The Chemainus Lake loop is a quiet, 2.5 km trail that circles around Chemainus Lake. It’s the perfect length for a leisurely 30 minute walk and passes through a mixed forest of bigleaf maple, Douglas fir, western redcedar and western hemlock. The trail is suitable for nature lovers, dog walkers, and families with young children or strollers. If you’re looking for an alternative walk to the nearby Stocking Creek Falls walk, make sure to check this one out!
Chemainus Lake Loop Highlights
Views of the lake from the trail are difficult. There are a few rough trails that lead off from the main trail but they seem to end at the wetland on the edge of Chemainus Lake. Thick stands of hardhack and other wetland shrubs block better views of the lake. At best, you can get a peekaboo view of the lake. As a result, the main focus of the walk are the forest and the seasonal streams that feed into the lake.
Signs of historical logging are evident in the forest along the trail. Stumps with spring board notches are common and large bigleaf maple stands create open areas in the forest. Young, shade tolerant conifers grow in these deciduous sections of the forest. The understory predominantly consists of sword fern in the darker parts of the forest. However, other forest plants like salal, thimbleberry, and Oregon grape are common as well.
The forest offers good opportunities for bird watching. The mix of different forest types and proximity to the wetlands surrounding the lake provides good habitat for a variety of different species of birds. Several common forest species encountered here include Pacific Wren, Western flycatcher, Hammond’s flycatcher, Swainson’s thrush, red-breasted nuthatch, common raven, song sparrow, and warbling vireo. Wetland/edge habitat birds include northern yellow warbler, common yellowthroat, and redwing blackbird.
Photographers will want to bring a tripod for forest photography. On overcast days, the light levels are low and your options are to use a tripod or increase your ISO. Most of the forest photographs in this post were handheld at ISO 800 and underexposed. Next time I’ll definitely remember a tripod!
Weddle Lake Viewing Dock
After completing the forest loop it is definitely worthwhile to walk out to the fishing dock and boat launch for a view of Chemainus Lake. Interestingly, the small lake is alternately known as Weddle Lake or Weddle Pond by locals. It was originally named after William Weddel who lived nearby.
The lake is short distance from the main parking lot and it is possible to drive down a narrow gravel road to unload canoes or other water craft at the boat launch. There is a small turn around area close to the dock. Note that boaters have to return their vehicles in the main parking area after they’ve dropped off their boat. Exploring the lake by boat sounds like the best way to experience Chemainus Lake.
Looking out over Chemainus Lake
Unfortunately, the floating dock at Chemainus Lake provides the only real view of the entire lake. Fortunately, the view is spectacular! In the summer the dock is often busy with families fishing but if you time it right you might have the dock to yourself. Yellow water-lily and water shield are visible in the water beside the dock and if you look carefully you should see bullfrog tadpoles swimming in the water in the early summer. The calls of redwing blackbird are common.
The Chemainus Lake loop is a worthwhile and overlooked walking trail in Chemainus, British Columbia. The quiet walk through a mixed coniferous/deciduous forest offers something for all visitors. In addition, the floating dock provides beautiful views of the lake and close looks at aquatic plants, amphibians, and invertebrates. While the park is not very far off of the main road, it is far enough that it somehow feels remote.
Getting There
Access to Chemainus Lake is fairly straightforward. Traveling south from Ladysmith on Highway 1 going towards Victoria, turn right on River Road. Coming north from Duncan, the access requires a left hand turn across two lanes of southbound traffic which can be tricky.
From Chemainus, follow River Road up to Highway 1. Wait for a break in south bound and northbound traffic before crossing the highway. It might be easier to follow Henry Road up to Highway 1, head north towards Ladysmith, and then make the left hand turn onto River Road. The parking area of Chemainus Lake Park is well signed — you can’t miss it!
