Durrance Lake at Mount Work Park | Victoria's Best Places

Durrance Lake is a small lake with a walking trail all the way around it at Mount Work Regional Park in Saanichton. It’s about 20 km north of downtown Victoria.

The lake is popular with locals, especially in the summer. It’s not a tourist destination. If tourists went, however, they would likely really enjoy it.

Durrance Lake in Greater Victoria

Durrance Lake is renowned for its scenic beauty. Surrounded by a lush rainforest, the lake reflects the greens and browns of moss-covered trees. When we were last there, we noticed a stunning tree that was 100% completely covered in bright green moss. It was beautiful! Expect to be captivated by the natural splendor.

One of the defining features of Durrance Lake is its tranquil atmosphere. Despite there being a very basic boat launch, motorized boats are prohibited. This ensures a peaceful environment. Particularly in the winter months, visitors will find solace in the stillness of the surroundings. In summer, however, it can get busy!

Where is Durrance Lake

About 20 km north of downtown Victoria, on the way to Butchart Gardens (coming from Victoria), you will find Durrance Lake. It’s a pristine jewel of natural surroundings. It’s in Mount Work Regional Park.

Traveling north along West Saanich Road from Victoria, turn left onto Wallace Drive and then left again at Willis Point Road. Coming from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal along the highway, or from Sidney, follow the signs to Butchart Gardens. That will take you to both West Saanich Road and Wallace Drive.

What to Do and See at Durrance Lake

Year-round, there are numerous activities to do while visiting Durrance Lake. Leisurely hikes, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and just floating around on the water are all popular.

Durrance Lake’s ecosystem provides a habitat for many creatures, offering nature enthusiasts the chance to witness wildlife in their natural environment. Keep your eyes open for squirrels, various birds and perhaps something a little more exciting, like a deer (or maybe even a bear or cougar, but hopefully not).

A visit to Durrance Lake promises a rejuvenating experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you seek exercise on a hike, the tranquility of a lakeside picnic, or the excitement of spotting wildlife, Durrance Lake offers a diverse range of activities amidst the unspoiled beauty of its natural landscape. Embrace the serenity, explore the trails, and immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the lake and its trails.

More About What to Expect at Durrance Lake

Durrance Lake, as part of the Mount Work Regional Park, boasts a network of scenic hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. From leisurely strolls around the lake to more challenging uphill hikes, there’s something for everyone.

The lake loop takes about half an hour to walk, depending on your speed, and it’s mainly flat. One side of the lake trail is a portion of the old Durrance Lake Road, which was closed decades ago. This part of the trail is wide and flat and wheelchair accessible. The other sections of the trail are among the trees, and a little more rugged, but still not very challenging. Wheelchairs and strollers cannot, however, manage some of the non-road portions of the trails.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of birdlife around the lake. Bring your binoculars and camera to observe the diverse bird species that call Durrance Lake home. From graceful waterfowl to the melodious songs of songbirds, the lake’s ecosystem provides a rich tapestry of avian guests.

Although motorized boats are not permitted on the lake, fishing enthusiasts find Durrance Lake a worthwhile place to try their luck. There is a small dock with fishing rod holders. There are also clearings along the trails that offer a peaceful setting for casting a line. Watch out for the tree branches though. We’ve seen lots of fishing lures caught high above.

Durrance Lake in Summer

During the warmer months, the inviting waters of Durrance Lake beckon swimmers to cool off and enjoy a refreshing dip. The lake’s clean and clear waters provide a delightful escape from the heat, surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

The small beach area is perfect for younger swimmers, while the deeper, drop off areas around the lake are inviting for teens and more experienced swimmers. Dogs are not permitted on the beach from around June until September, but they are allowed when on leash on the numerous trails around the lake.

The calm waters of Durrance Lake are perfect for beginner kayaking and canoeing. Bring your own boat or floating toys and try paddling along the lake’s shores. Here you will appreciate the beauty of the surrounding forest, and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way.

Mountain Biking at Mount Work Regional Park

There are world-class mountain biking trails nearby elsewhere at Mount Work Park.

There are signs around the lake that say no bikes. While we were there, however, we saw lots of mountain bikes emerging from various trails connecting to the former Durrance Lake Road trail. They were making their way to and from other biking trails in the area. Mount Work Regional Park has a reputation for being a great place to do adventure mountain biking.

Tips and Advice

Below are some suggestions and extra information to help you get the most out of your visit to Durrance Lake.

TIP #1: Parking can be a bit tricky. There is a small parking lot with about two dozen spots at the main entrance. On busier days, when the parking lot is full, you cannot park on the side of the road leading into the park. You have to go back to Willis Point Road and park on the side of that road. You will find small trails branching off Willis Point Road, however, that’ll take you down to the lake. You won’t have to walk far (unless it’s a really busy day).

TIP #2: It can be quite crowded on hot, summer days, so arrive early if you want to find parking.

TIP #3: The lake sometimes gets blue-green algae blooms between November and March. When it happens, it appears as a blueish green sheen or scum on the surface of the water. The algae is a natural phenomena, but can be toxic. If you see it, don’t touch it. Keep dogs away from it too.

TIP #4: Campfires, smoking, alcohol and motorized vehicles are all prohibited.

TIP #5: Durrance Lake is in nature. There are no shops, concession stands or corner stores nearby. Bring your picnic, snacks and drinks to enjoy (but also remember to throw your trash in a garbage can or take it back home with you).

TIP #6: While in the area, you might want to visit the nearby Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens or check out the biking trails of Mount Work Regional Park. The Village of Brentwood Bay also offers dining options for all price points. Make a day of it!