Lake Hopping On Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island has nine lakes within its shores.  Almost all are used for household needs and drinking water.  A ban for using gas motors has been implemented for years on Salt Spring.  (Although many fishermen use electric motors on their fishing boats.)

St. Mary Lake

This is the largest lake on Salt Spring as well as the Gulf Islands.  It is stocked with bass and trout yearly, which brings out anglers of all ages.  There is an annual fishing derby which is held at one of the many resorts on the lake. Swimmers can find a spot along North End Rd to park and take a dip.  But if some leisure each time is what you want, park near Lakeside Garden Resort at the north end of the lake and enjoy the children friendly sandy spot. A rope swing is set up about mid lake for some adventurous lake lovers. On Tripp Road on the other side of the lake there is another rope swing and quieter places for a picnic and swim.

Bullock, Ford, and Robert's Lake

All of these lakes are surrounded by private property and have no public access.

Cusheon Lake

Cusheon Lake is mid Salt Spring Island with a public access about half way along Cusheon Lake Road off of Fulford Ganges Road.  This lake has a dock and beach area which is good for parents with children as well as kids who can swim and dive.  Fishing is great on the Salt Spring Island Lake with an access for small boats at the public access area.

Blackburn Lake

Located just off of Fulford Ganges Road past Cusheon Lake Road coming form Ganges.  It is easy to miss so if you have passed Horel Road you have just gone to far.  It is just a small access with a dock.  Surrounded by an organic golf course this lake is known as the nude lake.  Don’t be surprised to find skinny-dipping going on.

Maxwell Lake

This lake is the source of drinking water for Ganges and surrounding area.  Maxwell lake is the most pristine lake on Saltspring and people are discouraged from swimming there.

Stowel & Weston Lakes

In the south end of the island are Stowel and Weston Lake both have access off of Beaver Point Road.  Stowel Lake is great for kids old and young alike.  A sandy beach with a mid lake dock for the older kids to hang out and another one just off the shore.  Weston has a tiny access which not a lot of people know about, but could be found if you want to do a lake hopping excursion.

Have fun lake hopping on Salt Spring, and don’t forget the sunscreen!