Riversong is a beautiful 3,500 + sq. ft. retreat centre in the Cowichan Valley on the Koksilah River, and is surrounded by mature forest. The main lodge has a large living room area with soaring ceilings and a gas fire, and a large dining area with a table that comfortably seats up to ten people. There are board games and a large selection of DVDs for your use. There are three main bedrooms, two loft bedrooms, plus a one-bedroomed self-contained cottage, so Riversong can hold four people and feel the perfect size, or expand to hold 18 equally comfortably. The main house has four - five bedrooms, and a two-bedroomed area which can be separated for more privacy if needed. The comfortable twin beds can be set up as king beds if required, for maximum flexibility. There is a large well-stocked kitchen and a BBQ on the large sunny deck, which faces west towards a provincial park and overlooks the river. The easily accessed private beach area and swimming hole, has grassy verges and large river rocks for lounging. The water is gentle during the summer months, and becomes fuller and very interesting in the other seasons! Bald eagles, otters and trout are just some of the wildlife you're likely to see. In summer, there are inflatables for relaxing and play, and adirondack-style beach chairs for comfort. The house is on nearly 11 acres of forest and green space. Close by are the Shawnigan Lake and Koksilah Provincial Parks, Shawnigan Lake Village, the Kinsol Tressle, and miles of trails for walking, hiking and biking, including the Trans-Canada Trail. Only 45 minutes from downtown Victoria, and less than 30 minutes from Duncan and Cowichan Bay, Riversong is perfectly placed for day-trips for sight-seeing or shopping. Wineries and golf courses are just a short drive away. This is a perfect place for a small or large family holiday or reunion, a 'friends' weekend', an executive company retreat or a meditation/yoga retreat. Internet and landline phone are available (no cell coverage). Come to Riversong and let your heart sing.
Riverfront Oasis, with private swimming beach, ideal for families & groups
- House3500 sq. ft.
- Bedrooms6
- Sleeps16
- Bathrooms4
- Half Baths2
- Min Stay2 - 5 nights
Retreat Lodge with private beach & swimming, 5-6 beds; sleeps up to 18
Owner
Christine Hoyer
- Response rate:
- 100%
- Response time:
- within one day
- Speaks:
- english
- Calendar last updated:
- Aug 20, 2018
About Christine Hoyer
I'm Chris, and originally from England. I met my Canadian husband while travelling in Asia more than thirty years ago, and we've lived in Victoria for the past 17 years. I'm looking forward to developing Riversong as a place where people can come to relax in the peaceful environment, to recharge their batteries, and enjoy nature in all its glory.
Christine Hoyer purchased this House in 2017
Why Christine Hoyer chose Shawnigan Lake
I've always enjoyed spending time in the Shawnigan Lake area. I fell in love with Riversong the moment I saw it - the peace and serenity of the river, the secluded beach, the unspoiled forest and of course the spectacular views.
What makes this House unique
Riversong's a special place where you feel relaxed and back in touch with nature the moment you arrive. While it's the outside that provides the magic, the house itself is comfortable and welcoming, and fits so well in its surroundings. I especially like the spacious west coast feel of the lodge living area, and the wide deck with its lovely view. Lounging on the river rocks and walking in the forest are already favourite things to do.
Amenities
- Internet
- Air Conditioning
- Fireplace
- Washer & Dryer
- Children Welcome
- Parking
- No Smoking
- Heater
Bedrooms
- 6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 16
- Bedroom 12 twin/ single, (or 1 king)
- Bedroom 22 twin/ single, (or 1 king)
- Bedroom 33 twin/ single, (or four twins if two are for young children (futons))
- Bedroom 45 twin/ single
- Bedroom 5 (Cottage)2 twin/ single, (or 1 king)
- Bedroom 62 twin/ single, (or one king)
Bathrooms
- 4 Bathrooms, 2 Half Baths
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower
- Bathroom 2toilet, shower
- Bathroom 3toilet, combination tub/shower
- Bathroom 5toilet
- Bathroom 6toilet
- Bathroom 4 (Cottage)toilet, shower
Location Type
- DowntownRiversong is very rural, yet only 10 minutes to Shawnigan Lake Village and close to the towns of Mill Bay, Duncan and Cowichan Bay. And only 45 minutes to downtown Victoria, and one hour to Nanaimo.
- RuralOff the beaten track, close to two provincial parks, with excellent swimming, biking and hiking options. Quiet and peaceful, Riversong offers a true getaway from all the hustle of busy lives.
- Beach ViewPeace, forest and tranquility surround you - a truly beautiful and peaceful setting.
- BeachfrontThe beach is totally private, with a grass and scrub area, and rocks for lounging and exploring. There is a deep swimming hole, inflatables for fun, and beach furniture for relaxing.
- Water ViewHouse overlooks the River and the deck faces a Provincial Park - complete privacy and peace
- WaterfrontOn the Koksilah River with private beach and a deep swimming hole. Lots of rocky areas to explore; swim, paddle, or clamber across rocks; beach faces the forest of Koksilah Provincial Park.
Theme
- Romantic
- Family
- Away From It All
- Historic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
- Spa
- Adventure
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Fireplace3 gas fireplaces
- TelephoneYes - landline only
- HeatingHeat pump - electric
- Linens ProvidedYes
- Washing MachineYes
- Clothes DryerYes
- Air ConditioningHeat pump - electric
- ParkingLots of parking
- InternetShaw Internet
- Towels ProvidedYes
- Iron & Board
- Hair Dryer
- Living Room
Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Oven
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Dishes & Utensils
Dining
- Dining Area
- DiningThere are additional dining areas, and the deck has seating for up to 24 people.
- comfy seating for 10 people
Entertainment
- DVD PlayerYes
- GamesScrabble, Monopoly, Mexican Train, etc.
- Video LibraryLarge selection of DVDs
Outside
- Outdoor Grill
- Deck / Patio
- Water Sports GearInner tubes, noodles and other water toys are available.
Attractions
- marina
- restaurants
- winery tours
Leisure Activities
- paddle boating
- walking
- eco tourism
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- antiquing
- sight seeing
- scenic drives
- boating
- wildlife viewing
- photography
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- massage therapist
Sports & Adventure Activities
- swimming
- cycling
- fishing
- hiking
- water tubing
- kayaking
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 14 days before arrival date. You must contact the owner directly to request cancellation.
12 Reviews
Absolutely fantastic
We were a family of 7 from UK meeting up at Riversong with family from BC. 4 generations enjoyed sitting, swimming, eating and most of all laughing in the most well equipped place I have ever been.
The views from the deck are simply breathtaking.
I would highly recommend this property to anyone contemplating a trip to Vancouver Island.
Hi Lynne,
Thanks so much for your kind review, and I'm glad it worked out so well for you and your family. Please come and stay with us again sometime! Cheers, Chris
Best place to reconnect with friends and family. Fell asleep to the sound of the river each night!
We get together with our friends from Taos NM and Kelowna once a year and this year chose Riversong as our location. It was the best place to just hang out and reconnect. We have 6 kids between us and they spent every day down at the river exploring and swimming. The adults just floated along the river till the shade took over ! The house was big enough to accommodate our group and space for people to come by and visit . I couldn’t recommend this place more especially to a larger group of friends or family getting together
Beautiful property. Very private.
Loved staying here. The river is crystal clear. Will be back again !
Thanks Jenn - I'm so glad you had a great time at Riversong - and do come again!
Cheers,
Chris
A beautiful family-friendly forest retreat
Grandma and Grandpa's extended family of ten adults and eight grandchildren had two fabulous nights and days at this beautiful well-kept retreat looking over a pool on the Koksilah River. There was lots to do for all. The weather was great and our families enjoyed playing in the pool waters, going on hikes along the property forest trails and also in nearby parks during the day and playing board games in the evening. The layout and amenities were even better than listed with complete provisions of everything we could think of including lots of games, flashlights, extra bedding material and even sunscreen and first aid supplies. The property was clean and very well-maintained and Christine the owner provided the best customer service and information that we have experienced. The bedrooms were all well set up and provided many options for our sleeping arrangements. We would definitely recommend this property to our friends and are already planning a return gathering here next year.
Hi John,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It was a pleasure to host you and your family at Riversong, and I'm so pleased that you all had such a wonderful time. I'm very happy to hear you plan to return next year.
Thanks again,
Chris
Beautiful location ideal for groups!
Our group of 15 had all the space we needed for 4 days here. The location was ideal. We did a 2 day carving workshop with Master Carver Herb Rice and a medicinal plants workshop with Della Rice Sylvester in Cowichan Lake. Riversong gave us a lovely home base and a site for reflection and renewal.
Thank you Susan for your lovely review. I'm so glad everything worked out well for you at Riversong, both as a peaceful and spacious place to stay and because it was so conveniently located for your workshops (which sound amazing!). Cheers, Chris
Perfect retreat
Amazing place.
Thanks for your review John. Short, but it says it all! Cheers, Chris
Map
All the pleasures of Shawnigan Lake are only ten minutes away. Bring your own boat or rent one from the Shawnigan Lake Marina....for waterskiing and exploring the lake, or take a picnic to Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park for a change of scene.