Elk Lake and Beaver Lake are conjoined lakes that boast four family-friendly beaches. The area offers picnic grounds and 15 kilometers of walking trails, including a 10 kilometer loop trail. Some park trails are designated for multiple uses, allowing hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, while other trails are reserved for hiking only. The park also features a Nature Centre, group picnic areas and an accessible fishing dock (Elk Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.)
Trail Rating: Easy
Size: 442.77 hectares
Location: Patricia Bay Highway (#17) in Saanich
Established: 1966
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Beaver Lake
- Beaver Beach at the south end of Beaver Lake features a shallow, sandy beach ideal for swimming, picnicking, and canoeing around nearby islands.
- The old Filter Beds area includes group picnic sites and provides access to tranquil woodland trails. The 5 kilometer (one way) user friendly trail has a smooth gravel surface with gentle slopes, winding through forested and lakeshore areas. It features several rest areas and opportunities for fishing, swimming, and cycling.
- The Nature Centre, located near the main Beaver Lake parking lot, is staffed by regional parks personnel and volunteer naturalists who can answer your questions and guide you on the trails. You can pick up brochures and explore interpretive displays about the park's natural and cultural history. The Nature Centre is open seasonally from the Canada Day Long Weekend until Labour Day Long Weekend Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from1 PM to 4 PM.
Elk Lake
- To the north, Elk Lake offers a variety of recreational activities. At Eagle Beach, you can swim, picnic under Pacific willow trees, launch your scull from the Rowing Centre, or start a hike south to Beaver Lake. There’s also a group picnic shelter near the Elk Lake Rowing Centre.
- At Hamsterly Beach, you can join windsurfers skimming the water, sailors chasing the breeze, and fishers hoping to catch the "big one."
To help preserve the park:
- Keep your dog under control or on a leash.
- Stay on marked trails and do not disturb plants or animals.
- Clean up after your dog and take all your trash with you.
- Smoking is not allowed in parks or on trails.
- Bicycles are permitted on the Western portion of the 10km Trail.
- Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Camping, open fires, and alcohol are not allowed.
Amenities
Detailed Park Accessibility Information
- Elk/Beaver Lake Accessibility Info (PDF - Screen reader friendly)
- Ample parking at several locations with accessible stalls at Beaver Beach (7), Eagle Beach (2), Filter Beds (4) and Hamsterly Beach (5).
- Room for full-size buses.
- Accessible toilets at Beaver and Hamsterly Beaches.
- Accessible playground and picnic tables at Hamsterly Beach.
- Mobi-mat at Hamsterly Beach.
- Accessible fishing dock.
- Two picnic shelters are available for reservation in regional parks.
How to Get There
Beaver Lake Entrance
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria, and take the Royal Oak Drive exit. Turn left on Royal Oak Drive to cross over the highway, then right on Elk Lake Drive to reach the park entrance on the left.
Filter Beds Entrance
From West Saanich Road turn east onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 1.2km to the Filter Beds parking lot. From Elk Lake Drive turn west onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to the Filter Beds parking lot.
Elk Lake Entrance
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.
Allow approximately 20 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Public Transportation
Beaver Lake
Take BC Transit bus #70 or #72 from Victoria to Elk Lake Drive at the Beaver Lake entrance. The bus stop is at the park entrance.
Elk Lake
Take BC Transit bus #70 or #72 from Victoria to the Pat Bay Highway at Sayward Road. The park is a short walk from the bus stop.