See all properties
Cabin

Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6)

Photo gallery for Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6)

Exterior
Main floor living room
Living area
Living area
Stair ladder to the loft

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 655.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Shawnigan lake, BC
  • Kinsol Trestle
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Old Mill Park
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪77 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Main floor

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Loft

2 Queen Beds

1 bathroom

Main bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6)

Our charming cottage is set amongst other cottages in the forest alongside the Koksilah River.  The surroundings are beautiful and serene.
The cottage sleeps six and on the main floor offers a bedroom (queen), bathroom (heated floor, refurbished 80 year old claw foot tub and shower. Kitchen (gas range, full size fridge), dining and living area (wood burning stove).  The upstairs loft is open and airy with views of the forest and the river.  It is accessed by ladder stairs that may be tricky for younger children. It features 2 queen sized beds and a family area.
At the back of the cottage, through French doors off of the kitchen and dining area there are two decks overlooking the forest and the river.  There you will find a Weber barbecue, fire table and outdoor furniture that you can enjoy as you sit back and take in the view, the soothing sounds of the river, and quite simply… nature.
The cottage is a retreat to return to after a day of antiquing, enjoying the water hole at the river, swimming in nearby Shawnigan Lake or touring wineries, local markets… perhaps a lavender farm.  The Kinsol Trestle is about a 20 minute walk and if you prefer a longer hike, you can continue on for miles in the woods along well-groomed paths.
Although the cottage is tucked away, it is close to abundant shopping including: 
Cobble Hill, approximately 15 minutes away, offers groceries and amazing fresh roasted coffee.
- Cowichan Bay, approximately 20 minutes away, is on the ocean and offers restaurants, bakeries, shops… even ocean kayaking.
Duncan is approximately a 30 minute drive north.  On Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall, there is an amazing farmers market.
·         Victoria is approximately a 40 minute drive south. H337717050

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Property grounds

Private Lakefront Home on 1.2 acres with 400ft of waterfront + docks

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
10.0 out of 10, (57 reviews)
Private Lakefront Home on 1.2 acres with 400ft of waterfront + docks

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking of any kind allowed on Kinsol Property

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number H337717050

About the area

Shawnigan Lake

Located in Shawnigan Lake, this cabin is on a river. Merridale Estate Cidery and Damali Lavender & Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan Wooden Boat Society. Cowichan Aquatic Centre and The Raptors are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in Shawnigan LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Shawnigan lake, BC

What's nearby

  • Kinsol Trestle - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park - 8 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Shawnigan Lake Museum - 11 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Old Mill Park - 13 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard - 26 min drive - 21.2 km

Getting around

  • Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cobblestone Pub - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Black Swan Inn - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Unsworth Vineyards - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Oma's Bakery & Market - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6) pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6)?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6)?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Quaint Cottage backing on to river, close to Shawnigan lake. (Sleeps 6) located?

Situated on a river, this cabin is 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from Kinsol Trestle and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park. McGee Creek Park and Shawnigan Lake Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shawn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always a fantastic stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

leevi s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cabin and surrounding area. It was great for the family, close to hiking and lake. Very clean, nicely decorated, with a beautiful deck on the back among the trees. Had everything we needed.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marilyne G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!! Awesome location, great character.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monique C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cabin. Very clean and lots of amenities. Open the window or sit on the deck and listen to the river. Great communication from the owners
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice and cozy . Excellent service and communication. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second stay here...

Beautiful area, perfect for a relaxing week away. Hope to stay again next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clinton H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Island visit

The location was perfect for us, close to friends and family on the island. Cabin was perfect for us, well appointed, everything we needed, nice and cozy. Great place to relax during downtimes. Was rainy during our stay, would have loved to spend more time on the deck. Communication was great. Would definitely rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susanne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway in the forest

We stayed for three nights, while we were attending an event at Shawnigan Lake. I wish I'd had more time to spend just relaxing in the cabin. It's so beautiful! The sound of the river was calming, and it was amazing to wake up feeling like you're in the trees.Thank you for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

KristaAaron B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cottage

This cottage is wonderful. It is cozy, has all the amenities you’d need for a short stay, and is very thoughtfully decorated and provisioned. We loved it and hope to return someday soon.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot for a quiet getaway

A friend and I spent a lovely, quiet weekend in July. The house had everything we needed. The back deck overlooking the creek was wonderful, we spent most of our time there. Would 100% stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki G., New richmond wi us

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful stay

It was so beautiful and relaxing from the sound of the water to the tall beautiful trees. It was wonderful to have a family Thanksgiving dinner in this beautiful little cabin. All the details or appreciated and had everything we needed.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cabin

A very lovely cabin, that is beautifully furnished and decorated. We were pleasantly surprised to find quality dishes and cook ware in the kitchen, and a very large bbq on the private deck. Family of 6 adults had no problem sharing the space!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S., Vancouver, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second time staying here, it was great

We love staying at this cottage. There's lots to do but it's also easy to just unwind and enjoy the cottage and the lovely river it's next to. It's so quiet and relaxing. We brought our bikes and bikes part of the Cowichan Valley Trail. Enjoyed the hike up Mount
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

We stayed 6 nights and were sad that we had to leave. The cottage is lovely and comfortable with everything you need. We enjoyed breakfast lunch and supper on the deck and quiet nights at the fire table. The woods and the sound of the river are very calming and we enjoyed hiking around the river and going to the trestle bridge.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Kinsol Cabin

The cabin was very nice and clean. The Rustic theme was perfect. Hearing the river Down Below in the valley just added to the beautiful setting. Thanks again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing getaway

We loooved the cabin, it was beautiful and peaceful. We spent most of our time on the deck, relaxing and listening soothing sounds of the river. The fire table was a great addition for our evening “doing nothing “ times. 😁
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

nancy h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little river cabin

The only bad thing was having to leave
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter D., Victoria canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Retreat

The cottage exceeded expectations, such a beautiful location with the river flowing in the back of the property. So impressed with all the immunities and attention to detail. We loved it so much we'd like to make this an annual family tradition. Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin

This cabin is very well equipped with just about anything you can think of. They have games, basic cooking supplies, toiletries, extra bedding, absolutely everything. The cabin is cozy but not too small with three queen beds. The community is a bunch of similarly styled cabins, so it has an extra "campy" feeling to it. The cabin also has extra soft seating outside, so a nap outdoors is a must. I would not hesitate to book another vacation at this property, and the owners were responsive to any questions. If you want to enjoy Vancouver Island, skip Victoria and stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and cozy place

This place is beautiful and fully stocked! Loved to sitting out on the back deck with gas fire going and listening to the river every night with a glass of wine.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely escape from everything

This property continues to be my favorite rental on the island, always consistently well thought out amenities and very comfortable to stay in. Communication is great with owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jane R., Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Woodland Oasis

The pictures don't do the place justice! My daughters and I felt right at home. The cabin is cozy, and had everything we needed. The weather wasn't great but that just means we will have to go back in summer and fall. :)
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring break Getaway

Property was exactly as advertised, clean and well suited for a family. Stairs are tricky for younger ones, but my 7 year old was good and loved the adventure. Too wet to enjoy the deck as much as I would have liked, but I'll be back for that. Neighbours are friendly, and super convenient to explore the trestle and adjoining trails.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas retreat

This was just what I imagined for our Christmas reunion with our adult son. We were working through some grief and the peace and tranquility was just what we needed. It was beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline K., Revelstoke, B.C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family thanksgiving

We booked this lovely cabin for our family thanksgiving weekend. There were 4 adults the first night, 6 the second then back to 4. The living room is a bit tight for 6 but we made it work. The kitchen has everything you might need, other than I didn’t see a blender or a dish rack (which has been mentioned before so I thought they may have got one). The dining table is big enough for 6 adults plus there is a lower deck with a table and chairs but October was a bit chilly to eat outside. There is a great sitting area on the main deck with a fire table and barbecue. Unfortunately both were out of propane but the owner was apologetic and we were able to get some. The upstairs loft is much bigger than it looks in the pictures with a tv and couch (batteries were dead in both remotes but again the owner was apologetic and we didn’t need to watch tv in this gorgeous setting!) There are plenty of towels and extra bedding although we ran out of toilet paper! The cabin is a short walk to the trestle trail and there are lots of other walking and biking paths nearby. I would suggest you bring slippers if you’re there in the colder months as the owner requests you not wear shoes inside and it can be a bit chilly until the wood stove gets going! We were a little surprised we were asked to empty the garbage before we left, I’ve never been asked to do that at a vacation rental before, but not a big deal. Overall, with a few minor glitches, it was a great place to stay and so nice to get together with family!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Doug & Michelle Murphy

Host profile image
This beautiful river cottage is owned by Doug and Michelle, it is a peaceful place to be.

Why they chose this property

Unique property backing on to the forest and river, yet 45 minutes from Victoria.

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback