Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park offers spectacular scenery of the lake and the forest and is a popular destination for friends, families and watersport lovers.
The lake is perfect for swimmers, anglers, sailors, windsurfers, water-skiers, and rowers. At the south end of Beaver Lake, Beaver Beach features a shallow sandy beach ideal for swimming, canoeing and picnicking. Some designated trails are multi-use, like hiking, cycling and horseback riding, but some are only suitable for hiking.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park has a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. Plant species include Douglas fir, red alder, western red cedar, licorice ferns, breadroot, cattail reeds, yellow pond lilies, cottonwood and pacific crabapple.
Animals such as Canada geese, Columbia black-tailed deer, mergansers, buffleheads, red-legged frogs, the giant bullfrog, river otters, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, and smallmouth bass are inhabitants. Among bird species are bald eagles, Savannah sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, screech owl, chestnut-backed chickadees, yellow warblers and osprey. This park is a birds' paradise.
The Elk/Beaver Regional Park, with about 434 hectares (1,072 acres) area is located in Saanich, Vancouver Island. It comprises Elk Lake and Beaver Lake. A shallow channel connects Elk Lake and Beaver Lake. The park also features a forest that is glorious with the existence of plenty of plants and animals.
The famous garden in Victoria, The Butchart Gardens, is located 11.9 km (7.3 miles) to the northwest near Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
From Nanaimo:
Nanaimo's fastest route is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 115 km (71.4 miles) and takes about 1 hour and a half.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804 ft). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to your destination in Cordova Bay for 114 km (70.8 miles). Turn left and drive 280 m (918.6 ft) to reach the Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.
From Victoria:
The Fastest route from Victoria is via Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17. It is 11.9 km (7.4 miles) and takes about 15 minutes.
Head west on Pandora Ave towards Government St for 99 m (324 ft) and turn right onto Government St. Drive 800 m (2624 ft) and turn right onto Bay St. Continue for 300 m (984 ft). Turn left onto Blanshard St/Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 and drive 10.4 km (6.5 miles). Turn left, and after 280 m (918.6 ft), you will reach the park.
1. "Elk and Beaver Lake Loop" is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 10 km (6.2 miles) length, 78 m (256 ft) of elevation gain, and easy rates. The trail features a lake and forest and is mostly used for hiking, walking, running, and biking. The best time to use this loop is from May until October. Dogs but must be on a leash.
2. "Elk and Beaver Lake West Loop" is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 2.4 km (1.5 miles) length, 29 m (95 ft) of elevation gain, and easy rates. The trail features a lake and forest and is mainly used for hiking, walking, running and bird watching. The best time to use this loop is from May until September. Your dog but must be on a leash.
3. "Elk and Beaver Lake East Loop" is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 4.3 km (2.6 miles) length, 33 m (108 ft) of elevation gain, and easy rates. This loop features a lake and beach and is used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching. Dogs but must be on a leash.
The Coast Salish people have been living in the Saanich Peninsula for thousands of years. The Songhees and the Saanich used the area for fishing, hunting and congregating plants.
Elk / Beaver Lake was known as the "Freshwater Playground of Victoria" in its heyday and was used as a drinking water supply for Victoria.
In 1966 Elk/Beaver Lake became a regional park.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park features an impressive lake and dazzling forest, which is glorious with plenty of plants and animals.
The lake is perfect for water activities like swimming, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and kayaking.
Some designated trails for multi-use, like hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, can be found in the park.