The Elk & Beaver Lake trail is one of many beautiful lakeside trails in Victoria. From the convenient parking lot the trail is mostly flat, gravel or dirt, densely forested at times and runs around both Elk and Beaver Lakes to complete a 10 kilometre circuit. The park is very popular for swimming, picnicking, windsurfing, boating, fishing and rowing. Though it can get busy in the summer, the large size of the park disperses people quite well.
Beautiful trails along the waterSurprisingly deep & wild forestGreat, convenient locationNice lakes for swimmingMultiple nice beachesConcession stands in the summerBoating, fishing & rowing popularTwo contrasting parks in one!
Very busy on summer weekendsCamping, fires & alcohol prohibited 
Avatar Grove Bear Hill 
East Sooke Park 
Elk/Beaver Lake Esquimalt Lagoon 
Fort Rodd Hill Francis/King Galloping Goose Goldstream Park Gowlland Tod Grass Lake John Dean Park Juan de Fuca Trail Lone Tree Hill Mill Hill Mount Douglas Mount Tolmie Sooke Potholes Spectacle Lake Thetis Lake Witty's Lagoon
The Big Tree Trail 
Hot Springs Cove Lone Cone Nuu Chah Nulth Radar Beach Radar Hill Vargas Island 
Virgin Falls Wild Pacific Trail
If you are running here you will find the trails around the lake peaceful and quiet even if the sandy beaches are crowded and noisy. Like other BC Provincial Parks there are excellent toilet facilities at several points along this beautiful and relaxing trail. Concession stands are located at both ends of the park as well as water sport equipment rental shops at the Elk Lake end of the park. A connecting trail extends from the north end of the park leading to Bear Hill Regional Park. Bear Hill sits high above the surrounding area and has beautiful views of Saanich Peninsula as well as the more distant San Juan and Gulf Islands. On a clear day you can easily spot Mount Baker in the United States. Depending on what you want to do in the park with dictate where you park. The Beaver Lake parking area is large and easy to get to(see directions below). Beaver Lake is very nice with a huge beach in a lush forest with trails going in either direction. Elk Lake has a couple of main parking areas. If driving from Victoria you will see a left turn lane and sign to the park. This parking area is a great central location and home to the Elk Lake Rowing Centre(see map below). Additionally there are other parking areas around the lake. The one off Sayward Road is where much of the summertime activity takes place. Food outlets and water-sport rentals shops operate here.
