Mile 77 Lower Cottage

THE SPACE

We want your stay at Mile 77 Cottages to be as relaxing, welcoming, and memorable as possible. Upon arrival, we’re happy to greet you personally, or you can enjoy the convenience of self-check-in. The choice is entirely yours!

We’re always open to feedback and love sharing our local knowledge, hidden gems, and exciting adventures waiting to be discovered throughout our beautiful community and Vancouver Island.

A Friendly Reminder: This Is Not a Party Property.

Mile 77 Cottages is a peaceful lakeside retreat. We kindly ask all guests to respect our property, our neighbours, and fellow guests so everyone can enjoy the tranquility of Cowichan Lake.

A Little Something Extra

We like to make your stay feel like a home away from home. Our housekeeping team has thoughtfully supplied a few extras to make your getaway even more enjoyable:

• Waffle maker and waffles for a delicious breakfast
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
• Bottled water
• Propane for the deck’s gas fire table
• Propane for the BBQ
• Firewood for memorable evenings around the fire pit
• Water toys, including kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats
• Life jackets for your safety

Shared Spaces & Private Comfort

Our beach and wharf are shared spaces available for everyone staying on the property. We encourage guests to enjoy these areas while being considerate of others.

For your own personal relaxation, each cottage features its own private hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of lake adventures.

Your Hosts

We live on the property in a separate home and are always available should you need anything during your stay. We genuinely value your privacy and personal space, so we’ll leave you to enjoy your getaway while remaining close by whenever you need us.

Your vacation, your pace, your memories. Welcome to Mile 77 Cottages!

GUEST ACCESS

Nestled on a beautiful acre of natural lakeside paradise, Mile 77 Cottages is the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Our property features two charming cottages, each offering peaceful surroundings and a private hot tub. The Upper Cottage is also available to rent, making both cottages an excellent choice for family gatherings, multiple families, or groups of friends creating lasting memories together.

Why not rent both cottages for an exclusive getaway with family and friends? You’ll have plenty of space to gather, share meals, and enjoy the lake while still having a private retreat of your own.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the shared beach, wharf, and outdoor amenities throughout the property.

INTERACTION WITH GUESTS

We live on-site in a separate home and are always nearby if you need assistance or have questions during your stay.

We’re happy to greet guests personally upon arrival while also offering the convenience of self-check-in for those who prefer it. Whether you need help, local recommendations, or simply have a question, we’re just steps away and glad to assist.

We value your privacy and will always respect your space while ensuring you feel welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for.

PETS

We’re animal lovers, and your furry family members are welcome to join you at Mile 77 Cottages. Dogs and cats are permitted, provided all guests follow these guidelines:

• Please pick up and properly dispose of all pet waste.
• Wet Pets are not permitted on any furniture, including beds, chairs, or couches.
• Pets must never be left unattended on the property, including inside the cottage while you are away.
• For their safety and comfort, pets should remain under your supervision at all times. Some animals may experience anxiety when left alone, and distressed pets can cause significant damage to the cottage.
• Please keep pets leashed or under control outdoors and ensure they do not disturb other guests or wildlife.
• You are fully responsible for your pet’s behavior and for any damage caused by your pet. Any resulting costs will be charged to the pet owner.

Thank you for helping us keep the cottages clean, comfortable, and welcoming for every guest and their pets.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you have read and fully understand our Water Safety & Liability Waiver before completing your reservation. Water safety is a priority for everyone enjoying our lakeside property.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Welcome to Youbou – A Hidden Gem on Cowichan Lake

Welcome to the small lakeside community of Youbou, nestled along the north shore of beautiful Cowichan Lake in the heart of Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley.

Known affectionately as “The Big Lake,” Cowichan Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island. Renowned for its pristine waters and breathtaking natural surroundings, the lake offers an incredible setting for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Nearby, the Cowichan River is designated a Canadian Heritage River.

Once a thriving mill town and now the second-largest community on Cowichan Lake, Youbou has retained its small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere.

Today, visitors can enjoy a public beach at Arbutus Park and an abundance of recreational opportunities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing and hiking.

Youbou is also home to a small convenience store, gas station, excellent local bar and grill, an original pinsetter bowling alley, and a public boat launch. With countless forest trails and outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Other charming communities surrounding Cowichan Lake include Alder Bay, Caycuse, Honeymoon Bay, Mesachie Lake and Lake Cowichan, each offering its own unique character and attractions.

Whether you’re here to explore the great outdoors, enjoy the lake, discover local gems or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings, Youbou offers a truly special Vancouver Island experience.

Come experience the beauty, simplicity and charm of life at the lake!

THE LAKE

Cowichan Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It’s often called The Big Lake by locals. Here are some impressive facts about its size:

• Length: 30–34 km (approximately 19–21 miles)
• Surface area: 62.5 km² (approximately 24 square miles)
• Maximum width: 4.8 km (nearly 3 miles across)
• Maximum depth: 152 metres (nearly 500 feet)

Just how big is it? It takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour to drive from one end of the lake to the other, depending on your route and destination. By boat, travelling the full length can take considerably longer, depending on your speed and water conditions.

The lake is surrounded by mountains, forests and small lakeside communities, including Youbou, Honeymoon Bay and Lake Cowichan.

Fun fact: Cowichan Lake is so large that you can spend an entire day exploring its shoreline by boat and still discover new coves, beaches and beautiful stretches of wilderness.

GETTING AROUND

The Journey Is Part of the Experience!

Mile 77 Cottages is located in the peaceful lakeside community of Youbou on the north shore of Cowichan Lake, approximately 38 km (24 miles) west of Duncan and a scenic 20-minute drive from Lake Cowichan.

The property is accessible via Highway 18, a paved highway connecting Duncan with the beautiful communities surrounding Cowichan Lake.

The Pacific Marine Circle Route

For guests travelling from Victoria, the Pacific Marine Circle Route offers an unforgettable journey through some of Vancouver Island’s most spectacular landscapes.

The route takes you from Victoria through Sooke and Port Renfrew, then inland along the winding Pacific Marine Road toward Cowichan Lake and Youbou.

Along the way, you’ll experience rugged West Coast scenery, lush rainforests, pristine lakes and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s more than just a drive — it’s part of the experience of visiting Cowichan Lake!

Important Travel Information

The stretch between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan is remote, with limited cell service and no services along the way. We recommend:

• Fuelling up before leaving Port Renfrew or Lake Cowichan.
• Downloading maps in advance, as cell service can be unreliable.
• Allowing extra time to enjoy the scenery and make stops.
• Checking road conditions before departure.

Getting Around Locally

A vehicle is recommended for exploring Youbou and the surrounding communities. Guests can enjoy scenic drives along Marine Drive, visit nearby beaches, explore hiking trails, or head into Lake Cowichan for additional shops, restaurants and amenities.

Whether you’re arriving via the scenic Pacific Marine Circle Route or travelling directly from Duncan, the journey to Mile 77 Cottages is a beautiful introduction to the peaceful charm of Cowichan Lake.

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT TIMES

Check-In is available at 3:00 p.m.
Your Check-Out time is 11:00 a.m.
*Please note that the check-out time of 11am is very important for our cleaning crew to thoroughly clean for the next arriving guests.

Check Out Some Lower Cottage Photos Below