Koksilah River, Shawnigan Lake, BC
Cruising Koksilah River near Shawnigan BC September 2017
Dirtbiking at Koksilah River Provincial Park
This park located west of Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island.
Kinsol Trestle Shawnigan Lake
Today we walked 7km in the Koksilah/Shawnigan Lake watershed area. Firstly, we drove to the Kinsol Trestle, Renfrew Road trailhead on the Trans Canada Trail. After completing the 21-minute hike to the trestle, we ate our picnic lunch and enjoyed the view. A workcrew was clearing brush and trees on the other side of the Koksilah River. No work has started on restoring the trestle.
We then drove farther west on Renfrew Road to the Burnt Bridge at Koksilah Provincial Park. We walked southward on an abandoned logging road looking for any traces of the original Shawnigan Lake Lumber Company's (SLLC) railways; specifically, the line which ran from Shawnigan Lake to the Burnt Bridge. We had a good walk but didn't find any railway beds. It was SLLC who built the bridge crossing the Koksilah at this point ca.1900
We left Koksilah Provincial Park (Burnt Bridge) and drove to Recreation Road (off East Shawnigan Lake Rd.) and visited the Old Mill community Park for the first time. This is the site of the SLLC sawmill. Remnants of the docking facility can still be seen in the form of pilings protruding from the waters of Shawnigan Lake. The park also has a nice beach for bathing in warmer weather. We will spend more time here in the future exploring the extensive trail system throughout this CVRD park.
Reference Cited:
Griffin, Robert Brian. 1979. The Shawnigan Lake Lumber Company, 1889 - 1943. M.A. Thesis, Department of History, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. vi + 164 p. UVic: HD9764 C34 S47 Spec. Coll.
See also: Ian Baird and Peter Smith's Ghosts on the Grade-Hiking and Biking Abandoned Railways on Southern Vancouver Island Empire Books 2001 ISBN: 0-9689578-0-3 pp.34-35
Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park.Victoria,bc (4k)
Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan on the Trans Canada Trail
Two day backpacking trip between Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan.
Chemainus River Adventure
Snapshot Video of our Chemainus River Trip
Attractions around Cowichan Valley - Dragonfly Dock Bed and Breakfast, Shawnigan Lake, BC
A Day on the Lake
There is nothing quite like a day on the lake. Sit on the dock with a book, or take the canoe or paddleboat to start your day. In the summer, enjoy hours of swimming, or perhaps you would rather just enjoy the view and a game of checkers with an ice cold drink......
Nearby Attractions
Several provincial parks are within close proximity. West Shawnignan Lake Provincial Park is about 3 kms away featuring towering Douglas fir trees and a broad sandy beach. Koksilah Provincial Park and Bright Angel Park are must sees with natural rocks and rushing water leading to the Kinsol Trestle. Perhaps Butchart Gardens
Koksilah River Crossing
Why I should buy a lighter bike and not ride by my self.
Winter - Shawnigan Lake - 4K
Trip out to Chemainus River - Jan 27, 2014
On Sunday I got the morning still to get in a quick ride and shoot with my son on what is called Hillcrest Main in behind Duncan, BC. This logging road works its way out into the Chemainus River valley. Got some good father and son time in, before leaving to back to work in camp, on Sunday afternoon. Brought one of the cheaper guns I own, a Savage Stevens 320 12 x 3 shotgun.
Koksilah Canyon, Vancouver Island, Canada @ 45cms
The Canyon section of the Koksilah river at medium flows. With Paddlers Oli Standen, Beth Morgan, and Michelle Fortier.
koksilah; final cut
Better version of my first. Not my best, footage was lost.
Shawnigan Lake Dirk Biking - December 7
Sweet crash around 36 minute mark
Chemainus River - Forestry Pools
A wheeling trip lead us to this over flowing river. We stopped for some coffee and check it out
Don't Try This At Home
Swimming at the Reverse Falls at the Gorge in Victoria, BC, Canada on March 17, 2013. Not the best idea...
Shawnigan lake's forest.Victoria,bc Vancouver island
The loop of southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia with Butterfly
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Saxe Point Park,
Gorge Road Walkway,
Esquimalt Lagoon,
Whitty's Lagoon,
East Sooke Park,
Whiffin Spit,
Shirley,
San Juan River,
Fairy Lake,
Harris Canyon,
Cowichan River,
Cowichan Bay,
Kingzett Lake,
Shawnigan Lake,
Kinsol Trestle,
Koksilah River Provincial Park
Info from
google maps
Witty's Lagoon Regional Park, map at park site
Foggy Mountain Forge
Historic Kinsol Trestle, map at park site