I Love Victoria - Thetis Lake Park/McKenzie Creek Trail

 

For many, summer in Victoria is best spent at Thetis Lake.  Swimming, sunbathing, hiking, cliff-jumping, dogwalking – you name it – this is a great location for some of nature’s finest moments. 

 

There are actually two lakes – Upper and Lower Thetis – that are the main attractions of the 831 hectare park comprised of delicate Garry Oak ecosystems.  Located at the end of Six Mile Road in View Royal, the park was established in 1993 and is open from sun up to sun down.  This is one of the finest lakes for swimming and not getting swimmer’s itch so it gets busy in the summertime – but it provides year round enjoyment to hikers. 

 

Thanks to my friend and guide, Fiona, I discovered the McKenzie Creek trail.  It is an easy grade, 14km-long trail that had me remembering my days on the West Coast Trail.  The forest fauna is so rich that you are immersed into your wild and natural surroundings, forgetting that you are just minutes from a major city.  The creek makes for a perfect destination with its waterfalls and pools. 

 

The trail continues in a loop which takes you back to Lower Thetis.  About 45 minutes into the trail, we came upon an unidentified lake with some sweet cabins along the shoreline.  (Now that I have the map I know it was Prior Lake.)  Another sweet discovery in Victoria, if you step onto one of the many great trails here – you never know what you will find, but it will probably be something beautiful.