Vacation rentals in Shawnigan Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Shawnigan Lake

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favourite
Earth homes in Mayne Island
Cob Cottage
Channel the pursuit of pause in this one-of-a-kind earth house. The cozy retreat was hand-sculpted using local and sustainable natural materials, and features a central living space with cantilevered slab stairs leading to the loft bedroom. Guests have access to the entire cottage and surrounding property. We live in the neighbouring house, and are happy to give advice or answer questions to help you make the most of your stay. The neighborhood is quite rural and mostly agricultural with several farms and a small private vineyard. The home is a 10 minute walk from the beach and a 20 minute walk from a family grocery and deli specializing in local organic produce. Mayne Island has a small community bus. Times and routes are limited, particularly in the winter. It will stop at the driveway. We also have an official hitch hiking system with signed Car Stops where you can wait for a ride. Usually you don't have to wait long. We are happy to offer pickup and drop off at the ferry dock as a courtesy to encourage car-free travellers, on days when the community bus is not running. Please let us know ahead of time that you'll be coming without your own transportation, and we will make sure that either we or the community bus (which will drop you off at our driveway) are there to meet you when your ferry arrives. The BC Ferries terminals near Victoria and Vancouver are easily reachable via public transit from their respective airports and downtowns.
Jan. 26 – 31
$274 CAD per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 801 reviews
Guest favourite
Tiny homes in Shawnigan Lake
The Cabin in the Woods
Our off-grid cabin is located on a beautiful 40 acre property with river frontage for ultimate privacy. No power, we bring water in, no wifi, and unreliable cell coverage. New kitchen with propane range. Outhouse with A+ view and camping shower (or trip to river) if you can't do without. Read, meditate, play board games, sit by the camp (or propane) fire, explore and/or swim. Ideal getaway for couples, best friends, or solo reflection. A uniquely West Coast experience designed to rejuvenate you.
Jun. 14 – 21
$180 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews
Guest favourite
Cabin in Shawnigan Lake
Shawnigan Lake Oasis!
Our 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Oasis situated on the lake bay, gives you an escape from the everyday! Enjoy the hot tub overlooking the lake, or the wood fire sauna on the floating dock... Come here to get away from it all! The updated 1950s Shawnigan Lake cabin includes a full sized kitchen with a gas stove & BBQ in the outdoor kitchen. Gas fire place to cozy up during colder nights & an outside fire pit for the nights to enjoy the sunsets and lake ambiance. Only thing to do is sit back & relax!
Feb. 8 – 15
$836 CAD per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

Popular amenities for Shawnigan Lake vacation rentals

Stay near Shawnigan Lake's top sights

The Lakehouse at Shawnigan47 locals recommend
Black Swan Pub & Liquor Store21 locals recommend
Mason's Beach Park16 locals recommend
Montra Thai Eatery19 locals recommend
Mason's Store & Patio Ltd15 locals recommend
Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park3 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Shawnigan Lake

Guest favourite
Tiny homes in Shawnigan Lake
Bramblenook
Nov. 29 – Dec. 6
$160 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews
Guest favourite
Guesthouse in Shawnigan Lake
Cozy carriage suite close to the forest & lake
Mar. 29 – Apr. 5
$125 CAD per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 54 reviews
Guest favourite
Guest suite in Shawnigan Lake
Shawnigan Lake Suite A
Apr. 23 – 30
$177 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews
Guest favourite
Guest suite in Cowichan Valley
Highland Hideaway in beautiful Shawnigan Lake
Jun. 4 – 11
$191 CAD per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 58 reviews
Guest favourite
Home in Shawnigan Lake
Shawnigan Lake Studio Oasis
Oct. 8 – 15
$213 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews
Guest favourite
Guesthouse in Cobble Hill
Vancouver Island Getaway, Shawnigan Lake
Jun. 13 – 20
$218 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews
Guest favourite
Cabin in Shawnigan Lake
Lakefront Lindell Home on Shawnigan Lake
Sep. 30 – Oct. 7
$672 CAD per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews
Guest favourite
Guest suite in Cobble Hill
The Crows Nest guest suite
May 24 – 31
$152 CAD per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews
Guest favourite
Cabin in Shawnigan Lake
Modern & Cozy Shawnigan Cabin
Jun. 18 – 25
$513 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews
Guest favourite
Apartment in Shawnigan Lake
Sweet Suite By The Lake
Sep. 7 – 14
$131 CAD per night
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews
Guest favourite
Guest suite in Mill Bay
Bamboo Hideaway
Jul. 2 – 9
$228 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 27 reviews
Guest favourite
Apartment in Cowichan Bay
Apartment on the dock in Cowichan Bay
Nov. 24 – Dec. 1
$239 CAD per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 59 reviews

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Shawnigan Lake

Total rentals

60 properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

30 properties have a dedicated workspace

Pet-friendly rentals

20 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

40 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

2.1K reviews

Nightly prices starting at

$54 CAD before taxes and fees

Your guide to Shawnigan Lake

All About Shawnigan Lake

Located in the south of Vancouver Island, the cottage community of Shawnigan Lake is a hotspot for outdoor adventure, drawing summer visitors who come to enjoy the long days of swimming, hiking, and bird watching. Perched on a freshwater lake of the same name, the village is a magnet for anglers looking to reel in fat rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The sea life is much larger 15 minutes away in Cowichan Bay, where you’re likely to spot orcas and humpback whales, as well as seals and sea lions.

In Shawnigan Lake, you’re never far from parks and trails. On the western shore of the lake is West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park, with its popular beach and picnic areas. A little farther away you’ll find Koksilah Provincial Park, known mostly for its excellent hiking and biking trails. One of the area’s most recognizable landmarks is the Kinsol Trestle. Named for the nearby King Soloman Mine, it stands over 43 metres high, making it one of the tallest free-standing timber trestle structures in the world.

Not only a destination for nature enthusiasts, Shawnigan Lake is part of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, famous for its lavender farms, cideries, wineries, and music festivals. In the village, you can browse the general stores, a small historical museum, and, if you time your visit right, a pop-up arts and crafts show.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Shawnigan Lake

Shawnigan Lake is located in Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climate zone, resulting in some of the warmest temperatures in the country. As a lakeside destination, an ideal time to book a Shawnigan lake rental is summer — not only for water sports, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the many free live outdoor events that take place, including 39 Days of July, a celebration of live music and arts that has been going strong for decades. July also sees a popular folk festival and country music festival. Autumn and winter will bring cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, the perfect opportunity to explore the area’s hiking trails without worrying about hot weather and trail traffic.


Top things to do in Shawnigan Lake

Old Baldy

The journey up Old Baldy Mountain is one of Vancouver Island’s must-do hikes. At the top, you may stumble across the hidden swing, where you can take a ride for a unique photo opportunity. From the summit, you can view Shawnigan Lake on one side and the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands on the other side.

Cowichan Bay

Eco-tours are a popular way to experience Cowichan Bay, and allow you to spot harbour porpoises, grey and minke whales, and other wildlife on the Salish Sea. In the seaside village, you can wander into shops and art galleries and learn more about the float homes and ships lining the coast at the Maritime Museum.

Duncan

Twenty minutes away, Duncan is known as the City of Totems. Take a self-guided tour of 44 totem poles hand-carved by Indigenous artists, the world’s largest outdoor collections of its kind. Duncan also has a rainbow crosswalk, indoor art galleries, a year-round outdoor farmers’ market, and the chance to sample lavender wine or one of the 100 varieties of tea on offer.

Destinations to explore