Shawnigan Lake, BC

Population: 4,000

Highlights:
Old Mill Park - historical site of the Shawnigan Lake Lumber Company
Memory Island Provincial Park - accessible by paddle boat or kayak
Summertime Recreation Destination

History:
In the late 1800's, Shawnigan Lake was a Vancouver Island original logging operation. However, due to a fire and loss of the mill in the early 1900's, Shawnigan's economy heavily shifted. Now, it is regarded of a summertime retreat to the well-established and seasonal camper.

There is some disagreement, however, around the origin of the name 'Shawnigan'. Some locals contest that the name was created from a combination of the names, Shaw and Finnegan, who were the first two settlers in the area. The more, prominent argument, is that the name is derived from 'Shawinigan', the Algonquin word for 'portage on the crest'.

Climate:
Summer average 18 degrees Celsius (peak temperatures of 25+)
Winter average 3 degrees Celsius