Hayward Lake — Attraction in Mission

Spent the whole day, Sunday at Hayward Lake Beach. We got their at around 8:40am and the main gate was already closed. So we parked at the 1st overflow parking lot. This place fills up fast!

Beach area was actually wide open space cramped with people and tents. We camped up from the beach area and tables and down from the washrooms. Still good spot to view the lake.

Area is monitored by BC Hydro staff who keep the place clean and welcoming! We stayed from 8:45am to 7:30pm. Saw the staff pick up garbage on the ground and empty garbage pins at least 4 times during our stay. Washrooms kept clean too. Womens Washroom have long lineups. So be warned.

Now we know why its such a popular destination for locals. Water was cool and refreshing for swimming or going out in canoes or other floaties. And you're able to barbecue and just hang out. It was a great experience for our group 18. Definitely a spot everyone should check out. Oh no...

This has always been one of our go-to family lakes for many years but it's starting to have issues with overcrowding. It's annoying to show up early and still be forced to unload at the overflow parking, even though we'd asked nicely if we could gain temporary access to the main parking to unload since we have a young child. The care-takers/park rangers were a little rude when they brushed us off but at least the walk from the overflow parking was only 150 metres, or so, from the main lake. Still a great spot for picnic/bbq with the family if you can...

Only second time visiting here, first time was ok but after this visit, as much as I would like to rate higher, the trails were poorly maintained, with fallen trees in multiple places all around lake, smell of sewage/manure along most of west side, and sewage or possibly even some chemicals being also drained from properties up above the east side. Oh and someone was having a bonfire on east side of the lake, smoking up the trail (it was wet and no visible fire, so couldn't have been a...