Mill Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Mill Bay was established in the 1860s, twenty years after Victoria was founded. Its principal industry was lumber and milling, which was done at the mill on the bay.

The surrounding parks and scenery are lovely - perfect for hiking, cycling and boating. This is an ideal spot to spend a few days, basking in the sun and swimming in warm waters.

If the prospect of negotiating the steep Malahat Drive is daunting, B.C. Ferries operates a regularly scheduled service from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula, an alternative route to Victoria or the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay.

Population: 3,250

Location: Mill Bay is located on the southeast shore of Vancouver Island, about 26 miles (41 km) north of Victoria.

View a map of Wineries in the Cowichan Valley.

At nearby Satellite Channel watch noisy harbour seals basking on floats and docks.

Community events include the Brentwood Rowing Regatta hosted by the internationally acclaimed Brentwood College in April. Cowichan goes Country, an annual country music festival in May, and Art Affair, featuring the best of the South Cowichan artisans and galleries along with music and refreshments in August.

Walkers should check out the Mill Bay Nature Park, with its easy oceanfront trails. Seabirds congregate on the shallow muddy waters of a broad intertidal beach.

Bamberton Provincial Park is located just south of the Mill Bay ferry terminal, beside Hwy 1. A large swath of sandy beach, complete with changing facilities, fronts on the Saanich Inlet here. Dozens of picnic tables sit on the terraces slopes above the beach, shaded by a fir-and-arbutus (madrona) foest. This is one of the more scenic locations on the inlet, and from here you look east towards Mount Baker on the mainland.

Mill Bay Ferry Terminal

Sail the straits and channels from Mill Bay to Ladysmith. Boaters will find moorage and supplies in Mill Bay.

Travelling northwards, Mill Bay heralds the start of the Vineyards and Cideries of the Cowichan Valley, featuring five top vineyards and wineries, and the Merridale Cidery, just north of Mill Bay. Make a little room in your cellar for the wines and ciders of the Cowichan Valley!

Beachcombers will enjoy Old Mill Park, Boatswain Bank and Mill Bay Beach.

Golf: Golfers have a few golf courses in the area to choose from; Cowichan Golf and Country Club in Duncan (20 minutes from Crofton), Duncan Meadows Golf Course (15 minutes from Crofton), Mount Brenton Golf Course in Chemainus (10 minutes from Crofton), and Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in nearby Cobble Hill. Golf Vacations on Vancouver Island.

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	Cowichan Bay Kayak & Outfitters, Cowichan Bay	Listing Details
	Kayak tours, rentals and lessons for groups of all sizes. Daily tours explore Cowichan Bay and offer close-up looks at playful seals, otters, bald eagles, and great blue herons. A truly unique and unforgettable experience. Join us for the most scenic tours in the Cowichan Valley. No experience necessary. See you on the water!!!

	Elite Vacation Homes, Victoria	Listing Details
	Elite Vacation Homes offers choice vacation rental properties in the best locations in Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island and across British Columbia. Elite is the premier vacation rental directory for vacation homes, condos, cabins, furnished suites, chalets, and ski chalets. All properties are selected to provide luxury and comfort. Short or Long Term. Groups large or small.

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	Being a successful Realtor with Royal LePage (Nanaimo Realty) since 1994, I offer you a wealth of experience, knowledge, and information in Residential & Waterfront Homes, Lots & Acreages, and small Gulf Island Real Estate. As "Your Partner in Real Estate" I know how to get you through the challenge of Buying OR Selling your home, 'successfully as a winner'.

	Owner Direct Vacation Rentals, Kelowna	Listing Details
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	Sue & Sherry - DFH Real Estate, Shawnigan Lake	Listing Details
	Work in Victoria and live in the South Cowichan Valley! Great prices, great schools, and beautiful rural living. Sue and Sherry sell residential real estate out of the Shawnigan Lake office serving Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay and Duncan.

	Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, Cobble Hill	Listing Details
	Arbutus Ridge Golf Club is located in the seaside community of Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, a scenic 40-minute drive from Victoria and Nanaimo and just 10 minutes away from the cultural city of Duncan. Arbutus Ridge is rated the #1 Destination Golf Course in British Columbia and the legendary 17th hole is ranked One of the Top 18 Golf Holes on Vancouver Island.

Guest Writer Articles:
Mill Bay Ferry - The Oldest BC Route by Ron Armstrong

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