West Coast · Clayoquot
Kennedy Lake Park
About this Park
Kennedy Lake Park is a popular day-use destination for lake and beach-based recreation. This park is comprised of two sites along the south shore of Kennedy Lake, adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Visitors come to swim, kayak, fish and windsurf at this beautiful park. A number of small creeks under the highway offer spawning and rearing habitat for several species of fish. In the fall it is possible to view beach spawning of sockeye. Black bears are common at this time.
Due to the steep-sided mountains surrounding Kennedy Lake, the largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island, winds whip up across the main part of the lake and Clayoquot Arm with little warning, requiring extreme caution by paddlers and boaters.
Facilities at this day-use only park include a small picnic area, pit toilets and a small rustic boat launch suitable for car tops only.
Safety information
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. All surface water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.
- Campfires are not allowed in this park.
- There are no developed trails in this park.
Location notes
Kennedy Lake is located adjacent to Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This park is comprised of two sites along the south shore of Kennedy Lake, adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The park is located on Hwy 4, 8km east of the Pacific Rim Hwy/Hwy 4 junction. Nearby communities include Tofino and Ucluelet.
Activities
- 9504:Canoeing Visitors can canoe or kayak on Kennedy Lake. Paddlers should be aware of prevailing westerly winds, which generally pick up in the afternoon during the summer.
- 9504:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park however the sandy shores of Kennedy Lake offer good swimming opportunities.
- 9504:Fishing There are opportunities for freshwater fishing on Kennedy Lake, which is known to contain cutthroat trout. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 9504:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 9504:Windsurfing Visitors can windsurf on Kennedy Lake, however be aware the winds can whip up across the main part of the lake and Clayoquot Arm with little warning, requiring extreme caution by paddlers and boaters.
Facilities
- 9504:Picnic areas This park has a day-use and picnic area with two picnic tables, one wheelchair-accessible pit toilet, parking lot and boat launch. These facilities are located adjacent to Log Dump Creek.
- 9504:Pit or flush toilets This park has one pit toilet, located near the parking lot and boat launch.
- 9504:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
- 9504:Boat launch There is a small, rustic boat launch at this park that is suitable for car tops only. It is on a small graveled pull out off Highway 4 and is adjacent to Log Dump Creek.
Location
49.04681, -125.55729 · Clayoquot