Shawnigan Lake
Lake life, forest trails and a village that still feels like a village.
Welcome to Shawnigan Lake
Shawnigan Lake is where I live and work, and it's easy to see why people fall for it. A long, clear lake ringed by forest, a walkable village at the north end, and Victoria close enough for the daily commute.
It's a place where neighbours wave from their docks, kids grow up swimming and paddling, and summer evenings end on the water. Whether you're after a lakefront home, a few acres in the trees or a family home near the village, I'd love to help you find your spot here.
Living in Shawnigan Lake
Shawnigan Lake Village is the heart of the community, with cafés, local shops, restaurants and services within a short walk of each other. My own office is right in the Village, at 105-1760 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road.
Outside the Village, homes spread out along the shoreline and up into the hills. You'll find everything from year-round lakefront homes and older cottages to newer family homes, acreages and rural lots.
Shawnigan Lake feels tucked away, but it's closer to everything than people expect. From the Village, it's roughly:
- 10 minutes to Mill Bay Plaza
- 30 minutes to Duncan
- 30 minutes to Langford
- 45 minutes to downtown Victoria
Schools
Families have good choices close to home, both public and independent.
- Discovery Elementary (public, Kindergarten to Grade 7), on McKean Road at the north end of the lake
- Frances Kelsey Secondary (public, Grades 8 to 12), just down the road in Mill Bay
- Shawnigan Lake School (independent boarding and day school, Grades 8 to 12), on Renfrew Road
- St. John's Academy Shawnigan (independent, Grades 4 to 12), on Shawnigan Lake Road
School catchments can change, so I'm always happy to help you check with School District 79 before you buy.
Getting outdoors
The lake is the main event. Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating and fishing fill the warmer months, and there are plenty of public spots to get on the water:
- West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park: a day-use park on the west shore for swimming, picnics and launching a canoe or kayak
- Masons Beach: a sandy swimming beach at the north end of the lake, a short walk from the Village
- Old Mill Park: a waterfront park with a long industrial history, popular with families
- Shawnigan Wharf Park: a sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area, a public wharf and one of the lake's two public boat launches
- Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park: up on the plateau on the north side of the lake, with a running track, a sports field, a playground and a sports court for basketball and road hockey
On land, the Cowichan Valley Trail runs right past the community and crosses the Kinsol Trestle, a beautifully restored timber rail trestle. It's a favourite for walking, cycling and dog walks, and our two rescue dogs would agree.
Community
Shawnigan Lake has a strong local spirit. You'll find community events through the year, the Shawnigan Lake Museum, and plenty of volunteer groups that keep the place running.
I'm proud to be part of it. A portion of every sale I make goes to Raincoast Dog Rescue Society, and I sponsor the Kerry Park Islanders junior hockey team and the Cobble Hill Farmers Institute.
Homes and real estate in Shawnigan Lake
Buying around the lake comes with its own questions, and I'm happy to walk you through them. Lakefront and rural properties often involve things like wells, septic systems, docks, waterfront access and steep or treed lots.
With my construction background, I know what to look for in a home's bones and what's worth a closer look before you commit. And as a past homeowner, landlord, investor and tenant myself, I understand the market from every side.
If you're selling, I know what buyers here are looking for and how to show your home at its best. Lakefront property on Shawnigan Lake is one of my specialties.
Why work with Ry
- I live and work in Shawnigan Lake, so I know the neighbourhoods, the roads and the lake.
- #1 Top-Producing Cowichan Valley-based REALTOR® at Pemberton Holmes for 2025.
- Clients tell me they value that I'm responsive, honest and patient, and that I never rush them.
Let's talk
Thinking about buying or selling in Shawnigan Lake? Call or text me at 778-678-7403, email ryinnes.realtor@outlook.com, or drop by the office in Shawnigan Lake Village. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Thursday, or any time by appointment.
Experience Real Estate the way it should be.