Wessex Inn By The Sea, a hotel by the ocean, offers a warm welcome with in-room WiFi. Enjoy self parking and bask in the praise of previous guests who loved the helpful staff and great location.
Cowichan Wooden Boat Society - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
Maple Bay Marina - 19 min drive - 15.2 km
Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal - 68 min drive - 77.9 km
Getting around
Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 18 min drive
Nanaimo, BC (YCD) - 38 min drive
Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 64 min drive
Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base) - 65 min drive
Mayne Island, BC (YAV-Miners Bay Seaplane Base) - 135 min drive
Galiano Island, BC (YMF-Montague Harbour Seaplane Base) - 142 min drive
Bedwell Harbour, BC (YBW-Bedwell Harbour Seaplane Base) - 163 min drive
Saturna Island, BC (YAJ-Lyall Harbour Seaplane Base) - 19.8 miles/31.8 km
Restaurants
Tim Hortons - 4 min drive
Tim Hortons - 9 min drive
Green Leaf Vietnamese Bistro - 9 min drive
Small Block Brewery - 8 min drive
Starbucks - 9 min drive
About this property
Wessex Inn By The Sea
Situated by the ocean, Wessex Inn By The Sea is a great choice for a stay in Cowichan Bay. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails and kayaking. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and overall value.
Languages
English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
29 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
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Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Full payment must be made by credit card prior to closing to arrange after-hours check-in. If payment cannot be processed for any reason, after-hours check-ins will not be permitted. Guests arriving after hours must come to front desk the next day, regardless of length of stay, to complete registration.
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Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
One child (11 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets allowed*
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
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Other information
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
No alcohol served onsite
No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties
Property amenities
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Whale-watching nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Facilities
1 building/tower
Accessibility
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Fees & policies
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of CAD 20 per pet, per night
Policies
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Also known as
Wessex Inn
Wessex Inn Sea
Wessex Inn Sea Cowichan Bay
Wessex Sea
Wessex Sea Cowichan Bay
Wessex Inn By The Sea Hotel
Wessex Inn By The Sea Cowichan Bay
Wessex Inn By The Sea Hotel Cowichan Bay
Frequently asked questions
Does Wessex Inn By The Sea offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Wessex Inn By The Sea does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Wessex Inn By The Sea?
Yes, pets are welcome. There's a charge of CAD 20 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Is parking offered on site at Wessex Inn By The Sea?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Wessex Inn By The Sea?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
Is there an onsite casino at Wessex Inn By The Sea?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Chances Cowichan (8-min drive) and Chances Casino (9-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at Wessex Inn By The Sea and nearby?
Have fun with activities like boat tours, hiking, and kayaking, and practice your swing at the nearby golf course.
Does Wessex Inn By The Sea have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Wessex Inn By The Sea like?
Wessex Inn By The Sea is a short 6-minute walk from Cowichan Wooden Boat Society and 6 minutes' walk from Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre. Travelers say that the hotel is in a great location.
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Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
7.8/10
Amenities
7.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Location
View
Bed
Bay
Restaurant
Ocean
Parking
Store
What guests liked
The property offers a convenient location across from the beach with beautiful ocean views. (5 reviews)
Multiple good restaurants were within easy walking distance from the property. (3 reviews)
The property is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their dogs and receive a warm welcome. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
May 18, 2025
Beautiful location! One of our favorite spots to stay on the island. Very friendly people running the place.
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 11, 2025
Neil
Neil, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 11, 2025
Quick trip
We had a short and very nice stay. The room was very clean, newly renovated, and the fron desk was very friendly and helpfull.
Konrad
Konrad, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 28, 2025
Lovely spot
This is an older hotel, a little worn but well cared for, clean and safe. We stay in Cowichan once a year and this is our second stay and we will continue to make this our stay of choice when here. The service is excellent.
Nathan
Nathan, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 1, 2025
large rooms
The staff were friendly and amazing. The room/suite was large. The couch was a bit low, but everything else was comfy and clean. Arrive close to 4 because the shops nearby close their doors at 5 and not all the restaurants were open for business. There was a view of the water, but it is across the main road. We'd go again, even though it was a little pricey.
Phyllis
Phyllis, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 20, 2025
Ailysh
Ailysh, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 20, 2025
ALLAN
ALLAN, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 13, 2025
The service was great!
Justin
Justin, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 3, 2025
Stay at Wessex Inn
The staff are friendly and accomodating. The inn is older and room definately showing its age, but it was clean and cozy. I like the price, and it's across from the park and ocean.
I would stay here again.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Mar 2, 2025
Brian
Brian, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 26, 2025
Allen
Allen, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 19, 2025
Tranquil and comfortable stay
We had an absolutely tranquil stay here while on our road trip across the island. Our host (the manager of the inn), met our every need and the amenities of the hotel, though dated, were clean and comfortable. We were even upgraded to an ocean front view, which was lovely to wake up to. We will definitely stay here if we find ourselves in the Cowichan Bay area again.
Marc
Marc, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 17, 2025
Will not regret it. All is great.
Gerald
Gerald, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Feb 17, 2025
The building may not look much but the staff keeps it clean and comfortable. We stay in Cowichan Bay for the quietness. The Wessex is on the edge of town across the street from the waterfront. We like the unobstructed view of the tranquil Bay view in the morning and the evening. We love taking walks from the nature centre toward town and back. There is an observation tower just across the street. On a clear day, a pair of binoculars would pair well with the tower.
Samson
Samson, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 17, 2025
Simple hotel room with kitchenette. Clean and affordable. Would stay again.
Laura
Laura, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 14, 2025
Older Motel across the street from the docking lot of Lake Cowichan. Decent view of the water from my room. Just a short walk down the road a plethora of eateries or bring your own food and prepare it in a wonderfully clean kitchenette with a mid-sized refrigerator. Just like anything older you could use some touch-up paint, maybe an extra pillow or two on the bed, and slightly thicker walls. The bathroom was very clean, and the water pressure terrific . All that being said, it is a jewel, especially at the offseason price of $94 a night.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 14, 2025
Proximity to everything was good without being right in the midddle of town
Jessie
Jessie, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 13, 2025
A meticulously maintained hotel. A great view of the bay from my balcony. While the rooms are somewhat dated, the beds are very comfortable and the rooms are very clean. The owner is very friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend.
Bonnie
Bonnie, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
Feb 6, 2025
Jesse
Jesse, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
2/10 Poor
Jan 29, 2025
Do not stay here!
Terrible! We paid for a kitchenette. We didn’t get a kitchenette. We bought groceries before we arrived and wasn’t able to use them. When we brought it up to the front desk, they wouldn’t refund our fees. Not to mention, the bed was terrible and lumpy, it was noisy because doors had to be slammed to properly latch them, and the windows were single pane, so all noise outside could be heard. DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Robert
Robert, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Jan 24, 2025
You get what you pay for.
Jacob
Jacob, 4-night business trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 22, 2025
It was very quiet and comfortable. The close proximity to the water and restaurants was great.
Odette
Odette, 1-night business trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 8, 2025
We have stayed here for the last 2 years every November as i do a craft market in Duncan. It is a older building rooms are clean and beds are good. Was upgraded this year to a water front room it was very nice.
We will be back again this next year
Kathy
Kathy, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
Jan 5, 2025
This is a quaint cozy motel. The staff and very friendly. They even upgraded our room to a suite for no extra charge.
Marusha
Marusha, 1-night family trip
Verified Travelocity guest review
6/10 Good
Jan 2, 2025
It's an older hotel, clean building and friendly staff