Just a short drive from downtown Victoria, British Columbia, Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is a peaceful green space for hikers, joggers, paddlers, and bird watchers. Located in Saanich, a 10km multi-use trail loops around the connected lakes of the CRD park. The trail offers a gentle (but long) walk through mixed forests and wetland ecosystems. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
There is a surprising diversity of plant life—including both native and non-native water lilies. Introduced and invasive species are a complex problem in many of the lakes in the Capital Regional District. For those of us with an eye for plants, Elk and Beaver Lake offer a fascinating study in contrasts. One of the most striking features in this regional park are the floating patches of aquatic lilies. Other introduced plants like Eurasian watermilfoil may be less obvious to the casual viewer. Along the lake margins, native and introduced species coexist, sometimes uneasily, in a complex aquatic ecosystem.
It is hard not to notice the striking display of floating leaves and showy blooms along the water’s edge. The star attraction is, without doubt, the water lilies (Nymphaeaceae)—some native, others not. Their broad, plate-like leaves and elegant flowers float serenely on calm, smooth water. However, beneath the surface lies a story about biodiversity, balance, and ecological disruption.
Not all water lilies are created equal. One of the most eye-catching species at Beaver and Elk Lake is not native to the region. Its presence tells a tale of invasive species and the ongoing effort to protect this important freshwater ecosystem.
Beauty and a Bully: Introduced Water Lilies vs Native Pond-lilies
As you walk the lakeshore trail, you notice two different kinds of water lilies. One of the most beautiful is the introduced fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata). It is characterized by broad, waxy green leaves and fragrant, rose-like white or pale pink flowers. Native to eastern North America, it was brought to the west coast to be used in ornamental ponds. The fragrant waterlily has escaped cultivation and become widespread in lakes across southern British Columbia.
In contrast, our native yellow pond-lily (Nuphar polysepala) is less showy but no less important. Recognizable by its dramatic, oval leaves and cup-shaped yellow flowers, Yellow pond-lily plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems. Its roots stabilize sediment, while its leaves and flowers provide habitat and food for insects, birds, and amphibians. You will often see damselflies and frogs basking on the lily pads. Muskrats and beavers use the stems for food and nesting material.
Conflict arises when fragrant water-lily outcompetes native plants like the yellow pond-lily. The introduced lily forms dense mats that shade out other vegetation, disrupt oxygen levels in the water, and reduce biodiversity. These mats can even interfere with recreational activities like kayaking and fishing.
The Native Nuphar: A Quiet Original
One of the native aquatic lilies you’ll find at Elk Lake is the yellow pond-lily (Nuphar polysepala). Unlike the familiar white or pink blooms of ornamental lilies, this native species produces a bold, globe-like yellow flower that rises confidently above the water. Its heart-shaped leaves often lie flat on the surface or emerge above it like shallow bowls. The root masses of yellow pond-lily are dramatic and the stalks can grow up to 2m in length. Likewise, the broad oval leaves make a statement, ranging in size from 10-40 cm long, to 6-30 cm wide.
The yellow pond-lily is a cornerstone of native wetland ecosystems. Its extensive root systems stabilize sediment, while its leaves and flowers provide shelter for aquatic insects, resting places for amphibians, and shade for small fish. The plant also supports native pollinators and waterfowl. Though its flower is not as showy as its exotic cousins, it definitely makes its presence known!
The Intriguing Intruder: Fragrant Water Lilies
In contrast, the fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata)—an introduced and invasive species from eastern North America—adds a touch of classical beauty to Elk Lake with its large, creamy white petals and golden centers. The leaves of fragrant water lily are roundly heart-shaped, with blades 10-40 cm in diameter. Like the name suggests, the flowers of this water lily are very fragrant. Flowers open in the morning and then close at night. Often cultivated in garden ponds, this species has naturalized in many parts of British Columbia.
Unfortunately, its beauty belies a more problematic nature. Fragrant water-lilies can form dense mats that crowd out native species, reduce oxygen levels in the water, and hinder recreational use. Its rapid growth allows it to outcompete native lilies like the yellow pond-lily, altering both the plant community and the aquatic animals that depend on a more diverse habitat.
Yellow Flag Iris: A Cautionary Bloom
Further along the trail, I spotted several clumps of yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) at the lake’s edge. This invasive species is gaining ground around Elk/Beaver Lake. With its sword-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, it’s easy to admire—but it’s a real ecological troublemaker. Yellow flag iris has become one of the most aggressive wetland invaders in BC.
Originally introduced from Europe for its ornamental value and erosion control properties, yellow flag iris spreads aggressively via both seeds and rhizomes. Once established, it forms impenetrable thickets that choke out native wetland plants and offer little food or shelter for wildlife.
Yellow flag iris also poses a management challenge. Its roots are difficult to remove, and improper disposal of cuttings can spread it further. The plant becomes a monoculture, dramatically reducing wetland diversity. Its growth can trap sediments, raise the ground level, and eventually turn marsh into dry land. While beautiful, it is a cautionary example of how human introductions—however well-intentioned—can create lasting changes in fragile ecosystems.
Managing the Balance: What is Being Done?
The Capital Regional District (CRD) recognizes the ecological value and the challenges posed by Elk/Beaver Lake. In response, it has launched several initiatives to manage both its recreational use and environmental health. The main focus of current efforts is to improve water quality by improving oxygenation. The initiative is an effort to reduce blue-green algae levels that are a result of high nutrient levels. This management plan is not directed specifically at invasive plants like Eurasian watermilfoil, yellow flag iris, and fragrant water lily which are very difficult to remove.
Local environmental groups like Beaver Elk Environmental Society (BEES) are also working to see the water quality in the lakes returned to a healthy, sustainable state. Victoria Golden Rods and Reels is involved in the Elk/Beaver Lake initiative and is focused on working with a variety of organizations and stakeholders to improve the water quality in the lakes.
A Walk with Purpose: The Balance of Beauty and Biodiversity
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is a microcosm of a larger story playing out across the province. It’s an example of how native and introduced species interact, sometimes harmoniously, often not. While introduced species like fragrant water lily and yellow flag iris can offer aesthetic or recreational benefits, their long-term ecological costs are significant. They compete with native flora, alter habitats, and disrupt food webs.
Yet, this contrast also provides a chance to educate and act. Invasive plant monitoring and removal efforts, coupled with responsible landscaping and gardening choices, can help protect the integrity of places like Elk/Beaver Lake.
Next time you walk the trail around Elk/Beaver Lake, take a closer look at the plants floating on the water’s surface. Beneath the peaceful landscape is an active story of ecological interaction—of native plants trying to hold their ground and introduced species pushing the limits.
Take a moment to peer into the still waters and notice what’s growing there. Every lily pad and flower tells a story—of origin, of adaptation, and of impact. And with a little knowledge, we can help ensure that Elk/Beaver Lake’s story becomes one of balance and biodiversity.
Read More
- Secret Lakes of Southern Vancouver Island
- Invasive Species Council of BC
- Unknown Victoria – A Brief History of Elk/Beaver Lake
Getting There
To access the Beaver Lake entrance, follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria, and take the Royal Oak Drive exit. Turn left on Royal Oak Drive to cross over the highway, then right on Elk Lake Drive to reach the park entrance on the left.
To access the Filter Beds entrance, from West Saanich Road turn east onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 1.2km to the Filter Beds Parking lot. From Elk Lake Drive turn west onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to the Filter Beds Parking lot.
To access the Elk Lake entrance, follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria. Turn left on Sayward Road, left again on Hamsterly Road, then right on Brookleigh Road, which leads to the park entrance on the left.
