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 (Elk Lake is stocked with catchable Rainbow Trout)
- 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. The nature centre is located near the main Beaver Lake parking lot off Elk Lake Drive in Saanich. See directions under "How to Get There."
Nature Centre Hours:
June-August: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holiday Mondays, 12-4pm.
September: Saturdays, Sundays, holiday Mondays, 12 - 4pm.
October-May: Closed.
The Nature Centre is wheelchair accessible.
Survey
Have you visited the nature centre? We want your feedback.
Your feedback is important to us in order to monitor and improve our services.
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
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.
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
Allow approximately 20 minutes driving time from Victoria.
- Map to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (PDF
) - Directions to Beaver Lake parking lot and Nature Centre
- Directions to the Eagle Beach parking lot
- Directions to the Hamsterly Beach parking lot
Public Transportation
Beaver Lake
Take BC Transit bus #70 or #72 from Victoria to Elk Lake Drive at the Beaver Lake entrance. The bus stop is at the park entrance.
Elk Lake
Take BC Transit bus #70 or #72 from Victoria to the Pat Bay Highway at Sayward Road. The park is a short walk from the bus stop.
Contact BC Transit for scheduling information.
