Hiking Old Mill Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Old Mill Park: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Island • British Columbia

4.0 Appreciated by 22 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
10 ft

Near Duncan on Vancouver Island, easy trails wind through 50 m of elevation alongside the Cowichan River and historic sawmill ruins. This easy walk blends natural beauty with industrial heritage, perfect for families exploring British Columbia's quieter outdoor gems.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Old Mill Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Trail System and Terrain

Old Mill Park features hiking paths through the park area. The trail network takes you through varied terrain, from riverside sections where the path follows the gentle curves of the Cowichan River to forested areas dominated by towering conifers and deciduous trees. The well-maintained trails make navigation straightforward, with gentle climbs that add interest without creating significant challenges for most hikers.

The easy difficulty rating makes these trails suitable for beginners and an excellent choice for families or those new to hiking. The forest canopy provides natural shade during warmer months. The sound of the Cowichan River accompanies much of your journey, creating a peaceful backdrop.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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23.11 $
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Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Old Mill Park, Recreation Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W2, Canada
GPS coordinates
48.642503, -123.6313576
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the old mill park is to drive there.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
48.642503, -123.6313576
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
12 Reviews
JW
James W.
Nov 18, 2024
Convenient location and easy access by car as advertised. Trails can get muddy in wet weather so proper footwear recommended. The creek running through the park is quite pretty. Worth a visit if you're in the area but wouldn't make a special trip.
ER
Emma R.
Oct 29, 2024
Beautiful autumn colors when we visited! The maples and alders were stunning. Trail is well-marked and maintained. Disappointed dogs aren't allowed as it would be perfect for our pup, but understand the wildlife protection reasons. Great for a quick nature fix.
RC
Robert C.
Aug 14, 2024
Nice easy walk after a big lunch nearby. The boardwalk sections protect the wetland areas while giving great views of local bird life. Spotted several woodpeckers and heard lots of songbirds. Trail surface is excellent for older folks like myself.
SM
Sarah M.
Jun 8, 2024
Perfect spot for nature photography! The dappled light filtering through the canopy creates magical scenes, especially in early morning. The old mill wheel and stone foundations make for interesting subjects. Quiet and serene, rarely crowded even on weekends.
R6
Review 6
Apr 5, 2024
Lovely little park with well-maintained trails through old-growth forest remnants. The historical mill ruins are fascinating to explore with the kids, and the easy difficulty level makes it perfect for families. Short but sweet walk with minimal elevation gain, perfect for an afternoon outing. Parking fee was reasonable considering the upkeep of the facilities and accessibility of the trail system.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
9.75 m
No
No
Yes, Old Mill Park is an easy trail, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a leisurely walk. The easy difficulty level means minimal technical skills or fitness requirements are needed to enjoy the park.
Old Mill Park has an elevation gain of 50 m, making it a relatively flat and accessible trail for most visitors. This modest elevation change contributes to the easy difficulty rating of the park.
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Update : June 2026