Memory Island Park

Highlights in this park

This small, day-use only park provides quiet nature viewing and picnicking on one of the only protected park islands found in a major destination lake. Located on Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island, this park is one of the smallest parks in British Columbia.

This tiny island provides sanctuary and habitat for a variety of small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, plants and fungi. Memory Island is accessible by boat, canoe or kayak from various points on Shawnigan Lake, including West Shawnigan Lake Park.

This park is cooperatively managed by the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Services and facilities may differ from those offered in other BC Parks.

Know before you go

Advisories

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

Location Map

Getting there

Memory Island Park is located on Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island. The park can be reached from various points on Shawnigan Lake, including West Shawnigan Lake Park. To reach this park turn west off Hwy 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

Things to do

Hiking

There are no developed trails at this park.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park.

Fishing

Shawnigan Lake, which surrounds Memory Island, is stocked with trout and is a popular destination for anglers.

Lake fishing is permitted 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 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.

Facilities

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.

About this park

Conservation

Because of Memory Island’s isolation from the mainland, the park protects nesting waterfowl during the spring. Resident breeding birds include Common mergansers, Belted kingfishers and Common snipe. This tiny island also provides sanctuary and habitat for a variety of small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, plants and fungi.

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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