The community of Mill Bay, with its quiet waterfront streets, is found at the north end of the Malahat Drive on the southeast shore of Vancouver Island, approximately 41 kilometers (26 miles) north of Victoria. Vancouver Island's Mill Bay has quiet waterfront streets and gorgeous views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands. Neighboring communities include the Village of Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, and Duncan. The surrounding parks and scenery are perfect for hiking, cycling, boating, basking in the summer sun and swimming in warm waters.

A fashionable summer recreation and cottage area for over a century, Shawnigan Lake has seen its share of happy anglers, blissful sunbathers, and elegant day-trippers. The lake is still a favorite weekend getaway spot and has become one of Victoria's more popular "bedroom" communities. 

Shawnigan Lake Village is a well-known venue for arts and craft shows. Located on the eastern shore of the lake, the village contains two small general stores, three restaurants, several beaches and various small businesses, including a barber and two coffee shops. There is also a small but excellent museum, run by the Shawnigan Lake Historical Society.

Several beaches and small day-use areas are scattered around Shawnigan Lake.





Location: Shawnigan Lake is located on southern Vancouver Island, 3 miles (5 km) west of Mill Bay and 28 miles (45 km) north of Victoria.

A tiny farming village in the Cowichan Valley, Cobble Hill is surrounded by a picturesque landscape and enveloped by a warm climate. The Cowichan Valley is characterized by diverse landscapes of forests, freshwater lakes, saltwater beaches and marinas, farmland and vineyards.

Vineyards and wineries have sprung up all around and, as Cobble Hill's galleries attest, it's also a creative community for painters, sculptors, potters and totem pole carvers.





Location: Cobble Hill is located in the Cowichan Valley, 4.5 miles (7 km) north of the Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay Road on Highway 1, and 30 miles (48 km) north of Victoria.