This 156 hectare park has a beautiful lake and offers various recreational activities along with sensitive ecosystems. It is next to Roche Cove Regional Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, making it a great spot for nature appreciation, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
On a hot summer day, Matheson Lake is a great spot for a refreshing swim and a picnic at the sandy beach.
In any season, hikers can enjoy the loop trail around the lake or explore the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which connects to Roche Cove Regional Park and beyond.
Matheson Lake is also an excellent starting point for a cycling day trip on the Galloping Goose Trail.
Trail Rating: Moderate
Size: 156.97 hectares
Location: Matheson Lake Park Road in Metchosin
Established: 1994
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
To help preserve the park:
Amenities
Ample parking at the entrance with room for full-size buses. There is an information kiosk in the parking lot. Bikes are not allowed in the park but there is a bike rack for those accessing the park from the Galloping Goose.
There is a toilet at the main beach.
How to Get There
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.
Photo Credit
©Image courtesy of Rosemary Neering