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, group picnic areas and a fishing float with access for people with 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. 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.
Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch user-friendly trail
The old Filter Beds area contains group picnic sites, and provides access to quiet woodland trails. This 5km (one way) multi-use trail has a smooth gravel surface with gradual slopes in forested and lakeshore environments. If offers several rest areas and opportunities for fishing, swimming and cycling.
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.
Nature Centre Hours
1pm to 4pm
July 1 to September 3
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
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 many recreational activities. 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. There is a group picnic shelter at Eagle Beach near the Elk Lake Rowing Centre.
At Hamsterly Beach, join wind surfers skimming the waters, sailors seeking a strong breeze and fishers searching for the elusive "big one."
Amenities
Detailed Park Accessibility Information
- Elk/Beaver Lake Accessibility Info (PDF - Screen reader friendly)
- Ample parking at several locations with accessible stalls at Beaver Beach (7), Eagle Beach (2), Filter Beds (4) and Hamsterly Beach (5).
- Room for full-size buses.
- Accessible toilets at Beaver and Hamsterly Beaches.
- Accessible playground and picnic tables at Hamsterly Beach.
- Mobi-mat at Hamsterly Beach.
- Accessible fishing dock.
- Two picnic shelters are available for reservation in regional parks.
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.
Filter Beds Entrance
From West Saanich Road turn east onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 1.2km to the Filter Beds parking lot. From Elk Lake Drive turn west onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to the Filter Beds parking lot.
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.
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.