Fern & Forest Guidebook
Sightseeing
Get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery local to us. Great hiking trails for all levels. Mountain biking and horses are not uncommon in this area. Many different trails to choose from easy walking trails to more challenging hiking trails.
46 locals recommend
Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area
Get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery local to us. Great hiking trails for all levels. Mountain biking and horses are not uncommon in this area. Many different trails to choose from easy walking trails to more challenging hiking trails.
A great hike that we do often as it is 5 mins drive from the guest suite. Try this 2.4-km out-and-back trail which can be found off Strathcona Heights Rd. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.
When you reach the top you are rewarded with a beautiful 360 degree view of the area.
20 locals recommend
Old Baldy Mtn
2329 Strathcona Heights RdA great hike that we do often as it is 5 mins drive from the guest suite. Try this 2.4-km out-and-back trail which can be found off Strathcona Heights Rd. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.
When you reach the top you are rewarded with a beautiful 360 degree view of the area.
The Historic Kinsol Trestle is open to the public for cyclists, hikers and equestrians to experience the full Cowichan Valley Trail in the Cowichan Region. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. The Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 187 metres in length and standing 44 metres above the salmon bearing Koksilah River, the Kinsol is an incredible structure.
168 locals recommend
Kinsol Trestle
2869 Glen Eagles RdThe Historic Kinsol Trestle is open to the public for cyclists, hikers and equestrians to experience the full Cowichan Valley Trail in the Cowichan Region. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. The Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 187 metres in length and standing 44 metres above the salmon bearing Koksilah River, the Kinsol is an incredible structure.
Koksilah River Provincial Park is located 7 km west of Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island. This undeveloped 210-hectare park in the Vancouver Island Forest Reserve offers good hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking while you spend the day picnicking in the scenic surroundings of the Koksilah River and Canyon.
15 locals recommend
Koksilah River Provincial Park
Koksilah River Provincial Park is located 7 km west of Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island. This undeveloped 210-hectare park in the Vancouver Island Forest Reserve offers good hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking while you spend the day picnicking in the scenic surroundings of the Koksilah River and Canyon.
Malahat SkyWalk is an accessible 600 m TreeWalk through a beautiful arbutus forest leading to a spectacular gentle spiral ramp that takes you up 32m to a sightseeing lookout offering views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the distant Coast Mountains.
108 locals recommend
Malahat SkyWalk
901 Trans-Canada HwyMalahat SkyWalk is an accessible 600 m TreeWalk through a beautiful arbutus forest leading to a spectacular gentle spiral ramp that takes you up 32m to a sightseeing lookout offering views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the distant Coast Mountains.
Wonderful park with lots of beach front. On the westside of the lake, has sun till about 4pm. Approximately 15 min drive from the guest suite.
27 locals recommend
West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
West Shawnigan Lake RoadWonderful park with lots of beach front. On the westside of the lake, has sun till about 4pm. Approximately 15 min drive from the guest suite.
Food scene
A quick 10 min drive takes you to this lovely winery and restaurant where you can enjoy amazing food and sample some wonderful wines. Reservations are recommended and can be done online.
111 locals recommend
Unsworth Vineyards
2915 Cameron Taggart RdA quick 10 min drive takes you to this lovely winery and restaurant where you can enjoy amazing food and sample some wonderful wines. Reservations are recommended and can be done online.
Our farm is home to our Cidery, Distillery, Eatery, and Tasting Bar. Come visit us for a tasting, dinner or a stroll around the farm.
105 locals recommend
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale RdOur farm is home to our Cidery, Distillery, Eatery, and Tasting Bar. Come visit us for a tasting, dinner or a stroll around the farm.
Nestled in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, you'll find this picturesque 50-acre Estate Winery. The amazing micro-climate allows us to grow 8 different varietals, ranging from fruity whites to full-bodied reds that are unique to Vancouver Island. Enrico wines are winning medals across Canada and the United States including the first prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in B.C. Wines awarded on Vancouver Island.
54 locals recommend
Enrico Winery
3280 Telegraph RdNestled in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, you'll find this picturesque 50-acre Estate Winery. The amazing micro-climate allows us to grow 8 different varietals, ranging from fruity whites to full-bodied reds that are unique to Vancouver Island. Enrico wines are winning medals across Canada and the United States including the first prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in B.C. Wines awarded on Vancouver Island.
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
2460 Renfrew RdLovely lake view and wonderful food.
Pizzeria Prima Strada
14-1400 Cowichan Bay RdWonderful wood fire pizzeria
Authentic, tasty Thai cuisine. Dine-in or Take out. Located 7 min from the guest suite in Shawnigan Lake Village area.
19 locals recommend
Montra Thai Eatery
1845 Renfrew RdAuthentic, tasty Thai cuisine. Dine-in or Take out. Located 7 min from the guest suite in Shawnigan Lake Village area.
Sushi & Teriyaki right in the heart of Shawnigan Lake Village. 7 min from the suite
20 locals recommend
Shawnigan Jen
2750 Shawnigan Lake RdSushi & Teriyaki right in the heart of Shawnigan Lake Village. 7 min from the suite
Wonderful bakery with fresh bread, soup and sandwiches, desserts and other baked goods made daily.
15 locals recommend
Omas Bakery
Wonderful bakery with fresh bread, soup and sandwiches, desserts and other baked goods made daily.
Need a nice cup of coffee or something sweet, you will find what you need at the Shawnigan House coffee. House made chocolates are sure to be a favorite! Only 7 mins away in the village.
36 locals recommend
Shawnigan House coffee and chocolate
1761 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay RdNeed a nice cup of coffee or something sweet, you will find what you need at the Shawnigan House coffee. House made chocolates are sure to be a favorite! Only 7 mins away in the village.
Small little restaurant with a view of Shawnigan Lake and the marina. Only 8 mins from the guest suite.
merridale at the lake
2346 Shawnigan Lake RoadSmall little restaurant with a view of Shawnigan Lake and the marina. Only 8 mins from the guest suite.
Compass Mexican Bistro
2750 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay RdGreat little Mexican restaurant in Shawnigan Lake village
The Mill Pizza & Grill
260-2720 Mill Bay RoadPub style menu & Pizza. Dine in, Delivery, or Take out.