emailElk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
This popular recreation area offers outdoor opportunities
for everyone.
The lake is used cooperatively by swimmers, wind surfers, sailors, water-skiers, fishers and rowers. Some park trails are designated multi-use, for hikers, cyclists and horse riders, while others are for hiking only.
Features
- Large freshwater lake for swimming, canoeing and fishing
- Walking and equestrian trails through forest, field and wetlands
- Beaches, picnic areas and a fishing float with access for people with walking disabilities
- A Nature Centre
Trail Rating: Easy
Size: 442.77 hectares
Location: Patricia Bay Highway (#17) in Saanich
Established: 1966
Hours: sunrise to sunset
)Things to Do
Beaver Lake
Beaver Beach, at the south end of Beaver Lake, has a shallow, sandy beach — perfect for swimming, picnicking and canoeing around the offshore islands. The old Filter Beds area contains group picnic sites, and provides access to quiet woodland trails.
You can use the nearby ponds for retriever training, or the Equestrian Centre to exercise and train your horse. Both these areas are under license agreements. For group activities, consult your local retriever or equestrian clubs for access.
Nature Centre
Regional Parks staff and volunteer naturalists can answer your questions and point you in the right direction on the trails. Pick up a brochure, and check out the interpretive displays on the park's natural and cultural history.
Elk Lake
To the north, Elk Lake offers even more. At Eagle Beach, swim, picnic under the Pacific willow trees, launch your scull from the Rowing Centre or start a hike south to Beaver Lake.
At Hamsterly Beach, join wind surfers skimming the waters, sailors seeking a strong breeze and fishers searching for the elusive “big one.”
How to Get There
Elk Lake Entrance
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria. Turn left on Sayward Road, left again on Hamsterly Road, then right on Brookleigh Road, which leads to the park entrance on the left.
Beaver Lake Entrance
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria, and take the Royal Oak Drive exit. Turn left on Royal Oak Drive to cross over the highway, then right on Elk Lake Drive to reach the park entrance on the left.
Allow approximately 20 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Public Transportation
Elk Lake
Take BC Transit bus #70 or #75 from Victoria to Sayward Road at the Pat Bay Highway. The park is a short walk from the bus stop.
Beaver Lake
Take BC Transit bus #70 or #75 from Victoria to Elk Lake Drive at the Beaver Lake entrance. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.
