We connect commmunity and visitors to the Shawnigan Lake Experience

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  • Our Mission

    Sharing the passion for Shawnigan Lake — past, present and future.

  • Our Vision

    To connect community and visitors with the Shawnigan Lake Experience.

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Why the closure of the Bateman Gallery should worry anyone who cares about museums

Times-Colonist February 24, 2023

A commentary by the executive director of the B.C. Museums Association.

By Ryan Hunt

On Feb. 18, after 10 years of supporting arts and environmental
education for hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists, the Bateman
Gallery closed its doors and suspended operations.

(read more)

Hours:

Click here for construction details

As we expect to break ground early in 2023, this will be a very different year for the museum.

We will try to be open to the public as much as possible as we work behind the scenes to organize and prepare the collection for the new space. Initially we will be open Wed-Fr, 10:30-3:30.

On OPEN days, the sandwich sign will be posted in front of the Museum and announcements will be published on Facebook / Instagram.

We will continue to offer a limited number of events this year, including Shawnigan history talks; guided Kinsol Trestle walks as requested; some group visits to the museum and we will continue to collaborate with other community groups to stay involved.

Highlights from the rich history of Shawnigan Lake

  • E.J. Hughes Gallery

    E.J. Hughes Gallery

    E.J. Hughes lived at Shawnigan Lake for over twenty years until he found it too busy and noisy (circa 1970) and moved to Cobble Hill.

    Learn more



  • The Last Spike

    The Last Spike

    The Last Spike for the E&N Railway was ceremoniously placed by Sir John A. Macdonald in 1886, at Cliffside, Shawnigan Lake.

    Learn more

  • Kinsol Trestle

    Kinsol Trestle

    The Shawnigan Lake Museum is your GO TO SOURCE for information about the Kinsol Trestle in Shawnigan Lake.  Stop by on your way to/from the Kinsol Trestle to learn its history.

    Learn more

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Why Visit the Museum?

  • The Shawnigan Lake Museum is the "go to" place for information about Shawnigan, past and present.
    Visit this 'big' museum in the small village of Shawnigan Lake - it's guaranteed to surprise you.

    For almost 40 years, the museum has celebrated the history and the people of Shawnigan Lake (and surrounding area).

    Drop in for extensive information on the spectacular Kinsol Trestle; renowned Canadian artist EJ Hughes; the true Canadian Last Spike, and many other significant history bites.

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What visitors say..

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    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 Treloar
    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.

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