West Coast · Clayoquot
Sproat Lake Park
About this Park
Fresh water adventure seekers will not want to miss a visit to Sproat Lake Park in the Alberni Valley on central Vancouver Island. Located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni, Sproat Lake is a favoured location for swimming, fishing, waterskiing and, when the wind is up, windsurfing.
A variety of short access trails lead visitors around this park, including a trail to the eastern end of Sproat Lake, which is home to one of the finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in British Columbia. Little is known about this petroglyph, named K’ak’awin, but it isn’t hard to imagine this rock carving as depicting some mystical ancient monsters of the lake.
Two separate campgrounds and a large day-use area make this park a popular destination for campers and picnickers, who come here to enjoy the host of recreational pursuits available or just relax in the sun by the warm lake.
Special notes
- There is no motorized vehicle-access on the trail network or in the day-use area in this park.
Location notes
Sproat Lake Park is located 13 km northwest of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island. The park sits on the north shore of Sproat Lake, and can be reached via Highway 4.
Activities
- 182:Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist at this park. Paddlers can set in at the boat launch or at any accessible point along the lake.
- 182:Swimming The warm waters of Sproat Lake are ideal for swimming. There are two main swimming areas in the park, near the boat launch in the day-use area and at the lower campground.
- 182:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times and are not allowed in beach areas. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
- 182:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Sproat Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 182:Waterskiing Waterskiing is a popular activity on Sproat Lake. A boat launch is located near the day-use area.
- 182:Windsurfing When the wind is up, Sproat Lake offers opportunities for windsurfing.
- 182:Scuba diving Sproat Lake offers opportunities for fresh water scuba diving.
- 182:Hiking There are only short access trails in this park. The upper campground is connected to the lower campground and beach access by a trail that leads through a highway underpass. A 0.5 km long trail leads from the main parking lot at the day-use area and along the lake to a small pier at the east end of the park. At the pier, visitors can view the park’s panel of prehistoric petroglyphs, considered one of the finest in British Columbia. Little is known about this petroglyph, named K’ak’awin, but it isn’t hard to imagine this rock carving as depicting some mystical ancient monsters of the lake. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 182:Fishing There are opportunities for fresh water fishing in Sproat Lake. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations and is subject to closures. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Specific closures will be posted in the park.
Facilities
- 182:Picnic areas This park has a large day-use and picnic area, located next to the lower campground. Three separate picnic sites are conveniently located throughout the day-use area. Facilities include a number of picnic tables set under a canopy of Douglas fir and Western red cedar, fresh water, campfire rings, a large grassy area, pit toilets and two flush toilet buildings (one next to the boat launch and one by the lower campground.) The grassy area and beach are also suitable for picnicking, or just lounging in the sun next to the lake.
- 182:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are located throughout the park and at the upper campground. Flush toilets are located at the day-use area by the boat launch and at the lower campground.
- 182:Showers There are hot showers at this park. The shower building is located adjacent to the boat launch and next to the lower campground.
- 182:Drinking water Taps providing cold water are located at both campgrounds and the day-use area. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
- 182:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for Sproat Lake park, as well as these areas in the park:Overflow parking lotUpper campground
- 182:Playground The playground is located in the upper campground near campsite 1.
- 182:Boat launch There is a boat launch available at this park. This boat launch is very busy during the summer season.
- 182:Campfires Campfire rings are provided at each campsite and in the day-use area. While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
49.29719, -124.92817 · Clayoquot