Location
“This is a charming bay to visit when we aren't seeking total seclusion. We can drop anchor and relax, yet still indulge in people-watching. If we feel like stretching our legs, we hike the trail which leads from the marina up to Skinner Bluff and Mount Tzuhalem.
More often than not we opt to eat out when we visit here because the local restaurant (Genoa Bay Cafe) has a justified reputation for excellence.”
— Carolyn Ashmore Acs, "Gulf Island Day Trips", Pacific Yachting, July 2000, article (used with permission).
How To Get Here By Land
Genoa Bay is about a 1.5 hour drive north of Victoria and an 1.5 hours south of Nanaimo.
Victoria can be reached by air or by ferry. B.C. Ferries from Tsawassen (just south of Vancouver) to Schwartz Bay (just north of Victoria). Washington State Ferries from Anacortes to Sidney. Black Ball Ferries, from Post Angeles to Victoria's inner harbour.
Nanaimo can be reached by air (Cassidy Airport), or B.C. Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, or from Tsawassen to Duke Point, just south of Nanaimo.
Drivers should follow the signs to Maple Bay, and after a ten minute drive on Maple Bay Road, turn right onto Genoa Bay Road. Keep going until you get there (another 15 minutes).
How To Get Here By Water
Genoa Bay can be found on the North side of Cowichan Bay or on Nav Canada marine chart #3478 (Plans Saltspring Island). There is an inset on this chart with detailed approach information and depth markings for Genoa Bay.
Boaters arriving from the United States are required to check in with Canada Customs and Immigration as soon a spossible after crossing the International Boundry, generally at Bedwell Harbor, Sidney or Victoria.
Hail "Genoa Bay Marina" on VHF channel 66A.
Float planes can be chartered into Genoa Bay (Cowichan Bay) from Vancouver or Seattle, but there are no scheduled flights to the Bay.
Things To Do
The surrounding Cowichan Valley region is renowned for its community tourism, agriculture and eco-tourism activities.
Hiking
Biking
Kayak Rentals
Maritime Museum
Ecology Station
Native Heritage Centre
Budget Car Rentals
Forest Museum
Golf Trips
Wine Tours
Totem
Tours Fishing
Crabbing
Shore Exploration
Diving
Shopping Excursions Local Garden Tours
Wildlife -
Eagles, seals, otters, heron, deer.
Fine Dining
Art Galleries
Learn About The Genoa Bay Area
“Genoa Bay is like a breath of fresh air in this sterile, denaturalized culture. It's a bit ramshackle and improvised, honest and eccentric - the way life ought to be. A rustic hideaway full of old wood sailboats, some of the last true individuals, genuinely good food and deafening silence. The kind of place...sailors, wooden boaters, romantics and intelligent sentimentalists hold close to their hearts”
— Ferenc Mate', author "From a Bare Hull", "The World's Best Sailboats" and "The Hills of Tuscany".
Resources
Tourism and Events
Visitor Experiences
Contact Us
Ready to explore the beauty of Genoa Bay? Contact us today to reserve your spot, ask questions, or learn more about our marina and services!
