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Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages

2.0 star property
Guest house near Cowichan Lake Sports Arena in Lake Cowichan

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Photo gallery for Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages

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

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, Kaatza Station Museum
    ‪3 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

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

Property grounds

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

View all photos for Standard Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 4- Cedar)

Property grounds

Standard Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 4- Cedar)

  • 441 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 2- Elk Room)

Exterior

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

View all photos for Superior Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 1- Arbutus Suite)

Superior Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 1- Arbutus Suite) | Property grounds

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

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

Traditional Suite, Private Bathroom, River View (Unit 6- River Room) | Terrace/patio

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

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

Exterior

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

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

View all photos for Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 3 - Trail Room)

Property grounds

Suite, Private Bathroom (Unit 3 - Trail Room)

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Lake Cowichan

In Lake Cowichan .You'll find Cowichan Lake Sports Arena and Meade Creek Road Park within 3 miles (5 km) of this guesthouse. Also, Mesachie Lake is within 3 miles (5 km) and Marble Bay Park is within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Guest Houses in Lake CowichanOpens in a new window

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
  • ‪Cow Cafe - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪J&V Burgers & Pizza - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Ed's Coffeehouse - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages

Guest house near Cowichan Lake Sports Arena in Lake Cowichan
As a guest of Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and a picnic area. WiFi is free in public spaces. Self parking is free.

This Lake Cowichan guesthouse is smoke free.

  • 7 guestrooms or units
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages offers 7 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations include queen sofa beds. This Lake Cowichan guesthouse provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 50+ Mbps.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
Riverside Inn
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 356 reviews
$85 nightly
The price is $98
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Total with taxes and fees
Riverside Inn

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room sofa bed

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in room

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: CAD 500.00 per stay

We've listed all 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts credit or debit cards, Visa, and Mastercard. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned.

Property Registration Number 00002549

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.

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

How close is Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages to the airport?

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages is 37 mi (46-min drive) away from the Nanaimo, BC (YCD) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

As of Mar 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages on Mar 31, 2026 start from $83, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages.

Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages offer free breakfast?

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

No, there is no casino at this guesthouse.

What time is check-in at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages?

This guesthouse offers free self parking.

Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages have a pool?

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages does not have a pool.

Does Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this guesthouse.

How close is Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages to downtown Lake Cowichan?

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages is 0.2 mi away from Lake Cowichan.

Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 50 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The perfect quaint spot. Right by the River and quick walking to shops and restaurants!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

This is a Review.

I stayed in the small suite with a pull-out sofa bed. It was comfortable and modern. Clean. When there was a small problem with the fridge on check-in, the hotel immediately fixed it. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location to explore around Lake Cowichan, tube the river, or just enjoy the river out front. We loved our time here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karli

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025