5 Best Lakes Near Victoria: What to Know Before Visiting Victoria's Lakes

Victoria, BC, is a beautiful city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. In addition to being a picturesque coastal city, one of Victoria's biggest draws is its proximity to numerous pristine lakes, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From swimming and fishing to hiking and picnicking, these lakes offer a wide range of activities for anyone visiting or moving to Victoria. This guide highlights some of the best lakes near Victoria, including Thetis Lake and Prospect Lake.

Durrance Lake

Durrance Lake is one of three lakes within Mount Work Regional Park on the Saanich Peninsula and is located within a short driving distance of fewer than 30 minutes from downtown Victoria.

The lake is located in a valley between Mount Work and Partridge Hills. Clean, cool water makes this lake popular for swimmers, and a sandy beach area is popular among sunbathers. If you enjoy fishing, Durrance Lake is a popular fly-fishing spot with a large cutthroat trout and smallmouth bass population.

The park also includes a scenic forest trail with views of Mount Work, and hikers will enjoy the twisting trail surrounding the lake. While there is no boat launch at Durrance Lake, the parking area provides a place to launch car-top boats. Gas-powered boats are prohibited, however.

Summer is the busiest season, and during this time, guests should be prepared to park on Willis Point Road and walk into the park area. The lake is also accessible from the ferry terminal in the town of Sidney.

Thetis Lake

Named after a British Navy submarine, the HMS Thetis, this beautiful lake is a popular choice for residents of Victoria thanks to a relaxing sandy beach and plenty of outdoor activities. Thetis Lake Regional Park provides over 40 kilometres of trails, and some scenic trails wind around the Upper and Lower Thetis lakes for a stunning view. It's also often mentioned among Victoria's best parks.

The lake is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria, just past the View Royal community, and is surrounded by hills, cliffs, and forests. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the 4.9-kilometre trail that winds around the lake, and there's also a dog beach for pet owners. Picnic areas dot the trails so guests can enjoy a peaceful afternoon lunch outdoors.

The main beach area has public restrooms and changing rooms. Thetis Lake tends to be quieter during the morning and busiest on weekends and afternoons. Aside from walking and picnicking, Thetis Lake offers a range of other activities, including swimming, paddling and boating, and fishing. A boat launch is available. The lake offers a large parking area at the end of Six Mile Road in View Royal. Pay parking is required during the summer, typically from May through September. During spring, the area is dotted with various wildflowers, making it a beautiful place to enjoy time outdoors.

Prospect Lake

Prospect Lake is just 20 minutes northwest of Victoria and popular for pleasure boaters. The lake is well-known for excellent trout and bass fishing from the shore and via boat. There are four access points to Prospect Lake: Whitehead Park, Estelline Park, South Prospect Lake Park, and Echo Place Boat Launch.

Whitehead Park features a dock, green space, a playground, and a carry-in boat launch. Estelline Park has a grassy park with marshy lake access, a carry-in boat launch, and a limited parking area. South Prospect Lake Park offers visitors access via a foot trail and has limited parking. The Echo Place Boat Launch features a trailer boat launch and has controlled access via a gate that is usually open from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the summer months.

Some of Saanich's townhomes and waterfront homes are near and along Prospect Lake, and visitors are asked to respect nearby residents. The lake is stocked with between 1,000 and 5,000 rainbow trout yearly, which is why it's a popular fishing destination. The Prospect Lake Preservation Society (PLPS) was established in 2008 and works to improve the lake's biological health, reduce invasive species, and improve community lake access and communication. Boating, fishing, and walking are popular activities for this beautiful lake and the surrounding area. Spring and summer are the busy times when visitors are most active.

Elk Lake

Elk Lake is conjoined with Beaver Lake and includes four beaches, picnic grounds, 15 kilometres of walking trails, and more. It's located in Saanich, one of Victoria's best suburbs. The lake is popular for fishing, birdwatching, windsurfing, rowing, and canoeing. A concession area and restaurant are open in the summer near the north end of Elk Lake.

This area is quite a popular swimming spot for locals, and it's typically most busy during the summer months. Another popular attraction, the nature hut, is open on weekends from 12–4 p.m. during the summer and offers fun and educational activities for children and adults. In the 1930s and 1940s, Elk Lake was dubbed the "Freshwater Playground of Victoria."

Elk Lake is the training area for Canada's Olympic Rowing team and hosts several competitions every year for local schools. The lake has a fantastic playground for kids, a boat launch, and more. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park covers more than 1,072 acres of natural waterways and wilderness. It is also the most popular of all the Capital Region District Parks. Various fish, birds, and wildlife can be seen, including bald eagles, osprey, rainbow trout, rabbits, black-tailed deer, and more. The lake and park are located 14 kilometres north of downtown Victoria.

Shawnigan Lake

Shawnigan Lake is located at the southern edge of the Cowichan Valley and borders the communities of Cobble Hill and Mill Bay. This popular area is well-known among locals as a hot spot to live and vacation. The area's rugged beauty includes the seven-kilometre-long lake that offers fishing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing. The village has gift shops, galleries, and restaurants, including sushi, seafood, and gourmet pizza.

The Shawnigan Lake Museum has exhibits showcasing pieces painted by famous landscape artist E.J. Hughes, a former local, and many others. The lake is off the Trans-Canada Highway and is approximately 48 minutes from downtown Victoria.

One of the most popular attractions is the Kinsol Trestle, one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail. The trestle is 44 meters tall and spans 187 meters long. It was restored in the summer of 2011 by locals and is now open to the public. Visitors also enjoy walking, running, cycling, and horseback riding along the Cowichan Valley Trail, which runs along the west side of Shawnigan Lake. The trail is maintained and covered with gravel. Its wide, flat design has some sections that run along the roadways, making it an ideal place for cycling and walking. While the lake is busiest during the summer, you'll see plenty of residents and casual visitors in various areas year-round.

Victoria's Lakes: The Perfect Coastal Complement

Victoria's lakes are a natural treasure that any visitor should not miss. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there is a lake for everyone. Thetis Lake and Prospect Lake are just two options available, offering crystal-clear waters, beautiful scenery, and various activities for all ages. And these lakes are icing on the cake, so to speak, given that the Salish Sea surrounds Victoria on three sides.

Plus, if you're driving in Victoria, every one of these lakes is easily reached. So, if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature, be sure to check out these stunning lakes near Victoria, BC.