From September through April, Lake Cowichan takes on a special kind of energy. The mornings feel crisp, the evergreens stay beautifully green, and hockey families begin arriving in town with packed gear bags, warm layers, and plenty of team spirit.
If you’re visiting for a Lake Cowichan Kraken game or hockey camp, Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages offers a warm, comfortable home base close to the arena and downtown. You’ll have space to settle in, prepare quick meals, and unwind together after the final whistle.
It’s an easygoing way to enjoy a hockey weekend in the Cowichan Valley.
Planning a visit for the Lake Cowichan Kraken?
The Lake Cowichan Kraken are part of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, bringing exciting junior hockey to the community throughout the season. Home games and hockey camps take place during the cooler months, making September to April a popular time for players, parents, grandparents, and visiting families to spend a weekend in Lake Cowichan.
Before you book, visit the Lake Cowichan Kraken website for current schedules, team updates, and camp information. Game times and camp details can change, so checking directly with the team is always the best way to plan your stay.
Once your dates are set, the next question is simple: where will everyone feel comfortable between games?
Riverside is a walkable home base for hockey families
Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages is a boutique lake cowichan motel along the Cowichan River, close to the arena and downtown. It gives you the convenience of being near the action while offering a quieter place to relax when the day is done.
You can head to the rink, return for a quick meal, and make your way downtown for coffee or dinner without turning the weekend into a series of long drives. That simplicity can make a big difference when you’re travelling with children, hockey bags, snacks, and a schedule to keep.
Each private unit has its own entrance and comfortable living space. Depending on the unit you choose, you’ll find sleeping arrangements for couples, solo travellers, or families travelling together. Shared outdoor spaces give everyone room to stretch out and enjoy the fresh air.
Comfortable private units for families
Hockey weekends can be busy. There are early starts, late finishes, wet equipment, hungry kids, and plenty of time spent in the stands. Having a comfortable place to return to helps the whole weekend feel more relaxed.
Riverside’s private units are designed to feel more like a home base than a traditional hotel room. Families can spread out, enjoy a little quiet time, and settle into their own routine between activities.
You’ll find thoughtful comforts such as:
- Private entrances
- Comfortable beds and fresh linens
- Heating and air conditioning
- Smart TVs
- Wi-Fi
- Private bathrooms
- Kitchenettes in most units
- Coffee makers, kettles, microwaves, and toasters
- Induction cooktops and cookware in most units
- Access to the shared yard and outdoor spaces
Some units also include sofa beds, bunk beds, private decks, or peaceful river views. When booking, take a moment to review the details of each unit so you can choose the best fit for your family.
For groups travelling together, Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages is currently the only Cowichan Lake Cottages property available for group accommodation. Booking multiple private units at Riverside can make it easier for families, coaches, and visiting groups to stay close while still having their own space.
Kitchens make game weekends easier
One of the nicest parts of staying at Riverside is having a kitchenette available for quick meals and snacks.
You might prepare oatmeal before an early skate, make sandwiches for the rink, or warm up leftovers after the game. There’s no need to organize every meal around restaurant hours, and no need to pile everyone into the car when the team has another activity coming up.
Simple meals work perfectly for a hockey weekend:
- Breakfast wraps before morning ice time
- Soup or chili after a chilly evening game
- Pasta for a quick family dinner
- Sandwiches and fruit for the rink
- Hot chocolate for the trip home
- Coffee while everyone gets ready
The kitchenettes are made for convenience rather than elaborate cooking, but they include the essentials for keeping hungry families fuelled. For larger meals, you can also make use of the shared BBQ area when weather allows.
Unwind by the firepit after the final whistle
After a full day of hockey, there’s something especially comforting about slowing down outdoors.
At Riverside, families can gather around the shared firepit, warm up, and talk through the best moments of the game. Maybe someone scored their first goal of the season. Maybe the game went into overtime. Maybe the most memorable part of the day was the hot chocolate run afterward.
The firepit is a natural place to come together. It gives parents a chance to relax, and it gives kids a little space to share stories and enjoy the evening.
The riverside setting adds to the feeling. Even in the cooler months, you’ll hear the gentle movement of the Cowichan River and see the trees surrounding the property. It’s a peaceful contrast to the bright lights, whistles, and excitement of the arena.
Please remember that quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 8 AM, helping all guests enjoy a restful night.
Easy access to downtown Lake Cowichan
A hockey weekend is about more than the game. You’ll likely want to grab breakfast, pick up forgotten supplies, enjoy a casual family dinner, or take a short walk between activities.
Riverside is close to downtown Lake Cowichan, where you’ll find local restaurants, cafés, shops, and everyday conveniences. The town has a friendly, welcoming feel that makes visiting families feel at home quickly.
This is one of the things people appreciate about a small hockey town. You may see familiar faces from the rink at the café in the morning. A local shopkeeper might ask how the game went. By the end of the weekend, the community can feel a little like part of the experience.
For ideas beyond the rink, explore our guide to things to do in Lake Cowichan or browse our suggestions for restaurants around Lake Cowichan.
Make time for the Cowichan Valley
If your schedule allows, add a little fresh air to your hockey trip. The Cowichan Valley is beautiful in every season, and a short walk can be just the reset everyone needs between games.
Depending on the weather, you might:
- Walk beside the Cowichan River
- Visit the nearby beach and playground
- Enjoy a quiet coffee downtown
- Explore local trails
- Stop for a family meal
- Visit nearby attractions such as Kinsol Trestle
- Spend a few peaceful minutes by the Riverside dock
Fall and winter also bring excellent fishing opportunities to the Cowichan River, although conditions and regulations vary by season. If fishing is part of your plans, check local guidance before heading out.
For more inspiration, browse our local activities and Lake Cowichan recommendations.
A practical choice for hockey camps
Hockey camps can involve early mornings, multiple ice times, and full days at the arena. Staying nearby helps reduce the pressure of getting everyone ready and out the door.
At Riverside, you can make coffee in your unit, prepare a quick breakfast, and keep snacks ready for the day. After camp, families can return to a private, comfortable space rather than immediately getting back on the road.
If you’re travelling with more than one family, Riverside is also a convenient option for staying close together. The property’s private units and shared gathering spaces make it easier to connect while allowing each family to maintain a little privacy.
For current camp dates and registration information, visit the Lake Cowichan Kraken website.
Book your Lake Cowichan hockey weekend
Whether you’re coming for a Friday night game, a weekend camp, or a full series of hockey commitments, Riverside by Cowichan Lake Cottages makes a welcoming base.
You’ll have the comforts of a private unit, the convenience of a kitchenette, the calm of the Cowichan River, and easy access to the arena and downtown. It’s a relaxed alternative to a standard hotel room and a comfortable choice for families looking for lake cowichan accommodations.
Riverside is also a peaceful cowichan river motel and a convenient lake cowichan vacation property for parents who want to turn a hockey trip into a small Vancouver Island getaway.
View Riverside accommodations or book direct for the best available rate. We’re happy to help make your stay simple, smooth, and stress-free.
We’ll see you in the stands, around town, or by the firepit. Cheerios 🍻
Matt & Alisha Cowichan Lake Cottages
