Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages

Property grounds
Superior Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 1- Arbutus Suite) | Dining
Property grounds
Point of interest
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
71 South Shore Rd, Lake Cowichan, BC, V0R 2G0
  • Place, Lake Cowichan Municipal Office
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Central Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Cowichan Lake Sports Arena
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

Comfort Suite, Private Bathroom, River View (Unit 5- Steelhead)

  • River view
  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 4- Cedar)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 441 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 2- Elk Room)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Superior Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 1- Arbutus Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Traditional Suite, Private Bathroom, River View (Unit 6- River Room)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • River view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Comfort Suite, Private Bathroom, River View (Unit 7- Skutz)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • River view
  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 3 - Trail Room)

  • 194 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Lake Cowichan

Cowichan Lake Sports Arena is a short stroll from Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages, and other popular attractions like Meade Creek Road Park are within a few miles (5 km). This 7-room guesthouse welcomes guests with in-room amenities like sofa beds, private yards, and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Vancouver Island Regional Library - Cowichan Lake Branch - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Lake Cowichan Municipal Office - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Kaatza Station Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Central Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cowichan Lake Sports Arena - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪J&V Burgers & Pizza - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Ed's Coffeehouse - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Jakes @ The Lake - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages features free WiFi in public areas and a garden. If you decide to drive, there's free parking. Additional amenities include a picnic area and barbecue grills.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Sofa beds, private yards, and coffee makers are also standard.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room sofa bed

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Virtual front desk

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in room

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Queen sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 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

Access methods

Private entrance, smart lock

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: CAD 500.00 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 is professionally cleaned
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-9:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number 00002549

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit/debit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • The property is professionally cleaned.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The guesthouse can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is 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

What is there to do near Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

This guesthouse is located in Lake Cowichan, just steps from Vancouver Island Regional Library - Cowichan Lake Branch and Lake Cowichan Municipal Office, and within a short walk of Kaatza Station Museum. You'll also find Central Park and Cowichan Lake Sports Arena less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the guesthouse.

Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages include a casino at the property?

No, Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like a garden plus some accommodations include river views and an espresso maker.

Are there hot tubs at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages.

Are there connecting rooms at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

No, this guesthouse doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

The closest major airport to Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages is Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base), which is 23.3 mi away (32 minutes by car). Another top airport is Nanaimo, BC (YCD), which is around 17.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

Yes, some accommodations at this guesthouse offer either a balcony and a deck/patio where guests can enjoy river views.

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 55 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chad

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, good emenities, good location. Awesome
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Celina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Alireza

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dan, Medicine Hat

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
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 !!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erinn

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was warm and cozy. Very clean and we liked that there is a decent sized fridge and freezer. It had everything you'd need to cook a meal in the unit
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colton

Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages offers a beautiful array of riverside accommodations equipped with everything you need for a short or extended stay. The rooms are spotless, comfortable, and efficiently designed, with plenty of fridge space and good cooking amenities (minus an oven). The property sits perfectly along the river, with a private dock for launching kayaks, small boats, or mooring a drift boat. Just above the water, a large fireplace throws great heat — an ideal spot for quiet evenings or sharing stories after a day outside. I stayed for two weeks in the fall, using the cottage as a home base for fly-fishing the Cowichan system. It’s an ideal hub for self-guided anglers, offering quick access to both lake and river, with opportunities for trout, coho, and steelhead in season. Mornings often started with coffee on the dock as the fog lifted off the river, and ended by the fire drying waders and reflecting on the day’s fish. Ed’s Coffee is right next door and perfect for a late-morning brew, with restaurants, shops, and a barber all within a five-minute walk. Between the comfortable cottages, convenient location, and accommodating hosts, Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages strikes a perfect balance between comfort and adventure — a cozy, peaceful base for those who live for time on the water. 10/10 stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Celina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were super clean and had everything you needed from shower stuff to kitchen appliances! You can cook anything and feel at home. But outside path is very dark at night and the string lights are almost dead so they need to be changed so you don’t trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Senad

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Zerlina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful time at Riverside by Cowichan lake cottages. Alisha & Matt have provided a beautiful retreat. We really appreciated all the little things that they have thought of. The staff were friendly and our cottage was clean and had lots of supplies. It’s nice to not have to worry about running out of toiletries. Our only complaint was that the bed is quite hard. We both felt a foam topper would make a world of a difference but that’s just our preference. It’s a beautiful community, lots of areas to explore. It was exactly what we were hoping for and we hope to return in the near future.  
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gayle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful time
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monika

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, modern suite. Excellent location on the river and walking distance to shops and restaurants. Host was very responsive to my questions.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taylor

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location, great access to the river, restaurants in walking distance, clean rooms with great AC! Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

emily

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Porfirio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great unit for two people.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thanks for An amazing experience. It felt like a home away from home!! I grew up in lake Cowichan and it was great to be able to show my family the sights and beaches and have an amazing place to come back to at the end of the day! We definitely plan on returning in the future!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa

Traveled with family
Beautiful area and very quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025