Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Regional Park
Saanich
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.)
Size: 442.77 hectares
Location: Patricia Bay Highway (#17) in Saanich
Established: 1966
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Elk Lake and Beaver Lake Map [PDF/437KB]
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.
- Dogs are not allowed in designated beach or picnic areas at Beaver Lake beach, Hamsterly beach, Eagle beach and Water Ski beach between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash without stopping.
- Boaters: 10 horsepower maximum [PDF/388KB] on Elk and Beaver lakes (over 10 horsepower in area marked by buoys only).
- 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.
Related Content
- Royal Oak Golf Course Lands Interim Management Guidelines [PDF/2.5MB]
- Elk/Beaver Lake and Bear Hill Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 [PDF/3.6MB]
- Elk/Beaver Lake Recreational Use Advisory Committee
- Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Boating Regulations [PDF/388KB]
- Elk/Beaver Lake Initiative
Event Applications
Planning sporting, recreational or public events and activities at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional park? You may need the following permits. Please read the Park Use Permit Guidelines prior to submitting your application.
Activities
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Beach
Bird Watching
Boating
Canoeing
Cycling
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Swimming
Walking/Running
Amenities
Bike rack
Boat launch
Change room
Drinking water
Fishing pier
Information kiosk
Nature centre
Parking lot
Parking, accessible
Picnic area
Picnic area, accessible
Picnic shelter
Playground
Public transit
Rest area
Toilet
Toilet, accessible
Wheelchair access
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.
Accessibility Information
Below is an outline of what to expect with regards to accessibility. View the image slideshow below, or download the Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Accessibility Info Guide [PDF/4.4MB] (PDF Screen reader friendly)
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Hamsterly Beach Entrance
The parking lot for Hamsterly Beach is located off Brookleigh Road. A large portal sign is visible at the corner of Brookleigh and Hamsterly Road.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Hamsterly Beach Entrance
A CRD Regional Parks sign is also visible along the Patricia Bay highway, both north and south bound just before the Sayward intersection. Vehicular access routes into the park are paved. The park can also be accessed by public transit by BC Transit Routes #70 and #72.
Hamsterly Beach Parking
Three accessible parking stalls are located at Hamsterly Beach. The stalls have a smooth paved surface and are located beside the access trail to the main beach.
Hamsterly Beach Park Entrance, Trails, and Pathways
From the parking lot, a level, packed gravel pathway leads to the main beach and picnic area. A kiosk is located at the beginning of this pathway and consists of a park map and interpretive information.
Hamsterly Beach Park Entrance, Trails, and Pathways
From the parking lot, a pathway connects to the Hamsterly Nature Playground and the 10K Loop Trail.
Hamsterly Beach Signage and Wayfinding
Directional signage within the park points the way to different areas and trails.
Hamsterly Beach Signage and Wayfinding
Signs are colour contrasting and use both text and symbols.
Hamsterly Beach Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms are in the picnic area at the main beach. Packed gravel pathways with a gradual slope connect the 10k trail to the washrooms.
Hamsterly Beach Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms have accessible toilet stalls with transfer space and grab bars beside and behind the toilet. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Latch locks are located on the doors. Sinks have ample knee clearance under the bowl.
Hamsterly Beach Trails
The main trails at Elk/Beaver Lake are the 10k Trail and the Lakeside Trail. The 10k Trail is relatively wide with a packed gravel surface. Some sections have slopes greater than 5%. Gravel is firm and compact for most sections.
Hamsterly Beach Trails
The lake side trail is a narrower natural surface trail that follows the east side of the lake. Trail tread consists of roots, rocks, woody debris, and some narrow pinch points.
Hamsterly Beach Trails
Both trails are susceptible to seasonal wet spots and muddy areas.
Hamsterly Beach Garbage and Recycling Receptacles
Waste receptacles are located at all main areas of Elk/Beaver Lake and are generally on firm, level ground with access from the front. Small post mount waste receptacles are located along the 10K trail and are approximately 117cm (46”) in height.
Hamsterly Beach Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are in the main field area adjacent to the playground.
Hamsterly Beach Picnic Tables
A few tables have accessible overhangs at one end. Picnic tables are on mostly level natural surface ground.
Hamsterly Beach Drinking Fountain and Water Standpipe
A drinking water fountain is in the main beach area next to the playground. The design of the fountain allows knee clearance under the bowl. Operating mechanism is push-button, which requires constant pressure to maintain water flow.
Hamsterly Beach Drinking Fountain and Water Standpipe
A water standpipe is located along the 10k trail heading towards Eagle Beach. Operating mechanism is a push button and turn handle on top. Both drinking fountain and water standpipe require constant pressure to maintain flow.
Hamsterly Beach Lake and Beach Access
The main beach area is made up of soft sand. A packed gravel pathway leads to a Mobi Mat providing water and beach access for those with limited mobitilty.
Accessible Fishing Pier Entrance
The Elk Lake Fishing Pier is located at the end of Bear Hill Road. A highway sign is located along Brookleigh Rd indicating park access.
Accessible Fishing Pier Parking
Two accessible parking stalls are located at the fishing pier. Spots have a level gravel surface. Stalls are next to an accessible picnic table and paved ramp connecting with the fishing pier.
Accessible Fishing Pier Parking and Picnic Table
Parking stalls are next to an accessible picnic table and paved ramp connecting with the fishing pier.
Accessible Fishing Pier Ramp
A paved ramp connecting with the fishing pier is also next to the parking stalls.
Accessible Fishing Pier Pit Toilets
Two accessible pit toilets are in the parking lot and are connected by a level gravel surface. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Push lock buttons are located on the lever style door handles.
Accessible Fishing Pier Pit Toilets
All stalls have no threshold doorways with widths of 92cm (36”) and grab bars behind and beside the toilet.
Accessible Fishing Pier
The fishing pier is an accessible floating dock located on Elk Lake. The dock provides ample access for maneuverability for those with limited mobility. Rod holders and benches are in place, as well as a sink for cleaning.
Accessible Fishing Pier
Low slope ramps connect the dock to the main parking area.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Filter Beds Entrance
The parking lot for Filter Beds is located off Beaver Lake Road. A large portal sign is visible at the corner of the parking lot. A CRD Parks sign is also visible along West Saanich Rd just before the Beaver Lake Road turnoff. Vehicular access routes into the park are paved. This area can also be accessed by public transit via the #70 and #72 BC Transit Route and then a short walk through the park.
Filter Beds Parking Stalls
The Filter beds has a large level gravel parking lot. No designated accessible stalls exist at this location. The parking lot connects with a level, packed gravel access trail to the accessible washrooms, picnic shelter and 10k trail.
Filter Beds Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms are located near the parking area. Packed gravel pathways connect the parking lot to the washrooms.
Filter Beds Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms have accessible toilet stalls with transfer space and grab bars beside and behind the toilet. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Latch locks are located on the doors. Sinks have ample knee clearance under the bowl.
Filter Beds Picnic Shelter
The picnic shelter at Filter Beds can be accessed by a level, packed gravel trail.
Filter Beds Picnic Shelter
The shelter has one large accessible picnic table with overhangs on both ends.
Filter Beds Picnic Shelter
Waste receptacles and a water standpipe are located adjacent to the shelter. Waste receptacles are accessible from the front and sides. Water is turned on through a wheel shaped valve.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Beaver Beach Entrance
The parking lot for Beaver Beach is located just in from the main entrance to the park along Elk Lake Drive. A large portal sign is visible at the entrance.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Beaver Beach Entrance
A CRD Parks sign is also visible along the Patricia Bay highway both north and south bound just before the Haliburton turnoff. Vehicular access routes into the park are paved. This area can also be accessed by public transit via the #70 and #72 BC Transit Route.
Beaver Beach Parking
Five accessible parking stalls are located at Beaver Beach. All parking areas have a paved surface and are close to the washrooms and kiosk. Paved accessible pathways connect to the washroom and 10K trail from the parking lot.
Beaver Beach Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms are located near the parking area. Paved accessible pathways connect the parking lot to the washrooms.
Beaver Beach Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms have accessible toilet stalls with transfer space and grab bars beside and behind the toilet. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Latch locks are located on the doors. Sinks have ample knee clearance under the bowl.
Beaver Beach Playground, Beach and Picnic Area
The playground, beach and picnic area are accessed by either a paved or packed gravel pathway. Both pathways have a slight slope. The beach and lake is accessed over a short grass area and then a small strip of sand. Entrance pathways also connect with the Elk/Beaver Lake 10K Trail.
Beaver Beach Playground, Beach and Picnic Area
Pathways connect with an accessible picnic table.
Beaver Beach Playground, Beach and Picnic Area
Pathways also connect with the playground.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Eagle Beach Entrance
The parking lot for Eagle Beach is located off the Patricia Bay Highway heading south bound. A large portal sign is visible as you pull off the highway and head toward the parking lot.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Eagle Beach Entrance
A CRD Parks sign is also visible along the Patricia Bay highway both north and south bound just before Claremont Avenue. Vehicular access routes into the park are paved.
Eagle Beach Parking
Two accessible parking stalls are located at Eagle Beach. Parking stalls have a paved surface and are next to the access trail for Eagle Beach. Paved pathways connect to the washroom from the parking lot.
Eagle Beach Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms are located near the parking area. Paved pathways connect the parking lot to the washrooms, except for a small gravel section.
Eagle Beach Toilet Building Washrooms
Washrooms have accessible toilet stalls with transfer space and grab bars beside and behind the toilet. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Latch locks are located on the doors. Sinks have ample knee clearance under the bowl.
Eagle Beach Trails and Beach Access
The 10k trail can be accessed from the parking lot at Eagle Beach.
Eagle Beach Trails and Beach Access
A packed gravel access trail also connects the parking lot to the area kiosk and beach.
Eagle Beach Trails and Beach Access
The lake shore at Eagle Beach is accessed over a short grass area and then a small strip of sand.
