Mile 77 Upper Cottage

THE SPACE

Your Own Little Piece of Paradise

Welcome to Mile 77 Cottages, a beautiful one-acre lakefront property nestled in the peaceful forest of Youbou, BC, on the shores of stunning Cowichan Lake.

Our cozy, pet-friendly cottage offers a tranquil escape surrounded by towering trees, fresh mountain air and breathtaking lake views. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation or simply a chance to disconnect from the everyday, this is a place where you can slow down and truly relax.

Enjoy your own comfortable cottage and outdoor living space, complete with a spacious deck, outdoor firepit and relaxing outdoor tub. Spend your mornings sipping coffee while taking in the scenery, your afternoons exploring the shoreline, and your evenings unwinding under the stars.

The property also features a second Airbnb cottage and an RV, where we stay when guests are on site. The beach and wharf are shared spaces for all guests to enjoy. We kindly ask everyone to respect one another and share these areas so that everyone can make the most of their lakefront experience.

We are pet-friendly and welcome your furry family members. Please ensure pets are supervised and respectful of other guests and the shared outdoor spaces.

We live on the property during guest stays and are always available if you need anything, while fully respecting your privacy and personal space.

A little holiday magic: If you’re visiting in November or December, you’ll be welcomed by our festive holiday decorations, creating an atmosphere straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie!

At Mile 77 Cottages, it’s more than just a place to stay. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, make memories and experience the peaceful beauty of lake life.

PETS

Your Furry Family Members Are Welcome!

We know pets are part of the family, and we’re happy to welcome your four-legged companions to Mile 77 Cottages!

Our beautiful one-acre property offers plenty of natural surroundings to explore and enjoy together. We simply ask that pets remain under control, are not left unattended in the cottage, and that owners clean up after them.

As the beach, wharf and outdoor areas are shared with other guests, please be respectful of everyone’s space and ensure pets are supervised.

We want everyone, including our furry guests, to have a wonderful and memorable stay! ❤

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 Upper Cottage Photos Below