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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.