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West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park is a peaceful area with attractive outdoor activities that can absorb everyone. The park features a Douglas fir forest and a delightful beach accessing the northwest shores of gorgeous Shawnigan Lake. The ambiance is fantastic for family and friends.
The lake offers opportunities for watersports, including swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. Salamanders, Turtles, frogs, garter snakes, and birds found this park an outstanding riparian habitat. Geese, Loons, and other waterfowl can be seen near the shore while they're feeding.


West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park Location

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park has about 9.7 hectares (24 acres) area. It is located northwest of Victoria on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Shawnigan Lake, which is on the east side of the park, is generous for recreational fishing. Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass all live in the lake.
The historical landmark of Kinsol Trestle is an incredible site about 6 km (3.7 miles) to the northwest of Shawnigan Lake. Enjoy having a picnic below the bridge.
Old Baldy Mountain at the east side of the lake may attract your attention, and it offers an excellent view. There are several parks near West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park. Some of them include Memory Island Provincial Park, Elsie Miles Park/Dougan Park, Masons Beach Park, Koksilah River Provincial Park, William Rivers Park, Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park, Shawnigan Wharf Park, Old Mill Park, Gibsons Park, Galland Road Park, Spectacle Lake Provincial Park, and Deloume Park. You can also enjoy the Shawnigan Lake Museum.


How to Get to West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park by Car

From Nanaimo:
Nanaimo's fastest route is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 75.4 km (46.8 miles) and takes about an hour to get to West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. After 550 m (1804 ft), turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. Drive 60.9 km (37.8 miles). Continue 13.9 km (8.6 miles) on Cobble Hill Rd to your destination in Cowichan Valley B.

From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and Shawnigan Lake Rd. It is 41.5 km (25.7 miles) and takes about 38 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 27.7 km (17.2 miles) and follow Shawnigan Lake Rd for 12.6 km (7.8 miles) to your destination in Cowichan Valley B.


The Hike to Get to West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

Shawnigan Lake to Koksilah River is an out and back easy trail near Cowichan Valley Regional. It has a 13.4 km (8.2 miles) length and 143 m (469.1 ft) of elevation gain. The trail features a river and forest and is accessible all around the year. It is mostly used for nature trips, hiking, walking, running, backpacking, and biking. Dogs are allowed to use the path but must be kept on a leash.


History of West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park was established on February 23, 1979. Shaanii'us is an aboriginal name of the Shawnigan Lake in the Hunquminum language.
Shawnigan Lake was wilderness before constructing a railway line between Esquimalt and Nanaimo. Since then, the new influx of supplies and visitors grew Shawnigan Lake quickly. By 1900 tourism was one of the leading industries in Shawnigan Lake.


Things to do around the West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park Area

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park features a Douglas fir forest and a pleasant beach of gorgeous Shawnigan Lake. The lake is ideal for water sports, including swimming, fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and kayaking. Based on the BC Act, West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park is one of the protected areas on Vancouver Island, where you are not allowed to hunt.

The Best Parks Near West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

Willows Park

Willows Park

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

Cowichan River Provincial Park

Cowichan River Provincial Park

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park

Memory Island Provincial Park

Memory Island Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park Activities

Wildlife viewing, Bird watching

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park is a spectacular area beside Shawnigan Lake.
Geese, Loons and other waterfowl can be seen near Shawnigan Lake's shore while they're feeding.

Swimming

Due to more safety and pleasure for visitors, there are designated swimming areas. Floats define the swimming area. Be careful; there is no lifeguard on duty at the provincial park.

Cycling, Mountain Biking

Visitors can go cycling along the Cowichan Valley Trail.
Remember that bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

Shawnigan Lake is a popular destination for anglers. The lake is full of trout. Remember that all anglers should have an appropriate licence in British Columbia.

Hiking

Visitors can go hiking along the Cowichan Valley Trail.

Canoeing, Kayaking

Peaceful Shawnigan Lake offers an excellent opportunity for canoeing or kayaking.
Bouts can be launch from the beach at the day-use area or other public locations along Shawnigan Lake.

Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake is a popular waterskiing location.

Windsurfing

Shawnigan Lake is a famous windsurfing location.

What you Can Expect to Do Near West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

Saxe Point Park Storm Watching

Saxe Point Park Storm Watching

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

Ladysmith Kayaking

Ladysmith Kayaking

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Boeing 737 Jet Plane Diving

Boeing 737 Jet Plane Diving

Alcala Point in Porlier Pass Diving

Alcala Point in Porlier Pass Diving

Octopus Point Diving

Octopus Point Diving

Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site

Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Willows Beach Kiteboarding

Willows Beach Kiteboarding

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park Windsurfing

Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park Windsurfing

Esquimalt Lagoon Windsurfing

Esquimalt Lagoon Windsurfing

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park Outline

Specifications

Climate

Timing

Trails


1- The numbers are estimated on average.

What you Can Expect to See Near West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

Spiral Beach

Spiral Beach

McNeil Bay

McNeil Bay

Duncan

Duncan

Lake Cowichan

Lake Cowichan

Langford

Langford

Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Ladysmith

Ladysmith

Sooke

Sooke

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum

Miniature World

Miniature World

Willows Beach

Willows Beach

Gallery Merrick

Gallery Merrick

Florence Lake Cave

Florence Lake Cave

Planning for West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing




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