Welcome to the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, a vibrant hub for maritime heritage nestled in the picturesque quirky seaside village of Cowichan Bay. Operated by the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society, a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich maritime history of the coast, with a emphasis on the craftsmanship, traditions and culture of wooden boats.

Founded in the 1980s as a wooden boat building workshop. Over the decades, we have evolved into a hub for community and maritime history. Our museum, offers a wide range of exhibits and engaging programs. At the heart of our Centre is our 100-meter heritage pier, which not only provides stunning views of the bay but also has 3 ‘Pods’ each with a themed exhibit.

Your first stop down the pier you will find the Snuhwulh’e’w’t-hw (Canoe Shed) a beautiful testament to the history of the canoe. View dugout canoes and learn about the history of the canoe in Cowichan This pod was a collaboration between the CWBS and elders Wayne Paige, Dr Luschiim Charlie and cultural advisor Diane Hinkley.

The Second Pod is all things interactive and fun! Kids are invited to step up onto the ships helm, build their own toy wooden boat to take home at the Kids Boatbuilding Booth. Try out pulleys, knot tying and explore a variety of boatbuilding exhibits

Gear heads beware you will spend forever in awe of the vintage motors in the third pod. Our ‘Seagull Shack’ is full of classic inboard and outboard motors through time. Meticulously restored by our small engine expert Tony Owen.

Our featured collections include the works of our friend and Indigenous carver the late Harvey George who’s fishboats are a unique and well acclaimed piece of coastal history as well as the awe-inspiring model boat collection of the late Ewald Drewteg, a Duncan local.

Our Historic marine ways are a unique railway is available haul, clean and restore boats.

The Patio Portal is a new addition to the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, offering a picturesque setting with stunning views of the bay. This outdoor area is equipped with tables, benches, and chairs, as well as a children’s interactive tug for playful adventures.

The Maritime Centre is more than just a museum; it’s an interactive experience. We offer wooden boat building courses for both adults and children, providing hands-on opportunities to learn and appreciate the skills that have shaped our maritime heritage. Our collection includes a small fleet of traditional small craft, meticulously maintained to reflect the rich diversity of maritime history.

We invite you to explore our exhibits, stroll along our pier, and immerse yourself in the time-honored traditions of wooden boat building. Join us in celebrating and preserving the enduring legacy of Cowichan Bay’s maritime heritage.