In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

West Shawnigan Lake Provincial ParkPhotoGallery

This small day-use park provides 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. A boat launch is available in the community of Shawnigan Lake, not far from the park.

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 and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. West Shawnigan Lake Provincial 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 15 km 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.

Nature and Culture

  • Wildlife: This park protects an important riparian habitat for various frogs, salamanders, turtles, garter snakes and birds. Columbian black-tailed deer access the lakeshore here. Loons, geese and other waterfowl feed near the shore, while birds of prey use the forest to roost.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

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.
Fishing

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. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/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.
Swimming

Swimming

A designated swimming are in the lake provides visitors with a safe place to enjoy the water. Floats define the swimming area. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing

Waterskiing

Shawnigan Lake is a popular waterskiing location however the area within West Shawnigan Lake Provincial 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.
Windsurfing

Windsurfing

Shawnigan Lake is a popular windsurfing location however the area within West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park is not accessible to windsurfers.

Facilities Available at this Park

Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area on the sandy northwest shores of Shawnigan Lake. Facilities included picnic tables, pit toilets, a grassy area and a change house.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit toilets are located near the parking lot and at the beach day-use area.