advertise
Vanislander / Landmarks / Lakes / St Mary Lake

St Mary Lake on Vancouver Island

Discover the serene beauty of St Mary Lake—a hidden 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. Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended getaway, use canvas to capture your memories or even try your hand at painting the breathtaking landscape. In this guide, we provide detailed directions from both Nanaimo and Victoria, essential visitor information including permit requirements, and a range of activities designed to enrich your adventure.


Exploring the Natural Wonders of St Mary Lake

Lake Characteristics and Surroundings:
 St Mary Lake captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters and serene shoreline.
Physical Features: The lake is known for its clear, calm waters ideal for swimming and water sports.
Surroundings: Set against a backdrop of dense forests and rolling hills, the natural landscape offers a picturesque
setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Geology: Formed over millennia, the lake’s shoreline features gentle slopes and rocky outcrops that create unique habitats for local flora and fauna.

more

less

The Wildlife and Ecosystem of St Mary Lake

The ecosystem of St Mary Lake supports a diverse array of wildlife.
Flora & Fauna: Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of native waterfowl and songbirds, while the surrounding forests are home to small mammals and, occasionally, larger wildlife.
Fish Species: The lake supports a healthy population of freshwater fish, making it popular among anglers. Smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch are among the most popular fish to catch at St. Mary Lake on Saltspring Island, British Columbia.
 Conservation: Practice responsible wildlife viewing and adhere to local guidelines to help preserve the natural balance of the area.

more

less

Essential Visitor Information

Permits: Typically, no permit is required for day-use at St Mary Lake.For camping or extended stays, verify with local park authorities or BC Parks for the latest permit requirements.
Amenities: Facilities include washrooms, picnic tables, and designated parking areas.
Safety Guidelines: Always follow posted regulations, check weather and ferry schedules in advance, and supervise children near water.

more

less

Accessibility Information

 St Mary Lake is accessible via well-maintained roads from both Nanaimo and Victoria:
From Nanaimo: Approximately 57.5 km (35.8 miles) via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, Henry Rd, and Crofton Rd, then a ferry crossing.
From Victoria: About 62.3 km (38.7 miles) via Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17, a ferry ride, and Fulford-Ganges Rd to Tripp Rd.
Wheelchair Access: Some parking and facilities are accessible; however, certain trails and ferry steps may have limitations. Always check local conditions if accessibility is a concern.

more

less

Vancouver Island Activities near St Mary Lake

Race Rocks Diving

Race Rocks Diving

A fantastic offering for those who would like to dive and learn about the history of marine activities of Vancouver Island is lying on the grounds of Race Rock Lighthouse. The existence of this lighthouse adds up to the exceptionality of this diving adventure. However, you have to look out for the whales living there.

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.

Willows Beach Kiteboarding

Willows Beach Kiteboarding

You will feel phenomenal when you reach this beautiful beach, particularly when you step into the water. Willows Beach is mainly known for its swimming opportunity, but you are given a chance to surf the surface of the water. It is highly appropriate for young children, and ample amenities are provided for your convenience.

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

Featuring Victoria Harbour and West Bay, Esquimalt could be your starting point for whale watching in Victoria. You can also have the pleasure of watching sea lions, seals, porpoises, and a wide variety of marine birds are other stunning creators that may be highly admirable to wildlife watching fanatics.

Victoria Diving

Victoria Diving

Extraordinary opportunities to make your diving experience memorable in the heart of Greater Victoria, including high-ranked spots for diving. These spots provide you with inevitable diving opportunities which allow you to explore the alien underwater world of Victoria's waters saturated with magnificent creatures. Do not miss it for the world.

James Bay Kiteboarding

James Bay Kiteboarding

As one of the kiteboarding attractions in southern parts of Victoria, this recreational resort is primed with services and equipment for surfing sports and other outdoor activities. Let your spirits free and be feeding on the abundant adventures provided for you in James Bay.

Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

Start your whale watching journey with Van Isle Marina, a critical marine zone on Vancouver Island, capable of serving 200 boats simultaneously, which has made it an ideal destination for the fans of whale watching. There is a high chance to observe other sea creatures other than whales.

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria offers endless kayaking and canoeing opportunities, whether you have the expertise or not. It is the gateway to world-class paddling in which various wildlife and birdlife exist. But the adventure doesn't stop there; you can do any activity you imagine, and consequently, Victoria is the paradise of paddles for those who enjoy having more exciting excursions besides kayaking and canoeing.

Camping in Elk Falls Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Elk Falls Provincial Park Campground

Right in between old-growth forests, Elk Falls Provincial Park Campground is best known for its fishery. After you camped and had your relaxing moments, you can take a long walk through the coastline while enjoying the scenery of a beautiful fall that can make your walk more delightful. Also, other recreational activities may make your stay more enjoyable.

Sidney Kayaking

Sidney Kayaking

Views of Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, besides appealing sea excursions, make Sidney a paradise for tourists and suitable for kayaking. Sidney's moderate Mediterranean climate with relatively low rainfall is the reason behind its popularity among paddling enthusiasts. Also, recreational sites around Sidney have made it an ideal place to make beautiful memories while exploring the incredible opportunities provided for you.

Planning Your Visit to St Mary Lake

 From BC Ferries Departure Bay Terminal (Nanaimo):
Starting Point: 680 Trans-Canada Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2X9, Canada.
Route Overview: Continue on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S (2 minutes, 500 m). Follow the highway to Henry Rd in Chemainus (31 minutes, 37.2 km). Take Chemainus Rd/BC-1A S and Crofton Rd to Crofton (12 minutes, 10.5 km). Board the Crofton – Vesuvius ferry (32 minutes, 5.1 km). Follow Vesuvius Bay Rd to Tripp Rd (8 minutes, 4.2 km) to arrive at St Mary Lake.

Popular Activities and Recreation at St Mary Lake

Swimming and Water Sports

 The calm waters of St Mary Lake make it ideal for various water activities.
Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear, inviting waters.
Kayaking and Paddle boarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake’s quiet coves and scenic shoreline.
Canoeing: Experience the tranquility of the lake by canoe for a serene day on the water.

more

less

Hiking and Trails Around the Lake

 Explore the unique trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
Trail Options: Choose from easy lakeside walks to more challenging hikes that wind through the forest.
Safety Tips: Wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and check trail conditions before heading out.

more

less

Fishing at St Mary Lake

 Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at St Mary Lake.
Fish Species: The lake is known for its variety of freshwater fish, ideal for both casual and experienced anglers.
Regulations: Ensure you have a valid fishing license and adhere to local fishing regulations.
Best Spots: Early morning and late afternoon often yield the best fishing opportunities.

more

less

Wildlife Viewing at St Mary Lake

Wildlife Viewing: Numerous trails around the lake offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna

more

less

What you Can Expect to See Near

Tahsis

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Sophia Range

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Artlish Caves

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Coral Cave

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Thanksgiving Cave

Thanksgiving Cave

Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.

Upana Caves

Upana Caves

Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.

Genevieve Range

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Haihte Range

Haihte Range

The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.

Best Times to Visit St Mary Lake

 Summer: Ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding with warm weather and long days.
Fall: Enjoy cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and excellent fishing conditions.
Spring/Winter: Offers tranquility and dramatic landscapes, perfect for reflective nature walks and photography.

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.

Trail open; most campsites operational.

Increasing number of hikers; moderate weather.

July

Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

August

Warm temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

September

Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for variable weather.

Tips for a Memorable Visit

Outdoor Essentials: Waterproof footwear, a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket or rain gear.
Recreation Gear: Swimsuits, kayaks or paddleboards, fishing rods, and a camera.
Art Supplies: Consider bringing a canvas to capture the scenic beauty of St Mary Lake through painting.
Food and Water: Pack sufficient snacks and water, as local facilities may be limited.
Profile Picture

Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

Festival & Events: Don't Miss Out!

What Do You Think about