Spectacle Lake on Vancouver Island is located north of Victoria up on the Malahat range. An easy 2 km hiking trail circles the lake, with wooden bridges crossing the creeks and marshy areas that flow into spectacle lake.
The park is a great spot for swimming, canoeing, fishing, or spending the day picnicking. The lake is cherished by many, as it offers the only eastern brook trout fishing on Vancouver Island. Small Mouth Bass have been introduced into this lake illegally and this has adversely affected the eastern brook trout fishery.
The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, which means that you must get there early in the season for the best results. As you look down through the lake’s incredibly clear water, you’ll see crayfish scuttling along the lake’s bottom.
This lake is special in winter, too, as it offers great outdoor ice skating. A boat launch is available for small car toppers, canoes, and kayaks. Wheelchair access is provided. There is no camping permitted in the park.
The lake and park are accessed by taking the Whittaker or spectacle lake road north of the Malahat, about 2 km west of Highway 1, and 19 miles (30 km) northwest of Victoria.
There is a great abundance of birds here and a wonderful place to take a quiet walk, looking for birds. I have walked and enjoyed the views here over the years and find it’s a great spot to unwind after leaving the hustle and bustle of Victoria.
There are lots of wildlife here, you will have a good chance of seeing blacktail deer, raccoons, pine martins, squirrels, both gray and red varieties. You could even see a black bear wandering along the trails, but this is a remote possibility.