Thetis Lake Regional Park
Regional Park
Langford, View Royal
Thetis Lake is one of the most popular regional parks in the Capital Regional District and is one of the largest, featuring over 40 kilometers of recreational trails to explore. Established as Canada’s first nature sanctuary in 1958, the park focuses on conserving natural areas while providing opportunities for recreation.
The park features Garry Oak and Douglas-fir Forests surrounding swamp and lake ecosystems. The freshwater lakes are ideal for swimming, canoeing and fishing, as the lakes are stocked with catchable Rainbow Trout. The beach area is perfect for a family picnic or a refreshing swim. If you have a canoe, consider paddling early in the morning for a peaceful experience on the lake.
Explore the scenic trails around Upper and Lower Thetis Lakes. For stunning views of the lakes and surrounding hills, take the more challenging trails up Seymour or Scafe Hills, where you’ll find beautiful wildflowers in the spring. To protect this sensitive habitat, please stay on designated trails and keep pets on the path.
The park features blue-rated, multi-use trails that are great for cross-country mountain biking, offering lovely views from Stewart Mountain.
Despite its proximity to urban areas, Thetis Lake Regional Park provides access to backcountry recreation. From here, you can hike to summits like Stewart Mountain and Scafe Hill.
Size: 921.73 hectares
Location: Six Mile Road in View Royal/Langford
Established: 1993
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Thetis Lake Regional Park Map [PDF/1.5MB]
To help preserve the park:
- Keep your dog under control or on a leash.
- Dogs are not allowed in designated beach or picnic areas in the Prior Lake beach and dock area, and Thetis Lake main beach, between June 1 and September 15, except to pass through on a leash without stopping.
- 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.
- Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Camping, open fires, and alcohol are not allowed.
Swim Safely
- Never swim alone.
- Remember, lifeguard service is not provided in regional parks.
- If you’re a new swimmer, stay shallow. Don’t go past your belly button. Swim with a buddy.
- Remember, inflatables and life jackets are not as safe as adult supervision.
- Cliff jumping is very dangerous. There are loose rocks and it is slippery at the cliff edge. The water may be shallower than you think. There may be submerged objects like rocks, ledges and logs.
- Be aware that water levels are lower in the summer months and submerged objects will be closer to the surface of lakes.
- Be sun safe. Wear sun screen and a hat. Drink lots of water.
- Find more water safety information on HealthLink BC
Boating Regulations
Only electric motorized boats are allowed on Thetis Lake. Power boats are not permitted on Prior Lake.
Pay Parking
Pay parking is in effect at Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake regional parks from May 1 to September 30. At Thetis Lake, fees apply at the main Parking lot, overflow parking, and West Beach. The revenue helps support park services. Parking is free at all other regional parks and trails.
The cost of parking is $2.00 for two hours, $4.00 per day, or $30 for a season's pass. Ticket dispensers accept loonies, toonies, quarters, and credit cards. You can also buy a ticket or seasonal pass through the Honk Mobile system, either online or via the app. The pass is linked to a specific vehicle, so you don’t need to display it in your car. Pay parking is managed by Robbins Parking.
Thetis Lake is open from sunrise to sunset. Parking is free during the off-season, from October 1 to April 30.
Related Content
Activities
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Beach
Bird Watching
Boating
Canoeing
Cycling
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Walking/Running
Wildflowers
Amenities
Boat launch
Change room
Drinking water
Parking lot
Parking, accessible
Picnic area
Public transit
Toilet
Toilet, accessible
Wheelchair access
How to Get There
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Colwood exit. Follow the Island Highway. Turn right on Six Mile Road, which leads to the park entrance. Allow approximately 20 minutes driving time from Victoria.
- Map to Thetis Lake Regional Park
- Directions to the main Parking lot
- Directions to the Highland Road Parking lot
Public Transportation
Take BC Transit bus #50 to the Six Mile Road stop and walk approximately 1 kilometre to the park. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.
Accessibility Information
Below is an outline of what to expect with regards to accessibility. View the image slideshow below, or download the Website Accessibility Info Guide [PDF/1.8MB] (PDF Screen reader friendly).
Entrance
The main area of Thetis Lake Regional Park is accessed off Six Mile Road in View Royal. A large log sign is visible at the entrance. A CRD Parks sign is also visible along Highway 1 and the Island Highway. Vehicular access routes into the park are paved. The park can also be accessed by public transit via the #50 BC Transit Route.
Entrance
A CRD Parks sign is also visible along Highway 1 and the Island Highway. Vehicular access routes into the park are paved.
Entrance
The park can also be accessed by public transit via the #50 BC Transit Route.
Parking Stalls
Two parking areas at Thetis Lake have designated accessible parking stalls. These areas are outlined on the park map and include Main Beach and West Beach.
Parking Stalls
Four accessible parking stalls are located at main beach, directly across from the washrooms. The surfacing of these stalls is asphalt.
Parking Stalls
Two accessible parking stalls are located at West Beach. The surfacing of these stalls is asphalt.
Park Entrance Trails and Pathways
A packed gravel pathway with moderately steep grades and some surface transitions leads from the bus stop into the main picnic and beach area.
Park Entrance Trails and Pathways
From the upper roundabout parking area, an accessible asphalt pathway leads to the main beach and picnic area.
Park Entrance Trails and Pathways
An accessible ramp and low slope pathway lead from the other accessible parking stalls at the main beach and connect with the picnic and washroom area.
Park Entrance Trails and Pathways
Pay parking stations are in the main parking lot at the front of the park. Payment mechanisms are at approximately 150cm (59”) height. Pay by phone information is posted on signage at all parking areas.
Park Entrance Trails and Pathways
An accessible ramp and low slope pathway lead from the other accessible parking stalls at the main beach and connect with the picnic and washroom area.
Park Entrance Trails and Pathways
An accessible ramp and low slope pathway lead from the other accessible parking stalls at the main beach and connect with the picnic and washroom area.
Signage and Wayfinding
A kiosk is in the main beach and picnic area with park map and interpretive information.
Signage and Wayfinding
Directional signage within the park points the way to different areas and different trails. Signs are colour contrasting and use both text and symbols.
Toilet Building Washroom and Changerooms
Washrooms have accessible toilet stalls with transfer space and grab bars beside the toilet. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Latch locks are located on the door.
Toilet Building Washroom and Changerooms
The sink is in a narrow, walled area on the men’s side.
Toilet Building Washroom and Changerooms
Change rooms are located behind the toilet area with benches and coat hangers. Benches are at approximately 45cm (18”) height and coat hanger are at approximately 185cm (73”) height.
Toilet Building Washroom and Changerooms
A foot wash station and drinking fountain are located outside the main washrooms. The design of the fountain allows knee clearance under the bowl. Operating mechanism is push-button, which requires constant pressure to maintain water flow. The foot wash station has a turn handle and requires constant pressure to maintain water flow.
Toilet Building Washroom and Changerooms
The women’s side has individual changing stalls. Access width to these stalls is approximately 56cm (22”).
Toilet Building Washroom and Changerooms
Sinks on both women’s and men’s include a counter, with a closed area underneath the bowl.
Trails
There are several popular hiking trails at Thetis Lake such as the Lower and Upper Thetis Lake Trails.
Trails
These trails are mainly wide natural surface trails with varying slopes and terrain. Some trails have slopes greater than 8%.
Trails
Trails consist of areas with rocks, roots, woody debris, and narrow pinch points.
Trails
Benches are dispersed along the trails and are located on park maps. Not all benches will be accessible for people with limited mobility.
Garbage and Recycling Receptacles
Waste receptacles, located in the main picnic area are generally on firm, level ground with access from front and sides.
Garbage and Recycling Receptacles
Small post mounted waste receptacles are located along the Lower and Upper Thetis Lake Trails and are at approximately 117cm (46”) height.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are in the main beach area adjacent to the washrooms. Three tables have accessible overhangs at one end. Most accessible picnic tables are on a firm level surface.
Picnic Tables
One large picnic table is on the beach. This table has an accessible overhang and is connected to a concrete pathway and surface.
Main Beach and Lake Access
A firm level surface leads along the side of the beach to a concrete pier over looking the lake.
Main Beach and Lake Access
The main beach area is made up of soft sand. A Mobi Mat provides water access for those with limited mobility.
Main Beach and Lake Access
A wide concrete ramp leads into the water.
