If the beach is too crowded for your liking, you can swim out to the small Island, Ian Gillespie Island, in the middle of the lake to soak up some sun there instead. Thetis Lake Within the district of Langford lies Thetis Lake Regional Park. Thetis Lake is easily one of the most popular lakes for Victoria locals to spend the day, and for good reason. The park within which the lake lies is over 800-hectares in size, and is also a top hiking destination thanks to its spider-web of scenic trails that link the upper and lower lakes. The beach area of Thetis Lake is the top family destination for an afternoon of picnicking and fun in the sun. It has a launch-point for canoes and kayaks, and is the perfect spot to hop in the water. The lake is also stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Dogs are welcome too, and they have their own dog beach on one side of the lake. The best part about Thetis Lake is thanks to its numerous trails and large size: if the beach is full, you'll be able to hike to different areas of the lake and find your own place to hangout for the day.
The lake is stocked for fishing and includes a fishing pier, as well as a concession stand. Areas around the lake also rent out sports gear. Home to the Victoria City Rowing Club and the Canadian Olympic Rowing Team, you can imagine that Elk Lake is a perfect place for a paddle. You can also get in some fantastic hikes, as there is a 10km loop that goes around both lakes, as well as numerous other trails that are even bicycle-friendly and horse-friendly. Beaver Lake The smaller of the two lakes in the Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, Beaver Lake is just as beautiful and welcoming for a summer's swim. Its shallow sandy beach is perfect for a picnic, for launching a canoe, or just for lying out in the sun after a swim. While Beaver Lake only has one parking lot, it stems off to many of the trails that lace their way through the regional park. The area includes a playground, washrooms, and an equestrian center and is a favourite for enjoying an afternoon's picnic. The Nature Centre and off-leash dog area are also enticing for visitors to come enjoy Beaver Lake at the southern end of the park.
Thetis Lake Regional Park is a very popular Victoria park that contains several lakes. Lower Thetis Lake, Upper Thetis Lake, Prior Lake and further out, McKenzie Lake are all within this amazing park. A wide, spider web of hiking trails run in between and around these lakes in the midst of a beautiful and secluded forest.
At a second junction, go left and cross over the bridge as you continue to follow the lake's edge. The trail eventually reaches a major 4-way junction. At the junction, go left and only 20-meters or so further, you reach another junction. Go right at the 2nd junction and make your way up onto the rocky outcrop with a view of Upper Thetis Lake. Follow the trail as you make your way northward with occasional views of the lake to your left. Cross a bridge and a short distance further, you pass a junction with the Seaborn Trail on your right that heads into the backcountry towards Prior Lake and McKenzie Lake. Stay on the main trail around Upper Thetis Lake. The route continues through a series of up and down sections, some with small rocks as steps or guides to keep you on the trail. There are many viewpoints of the upper lake through this section of trail and, as you are far away from the busy beach area at the lower lake, one of these spots is good to stop for a snack or break. Continue along the trail and pass a junction to your right that also heads north into the backcountry.
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Gowlland Tod Provincial Park is a beautiful park running along the Saanich Inlet. Accessible from Goldstream Park at one end and Brentwood Bay, near Buchart Gardens at the other. From beautiful ocean views of the inlet to wonderful mountain views from Mount Work, this park has a great variety of characteristically Victoria hiking. Mount Work is a popular hiking trail in Gowlland Tod and the most challenging trail at 5k from trailhead to summit. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park is quite large, spread out and the trails so varied, that you feel far from the city. The trails and views to and along Finlayson Arm are amazing and breathtakingly serene. Galloping Goose Regional Trail developed from a disused railway line begins at the Johnson Street bridge in downtown Victoria and goes in two directions. One direction goes to the Vancouver ferry terminal at Swartz Bay, 35km away. And the other 55km through the Western Communities, out past Sooke ending near the ghost town, Leechtown. The trail is paved for 13 kilometres, from Victoria to Colwood, then the trail is gravel and dirt paths.