South Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Special notes
- Camping and campfires are not allowed in this park.
- Horseback riding is not permitted along park trails. However, there are horseback riding opportunities adjacent to the park.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Koksilah River Park is located 7km west of Shawnigan Lake, on Southern Vancouver Island. Turn west off Hwy #1 at Shawnigan/Mill Bay Road in Mill Bay. Follow the road to Shawnigan Lake, then turn right onto Shawnigan Lake Road. Renfrew Road, a logging road, provides access to the park. Nearby communities include Shawnigan Lake, Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay and Duncan.
Things to do
Koksilah River Park has no developed trails, however there are a number of good existing routes that lead to the river and throughout the forest and park.
There is no designated swimming area at this park.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Fishing is permitted in the Koksilah River as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Koksilah River Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Park operator | This park is operated by K2 Cowichan Park Services Ltd. |
|---|---|
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
