Top 6 Lakes around Area B (Discovery Islands/Mainland Inlets)

Visitors frequently enjoy Wednesday Lake for its lonely, calm, and overwhelming natural experience, offering clear, drinkable water and a perfect spot to rest. Another favorite is the area around Eagle Lake, accessible via the Eagle Lake Trail, known for wildlife spotting and a swimming float.

Yes, Hague Lake on Cortes Island is particularly family-friendly. Its warm, shallow waters and sandy beaches make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It's also bordered by Kw'as Park, offering hiking trails, and has picnic facilities.

The lakes in Area B offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Eagle Lake on Stuart Island, you can observe a significant number of resident bald eagles, especially between May and July, during what's known as the 'Eagle Show'. Other areas, like Buttle Lake, are home to various fish species such as rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden.

Many lakes in Area B are surrounded by excellent hiking opportunities. For example, the Eagle Lake Trail offers a peaceful hike through coastal woodland. Battleship Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park is part of the easy-to-moderate Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake Loop, featuring boardwalks and old-growth trees. You can find more hiking options in the region by exploring the Hiking around Area B guide.

Hague Lake on Cortes Island is renowned for its warm, pleasant waters and sandy beaches, making it a top choice for swimming. Newton Lake on Quadra Island is also ideal for swimming, with clean, light blue-tinged water and rocky areas for launching. Buttle Lake offers cool, clear waters for swimming amidst dramatic scenery.

Absolutely. Buttle Lake and Upper Campbell Lake are popular for fishing, with species like rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden. Hague Lake is also known for exceptional fly fishing, being home to an ancient strain of cutthroat trout.

Yes, several lakes offer camping. Buttle Lake provides various options, including drive-in campgrounds and marine sites accessible by canoe. Upper Campbell Lake has designated marine sites for canoe and kayak camping. Eagle Lake on Stuart Island also offers freshwater camping opportunities.

Wednesday Lake is noted for its lonely and calm atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to rest. Mud Lake is a small, quiet lake tucked into the forest, where you can often enjoy the surroundings to yourself. Newton Lake on Quadra Island prohibits motorized boats, ensuring a tranquil experience.

Beyond swimming, you can enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on many lakes. Buttle Lake is great for boating and canoeing, while Hague Lake is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and SUP due to its calm waters. The Stuart Island Recreation Site is also a rustic setting for kayaking and boating.

Buttle Lake is known for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountainous surroundings, including access to scenic waterfalls like Myra Falls. Battleship Lake is nestled within subalpine meadows, offering clear, often turquoise-blue water and beautiful alpine scenery. Newton Lake features a small forested island in its middle, adding to its unique charm.

You can enjoy bicycling along the shores of Buttle Lake. For more extensive cycling, consider exploring the Gravel biking around Area B guide, which includes routes like the Morte Lake loop from Quadra Island.

Visitors consistently praise the pristine natural settings, the opportunities for peaceful outdoor activities, and the stunning scenery. The clear, calm waters, the chance to observe wildlife like bald eagles, and the quiet solitude offered by many lakes are frequently highlighted as key attractions.