Shawnigan Lake Museum

A real gem! Their little cinema has some great short films about various aspects of history in the area- then, the displays of tools, signs, housewares etc are even more interesting. Worthwhile to visit!

Back in January my 6-year-old son and I had a fascinating and highly informative tour of the Shawnigan Lake Museum with Lori Trealor, the Executive Director. She showed us old photos and models of the Kinsol Trestle and local artifacts from around the Shawnigan Lake area. Some of the local artifacts included a butter churner, hotel switchboard, typewriter, organ, boat motors, equipment for cutting trees (axes, chainsaws, etc.) grocery store items and farming equipment. There is so much to see! At the end of our tour, we were treated to some films in the little movie theatre about waterskiing and fishing. Lori really made the museum artifacts come alive during our visit. We had a new perspective on the Shawnigan Lake area and felt inspired to visit the Kinsol Trestle after our visit to the museum. All in all, we would highly recommend visiting this museum! It is a real treasure.

What a gem!

While exploring this well-curated museum in the village, I was pleasantly surprised at the diverse, relevant and eclectic collection presented. We had the pleasure of discussing local history with staff members. Definitely will come back.

Shawnigan Lake Museum is an unqualified 5/5 visitor experience. I’ve visited many museums large and small throughout my career in heritage preservation, so I have perspective and understanding of the challenges that museums face. These days we are constantly told that things are being “curated" for us, often without merit, but this place actually is curated in keeping with the original and correct meaning of the word. Quality artifacts are beautifully displayed and the personalized guidance is exceptional. Welcoming and responsive, it is obvious that curator Lori Treolar and her partner Grant delight in bringing history alive for a diverse audience. It was also gratifying to visit at an exciting time for this museum as they embark on a major expansion while retaining and honouring the historic firehall the museum is currently housed in. For sustenance before or after your visit any chocolate lovers should walk over to Shawnigan Coffee House for their superb handmade chocolates.

We were very fortunate to be at the museum when Grant and his wife were there. We were provided a personal tour of this adorable museum. It was surprisingly interactive for my 2 & 3 year olds. The museum is packed and very quaint. Worth the stop!

I vsited here in April 2019. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the curator and had a fantastic personal tour of the museum. Lots of interesting articles and antiques to view and take in and I certainly felt a greater appreciation for Shawnigan Lake area afterwards.

Very unique museum that is not as it appears from the outside. What looks like a tiny museum is actually quite spacious once inside with local artifacts packed in according to industry and location. Small theatre located inside as well. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. Great gem of a local museum!

Great little museum. Has a small theatre and actually quite a few more artifacts from around the lake than you would expect. Definitely worth a stop if you are in Shawnigan Lake Village.