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.
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.
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.
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.
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.