South Island · Cowichan
West Shawnigan Lake Park
About this Park
West Shawnigan Lake Park is a small day-use park providing a sanctuary for Douglas fir forest, as well as lakeside beach access on the northwest shores of Shawnigan Lake. This popular summer recreation area offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including swimming, paddling and fishing in the trout-stocked waters. It’s also an idyllic place to enjoy a family picnic.
Outside of the park boundaries, the lake offers opportunities for boating, waterskiing and windsurfing. The peaceful waters of Shawnigan Lake make it an excellent place to canoe or kayak. Park facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables and short walking trails.
Special notes
Please note: This park is cooperatively managed by the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Services and facilities may differ from those offered in other BC Parks.
Location notes
West Shawnigan Lake Park is located north of Victoria on southern Vancouver Island. Turn west off Highway 1 at Shawnigan/Mill Bay Road in Mill Bay. Follow the road approximately 15km to Shawnigan Lake, then turn right onto Shawnigan Lake Road. Follow this road until you reach the park. Nearby communities include Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Cowichan.
Activities
- 295:Canoeing Peaceful Shawnigan Lake is an excellent place for canoeing or kayaking. Paddlers can launch from the beach at the day-use area or other public locations along Shawnigan Lake.
- 295:Swimming A designated swimming are in the lake provides visitors with a safe place to enjoy the water. Floats define the swimming area.
- 295:Fishing Shawnigan Lake is stocked with trout and is a popular destination for anglers. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 295:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 295:Waterskiing Shawnigan Lake is a popular waterskiing location however the area within West Shawnigan Lake Park is not accessible to water-skiers. Boaters can launch their boats at facilities on Clearihue Road (turnoff beside Firehall #2) in the community of Shawnigan Lake.
- 295:Windsurfing Shawnigan Lake is a popular windsurfing location however the area within West Shawnigan Lake Park is not accessible to windsurfers.
Facilities
- 295:Picnic areas This park has a day-use and picnic area on the sandy northwest shores of Shawnigan Lake. Facilities included picnic tables, pit toilets, a grassy area and a change house.
- 295:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are located near the parking lot and at the beach day-use area.
Location
48.64060, -123.65132 · Cowichan