Cameron Lake is placed east side of Port Alberni, on central Vancouver Island. The Cameron Lake Resort is a family-based resort within Port Alberni and Qualicum Beach town on Highway 4. This old and deep lake's haunting attractiveness drags numerous legends and teems with cutthroat trout and brown-rainbow.
With numerous beaches, Cameron Lake offers recreational utilizations like canoeing, swimming, paddleboarding, waterskiing, and fishing.
The lake includes cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, prickly sculpins, and steelhead.
Cameron Lake is a perfect spot for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding due to a wind funnel made by the nearby mountains.
The spectacular lake has crystal clear water, surrounded by high, densely forested hills. The northern shore is mainly undeveloped, with numerous cottages on the western side of the lake. The now abandoned, old Port Alberni railway line is parallel with the north shore, and there is an attractive old railway trestle bridge around mid-way down the lake.
The lake is known for its huge winds caused by the adjacent mountains' wind-tunnel impact, making it a desired place for windsurfers.
Cameron Lake is located near the east coast of Vancouver Island. It is 26.6 km (16.5 miles) away from Port Alberni, on the northern side of Highway 4, central Vancouver Island. Cameron Lake has an elevation of 184 m (603.6 ft) with an area of 477 ha (1178.6 acres). The southern shore is integrated into the Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park with stunning Little Qualicum Falls, and Macmillan Provincial Park, which is included in the southwestern side of the lake. Also, Hole In The Wall Falls is another waterfall placed southwest of Cameron Lake, about 20.6 km (12.8 miles) away. For cave exploring enthusiasts, Horne Lake Caves is a hot spot you can find by driving to the west of Horne Lake.
The lake has two day-use regions of the Cameron Lake Day Use and Beaufort Area. A private campground also exists over the east side of the lake.
Cameron Lake's day-use area is placed 23 km (14 miles) west of Parksville on Highway 4, adjacent to the communities such as Coombs, Qualicum, and Port Alberni.
From Victoria:
Getting to Cameron Lake from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 170 km (105.6 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N. Drive 155 km (96.3 miles) and follow BC-4 W to Chalet Rd in Nanaimo F. After 13.5 km (8.3 miles), you will reach Cameron Lake.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to Cameron Lake from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is 59.6 km (37 miles) and takes about 43 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St towards Wesley St for 800 m (2624.6 ft). Continue onto Third St and, after 1.9 km (1.1 miles), continue onto Jingle Pot Rd for 650 m (2132.5 ft). Turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive 41.3 km (25.6 miles). Take exit 60 towards Port Alberni. After 1.5 km (0.9 miles), merge onto Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Continue to follow BC-4 W for 13.2 km (8.2 miles). Turn right onto Chalet Rd. After 350 m (1148.2 ft), you will reach Cameron Lake.
1. "Cameron Lake Railway Trestles (west-side)" is an out-and-back easy trail near Port Alberni, which is CLOSED right now. It has a 7.7 km (4.7 miles) length and 43 m (141 ft) elevation gain. All skill levels can use the trail year-round. Dogs can pass the trail.
2. "Cameron Lake Railway Trestles (east-side)" is a moderate level out and back trail near Port Alberni. It has a 7.2 km (4.4 miles) length and 266 m (872.7 ft) elevation gain. The trail is suitable for hiking and walking.
In 1860, the lake was termed by Captain Richards for David Cameron, the first Chief Justice of Vancouver Island. In the summer of 2009, the BC cryptozoology club could not recognize the source of previous sightings as the large trout or something more significant, resulting in speculation regarding some sea serpents. John Kirk et al., in February 2016, found a massive object in the water, though their underwater camera was detached. Kirk speculated the mysterious lake creature as the giant sturgeon, a massive salamander, or a huge eel.
Cameron Lake, as one of British Columbia's lakes, makes it possible for the anglers to discover Brown Trout introduced into the lake from 1930 until the 1940s.
Less development exists on Cameron Lake, though forestry, residential development, and gravel extraction are progressed on the nearby lands. There are about 18 recreational leases with cabins on the northern side of Cameron Lake (Turner, 1997).
Cameron Lake is well-known for its beautiful offseason visit, excellent family location, stunningly photogenic cathedral grove, and unique picnic places.
With fir trees along the Port Alberni Highway, Cameron Lake is excellent for those enjoying their time. Locating in Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, the lake is a cryptozoologist's dream, with creatures hiding legends in its depths lately as 2009. Cameron Lake is a tranquil and beautiful spot, enclosed by ancient forests and mountains. It takes only one hour from Ocean Trails; even over summer months with more traffic, Cameron Lake creates well-spent days.
You can enjoy swimming, boating, and paddling.
Some great walking trails, and the lake is fantastic. A bit close to the highway, but still private enough to relax and enjoy the water and other activities.
A superior swimming opportunity is made by Cameron Lake day-use area in the park. Pit toilets and picnic tables are provided off the small parking lots on the lake's southern side. Making fires; is not allowed in the day-use area; moreover, domestic animals must be on a leash all the time and are not permitted on beach areas.
The park possesses three day-use/picnic areas within a distance of a few kilometres from each other.
By maintaining your small campfire, you can conserve air quality and firewood. Limited campfire bans or burning hours may be run while bringing a portable stove for cooking.
The park locating nearby the upper campground is an adventure playground.
Freshwater scuba diving is also possible in Cameron Lake, with other wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Great Central Lake is a popular destination near Port Alberni for hot summer days. As it is nestled beneath low mountains, and secondary-growth forests mostly surround it, there is a reflection on the water, making a scenic view. Photography, boating, hiking, swimming, and camping are suggested while you are in the area. So go on the adventures and pour your heart into them.
Are you looking for a socially distanced escape? Sproat Lake is a lovely place to relax and do water-based activities. Despite its size and depth, the water is relatively warm, adding to its value as a destination lake to relax in the sun by the warm lake. May and April are good for steelhead, with April to June being incredibly productive for rainbow trout.
It's time to meet an extraordinary lake that is not as tranquil as most of the lakes. Cameron Lake is famous for its huge winds, making it a desired place for windsurfers. The lake is an excellent family location suitable for fishing and swimming. It is a stunningly photogenic place with unique picnic areas surrounded by parks and lakes. So get the most out of your visit.
Hiking on Bowen Park Loop is a lovely urban walk along a river with stunningly beautiful nature that promotes a rich forest, a waterfall, and a scenic pond. This easy hiking trail is so well maintained with lots of facilities. Spend hours hiking on this loop as part of the Trans Canada Trail and have a memorable day in the park, great for different kinds of activities.
Ranked as the best cold-water diving destination in BC, Nanaimo waters are saturated with new diving experiences. BC Ferries, dive shops, accessible shores, and the chance to observe cute beaches have made Nanaimo an ideal destination for visitors. Diving enthusiasts find themselves in the heavens when they come to Nanaimo, for it is home to spotless diving spots.
For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.
Protection Island Ferry provides its participants with high chances of watching whales and other marine creatures, along with the scenic view of three spectacular islands. You may also rent a boat to surf the water, and if you are in luck, encounter these gigantic marine beasts.
On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.
Despite its name, if you favour it, you can do tent camping with a sea view right in the center of Vancouver Island. one of the most significant fishing camps, Deep Bay s full of surprises for anglers. Not to mention that if you visit, you can observe various fantastic wildlife there. So, put your hesitates aside, and plan to visit Camping in Deep Bay RV Park this weekend.
Looking for a place on Hornby Island to stay the night while enjoying yourselves? You would better stop by camping in Ford's Cove Marina and camp with your RV or tent. This campground has cute oceanic views and glorious sunsets with gorgeous mountains. The Ford's Cove Marina Campground sites are charming, well-maintained, and spacious, with a pleasant grassy and treed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
As a popular destination for campers from Nanaimo or Courtenay, Qualicum Bay Resort is one of the best places for nature admirers. Amuse your eye with the beautiful scenic view of this campground located on a beautiful beach. You are provided with almost every kind of camping and incredible landscape for those in the RV campground.
The great adventure in Fanny Bay will always hunt its visitors. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground offer undeniable opportunities for camping of all kinds with a beautiful view of the ocean ornamented by mountains and islands. This campground offers excellent accommodation with every essential amenity. Not to mention that you can lose yourself in its charm, quiet, and unique sites and find it again.
Spacious, unique, private, and complete facility sites are provided in Bradsdadsland Campsite for visitors to have a perfect time camping on Hornby Island. Embrace this fantastic opportunity for adventure while you are in one of the gems of Hornby Island. You would feel peaceful while camping in the beautiful Bradsdadsland, away from your daily boring daily routine. While watching sunsets, enjoy the ocean view ahead of you.
By camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground, the freedom you feel is seductive. The sandy beaches are perfect for spending some time walking or lounging on enjoying the lake's beautiful view and forest. So, do not miss another day of your vacation and head to the Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground to fulfil your desires for adventure.
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.
Diving in Norris Rocks is two birds with one stone. You have the chance for an exciting deep-diving and also observing the unbelievable underwater wildlife inhabiting the area. After jumping into the water, go deep to gaze upon giant octopuses and deep-water locations.
If you are wandering around Hornby Island and thinking about a way to multiply the adventure of your day, do not hesitate and head to Flora Islet. On the other hand, no boats? Don't worry! This excellent diving zone is accessible by ferry. Enthusiasts who come to the site on summer days have the chance to see six-gill sharks.
According to your level of proficiency or your preference, the depths for diving vary from shallow to deep in China Creek. Comprising a wall dive with an incredible view of Port Alberni and amazing marine creatures underneath the water surface multiplies the beauty of this diving experience.
Great Central Lake is a popular destination near Port Alberni for hot summer days. As it is nestled beneath low mountains, and secondary-growth forests mostly surround it, there is a reflection on the water, making a scenic view. Photography, boating, hiking, swimming, and camping are suggested while you are in the area. So go on the adventures and pour your heart into them.
Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.
Colliery Dam Park with Chase River, huge trees, Granny Falls, and two small ponds is a tranquil and wooded park. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers. It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. You can go hiking, seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout.
Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.
Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.
Pipers Lagoon Park is a waterfront park with Shack Island, the ocean, and Neck Point Park views. Stay there for sunrise and sunset, and don't miss watching the scene. The park is home to bird species and other animals, making it a perfect destination for wildlife photographers. Hiking and jogging, beachcombing, flying a kite, and doing water sports are other options.
It seems that all you need is available at Bowen Park; a waterfall, duck pond, wilderness and picnic areas, and lots of facilities and sports fields. The Millstone River passes through the park, where can be considered as your hiking trail. The duck pond and a beautiful rhododendron grove with more than 350 species are amusing. Be there for some exercise or relaxation in the woods.
Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.
Walking from the ferry terminal to downtown Nanaimo, you can find a beautiful small garden, Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A small public park with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated it. The scenery is eye-catching and is mainly used for the background of family portraits.
Neck Point Park is a beachfront park with some lookout spots where land meets the ocean. It is a popular choice for photography, hiking, scuba diving, and historic and scenic features. Fishing, paddling, and swimming are other options you have to entertain yourself. This waterfront park has awesome sea life; also, you can see bunnies very commonly.
An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.
If you plan to be away from urban life and spend hours in the woods watching wildlife and get relaxed, take a visit to Beach Estates Park, west of Departure Bay. With a beautiful designated hiking trail, Beach Estates Park is interesting for hikers and runners. The park's nature includes a lush forest with magnificent tall trees, a small river, a rocky beach, and Beach Estates Falls.
Silence is wiser than speech in nature. To get this atmosphere with a scenic view near Nanaimo and to have an excellent family time, Westwood Lake Park is a smart year-round choice. It is a perfect place with a playground for kids, an off-leash area, and a lifeguard patrolled freshwater swimming site. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating are other adventures to take.
Wall Beach is a rocky beach north of Nanoose Bay. The peaceful atmosphere gives you an excellent chance to live in the sunshine, feel alive by the ocean air, and relax. It is the best escape anyone can have to get rid of work pressure. Do what makes you happy and improve your health. The beach has a dive site to dive, swim, and explore the rich marine life.
Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.