This area, a railway right of way, was known originally as Cameron Cove and in 1908 was renamed when a swiss man John Nehring unloaded a herd of cows for his dairy from a barge.

Smile's Cafe was established in 1922 as an ice cream and hot dog stand and was named in 1936 after its owner Dolly Nelson who was well known for her wonderful smiles. The Breakers Pub building was erected in 1940 by the Prince Rupert Fishermen's Co-Op Association as a chandlers shop and supply store. In 1985 it was converted to the popular waterfront pub. The Prince Rupert Port Authority converted the old Atlin fish processing plant to a market and dock with a cruise ship facility added in 2004.

Covid-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The following is Cow Bay Marina’s Covid-19 use guidelines, provided clarify and work with any and all municipal, provincial and federal guidelines, orders and recommendations. The Cow Bay Marina guidelines are provided to highlight how we work to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and requires careful care and attention from all users of Cow Bay Marina. Each client and their guests to Cow Bay Marina is personally responsible for reducing all risk factors for the spread of Covid-19, and must at all times act in good faith to follow all orders and guidelines from all governing authorities.