The best walks and hikes around Area B (Shawnigan Lake)

The Koksilah River runs far below the Kinsol Trestle, winding through a steep, forested valley beneath the old railway crossing. From the bridge, you get a great view of the river threading between the trees, while the lower viewing paths bring you much closer to the water.

This section of the Cowichan Valley Trail follows the old railway grade north from Shawnigan Lake through second-growth forest towards the Koksilah River. The wide gravel surface makes for easy walking, and the gentle grade lets you settle into the scenery without much effort. The trail forms part of the Trans Canada Trail and continues far beyond this section through the Cowichan Valley.

Raccoon is a narrow dirt singletrack that winds through moss-covered ground and dense ferns, with fallen logs crossing the path in a few spots. The trail twists and turns through the forest, and is part of the connected network of trails around Polara Hill. It's a quiet, tucked-away stretch that is also shared with mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for riders looking to pass as you make your way along the trail.

This is one of several lookout points scattered across Cobble Hill Mountain, reached via the quieter, less-travelled trails on the Polara side of the recreation area. Compared to the busier main trails near Quarry Nature Park, this stretch sees far less foot and bike traffic, for a more peaceful approach to the view. From here, the dense conifer forest rolls out across the hills, with distant ridgelines visible on the horizon, and it is a lovely spot to stop and admire before continuing along the trail.

Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area includes 26 kilometres of well-marked trails on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, covering both Cobble Hill Mountain and Polara Hill to the north. The trails wind through varied forest ecosystems, including Douglas-fir, arbutus and maple, with several viewpoints offering beautiful views across the Cowichan Valley, Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. The main trailhead is located at Quarry Nature Park, with plenty of parking, washrooms, a bike wash, a mountain bike park and an off-leash dog area.

Bear Trail is a moderate route that runs between Wolf Trail and Stellar’s Jay Trail, and this section is relatively easy as it winds through tall, second-growth conifer forest, with moss-covered ground and a few fallen branches scattered along the way. It’s quieter than the busier trails closer to Quarry Nature Park, with a more secluded feel despite being part of a well-used trail network.

The Dragonfly Trail winds through the shaded woods of Cobble Hill, trading the main summit for mossy bluffs and a handful of lovely viewpoints to the west and northwest. The route is mostly easy, with good drainage after rain, though a few roots and rocky sections make sturdy shoes a smart choice.

Cobble Hill is a popular place for nice walks in the woods. There are plenty of marked trails, from easy, technical single-track to double-track trails. There are a few great viewpoints, and this spot is one of them.