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Swimming - Freshwater

Sooke Potholes

Mon, 10/29/2007 - 12:55 — admin
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Sooke PotHoles Regional Park is a swimmers paradise located on the banks of the spectacular Sooke River.
Enjoy the views, explore the trails or take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day!

Website: 
http://www.sookepotholes.com/
Public Transit: 
Take Douglas Street out of the city. Head towards Colwood by following the signs. You might be tempted to stop in Colwood and take a dip at Thetis Lake, but continue on towards Sooke, passing through Colwood, Langford and Metchosin. Once in Sooke, watch for Edward Milne High. It’s on your right. Head down Sooke River Road for about five to 10 minutes. The road ends at the Potholes Park. You can also get to the potholes by biking along the Galloping Goose Trail. The trail passes right beside the park. Keep in mind that from Victoria, it’s more than a 30-km trip. If you take your bicycle, make sure you’ve got the stamina for the ride, the swim and the ride back home.

Matheson Lake

Mon, 10/29/2007 - 12:35 — admin
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Matheson Lake Regional Park is located 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Victoria on Southern Vancouver Island. The park is accessed via Matheson Lake Park Road, off West Coast Highway 14, and is incorporated in the municipalities of Sooke and Metchosin.

On a hot summer day, Matheson Lake is a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing dip and a picnic at the sandy beach area.

In any season, hikers can enjoy the loop trail around the lake, or explore the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which leads to adjacent Roche Cove Regional Park and points further afield.

Directions: 
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Colwood exit. Follow the Old Island Highway, which turns into Sooke Road. From Sooke Road, turn left on Happy Valley Road, then right on Rocky Point Road, and right again on Matheson Lake Park Road, which leads to the park entrance. Allow approximately 35 minutes driving time from Victoria.

Thetis Lake

Thu, 09/27/2007 - 13:24 — admin
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The third of the "big three" freshwater summer swimming holes is Thetis Lake, also a part of a larger regional park and conservation area and home to numerous hiking trails. Set in a Douglas Fir forest, the large lake offers a picturesque setting for a refreshing dip or an afternoon of fun with the family. At the main beach area, you’ll find washrooms and picnic facilities, and access to the network of hiking trails. A concession stand with hamburgers and the usual summer fair is also located right at the beach.

Phone: 
(250) 478-3344
Travel Time: 
5 minutes from Birds of a Feather B&B
Directions: 
From Victoria, follow the Trans Canada Highway to the Colwood exit and the Old Island Highway. Turn right onto Six Mile Road and follow the road to the park entrThetis Lakeance. Note that Thetis Lake has parking fees between May 01 and September 30.
Public Transit: 
Take BC Transit bus #50 from Victoria to Six Mile Road at the Old Island Highway. The park is approximately a 1-kilometre walk from the bus stop.

Beaver Lake

Thu, 09/27/2007 - 13:21 — admin
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Beat the heat at Beaver Lake, the other component of the 411-hectare Elk / Beaver Lake Regional park. A large grassy field with plenty of shade trees leads to the sandy beach that’s a favourite with families. Other amenities include ample parking, washrooms and a children’s play area.

Phone: 
(250) 478-3344
Website: 
http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/elkbeaver/index.htm
Travel Time: 
20 minutes from Birds of a Feather B&B
Directions: 
Take Beaver lake Road from West Saanich Road, or, from the Pat Bay Highway exit to Elk Lake Drive and follow to the park entrance.
Public Transit: 
Take Beaver lake Road from West Saanich Road, or, from the Pat Bay Highway exit to Elk Lake Drive and follow to the park entrance.

Elk Lake

Thu, 09/27/2007 - 13:14 — admin
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Located in Elk / Beaver Lake Regional park, this has long been one of Victoria’s favourite swimming holes, attracting tots and adults alike for a refreshing summer splash. Two main beaches for bathers are located at either end of the lake, each with washrooms and parking: there’s the smaller Eagle Beach on the south end, near the rowing centre, and the larger Hamsterly Beach on the north end off the Brookleigh Road entrance. Here you’ll also find a children’s play park and various nearby private amenities. Trails link around Elk Lake to Beaver Lake.

Phone: 
(250) 478-3344
Website: 
http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/elkbeaver/index.htm
Travel Time: 
20 minutes from Birds of a Feather B&B
Directions: 
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria. Turn left on Sayward Road, left again on Hamsterly Road, then right on Brookleigh Road, which leads to the park entrance on the left.
Public Transit: 
Take BC Transit #70 or #75 from Victoria to Sayward Road at the Pat Bay Highway. The park is a short walk from the bus stop.

Durrance Lake

Thu, 09/27/2007 - 13:10 — admin
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Of the lakes within Mount Work Regional Park, Durrance Lake is the most accessible, and a favourite among families and picnickers. The water is cool and fresh for swimming. Nestled in a valley carved between the shadow of Mount Work and the neighbouring Partridge Hills, the lake is ringed with forested slopes. It has a swimming beach, washrooms and hiking trails.

Download a map of Durrance lake (PDF)

Phone: 
(250) 478-3344
Website: 
http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/mountwork/index.htm
Directions: 
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria, and take the West Saanich Road exit. From West Saanich Road, turn left on Wallace DrDurrance Lakeive, and left again on Willis Point Road. Turn right on Durrance Close, which leads to the park entrance.
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