Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park — Attraction in Saanich

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Its network of scenic trails circles both Elk and Beaver Lake, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The trails are well-maintained, relatively flat, and perfect for walking, running, biking, or horseback riding. Walking around the lake, you’ll be surrounded by tall forests of Douglas fir and cedar, with beautiful views of the water peeking through the trees.

Wildlife is abundant here—you can expect to see herons, ducks, and even bald eagles soaring above. If you’re lucky, you might spot deer grazing near the trails or hear the chorus of frogs in the early evening. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the gentle lap of the water against the shore create a serene backdrop for any activity.

Benches are thoughtfully placed along the trails, offering spots to rest and enjoy the beauty of the lake. These make perfect vantage points for rowers gliding across the water or simply soaking in the calm. The water is ideal for swimming, fishing, or kayaking, and there are several beach access points and docks if you want to get closer to the water.

Parking is plentiful, with several lots available at the Elk and Beaver Lake access points. Even on weekends, there’s usually enough space to find a spot. The park is open from dawn until dusk, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything it has to offer, no matter the season.

Whether you are looking for an active day on the trails or a quiet escape into nature, Elk/Beaver Lake is a perfect destination. I’ll be returning for more peaceful walks and...

Elk Lake and Beaver Lake are part of a beautiful park with lots of water sports and walking. There is a 10km walk around the perimeter of both lakes (always take the right fork or you may end up in the suburbs) that goes past some beautiful lookout spots.

If you like to row, the Elk Lake Boathouse has one of the most modern fleets of rowing hulls in Canada, comprised almost entirely of Hudson competition shells. The equipment is VERY well taken care of and the lake is very large and open.

The boathouse is also the home of the Canadian Olympic Men's Rowing Team that won Gold in Beijing Silver in London, as well as home to excellent University, Master's, and Junior competitive clubs.

If rowing isn't your thing, you can bring your own boat and paddle around, or water ski in particular sections of the lake. There is an avid fishing group that keeps the lake stocked with trout. Apparently, there are catfish and snapping turtles as well, so be mindful of your toes near the shores in the channel between Elk and Beaver Lake!

Avoiding the water altogether is easy if you want as there are several beaches to picnic at our play field games. There is a public BBQ at the Elk Lake Boathouse that can be booked for...

Elk/Beaver Lake is one lake. The lake water is warm enough in the summer to go in swimming at the beach at the North End and at the South Beach. There are large parking lots at each beach and well marked car and foot access. There are no powered boats allowed on Elk/Beaver lake, but you can paddle kayaks, canoes, and other small boats. The lake is usually calm. There is a 10 KM path that goes all the way around the lake and is great for running, walking, cycling, and horse back riding; make sure you read or look at the signs as some parts of the path are restricted in what activity you can do on them. There are paths that go off into the forest too that I have found many beautiful photographs. These paths are usually very quiet. There are many types of birds in the park too. When you drive into the South entrance to the lake you will see to the right a large field where I have seen many a dog owner play 'ball' with their pet. There is parking at the entrance to access this field and the paths...