Genoa Bay’s rich and colourful history begins in 1848, when 10-year-old Giovanni Baptiste Ordano left Italy aboard his uncle’s sailing ship. By 1858, as a young trader, he spotted a small bay just west of Cowichan Bay and named it Genoa Bay after his birthplace. Ordano later settled in Cowichan Bay, opening the first store in the region and trading with Austrian, French, and Greek fishermen.
In 1873, Genoa Bay became home to the province’s largest sawmill, founded by W\.J. Sutton. The mill operated until 1925 and played a key role in supplying lumber to rebuild the waterfronts of San Francisco and Toronto. At its peak, the mill employed 125 people and the 25-acre site included 61 buildings—such as worker accommodations, a church, post office, school, mill offices, and more. Logs were floated down the Cowichan River and across Cowichan Bay to the mill, but a lack of fresh water—hauled over from Salt Spring Island—eventually forced the operation to close.
After sitting largely abandoned, Genoa Bay found new life in 1946 when three former naval officers built a resort featuring cottages, a 17-room lodge, a dining room, dance floor, swimming pool, and extensive docks. It quickly became a popular retreat, with floatplanes and boats arriving from Victoria and Vancouver. In 1959, William Morgan—rumoured to be a descendant of pirate-turned-governor Henry Morgan—purchased the resort and turned it into a bustling vacation spot.
The café that stands today was once the old mill’s storehouse. Moved to the shoreline between 1968 and 1970, it was transformed into a marine supply store and later a café. Over the years, additions were made, and the space expanded, but the original kitchen remains the same. Through every era—from sawmilling hub to seaside escape—Genoa Bay has maintained its unique character, charm, and deep ties to Vancouver Island’s maritime heritage.
embrace west coast living in this stunning 2,693 sq. ft. oceanfront home, perfectly perched on a 0.35-acre lot with panoramic views of beautiful genoa bay. with 1/3 shared ownership of a private dock with legal foreshore tenure, the property offers moorage for a boat up to 35 feet—ideal for those who love life on the water.
designed to maximize the ocean views from nearly every room and all three decks, the main floor features a vaulted living room with fireplace, open dining area, and a bright kitchen with abundant cabinetry, breakfast nook, picture window, and deck access. a generous bedroom, 2-piece bath, and laundry complete this level.
upstairs, the primary suite offers a 5-piece ensuite and access to a sun-drenched deck—perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing. a second bedroom features its own 3-piece ensuite and shared deck access. an open-air hallway overlooking the living space below enhances the home’s bright, airy feel.
the walk-out lower level offers flexible space for a family room, home office, studio, or hobby area, along with two finished storage rooms.
recent updates include a new front entry door, metal roof, windows and exterior doors, fresh paint, gutters, and downspouts. outside, the low-maintenance yard leaves more time to enjoy the surroundings, with public beach access, genoa bay marina, and the beloved genoa bay café just a 2-minute stroll away.
tucked away from the everyday hustle, genoa bay offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path lifestyle without sacrificing convenience. major shopping, downtown duncan, and the new cowichan district hospital—scheduled for completion in 2027—are approximately 25 minutes away, while seaplane service to the mainland is just 5 minutes up the road.
a rare opportunity to enjoy privacy, breathtaking scenery, boating at your doorstep, and an authentic west coast lifestyle while remaining comfortably connected to everyday amenities.
