🌊 Exploring Cowichan Bay, Ladysmith & Salt Spring Island

As a young family based in Langford, BC, we’re always on the lookout for easy, fun, and family-friendly escapes that don’t require hours in the car or on planes. Recently, we spent a few nights exploring Cowichan Bay, Ladysmith, and Salt Spring Island — and it turned out to be the perfect little adventure for all of us.

🐚 First Stop: Cowichan Bay

We set off on a Sunday evening, making the short 20–30 minute drive from Langford to Cowichan Bay — the ideal distance when you’ve got a toddler in tow! We stayed at the Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, which, although a little dated, offered spacious rooms with kitchenettes (a lifesaver when you’re traveling with little ones).

Our balcony looked right out over the water, and we were lucky enough to spot California sea lions, which gather here each year between October and New Year’s. If you’re planning a visit — go soon! It’s such a special sight.

After settling in, we got hungry fast. Here’s what we learned:

Book your dinner in advance! The hotel’s restaurant fills up quickly, even on a Sunday. However they kindly offered us takeout — perfect for enjoying in our kitchenette while Kira played.
The pub next door doesn’t allow children, so families will want to plan accordingly.
Oliver’s, a local restaurant in town, was also busy - book in advance!

Cowichan Bay itself is charming but quiet early in the week. Most shops and galleries open later, so weekends are best if you want to explore the artisan studios, pottery galleries, and the small maritime museum.

A lovely walk awaits along the promenade down to the boats, where you can get a close view of the sea lions lounging near the docks.

🛏️ Accommodation tips:

Oceanfront Suites (hotel, great for families)
Mermaid in the Bay and Bungalow by the Bay (private cottage stays you can find on Airbnb or their own websites)

🏡 Next Stop: Ladysmith

The next morning, we headed to Ladysmith, a small heritage town with lots of character. We spent the morning wandering the historic high street, exploring the sites using the town map and spotting all the heritage novelties.

There are a few cozy spots for food — including local bakeries and The Fox and the Hound pub, which is child-friendly and has a great menu and lots of British charm. For those without kids, Zack’s Lounge offers a nice adult-only option.

But the highlight for families? Transfer Beach Park.
It’s right by the water, with a fantastic playground, picnic shelters, and ocean views. You could easily spend an entire day there.

We stayed in a small Airbnb just a short drive away in Chemainus, which suited us perfectly. If you’re visiting over a public holiday or off-season, note that some shops and attractions close early — so for the best vibe, go during tourist season.

⛴️ Final Stop: Salt Spring Island

From Crofton, we caught the ferry over to Salt Spring Island — a hit with Kira! The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and little ones will love watching the boats and seagulls. I recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours early, as the ferries are small and can fill up fast.

Once we arrived, we checked into Cusheon Lake Resort, a beautiful log cabin retreat surrounded by forest. It’s one of those truly peaceful, back-to-nature places — lots of space to run around, a few swings, badminton, and plenty of room for kids to explore safely.

🌿 Highlights for families:

Lavender Farm: Kira loved it, even though the blooms come alive in late spring (May–June).
Ruckles Farm: Historic family farm nestled on a provincial park site, full of fun and history.
Beddis Beach: Gorgeous sandy beach for kids to run around on and soak up the sea air.
Model Train Park: We didn’t make it there this time, but it’s a must for next visit.
Treehouse Restaurant in the Ganges: Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and a kid-friendly menu.
Breweries and cideries that welcome children — a rare but welcome find!

We took turns soaking in the hot tub while Kira napped, enjoying the calm pace and lush scenery. Salt Spring has such a bohemian, creative energy, with art galleries, handmade goods, and a slower rhythm that’s perfect for families looking to unwind.

And best of all — the ferry ride back was free! We'll definitely be back!

One thing I would note is to prepare for a lot of car journeys with your little one's due to the rural nature of the Island, it's not walkable and a vehicle is required to get to your different stops. However the journeys are short and to get up and down the length of the island only takes 45 minutes.

🐠 Bonus Stop: Sidney & the Aquarium

When leaving Salt Spring, we decided to take the southern ferry route back to Schwartz Bay. The terminal area has a great little café and restaurant that’s perfect for brunch while you wait for your ferry, plus a souvenir shop and a short scenic walk along the promenade.

Since we had a bit of time, we made a spontaneous stop at the Sidney Aquarium after arriving at Schwartz Bay — and we’re so glad we did! It was an absolute hit with Kira. She was completely fascinated by the octopuses, salmon, sea anemones, and other local sea life. At the back of the aquarium, there’s even a small play area and reading nook, which makes it perfect for toddlers and young children.

Sidney itself is a charming seaside town, full of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, with a beautiful waterfront walkway that’s perfect for families. It was truly the perfect end to our little Vancouver Island getaway.

🌲 Final Thoughts

This short getaway gave us exactly what we needed: a mix of nature, relaxation, and local charm, without venturing far from home. Whether you’ve got toddlers or school-aged kids, these spots around Cowichan Bay, Ladysmith, and Salt Spring Island are ideal for introducing little ones to travel — short drives, big adventures, and plenty of memories made.

Tips for Parents:

Bring loads of snacks and be flexible on meal times — small towns can have limited hours.
Always check restaurant policies for kids.
Book restaurant meals in advance if possible.
Pack a few new toys — for entertainment on car journeys.