Our charming and cozy cabin sleeps six people. The bedroom on the main floor has a queen bed and a TV (Apple Box). The upstairs loft, accessed by ladder stairs, is open and airy and offers views of the forest and sounds of the Koksilah River. There are two queen beds, a living area with a couch and chairs, TV (Apple Box), and a small workspace.
The full bathroom on the main floor has heated floors, a corner shower and basic bath products. The kitchen has a gas range, full size fridge, coffee maker, microwave, cooking supplies, and a filtered drinking water tap. The dining area seats six, and the comfy main floor living area features a wood burning stove.
The front of the cabin has a covered porch, perfect for enjoying the beautiful morning sun while relaxing in our adirondack chairs or hammock. At the back of the cabin, through french doors off of the kitchen and dining area, are three decks overlooking the forest that slopes down to the river. On the first deck, is a barbeque, fire table and outdoor furniture which you can enjoy as you take in the view and the soothing sounds of the river. The second deck features a picnic table for outdoor dining. The third deck is ideal for yoga, or perhaps a quiet spot to enjoy coffee or a glass of wine.
Although the cabin does not have A/C, it stays cool because of the tree cover and proximity to the river.
A 2 minute walk from our cabin takes you right down to the swimming hole. The Kinsol Trestle is about a 20 minute walk, and if you prefer a longer hike, you can continue on for miles along well-groomed paths. For a beach experience, Shawnigan Lake is a 10 minute drive. A walk along the ocean, kayaking or whale watching is as close as a 20 minute drive. Victoria is a 40 minute drive away.
The Little River Cabin awaits you.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
- Leave the cabin clean and tidy.
- Wash, dry and put away dishes.
- Empty the fridge, freezer and bread box of your food.
- Deposit garbage (no glass products) in the blue bin at the Kinsol entrance/exit (magnetized key holder at the back of bin).
- Deposit recyclable products in the smaller bins by the cinder block building or in the recycle bins at the Kinsol entrance/exit.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number H337717050
Property # 812588vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Shawnigan Lake
Located in Shawnigan Lake, this cabin is on a river. Merridale Estate Cidery and Damali Lavender & Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre and Cowichan Wooden Boat Society. Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre and Cowichan Aquatic Centre are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with rock climbing and ecotours nearby.
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - 58 min drive - 58.0 km
Royal BC Museum - 62 min drive - 59.3 km
British Columbia Parliament Building - 65 min drive - 59.3 km
Getting around
Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base) - 36 min drive
Restaurants
Tim Hortons - 23 min drive
Cobblestone Pub - 15 min drive
Drumroaster Coffee - 18 min drive
The Lakehouse At Shawnigan Lake - 5 min drive
Shawnigan Jen's Grill & Teriyaki - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Little River Cabin pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Little River Cabin?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Little River Cabin on 14 May 2026 start from £105, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Little River Cabin?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Little River Cabin?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Little River Cabin?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Little River Cabin located?
Situated on a river, this cabin is 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from Kinsol Trestle and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park. McGee Creek Park and Shawnigan Lake Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful cabin and surrounding area. It was great for the family, close to hiking and lake. Very clean, nicely decorated, with a beautiful deck on the back among the trees. Had everything we needed.
leevi s.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2025
Thank you for the fine review. Our cottage is a great home base to explore the island. There is some much to see and explore, We are glad you enjoyed your time with your family at the cottage. The back decks are one of our favourite parts of the cottage.
Beautiful cabin. Very clean and lots of amenities. Open the window or sit on the deck and listen to the river. Great communication from the owners
Monique C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2025
The decks are wonderful to see hear and feel nature! Love that you enjoyed your time with us and our cleaning team is top notch leaving the cottage wonderfully clean and fresh for our guests!
Thanks for the kind words.
Loved relaxing on the deck listening to the river.
Helen P.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2020
The back deck among the tress is fantastic, add in the sound of the river and you have a soothing experience with nature. Also if you sleep in the loft with windows open the sound of the river soothes you to sleep!
We had a wonderful time with our family. The place was spotless, quiet, and had all the amenities we needed. Will definitely stay again if up this way!
Lindsay E.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov 2021
Hi
Thank you for the kind review, our goal is to help you create great memories, with help from our excellent cleaning team and the awesome location it provides a great start.
This cottage is wonderful. It is cozy, has all the amenities you’d need for a short stay, and is very thoughtfully decorated and provisioned. We loved it and hope to return someday soon.
KristaAaron B.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2024
Thank you for the kind words, we try and make your stay special with everything you need to make amazing memories!
It was so beautiful and relaxing from the sound of the water to the tall beautiful trees. It was wonderful to have a family Thanksgiving dinner in this beautiful little cabin. All the details or appreciated and had everything we needed.
Vicki G.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2022
Our wonderful cottage in the woods, is fantastic. Great place to forget about the city life and enjoy the forest, river and all of nature’s wonders.
We try to cover all the bases for everyone to create a unique experience and enjoy Vancouver Island’s unique surroundings.
Lol we feel that to be so true about the cottage. We are happy to be among nature, there is a great feel on the forest bandstand, the rear deck. It is the music of the water and the dancing of the trees!
After a glorious day of reviving your soul on Vancouver Island you can retreat to the gorgeous timber frame of the cottage.
A friend and I spent a lovely, quiet weekend in July. The house had everything we needed. The back deck overlooking the creek was wonderful, we spent most of our time there. Would 100% stay there again.
Tracy G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Feb 2025
Awesome you enjoyed our space! Love the creek view and enjoying coffee on the front sunny porch in the morning!
The location was perfect for us, close to friends and family on the island. Cabin was perfect for us, well appointed, everything we needed, nice and cozy. Great place to relax during downtimes. Was rainy during our stay, would have loved to spend more time on the deck. Communication was great. Would definitely rent again.
Clinton H.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2025
Hi Clinton,
Thank you for the opportunity to host you at our cottage in the woods. We strive to make sure you have everything you need to create the best possible experiences. We wish the weather had been better, but next time we hope it will cooperate! The decks are some of our most favourite parts, being in the trees and hearing the sounds of nature!
The cottage is absolutely amazing. It is well equipped with everything you need. Lots of great details considered for the guests. Location is great. We took day trips to both Victoria and Nanaimo to explore. Lots of excellent hiking and horse back riding near by.
Paul A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jun 2020
Thank you for staying at our cottage. It is a wonderful setting and nice to be able to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lauren J.
1 Jan 2018
Beautiful and cozy cabin with character! Perfect for a peaceful getaway during any season.
The property made the trip very smooth and easy and provided us with many helpful things we did not expect. Extra phone chargers, wood for the fire, and a kitchen ready to prepare food with ease! The rooms were cozy and nicely furnished, no complaints!
Lauren J.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
We are so pleased you enjoyed your time at our special cabin.
We stayed for three nights, while we were attending an event at Shawnigan Lake. I wish I'd had more time to spend just relaxing in the cabin. It's so beautiful! The sound of the river was calming, and it was amazing to wake up feeling like you're in the trees.Thank you for having us!
Susanne S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2025
We loved you enjoy our place in the Trees! It is a beautiful place to hang out and be at one with nature. We wish we could send each guest with a bottle of the river sound! It is so relaxing to hear the river off the back decks.
A very lovely cabin, that is beautifully furnished and decorated. We were pleasantly surprised to find quality dishes and cook ware in the kitchen, and a very large bbq on the private deck. Family of 6 adults had no problem sharing the space!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2023
Thank you for the review. We try to stock our cottage with everything you need to have a wonderful experience. The back deck over looking the forest is amazing, hearing the river run by.
The cabin was amazing. Incredibly comfortable. The location is lovely. We brought our bikes and biked some of the Cowichan trail. Enjoyed the swimming in the river behind the cabin. Loved hearing the river. We couldn't have asked for a nicer place to stay.
Sarah S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2020
Thank you Sarah for the review. The deck at the back is great to relax and be one with nature. The river is a great place to cool off and at night in the bed above the deck ( we call it the river bed!) the sound of the river lulls you to sleep.
The cottage is well stocked and there are many trails Close by for walking, running and being one with nature.
We stayed 6 nights and were sad that we had to leave. The cottage is lovely and comfortable with everything you need. We enjoyed breakfast lunch and supper on the deck and quiet nights at the fire table. The woods and the sound of the river are very calming and we enjoyed hiking around the river and going to the trestle bridge.
Debbie S.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
We thank you for staying at our cottage. It is wonderful to be one with nature on the decks. The surrounding area is wonderful to explore and enjoy.
The cabin was very nice and clean. The Rustic theme was perfect. Hearing the river Down Below in the valley just added to the beautiful setting. Thanks again
Ian W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2022
Thanks Ian for the kind words. We enjoy the river and the soothing sound it provides. The ideal swim time is in the summer afternoon when the sun is shining on the swimming hole.
The cottage is a wonder combination of rustic, with all the modern conveniences.
It is a perfect get away yet close to exploring the Island’s wonderful offerings.
We love staying at this cottage. There's lots to do but it's also easy to just unwind and enjoy the cottage and the lovely river it's next to. It's so quiet and relaxing. We brought our bikes and bikes part of the Cowichan Valley Trail. Enjoyed the hike up Mount
Sarah S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. The bike or hike to the Kinsol trestle is amazing being one with nature. You can also take many trails thru the forest or down to the river. Our cottage is a great place to unwind or go exploring the countryside or small towns and many islands.
We loooved the cabin, it was beautiful and peaceful. We spent most of our time on the deck, relaxing and listening soothing sounds of the river.
The fire table was a great addition for our evening “doing nothing “ times. 😁
Michelle D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2023
Thank you for the kind comments. The cottage life is very inviting, you can enjoy a morning coffee in the morning sun.
Plan your day or just enjoy the decks cottage and river.
About the host
Hosted by Doug & Michelle Murphy
This beautiful river cottage is owned by Doug and Michelle, it is a peaceful place to be.
What makes this property unique
We are backing on to the river and you are at one with nature on the decks.