Vacation rentals in Shawnigan Lake

Located on the edge of an idyllic village of the same name, Shawnigan Lake, is surrounded by pine-covered hills around 30 miles north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. In town, you’ll find a handful of grocery stores, mom-and-pop restaurants, welcoming coffee shops, and a small museum where you can learn more about the local history.

The village is often used as a base to explore the magnificent scenery surrounding it. Take a walk to the picturesque Kinsol Trestle Bridge, one of the tallest wooden railway trestles in the world, standing an impressive 144 feet above the Koksilah River or take a swim or a peaceful paddle on the lake. Just 15 minutes away at Cowichan Bay, you can spot orcas and humpback whales, and it’s not uncommon to see seals and sea lions basking on the beach. After a day of exploring, the tasting rooms at the nearby wineries are the perfect place to try locally produced wine or indulge in a farm-to-table meal as you gaze out at the sprawling vineyards.

Thanks to a slew of activities on offer and the relatively temperate weather of Vancouver Island, securing a Shawnigan Lake rental is a year-round proposition. During the summer, the days are long, hot, and sunny, perfect for heading out onto the Cowichan Valley Trail or hitting one of the lake’s sandy beaches.

The weather is cooler in the spring and fall, and the nearby forests are splashed with the colors of spring flowers and autumn leaves. These months can also be a little rainy, so you may want to bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket with you. During the winter, the summer crowds thin, and although the weather can be a bit grey, it is perfect for spending time relaxing at your rental cabin or checking out the local businesses.

Cowichan Valley Trail

This 75-mile-long multi-use trail weaves its way through southern Vancouver Island and is a wonderful spot for hiking and cycling. The trail leads you through lush forests and past four different railway trestles paying homage to the pathway’s original use as a railway line. It is part of the much longer Trans-Canada Trail, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through a series of parks, trails, and waterways. The flat terrain makes it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Shawnigan Lake

This tranquil lake stretches for a whopping five miles and is set amidst pristine pine forests. There are sandy beaches to explore where you can take a dip in the water, as well as waterfront parks that serve as the perfect launching point for kayaking or paddle-boarding. If you are feeling really adventurous, there is even an island in the middle of the lake that features its own secluded park.

Old Mill Park

This waterfront park on the edge of Shawnigan Lake was the site of a lumber company from 1881 until 1945, and once had its own company store. You can still find ruins and artifacts from the mill located throughout the grounds. Today, it is a popular spot for swimming and other water sports.