バンクーバー島の湖・トップ20

Patricia Bay Park is a quiet waterfront spot in North Saanich with open views of the Saanich Inlet and easy access to the paved Scoter Trail. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and a small beach area, making it a lovely place to stop for lunch or take a break. It’s low-key and family-friendly, perfect for birdwatching, a short walk, or just sitting by the water.

Heart Lake is a secluded lake nestled in a surrounding forest setting. There's a large rock outcrop along the banks that makes for a great spot to rest and take in the views.

Beautiful access to the shore of Lake Helen Mackenzie, which invites you to rest and swim.

Canada Jays are frequently seen in Strathcona Provincial Park, particularly in the Paradise Meadows area. This park provides suitable habitat for these birds. They are known for their tendency to interact with humans. We encounter two Canada Cays during our rest stop at Battleship Lake. They follow us through the forest until just before Helen Mackenzie Lake. Upon seeing the combination of bands on their legs, we realize this is a different bird. https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/the-canada-jayutm_campaignreprintutm_sourcecanadiangeographic/

On our hike from Battleship Lake to Helen Mackenzie Lake and later back to the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre, we cross the rushing mountain stream Piggott Creek several times. We're lucky and, with the help of the Komoot map, find the snow-free wooden boardwalks over the river. On the shore of Helen Mackenzie Lake, we find a dry, flat rock - perfect for our lunch break. (May 12, 2025) The lake was named after Helen Maud Hutton Mackenzie in 1930. She was the niece of Robert Randolph Bruce, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 1926 to 1931. https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/13314.html

This lake and park is a hidden gem in Nanaimo. There is a nice beach for swimming and sunbathing, picnic tables and playground and jetty. In summer the lake is very popular and the beach is often full.