Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: The 10 km lakeside loop, kayak rentals, free entry, and nature centre create easy solo activities, while frequent washrooms aid safety, but limited lighting makes late hours less comfortable.
Positives:
- Well-marked Trails: Kilometer markers and signposts help you track distance and direction.
- Accessible Facilities: Washrooms and picnic tables near beaches have wheelchair access.
Challenges:
- Limited Nature Centre Hours: Open only Fri–Sun 1–4 PM from July to September; check dates before visiting.
- Weekend Parking Fills: Hamsterly Beach lot can fill by late morning on sunny weekends; arrive early.
What is Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park?
- A 1,100-hectare regional park encompassing Elk Lake and Beaver Lake on Victoria’s eastern urban fringe
- A mixed Douglas-fir and Garry oak woodland interspersed with wetlands, beaches and a continuous 10 km packed-gravel trail loop
- A conservation area featuring a nature centre, covered picnic shelters and lakeshore support facilities
What is so special about Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park for solo trip?
- Run 10 km on firm gravel loops with clear markers
- Paddle solo on calm Beaver Lake waters via self-serve lockers
- Join free guided nature walks in summer afternoons
- Fish for rainbow trout from an accessible floating dock
- Beat crowds by starting early on weekends
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This gives time for a full loop or a paddle and a nature centre visit without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Trail Run on the 10 km Loop:
Follow the packed-gravel trail circling both Elk and Beaver Lakes.
Tip: Start before 9 AM to enjoy quiet paths and firm ground.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding:
Unlock a SUP from self-serve PaddlePoint lockers at Hamsterly Beach.
Tip: Reserve your board via the app and explore Beaver Lake’s quiet coves.
Beaver Lake Nature Centre Visit:
Join short guided hikes and interpretive talks by volunteer naturalists.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early; open Fri–Sun 1–4 PM from early July to early September.
Fishing from Elk Lake Dock:
Cast for stocked rainbow trout from the wheelchair-accessible floating dock.
Tip: Purchase a BC freshwater fishing licence online beforehand; bring power bait rigs.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
- Download Offline Maps: Save the CRD Parks map to your phone for navigation when cell service is weak.
- Combine Activities: Run the loop first, then cool down with a paddle to vary your workout.
Reviews of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Tere Arboleda
It's a lovely lake with a good playground for kids. They have picnic tables. Pets are not allowed on the beach and picnic areas. They have clean washrooms.
David Brown
Despite being right next to the highway, Elk/Beaver Lake is a great place to come for an accessible forest walk very close to town. It's dog friendly, with many areas that are good for off leash. In fact, the people who bring their dogs here are great. It is super rare to run into an aggressive dog or problematic dog owner. Another great thing about this park is if you walk or jog around the entir...
Chris Bunner
That's what rocks about Victoria. You can live downtown and drive 15 minutes and be in the middle of a dense beautiful Forest. Elk Beaver lake regional Park is amazing for just going for a simple walk, to taking photos, or bringing your dogs to have a good play and run. Plenty of parking and easy accessibility make this groovy place a no-brainer.
Dr Yaseen Sheikh
I went on 10k trail of Elk and Beaver Lake. Started off early in morning on Sunday and completed the hike in a total of almost 3 hrs. Enjoyed every moment of the trail. Although we did just the hiking and walking around the lake but there are many other recreational activities that one can do such as cycling (only in multi-use trails), horse riding, swimming (in designated spots), canoeing and fis...
Booyaka Stubbs (ExplorewithStubbs.com)
Yet another great place to walk, run or ride in this beautiful province. We have been living on the island for a month now and have found all these parks to be in spectacular condition and well maintained. A bit cold yesterday but nothing that would interfere with our family outing. The island has so much to offer in terms of exercise, my kids would not be involved or interested in these types of ...
When is the best time to visit Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (Victoria, Canada)?
From July to early September, visit Fri–Sun 1–4 PM for free guided hikes. Spring mornings offer wildflowers and fewer mosquitoes. Wear waterproof shoes in rainy months as trails stay firm but wet.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Trail run | CAD 0 |
| SUP rental (1 hr) | CAD 20 |
| BC fishing licence (daily) | CAD 15 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 35 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Address: 5267 Patricia Bay Hwy, Victoria, BC, Canada
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About Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 250-360-300010 BEST nearby Activities
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