Trail's End cottage by the lake

This clean and cosy cottage sits on a private lake-front property just minutes from the Shawnigan Provincial Park and the Trans-Canada trail. This is an ideal spot for a winter get-away whether you want to snuggle in & relax with a good book, paint, write, nap or enjoy quiet nature walks, fishing, hiking or biking. There are excellent restaurants & shopping options within a 20 minute drive. 1 hour drive to airport and ferries. We have just given this little cottage a facelift. Everything is freshly painted, scrubbed and polished. It isn't a huge space but it is well equipped and has everything you'll need for your stay. It's perfect for two people, but there is also a sofa bed, so a second bed is available if needed. If you're a bird enthusiast you'll love sitting out on the deck listening to the red winged blackbirds, the resident bald eagles, the many varieties of song birds, and of course watching the hummingbirds bicker over the best spot on the feeder. Throughout the week the property is quiet, peaceful and serene. The lake is beautiful and we are surrounded by trees. On sunny weekends in the summer you can expect more noise and activity from the dead-end road as people do use it as an unofficial boat launch. We will always be here to greet you and provide any assistance we can. We'll be just across the lawn if you ever need anything. We have both lived in the Cowichan Valley for over 20 years so we can point you in the right direction to find that perfect cappuccino, or fresh halibut on a waterfront patio, or the nearest yoga studio. If you need any assistance in planning your trip, just ask us, we'll do our best to help make your trip perfect. This area of Shawnigan Lake is idyllic. It is on the opposite side of the lake from the village, so there is no commercial activity to interrupt the peace and quiet. You're welcome to bring your boat or water toys. We can also make a kayak available for your use. A 10 minute walk up the road brings you to the TransCanada trail where you can hike or bike as far as Lake Cowichan to the north-west, or Sooke Lake to the south-east. The Cowichan Valley is known for its excellent local food and wine producers. Many visitors enjoy meandering along the country roads by bike or car, stopping at local farms for seasonal produce & sampling the wines at the some of the great vineyards in the area. If you're free on a Saturday, a visit to the Duncan Farmers Market should be on your list - it's been voted as the best market in BC for several years running. If you are visiting kids at one of the excellent private schools, we are 10 minutes from Shawnigan Lake school, 15 minutes from St. John’s school, 20 minutes from Brentwood College, and 30 minutes from Queen Margaret's. Unless you're coming by bike, you really need a car while staying here as there is no public transportation close enough to be a viable option. Victoria is a 30 minute drive south, and Nanaimo is a little over an hour north. You're welcome to bring your own boat if you like. Calvin is an avid water-skier, and every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am friends gather on the dock for our weekly ski. You may hear cars arriving and leaving, but we'll be quiet and respectful of your privacy. If you're a skier, you're welcome to come down to the dock and join us - it's the best way to start the day!