Owl's Nest Bakery and Bistro (Saltair)

10445 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K2, Canada
+1 250-324-8288
$$$ Cafe
(52 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Nestled in the heart of Saltair, just a short drive from Chemainus, Owl's Nest Bakery and Bistro is more than just a cafe; it's a delightful culinary retreat that invites you to linger and savor every moment. With an inviting atmosphere and a focus on local ingredients, this bistro is the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch enthusiasts alike.

As you step into Owl’s Nest, you’re greeted by a warm and friendly ambiance that perfectly complements the café’s commitment to great service and delicious food. With both indoor and charming outdoor seating options, it’s easy to find your ideal spot to unwind. Imagine enjoying your meal beneath the shade of lush greenery, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves—a quintessential coastal experience.

The menu is a delightful reflection of home-style café cuisine, featuring a range of mouthwatering dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Start your day with the Avocado Benny, a sumptuous dish of perfectly poached eggs atop crispy English muffins, drizzled with hollandaise and accompanied by hearty avocado. For those seeking something unique, the Holy Cowichan Bowl bursts with flavor and colors, featuring fresh, local ingredients that showcase the best of the Cowichan Valley.

If you pop in for a quick pick-me-up, you can’t go wrong with their Iced Mocha or London Fog, both praised for their rich flavors and delightful presentation. And for a mid-afternoon treat, don’t miss their Egg Salad Croissant or the delectable Pesto Chicken Sandwich, which is nothing short of comforting. Many visitors, like Owen Barclay and Bonnie Gunderson, have shared their love for the charming atmosphere and incredible food, making Owl's Nest a recurring favorite on their travels.

With glowing reviews highlighting experiences such as the “best hash browns ever” and the fragrant, mouthwatering cheese scone, it’s clear that the care put into each dish resonates with patrons. Customers often remark on the cozy atmosphere that invites long conversations over shared meals, exemplified by Deijanelle Simon’s experience where friendly service made it difficult to leave.

What sets Owl’s Nest apart is not just the delicious fare but also the genuine warmth that envelops you upon visiting. Customers rave about how the welcoming staff strive to make your experience memorable, whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee break or enjoying a leisurely brunch. And for those who appreciate the beauty of a calm, inviting café ambiance, Owl’s Nest provides the perfect backdrop.

Whether you are a local resident or just passing through, make sure to stop by Owl's Nest Bakery and Bistro for a delightful meal that will nourish both your body and soul. It’s not just a café; it’s a destination that promises comfort, quality, and a little slice of local heaven.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

52 Reviews
Owen Barclay

14 Sep 2025

Quick stop for lunch while cruising down from Ladysmith. Could have stayed for hours. My egg salad sandwich on a toasted croissant was excellent. I will be back.

Bonnie Gunderson

30 Aug 2025

We had a lovely stop at the Owls Nest in Saltair, a location we’ve stopped for breaks multiple times. We highly recommend this place . The food was great , the service was great and the outdoor seating area is very pleasant. We also stopped here last winter whilst walking the Cowichan Valley Trail on a very cold land rainy day . We were soaked to the bone and dripping wet and they offered a warm respite and a place to dry off and clean up. The hot drinks were a life saver!

S Bennett

21 Jul 2025

I’ve eaten at both locations in Chemainus over the last couple of years. I’m hooked on the avocado Benny and this restaurant consistently gets the poached eggs perfectly cooked. The more recently opened bistro has got a lovely outside garden to enjoy your meal. Great service and lovely atmosphere, especially at the bistro.

jellly fish

19 Jul 2025

I stopped here just to use the bathroom (very clean,) and decided to order a coffee. Service was friendly and welcoming! I ordered the mocha with oatmilk and it tasted exactly how I wanted it to! I sat in the outside area and it was beautiful, very calm atmosphere. The music inside was perfect, not too loud, and very fitting for a café on a rainy day. Even the chairs were comfortable! No complaints here, loved it!

Susan Penner

07 Jul 2025

Went for coffee-it was so good-half of us ended up having breakfast!They said best hash browns ever!My scone was yummy and I had a half sweet London Fog-the seating was amazing-the outdoor spots were lovely!

William Hardwick

03 Jul 2025

Excellent service of well made local food. Quaint inside eating and very nice outside seating area.

Deijanelle Simon

13 Jun 2025

As if Chemainus could get any cuter, this cafe is the perfect stop for a delicious start to your day. The cheese scone was hands down my favourite item (absolutely mouth watering and I’m having buyer’s remorse for not getting some for the road). The drinks are delicious as well and the service is so friendly and kind, it makes it hard to want to leave. Hoping to stop by again on our way back.

Kim Elg

09 Jun 2025

Cute little spot. The raspberry earl grey scone was delicious. I'll stop again.

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