This 156 hectare park features a picturesque lake, a wide range of recreational opportunities and sensitive ecosystems. It is neighbour to Roche Cove Regional Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and offers nature appreciation, hiking, swimming and fishing.

Features

  • Picturesque lake and beach set behind forested hills
  • Lake is stocked with catchable Rainbow Trout
  • Several kilometres of trails, including the Galloping Goose Regional Trail

Trail Rating: Moderate
Size: 156.97 hectares
Location: Matheson Lake Park Road in Metchosin
Established: 1994
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Things to Do

On a hot summer day, Matheson Lake is a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing dip and a picnic at the sandy beach area.

In any season, hikers can enjoy the loop trail around the lake, or explore the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which leads to adjacent Roche Cove Regional Park and points further afield.

Matheson Lake is an excellent starting point for a cycle day trip on the Galloping Goose Trail.

Amenities

Information Kiosk Parking Lot Picnic Area Public Transit Toilet

Ample parking at the entrance with room for full-size buses. There is an information kiosk in the parking lot. Bikes are not allowed in the park but there is a bike rack for those accessing the park from the Galloping Goose.

There is a toilet at the main beach.

How to Get There

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Colwood exit. Follow the Old Island Highway, which turns into Sooke Road. From Sooke Road, turn left on Happy Valley Road, then right on Rocky Point Road, and right again on Matheson Lake Park Road, which leads to the park entrance. Allow approximately 35 minutes driving time from Victoria.

Photo Credit

©Image courtesy of Rosemary Neering
Matheson Lake Regional Park
Metchosin
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Related Content

Joint Management Planning Process

Matheson Lake and Roche Cove Regional Parks have been identified as priorities for a joint management plan.

Beach Advisories

Island Health takes water samples at popular beach areas each summer. Beach advisories are posted on their website and at the beach where monitoring has shown the water may be unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.

Boating Regulations

The only motorized boats permitted on Matheson Lake are those with electric motors.

Please conserve our Parks

Please follow these rules to keep the park natural and enjoyable for everyone.

  • Stay on designated trails
  • Do not remove or disturb animals or plants, such as wildflowers
  • Dogs must be on leash where required, otherwise under control to avoid injuring or disturbing people, pets or wildlife
  • Pick up dog droppings and take them to the trash
  • Leave no trace and carry out litter
  • Motorized vehicles, camping, open fires, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited

Dog Restrictions

Dogs are not allowed to be on a designated beach or picnic area between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash, without stopping. The seasonal prohibition zone applies to the main beach area. Read more on our pets in parks page.

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