Lovely apartment with shared garden and barbecue facilities. Particularly liked the small pontoon at the end of the garden where we could access the river and swim.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 16, 2025
This was our first time to Vancouver Island and this location was perfect for my family of five.
The proper was very clean and organized, comfortable beds, cool AC, and the dock on the river was our favourite spot.
We will definitely be returning.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 3, 2026
Clean room
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 17, 2025
Loved the place, clean and had all the necessities. Good communication via email with prompt replies. Only downfall was Luke warm water only in sinks and shower.
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 28, 2025
Clean room
Verified review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 10, 2026
Clean room, Alisha and Matthew were prompt to answer my questions. Upgraded our cottage to Unit #7 which has a lovely view of the Lake. Also beside the outdoor Fireplace. The kitchen is fully equipped to cook meals.
All in all, very happy with the experience.