Gabriele’s guidebook

Gabriele
Gabriele’s guidebook

Sightseeing

This sandy beach is a five-minute walk to the east from the B&B. This beach is popular with families.
16 locals recommend
Mason's Beach Park
Renfrew Road
16 locals recommend
This sandy beach is a five-minute walk to the east from the B&B. This beach is popular with families.
A popular sandy beach and wharf for diving into the lake. A 20-minute walk to the east from the B&B, in the village.
9 locals recommend
Shawnigan Wharf Park
Thrush Road
9 locals recommend
A popular sandy beach and wharf for diving into the lake. A 20-minute walk to the east from the B&B, in the village.
This restored wooden trestle is apparently the largest of its kind in Canada. Once used for the railway, it is now part of the Trans-Canada Trail and is a 20-minute walk from the trestle parking lot. It provides a spectacular crossing of the Koksilah River. A 10-minute drive to the west from the B&B.
168 locals recommend
Kinsol Trestle
2869 Glen Eagles Rd
168 locals recommend
This restored wooden trestle is apparently the largest of its kind in Canada. Once used for the railway, it is now part of the Trans-Canada Trail and is a 20-minute walk from the trestle parking lot. It provides a spectacular crossing of the Koksilah River. A 10-minute drive to the west from the B&B.
This small park is 5km to the west of Kinsol Trestle. The last section of the road to the park is a well-maintained wide gravel and dirt road. The best features of this place are the peace and the cool shade of the trees. The water is cold but some people enjoy swimming in the river. There is a trail on the north side of the river to Kinsol Trestle.
15 locals recommend
Koksilah River Provincial Park
15 locals recommend
This small park is 5km to the west of Kinsol Trestle. The last section of the road to the park is a well-maintained wide gravel and dirt road. The best features of this place are the peace and the cool shade of the trees. The water is cold but some people enjoy swimming in the river. There is a trail on the north side of the river to Kinsol Trestle.
This is a small but beautiful and peaceful park set on the lake. There are large trees, a large field of grass and a place to swim. The beach is narrow and not sandy. A 10-minute drive to the west from the B&B.
27 locals recommend
West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
West Shawnigan Lake Road
27 locals recommend
This is a small but beautiful and peaceful park set on the lake. There are large trees, a large field of grass and a place to swim. The beach is narrow and not sandy. A 10-minute drive to the west from the B&B.
Spectacular views of Shawnigan Lake can be seen from this summit on the east side of the lake. A 10-minute drive to the south from the B&B. The apparent (poorly-named) trail entrance is on the East Shawnigan Lake Road across from the entrance to Radway Road, but it does not go to the summit of the mountain; it is a 1km long trail that ends at Baldy Mountain Road. The real trail that goes to the summit is found part way up the mountain near the end of Strathcona Heights Road, with a yellow steel gate at the entrance; this is a gravel access road which is used to maintain the communications tower near the summit.
20 locals recommend
Old Baldy Mtn
2329 Strathcona Heights Rd
20 locals recommend
Spectacular views of Shawnigan Lake can be seen from this summit on the east side of the lake. A 10-minute drive to the south from the B&B. The apparent (poorly-named) trail entrance is on the East Shawnigan Lake Road across from the entrance to Radway Road, but it does not go to the summit of the mountain; it is a 1km long trail that ends at Baldy Mountain Road. The real trail that goes to the summit is found part way up the mountain near the end of Strathcona Heights Road, with a yellow steel gate at the entrance; this is a gravel access road which is used to maintain the communications tower near the summit.
This is a spectacularly beautiful beach setting, especially during low tide. The park is very peaceful with a great view of the southwest end of Saltspring Island. The parking lot is small so the best time to visit is early in the morning. A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
Cherry Point Nature Park
Garnett Road
This is a spectacularly beautiful beach setting, especially during low tide. The park is very peaceful with a great view of the southwest end of Saltspring Island. The parking lot is small so the best time to visit is early in the morning. A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
This is a small and very peaceful park with great natural energy and offering great shade from the sun. Granfield Way has trees on the south side with a spectacular view of the ocean and Saltspring Island on the north side. Manley Creek Park has picnic tables, beach access and lots of trees, and is entered through Granfield Way. Granfield Way passes through a fairly large and private nature conservation area. The easiest entrance to Granfield Way is near the end of Aros Road. This is a great place to cool down and relax on a hot summer day! A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B, close to Cherry Point.
Manley Creek Park
Ratcliffe Road
This is a small and very peaceful park with great natural energy and offering great shade from the sun. Granfield Way has trees on the south side with a spectacular view of the ocean and Saltspring Island on the north side. Manley Creek Park has picnic tables, beach access and lots of trees, and is entered through Granfield Way. Granfield Way passes through a fairly large and private nature conservation area. The easiest entrance to Granfield Way is near the end of Aros Road. This is a great place to cool down and relax on a hot summer day! A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B, close to Cherry Point.
The Malahat Drive is a mountain highway between Victoria west and Mill Bay. It offers spectacular views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Inlet, Patricia Bay, Saanich Peninsula and the greater region. There are two lookouts on the east side of the Malahat drive going north. Each offers unique views. A 20-minute drive to the south from the B&B.
7 locals recommend
Malahat Lookout
812 Island Hwy
7 locals recommend
The Malahat Drive is a mountain highway between Victoria west and Mill Bay. It offers spectacular views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Inlet, Patricia Bay, Saanich Peninsula and the greater region. There are two lookouts on the east side of the Malahat drive going north. Each offers unique views. A 20-minute drive to the south from the B&B.
This is a small lake high up on the west side of the Malahat drive. The 2km trail is easy and the forest and lake are beautiful, especially on a sunny summer morning. This place makes absorbing the peace and healing energy of nature very accessible, without having to trek a long way. A hidden gem only 20 minutes to the south of the B&B.
8 locals recommend
Spectacle Lake Provincial Park
8 locals recommend
This is a small lake high up on the west side of the Malahat drive. The 2km trail is easy and the forest and lake are beautiful, especially on a sunny summer morning. This place makes absorbing the peace and healing energy of nature very accessible, without having to trek a long way. A hidden gem only 20 minutes to the south of the B&B.
The trails on the east side of the mountain are wide and well-kept. Very good viewpoints are found on the east and west sides of the summit. Good for a day hike. A 10-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
46 locals recommend
Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area
46 locals recommend
The trails on the east side of the mountain are wide and well-kept. Very good viewpoints are found on the east and west sides of the summit. Good for a day hike. A 10-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
This is a former rock quarry and is a popular swimming spot near Thain Road, with unusually clear water. For the adventurous! This private property and should not be confused with Quarry Nature Park, also located in the Cobble Hill area. Use at your own risk. A 10-minute drive to the north of the B&B.
Kingzett Lake
This is a former rock quarry and is a popular swimming spot near Thain Road, with unusually clear water. For the adventurous! This private property and should not be confused with Quarry Nature Park, also located in the Cobble Hill area. Use at your own risk. A 10-minute drive to the north of the B&B.
This is a very peaceful and not-so-frequented park hidden away in Cowichan Valley between Shawnigan Lake and Duncan, off of Koksilah Road. It is a great place to enjoy on a sunny day on the way to Alderlea Farm Café. A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
30 locals recommend
Bright Angel Park
4528 Tigwell Rd
30 locals recommend
This is a very peaceful and not-so-frequented park hidden away in Cowichan Valley between Shawnigan Lake and Duncan, off of Koksilah Road. It is a great place to enjoy on a sunny day on the way to Alderlea Farm Café. A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
The giant trees at Maple Grove Park are beautiful and unusual. There is a flat and enjoyable walk going clockwise around the dike at the estuary starting at the park. The trail is incomplete; the rest of the walk is along the edge of a farm field. A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
Maple Grove Park
Cowichan Bay Road
The giant trees at Maple Grove Park are beautiful and unusual. There is a flat and enjoyable walk going clockwise around the dike at the estuary starting at the park. The trail is incomplete; the rest of the walk is along the edge of a farm field. A 20-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
This park is located west across a channel from Saltspring Island and has spectacular views looking south. Located in the Maple Bay area. The picture in the heading of this page is a view from Stoney Hill. The hike can be longer than expected but the views are worth the effort! A 30-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
37 locals recommend
Stoney Hill Regional Park
37 locals recommend
This park is located west across a channel from Saltspring Island and has spectacular views looking south. Located in the Maple Bay area. The picture in the heading of this page is a view from Stoney Hill. The hike can be longer than expected but the views are worth the effort! A 30-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
This is a very popular, well-maintained and attractive park designed for swimming on the beautiful Cowichan Lake, about a 1-hour drive northwest from the B&B. There is a sandy beach, a well-designed wharf for swimming with a slide and lifeguards on duty. The lake environment with surrounding mountains is uniquely peaceful and expansive, especially during weekday mornings when there are fewer visitors.
12 locals recommend
Arbutus Park
Alder Crescent
12 locals recommend
This is a very popular, well-maintained and attractive park designed for swimming on the beautiful Cowichan Lake, about a 1-hour drive northwest from the B&B. There is a sandy beach, a well-designed wharf for swimming with a slide and lifeguards on duty. The lake environment with surrounding mountains is uniquely peaceful and expansive, especially during weekday mornings when there are fewer visitors.
A very popular tourist destination, with many stores and restaurants on the bay. A 15-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
109 locals recommend
Cowichan Bay
109 locals recommend
A very popular tourist destination, with many stores and restaurants on the bay. A 15-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
"The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a 100-acre, open air museum with an operational railway in Duncan, British Columbia. The Centre features forest and marsh trails with excellent bird watching opportunities. The story of BC's forest industry is shared through exhibits, heritage buildings, and logging artifacts. Special events are offered throughout the year that include family activities and workshops for adults and seniors." A 25-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
50 locals recommend
B.C. Forest Discovery Centre
2892 Drinkwater Rd
50 locals recommend
"The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a 100-acre, open air museum with an operational railway in Duncan, British Columbia. The Centre features forest and marsh trails with excellent bird watching opportunities. The story of BC's forest industry is shared through exhibits, heritage buildings, and logging artifacts. Special events are offered throughout the year that include family activities and workshops for adults and seniors." A 25-minute drive to the north from the B&B.
This park is a peaceful place to visit, located just to the south of Mill Bay. The park has good facilities and is popular with families. A 15-minute drive from the B&B.
21 locals recommend
Bamberton Provincial Park
Bamberton Road
21 locals recommend
This park is a peaceful place to visit, located just to the south of Mill Bay. The park has good facilities and is popular with families. A 15-minute drive from the B&B.
This is one of the most secluded and less frequented of the parks. The highlights of the park are deep healing peace and an excellent trail leading down to one of the best swimming places we have seen, on Koksilah River. This section of the river is like a deep and wide pond with calm and clear water. Located at the end of Gray Lane, which is almost at the end of Kingburne Drive in Cobble Hill. A 15-minute drive to the north of the B&B.
Kingburne Park
2386 Gray Ln
This is one of the most secluded and less frequented of the parks. The highlights of the park are deep healing peace and an excellent trail leading down to one of the best swimming places we have seen, on Koksilah River. This section of the river is like a deep and wide pond with calm and clear water. Located at the end of Gray Lane, which is almost at the end of Kingburne Drive in Cobble Hill. A 15-minute drive to the north of the B&B.

Food scene

845 Renfrew Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-7400 A five-minute walk from the B&B at the intersection of Renfrew Road and Shawnigan Lake Road.
19 locals recommend
Montra Thai Eatery
1845 Renfrew Rd
19 locals recommend
845 Renfrew Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-7400 A five-minute walk from the B&B at the intersection of Renfrew Road and Shawnigan Lake Road.
1770 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 929-4940 Healthy and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere!
11 locals recommend
Compass Mexican Bistro
2750 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd
11 locals recommend
1770 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 929-4940 Healthy and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere!
2740 Dundas Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (778) 356-0100 Very friendly staff and good food.
10 locals recommend
Hosuka Japanese restaurant
2740 Dundas Rd
10 locals recommend
2740 Dundas Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (778) 356-0100 Very friendly staff and good food.
2740 Dundas Rd Shawnigan Lake, (250) 929-8886 Affordable and fun food. Playfully decorated.
11 locals recommend
Village Chippery
2740 Dundas Rd
11 locals recommend
2740 Dundas Rd Shawnigan Lake, (250) 929-8886 Affordable and fun food. Playfully decorated.
2750 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-1110
20 locals recommend
Sarpino's Pizzeria
7143 W Saanich Rd
20 locals recommend
2750 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-1110
1761 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 929-3663
15 locals recommend
Omas Bakery
15 locals recommend
1761 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 929-3663
1761 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 733-2245
36 locals recommend
Shawnigan House coffee and chocolate
1761 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd
36 locals recommend
1761 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 733-2245
2750 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-1669 Sushi and Teriyaki Take-out.
20 locals recommend
Shawnigan Jen
2750 Shawnigan Lake Rd
20 locals recommend
2750 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-1669 Sushi and Teriyaki Take-out.
1770 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-3788
38 locals recommend
Subway
1770 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd
38 locals recommend
1770 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd, Shawnigan Lake, (250) 743-3788
740 Handy Road, Mill Bay, (778) 356-3568 Enjoy a meal on the pier at Mill Bay Marina.
74 locals recommend
Bridgemans Bistro
740 Handy Rd
74 locals recommend
740 Handy Road, Mill Bay, (778) 356-3568 Enjoy a meal on the pier at Mill Bay Marina.
260-2720 Mill Bay Rd (Mill Bay Centre), Mill Bay, (250) 743-8882 This is an excellent family-friendly restaurant serving "home-cooked" meals.
9 locals recommend
The Mill Pizza & Grill
260-2720 Mill Bay Road
9 locals recommend
260-2720 Mill Bay Rd (Mill Bay Centre), Mill Bay, (250) 743-8882 This is an excellent family-friendly restaurant serving "home-cooked" meals.
1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, 1 (800) 998-9908 A fairly casual-style eatery in a beautiful location with farm-fresh local ingredients. Enjoy live music with your meal on Sundays and Pizza Nights on Sundays in the summer. Merridale was the first certified craft distillery in B.C.
105 locals recommend
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale Rd
105 locals recommend
1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, 1 (800) 998-9908 A fairly casual-style eatery in a beautiful location with farm-fresh local ingredients. Enjoy live music with your meal on Sundays and Pizza Nights on Sundays in the summer. Merridale was the first certified craft distillery in B.C.
14-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd (Valleyview Centre), Cobble Hill, (250) 929-4655 Delicious thin-crust pizza in the European style made in a wood-fired oven.
40 locals recommend
Pizzeria Prima Strada
14-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd
40 locals recommend
14-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd (Valleyview Centre), Cobble Hill, (250) 929-4655 Delicious thin-crust pizza in the European style made in a wood-fired oven.
3390 Glenora Road, Duncan, (250) 597-3438 Locally-crafted delicious food in a relaxed country atmosphere. Closed in winter months.
20 locals recommend
Alderlea Farm and Cafe
3390 Glenora Rd
20 locals recommend
3390 Glenora Road, Duncan, (250) 597-3438 Locally-crafted delicious food in a relaxed country atmosphere. Closed in winter months.