Canada is home to over 20% of the world's freshwater so it's no wonder the Island has some pretty phenomenal lakes. We've selected our top 10 favs for you to explore this summer from swimming to camping and even caving!
Located 15 km east of Port Alberni this central Island lake is a must-visit stop on any up-Island road trip. Cameron Lake does not allow motorized vessels, so provides a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
CANOE & KAYAK VANCOUVER ISLAND
What you need to know:
- Planning on camping? A reservation books for one camping unit per campsite ($20.00 per night), additional camping units ($15.00 per night) MAY be allowed if space permits, at the discretion of the campground attendants. View the reservation policy here.
- Firewood can be purchased from the campground attendant for $5.00 per bundle to be used at the onsite fire pits (unless fire bans are in effect).
- While there are no motorized vessels allowed, there are many other water sports and activities such as swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking - make sure to bring water shoes! The shore can be quite rocky.
With over 200 miles of forested lakeshore, and fresh water so clean and clear you can see thirty feet down, Sproat Lake is a popular vacation destination on Vancouver Island.
Visit Vancouver Island
What you need to know:
- The Lake is noted for its warm water and is favoured for fishing, swimming, water skiing and windsurfing. In the summer, this popular family destination is buzzing with boaters.
- A variety of short access trails lead visitors around this park, including a trail to the eastern end, which is home to one of the finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in BC!
- There are two separate campgrounds and a large day-use area make this park a popular destination for campers and picnickers. Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $25.00 per party/night for both upper and lower grounds.
Just up the road from the terrific little historic town of Cumberland and with amazing views of the Comox Glacier in the background, Comox Lake is one of the top destinations on the Island.
my Comox Valley now
What you need to know:
- Fishing - Famous for its excellent trout, char and salmon, anglers will have the best odds between 6AM-9AM during the spring and fall months.
- The boat launch is found on the south side next to the campground and main beach area. Make sure you pick up a pass at the office ($8/launch or $55/season) before launching! Keep in mind that just having a pass doesn’t guarantee a parking spot.
- Comox Lake is a water sports mecca on warm summer days, including kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, all of which can be rented at West Coast Water Sports in the Cumberland Lake Park Campground. During busy times it is a good idea to book ahead!
- There are quite a few good hiking trails either along or just off the shores of Comox Lake, plus dozens more within easy reach around Cumberland. These four hikes Include Puntledge River Trail West/East, North Shore Trail, Twin Lakes Trail and Loop Trail.
Nitinat Lake is a beautiful tidal saltwater fjord located in the West Coast Trail Unit of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This adventure land is a popular recreation destination for swimmers, boaters, paddlers, windsurfers, and anglers.
What you need to know:
- Some of the finest windsurfing/kitesurfing in North America draws devotees to Nitinat Lake from May through to September. Don’t wait until you get to the lake to begin building upper-body strength. You’re going to need all the buff you can bring with you! You can find info on rentals and lessons here.
- The Nitinat Triangle Canoe Route is one of the most scenic canoe routes on Vancouver Island, and has become one of the most popular paddling trips. This gruelling 38-km circuit through the Nitinat, Hobiton and Tsusiat Lakes - takes 4 to 5 days to complete!
- Camping facilities are available at the Nitinat Lake Recreation Site nestled in a grove of giant spruce trees. This campsite is busy almost year-round. If it’s not the windsurfers and kiteboarders, it’s the visitors to nearby Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.
Kennedy Lake Provincial Park is a popular day-use destination for lake and beach-based recreation. This park is comprised of two sites along the south shore adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
CANOE & KAYAK VANCOUVER ISLAND
What you need to know:
- There is no designated swimming area at this park however the sandy shores of Kennedy Lake offer good swimming opportunities. As always, note that there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Play safe and remember, no spashing!
- Due to the steep-sided mountains surrounding Kennedy Lake, there are no developed hiking trails in the park, and camping is not permitted.
- No facilities are available in the park, although there is a day-use picnic area adjacent to Log Dump Creek on the eastern shore of Kennedy Lake, with picnic tables and a boat launch.
Langford Lake is the City’s largest lake located in the heart of the City of Langford. The lake is a popular swimming, boating, and fishing destination for residents and visitors alike.
I am langford
What you need to know:
- Fishing - Numerous boardwalks and shore access points allow for great fishing opportunities while the boat launch provides an even better chance to land a trout.
- The lake’s several beaches are perfect places to go for a swim in the lake’s cool waters. There is parking at the eastern end of the lake as well as at the impressive City Centre Park just a stone’s throw away from the lake shore.
- The main beach is perfect for families and the boat launch on Landing Lane ensures access for kayaks, canoes, and boats with electric motors.
Located smack dab in the middle of Vancouver Island, Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in BC! Buttle Lake is the largest body of water in the park and has tons of little coves and islands to explore!
What you need to know:
- If you are a lover of the outdoors and you have yet to visit Strathcona Provincial Park... GO!
- Visitors to Strathcona have numerous hiking trails to enjoy, ranging from 20-minute ambles to arduous, multi-day hikes and mountaineering adventures.
- Buttle Lake is crystal clear and the little coves and islands make for great exploring and unreal swimming!
- There are 3 group campsites in the park (all by reservation only): Driftwood Bay, Croteau Lake Backcountry (hike in only) and Karst Creek (most facilities). - no drinking water on site at this time and fires are only permitted where the steel fire rings are provided (unless fire bans are in effect).
If you’ve driven between Victoria and the ferries, you’re familiar with Elk Lake. It lays just to the west of the Patricia Bay Hwy and is often one of the first impressions visitors from the mainland receive when visiting our little rock for the first time.
Elk Lake Sunset - Skye Eriksen
This lake has it all. Sandy beaches, hiking trails, playgrounds, washroom facilities, great fishing opportunities… you name it! And all just 20 minutes from Victoria! Elk Lake lies to the north of Beaver Lake but they are really just one lake as they are connected by a narrow channel of water. Both Elk and Beaver have sandy beaches, and great swimming access BUT Beaver Lake is prone to large weed blooms in the summer months making it less desirable to swim. If you're planning on taking a dip, Elk Lake is where you want to be.
- Whether you bask in the sun, stroll along the shore, or explore the 19 kms of woodland walking and bridle trails - some designated multi-use, for hikers, cyclists and horse riders, while others are single use only, this network of lakes provides a good day outing for the whole family!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: While there is no current CRD Alert for Elk Lake, a blue-green algae bloom was confirmed in January of this year. Blue-green algae can have serious health implications for humans and pets so please read any onsite signage prior to entering the water.
Pro Tip Numero Uno: If you bring a floaty (dinghy, air mattress etc) there are buoys throughout the middle of the lake that you can tie up to and float away the afternoon.
Pro Tip Numero Dos: If you are coming from Victoria and trying to access Elk Lake (aka heading north), the left turn lane off of Pat Bay Hwy onto Sayward Rd can get very busy and can take upwards of 10 minutes at the light (the left turn light only lets about 3-4 cars through each rotation). We recommend taking a RIGHT onto Seyward Rd from Pat Bay Hwy, finding a safe place to turn around and then heading back through the intersection to save time.
Lake Cowichan is one of the largest bodies of fresh water on Vancouver Island and is only a quick 20 minutes drive west of Duncan, BC.
The Duck Pond at Cowichan Lake - Photo by Tourism Cowichan Lake
What you need to know:
- Pictured above is the Kinsmen Duck Pond, one of the many stunning swimming areas found along Lake Cowichan.
- Camping Lake Cowichan is a great way to spend time in this region. Visited by more than 100,000 per year, it's ideal for a great family camping vacation BUT campsites fill up fast. For more on camping Lake Cowichan, check out www.cowichanlake.ca/campgrounds/
- The warm lake and sandy beach of Gordon Bay make for great family swimming and other water activities such as fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, white-water kayaking and tubing! Find out more about Tubing Cowichan River here.
- There are a number of walking and hiking trails with unparalleled views. Pro Tip: visiting in April when the wildflowers are at their peak is a beautiful experience!
This 105-hectare park and campground is nestled below the spectacular cliffs of Mount Mark. There's always plenty to do at Horne Lake Regional Park, and the adjacent Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.
ocean trails resort
What you need to know:
- Individual/group camping are available year-round with reservations from April 1 - October 31 ($20-50 per night). Day-use picnicking area and other facilities compliment the campground's rustic wooded and lakefront sites.
- Caving - Knowledgeable guides can lead visitors through the 1000 caves to discover this magical world of crystal formations and ancient fossils firsthand.
- Next to the Big Qualicum River, there is a shallow area great for swimming.
- A short trail takes you from the Visitor Centre across a suspension bridge over the Big Qualicum River and uphill to the cave systems.
What's your favourite lake? Drop us a DM or shoot us an email at [email protected] and let us know!
