walking

Monday morning we drove 57km from Victoria BC to the new Drs. Jagdis K and Sarjit K. Siddoo Park, located five kilometres west from the Koksilah River Provincial Park, just west of Shawnigan Lake, B.C. The park consists of old trees and second-growth forest, the fish-bearing Koksilah River and 3 Mile Creek as well as known local hiking trails.

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These two sisters are daughters of Kapoor Singh Siddoo who became a timber baron of British Columbia and Vancouver island in the 1920s. To know more about this remarkable man, may we suggest reading Jewels of the Qila: the remarkable story of an Indo-Canadian family by Hugh J.M. Johnston. ISBN ISBN 10-0774822171

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DIRECTIONS from intersection of West Shawnigan Lake Road at Renfrew Road
3 Mile Creek Bridge GPS Coordinates 48°37'47.43"N 123°47'43.67"W

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According to my odometer it's 5km west to Koksilah River Provincial Park and anohter five kilometres (on gravel road) for another 5 km west to 3 Mile Creek River bridge where the Siddoo Park is so situated.

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The logging company has named this road Kapoor Main and posted distance signs along the route. The 7km Down marker is 200m before reaching the 3Mile Creek bridge westbound.

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We only saw the sign erected beside the road with the Siddoo names on it and did not see any indication of any park. We turned around and drove out to Shawnigan Lake Village and had lunch at our favorite, mid-island restaurant: Village Chippery

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There's really only one business block in Shawnigan Lake Village. At the main, village junction is located Subway at the southwest corner -- and in plain sight. The Chippery is located at the opposite (NE) corner of this business block -- at Wilmot and Dundas Avenues. Find it. You'll like it.

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39-second Chippery VIDEO

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Koksilah River Provincial Park is located 4 km west of Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island. The park offers hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, scenic views and mountain biking. The park is officially only open for day use activities although many people camp here in the summer months. This is a popular spot for motorcycles. A gated metal bridge runs over the Koksilah River in the park. It is called Burnt Bridge because the original (built in 1865) was destroyed in a forest fire. Burnt Bridge has been rebuilt twice. Also crossing the Koksilah River is the Kinsol Trestle, just East of the park

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Burnt Bridge 30-second VIDEO  
GPS Coordinates Koksilah River Provincial Park
 48°38'36.87"N 123°44'16.10"W

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Labels: kapoor, siddoo