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Vanislander / Landmarks / Lakes / Alice Lake

Alice Lake in Vancouver Island

An ultimate adventure in Vancouver island :Nestled on the breathtaking Vancouver Island,Alice Lake is a beloved park that invites outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine natural beauty. Set against a backdrop of towering mountains, lush forests, and expansive grassy meadows, this park features four sparkling freshwater lakes that are perfect for hiking, swimming, picnicking, and a host of other recreational activities. Whether you're planning a family getaway or a solo adventure, Alice Lake offers an unrivalled blend of scenic charm and diverse outdoor pursuits.

Planning Your Visit to Alice Lake How to Access Alice Lake

Alice Lake is conveniently located for travelers coming from major cities like Victoria and Nanaimo. The park is easily accessible by car via well-maintained highways that offer scenic drives through Vancouver Island’s stunning landscapes. Ample parking is available at the park, and public transportation options are provided by local transit services for those who prefer not to drive. For the best route and travel updates, check local travel guides and official BC Parks websites.

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Best Times to Visit Alice Lake

For optimal outdoor experiences, plan your visit during the warmer months. Summer offers ideal conditions for swimming and water sports, while fall transforms the park into a vibrant canvas of autumn colours—a perfect time for wildlife viewing and hiking. Spring also brings mild weather and fewer crowds, making it an excellent season for peaceful nature walks. Always review seasonal updates and park maintenance notices before your trip.

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Essential Visitor Information

Alice Lake prides itself on family-friendly amenities and strict adherence to park regulations. Visitors will find well-maintained washrooms, picnic tables, and designated play areas, ensuring comfort for all ages. Some activities may require permits or have associated fees, so it's wise to consult the park’s visitor centre or official BC Parks resources for the latest details.

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Accessibility Information

Committed to inclusivity, Alice Lake offers several accessible facilities, including wheelchair-friendly trails, parking, and washrooms. Before setting out, visitors are encouraged to verify current accessibility features with park authorities to ensure a smooth experience.
here are the most popular routes:
 From Victoria :the driving distance from Victoria, British Columbia, to Alice Lake near Port Alice is approximately 512 kilometers. This journey typically takes around 6 hours and 13 minutes by car.  The route primarily follows Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) north from Victoria to Nanaimo, then transitions onto Highway 19 heading towards Port McNeill. Near Port McNeill, you'll take the exit onto Highway 30, also known as Port Alice Road, which leads directly to the village of Port Alice. From there, local roads provide access to Alice Lake. Please note that portions of the route, especially near Alice Lake, may involve gravel logging roads. It's advisable to ensure your vehicle is suitable for such conditions and to check current road statuses before embarking on your trip. For the most accurate and up-to-date directions, consider using a GPS navigation system or an online mapping service like Google Maps.
From Nanaimo : Nanaimo, British Columbia, is a vibrant coastal city on Vancouver Island known for its stunning waterfront, rich history, and outdoor adventure opportunities. From the charming streets of the Old City Quarter, you can head west along Fitzwilliam Street and continue on a scenic journey through Third Street and Jingle Pot Road before merging onto BC-19 North. This route takes you on a breathtaking 363-kilometer drive along Vancouver Island’s eastern coastline, passing lush forests and ocean vistas. Turning onto BC-30 South and Port Hardy Road, you'll find yourself deep in the rugged beauty of Northern Vancouver Island. A final stretch leads you to the serene waters of Alice Lake, nestled in the remote wilderness of Mount Waddington, making for an unforgettable road trip through some of British Columbia’s most striking landscapes.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

Cadboro Bay Windsurfing

Cadboro Bay Windsurfing

If you have never been to Cadboro Bay, you must know that this marvellous place offering suitable conditions and facilities is an ideal spot for those in love with windsurfing. The Bay's proximity to Cadboro-Gyro Park is the reason why adventure never dies in that region. While you are enjoying one, many others are awaiting you in the field to be experienced.

Camping in Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Bedwell Lake Campground

Known as the base camp to explore the area, Bedwell Lake Campground comprises excellent tent campsites. There you can climb surrounding mountains and hike gorgeous, well-maintained trails. Bedwell Lake Campground would be excellent for backcountry adventures. It has lovely glacial mountain views.

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Nestled in a beautiful forest among the ocean, Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park will make pleasure flow in your blood, like you are walking on air. Whether tent or RV, your camping would be private and quiet in this scenic oceanside campground. The park is on a hill and is terraced with lots of amazing views of the water. Plus, it has a view of three rivers and some great forests.

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Use your memory as your travel bag and fill them as best as you can. Follow your desires of camping and visit the Jordan River Regional Park Campground. a quiet, serene campsite in which you have the chance to stay away from the bustle in town. Please have a visit to gorgeous waterfalls, which are fantastic since they don’t plunge into the water but drain into the ground.

Sooke Whale Watching

Sooke Whale Watching

Among all the adventures in Sooke, which leave you speechless by the wat, whale watching opportunities are undeniable. The chances of observing the world's largest Mammals vary season by season, but it is best to come during May-October. Sooke will bring you the opportunity to experience a whale-watching trip to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. So, let your journey take you to the destined places.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

After a long relaxing time on Cox Bay Beach, away from all the stress from urban life, if your souls are looking for excitement, the storm-watching opportunity provided for you may be able to satisfy that need. This clean and peaceful beach offers you a pristine view of the sunset and the chance to watch the surfers skimming the water. It is a good idea to walk and feel the sand upon your feet.

Stories Beach Surfing

Stories Beach Surfing

As a reward for your hard work, travel to Vancouver Island to fulfil your cravings for adventure and fun. Adjacent to Campbell River, Stories Beach is a vibrant spot attracting many visitors worldwide. The great waves heating the beach allow you to experience surfing for real. While you are in the area, keep in mind to fish; so, do not forget to bring your fishing rods.

Breakwater Island Diving

Breakwater Island Diving

Make immortal memories of diving in the Breakwater Island Diving zone. This famous diving location has a lot to offer. Whether on land or in water, a variety of creatures inhabit the area you cannot get enough and fantastic scenery which can multiply the amazement of your stay in this region.

Mount Washington Snowshoeing

Mount Washington Snowshoeing

Being the busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mount Washington provides you with incredible winter activities, including snowshoeing. While you are on the snow, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast from Powell River to Sechelt. Moreover, several nearby resorts are ready to offer service to visitors annually.

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Alice Lake

Alice Lake is distinguished by its four clear, freshwater lakes, each offering unique recreational opportunities. Surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests, the park’s landscape has been shaped over millennia to create a naturally balanced ecosystem. Whether you're exploring the shoreline or enjoying a quiet moment by the water, every corner of Alice Lake is a testament to Vancouver Island’s geological wonders.

Activities and Recreation at Alice Lake

Swimming and Water Sports

Dive into adventure with the park’s refreshing lakes, which are perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Safety is a priority, and during peak seasons, supervised swimming areas and clear safety guidelines help ensure a fun and secure experience for all water sports enthusiasts.

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Camping and Accommodation Options

For those looking to extend their visit, Alice Lake offers a range of camping options—from rustic tent sites to comfortable cabins. Nearby accommodations, including hotels and rental cabins, provide additional choices for a restful night under the stars. Due to its popularity, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer months.

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Fishing at Alice Lake

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s abundant freshwater fish populations. Whether you’re casting from the shore or enjoying a boat launch, be sure to follow local fishing regulations and secure the necessary licenses. The serene environment makes Alice Lake one of Vancouver Island’s prime locations for a peaceful day of fishing.

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What You Can Expect to See Near

active pass lighthouse vancouver island

active pass lighthouse vancouver island

Nestled on the picturesque Mayne Island in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, Active Pass Lighthouse is a historic beacon guiding mariners since 1885. Renowned for its dramatic coastal vistas and rich maritime heritage, this iconic lighthouse stands sentinel over Active Pass, a bustling shipping channel between the Salish Sea and the Strait of Georgia. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and evergreen forests, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of passing ferries, orcas, and seabirds.

Mount Albert Edward

Mount Albert Edward

Mount Albert Edward is the sixth-highest mountain on Vancouver Island. It is located in the center of Vancouver Island in Strathcona Provincial Park and is one of the most easily accessible mountains. Mt Albert Edward is a popular destination among mountaineers at 2093 m (6866 ft.) elevation. It was named for Albert Edward and was first ascended in 1890 by William Ralph. The mountain is a renowned place among mountaineers for skiing and snowshoeing in winters.

Ronnings Garden

Ronnings Garden

Tucked near the northwest tip of Vancouver Island, Ronning’s Garden is a surreal blend of wilderness and curated beauty. Established in 1910 by Norwegian settler Bernt Ronning, this secluded garden thrives amid old-growth rainforests and rugged coastal landscapes. Known for its rare rhododendrons, towering Sitka spruces, and alpine blooms, Ronning’s Garden feels like a secret Eden. Located just 12 km from Cape Scott Provincial Park, it’s a must-visit for hikers, history buffs, and nature lovers seeking solitude. This guide covers how to visit, seasonal highlights, and tips for exploring this off-grid treasure

Miracle Beach Provincial Park

Miracle Beach Provincial Park

Miracle Beach Provincial Park is a year-round oceanside destination that is among the popular and beautiful parks in Vancouver-Island. This park features a nice safe sandy beach which includes private campsites, group camping facilities, a playground for the kids, hot showers and a large picnic area that has nice views of the ocean.

Wild play Element Parks

Wild play Element Parks

If you intend to spend a lovely weekend out of the crowded city and all of its pollutions, Wild-play Elements park is an excellent choice for you. This park is situated near the Nanaimo River and inside the green area of Vancouver Island forest. The park is a great spot for meetings, events and weddings. Wild-play Element Park has eye-catching scenery and wildlife that changes every season and makes a perfect view.

Mount Douglas Beach

Mount Douglas Beach

Mount Douglas Beach is one of the fantastic beaches that you can visit on Vancouver Island.
Go there at sunset for an experience of peace, Mount Douglas is a small beach, but at low tide, the water opens a wide area, and you will able to see Marine life on the beach.

Oak Bay

Oak Bay

Just 3.8 km (2.36 miles) east of downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is a picturesque seaside suburb where heritage charm meets Pacific Northwest beauty. Known for its tree-lined avenues, Edwardian mansions, and panoramic ocean views, this neighborhood offers a serene escape with a touch of British flair.

Nahmint Lake

Nahmint Lake

Nestled beneath old-growth rainforests, Nahmint Lake is perfect in many ways. The view of the mountains, which is spectacular by the way; long, deep, and cool water perfect for water activities such as canoeing, and fantastic beaches for camping to enjoy a day or even a whole weekend with your family and friends. Blackies beach offers a breath-taking scenery of the lake great for a long walk along the shorelines of it. Also a great spot to camp and spend quality time with friends and family.

Muir Creek Beach

Muir Creek Beach

Tucked along the rugged shores of the Juan de Fuca Strait, Muir Creek Beach is a hidden paradise for adventurers and history buffs alike. Named after the pioneering Muir family, who shaped the region’s early logging industry, this beach offers a unique blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue. Walk sandy shores dotted with driftwood, hunt for ancient whale bones embedded in cliffs, or relax under a handmade tree swing while listening to Pacific waves

Iron Mine Bay

Iron Mine Bay

Nestled within East Sooke Regional Park, Iron Mine Bay is a rugged, lesser-known coastal paradise on southern Vancouver Island. Famous for its pebbly shoreline, dramatic cliffs, and historical copper mining roots, this bay offers a raw, untouched escape for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Located just 45 minutes from Victoria, Iron Mine Bay is part of a 1,400-hectare park that blends lush old-growth forests with jaw-dropping ocean vistas of the Juan de Fuca Strait.

Sayward Beach

Sayward Beach

Sayward Beach is one of the beaches that you can access from Cordova Bay Road. It offers a great sandy beach that is excellent for sunbathing and getting the sun's pleasant heat on a warm summer day.Sayward Bay is also suitable for children; children have a shallow shoreline to play in the water safely and enjoy their leisure time.In the afternoon, watching the sky that changing color and becoming orange and seeing the sun that visiting the ocean can make you forget the passage of time. If you come in winter, you don't lose anything; Sayward Beach is still a wonderful, as the people of Vancouver island get ready for the polar bear swim or even be able to witness the snowing view of the beach and the surrounded area.

Ella Beach

Ella Beach

Nestled at the end of Ella Road in Sooke, Ella Beach is one of Vancouver Island’s less crowded island. This secluded pebble beach offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains across the Juan de Fuca Strait, making it a must-visit for travelers craving rugged coastal beauty without the crowds. A short 45-minute drive from Victoria. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or nature lover, this guide covers everything you need to know—from tide-safe exploration to hidden trail tips.

St Mary Lake

St Mary Lake

Discover the serene beauty of St Mary Lake—a gem in the Capital Regional District of BC that offers a perfect blend of water sports, hiking, camping, and cultural heritage. Nestled amid lush forests and sparkling waters, St Mary Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat on Vancouver Island

Planning for Alice Lake

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Packing

Travel Tips





Tips for a Memorable Visit

Be sure to pack essentials for a day out in nature: sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, water bottles, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning vistas. A well-stocked first-aid kit and a map of the park are also advisable for safe and enjoyable exploration.

Local Business Recommendations

While visiting Alice Lake, support the local economy by exploring nearby restaurants, cafes, outdoor gear shops, and tour operators. These local businesses not only offer delicious meals and essential equipment rentals but also provide valuable insights into the region’s culture and attractions.

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Arina Akhoundi

2025 April 6

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