Genoa Bay

🏝️ Genoa Bay

A Hidden Gem Where Tranquility Meets Culinary Delight

Tucked between Cowichan Bay and Sansum Narrows on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore, Genoa Bay is a peaceful, protected anchorage surrounded by forested hills and calm waters. It’s a favourite among boaters and those seeking a quiet coastal experience away from busier harbours.

🧭 Arriving by Boat

The approach to Genoa Bay is serene and intimate. As you round the final point, the bay opens like a postcard—docks nestled against the forest, cedar-shingled homes dotting the hillsides, and reflections dancing on the glassy surface.

This calm inlet is sheltered from prevailing winds and swell, making it an ideal spot to pause and unwind during a longer coastal journey. With minimal marine traffic and a backdrop of lush greenery, it feels like a well-kept secret.

🍽️ Lunch or Dinner at the Genoa Bay Café

The highlight of any visit to Genoa Bay is dining at the Genoa Bay Café — a local favourite for fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmospher.
Enjoy your meal on their oceanfront patio, where you can take in the sights and sounds of the marina just steps away. The café is known for seafood dishes prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re stopping in for a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner, this is the perfect destination to unwind and savour the flavours of the coast. (genoabaycafe.com)

🏺 Local History

Genoa Bay lies within the traditional territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) people, whose deep relationship with this land and water stretches back millennia.

European settlers arrived in the 1800s, drawn by the shelter of the bay and the abundance of nearby resources. Over time, Genoa Bay evolved into a quiet maritime outpost, known for its natural beauty, hospitality, and escape from the mainstream.

Today, its charm is in how little it’s changed.

🌊 Bonus: A Scenic Cruise Along the Way

Your trip to Genoa Bay isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the journey.
Enjoy a scenic coastal cruise through the calm waters of the southern Gulf Islands, with opportunities to spot eagles, seals, and even orcas en route.

📍 Genoa Bay Marina

Once docked, you’ll find the Genoa Bay Marina welcoming and well-equipped. With rustic charm and peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal and waterside stroll.