Sproat Lake, located near Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island, is a beautiful destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, and more. The lake's natural beauty and recreational amenities have made it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Here are a few of my favourite ways to spend time there.
A Bit of History
In 1860, a Scottish immigrant named Gilbert Sproat established a sawmill at the head of the Alberni Canal. Business frequently brought him back and forth between the Sproat Lake area and the West Coast, and doing so granted him the title and job of ‘Principal Customs Officer.' He fulfilled his duty of justice of the peace and magistrate from 1863 to 1865. In 1868, he published a book called “Scenes and Studies of Savage Life” about his observations of the First People he lived among.
The lake was historically known as Kleecoot, meaning “wide open” by local indigenous people. This lake is cross-shaped with four arms, spanning over 25 kilometres and boasting a shoreline stretching for 90.8 kilometres.
Swimming at Sproat Lake
Swimming at Sproat Lake is by far one of the more popular activities. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot to cool off during the summer.
Much of the waterfront around Sproat is privately owned, so visitors access the lake via the two Provincial Parks. Sproat Lake Provincial Park is the largest of the two and has a great day-use and picnic area with easy lake access. This Provincial Park also has the only public boat launch.
Boating
Due to its vast size and many arms, Sproat Lake is ideal for boating, especially for those who enjoy tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, etc. If you don't have a boat, the Fish & Duck Resort offers a variety of boat rentals, including houseboats!
As mentioned above, Sproat Lake Provincial Park is the only public boat launch. Although widely used for various boat sizes, I find it’s not the most user-friendly. There is no dock to tie your boat up to, which requires launching to be a two-person job.
Once you are out on the water, there are so many great places to explore. Keep on the lookout for a giant rope swing, as well as the cliffs where many enjoy jumping into the crystal clear water below. Closer to the Provincial Park, you can also view the now-retired Martin Mars Water Bomber.
Fishing
The lake is home to various fish species, including rainbow, cutthroat, and kokanee salmon, making it a great place for fishing. The best fishing happens between late February and early October. Taylor Arm is said to be a magic spot during the spring (March and April). Watch for any special restrictions before heading to Sproat Lake to fish.
Hiking at Sproat Lake
The Provincial Park offers several short hiking trails that take you through the lush forest and along the shoreline. One such trail leads you to one of the finest panels of petroglyphs in British Columbia.
A wonderful multi-use trail lies alongside Lakeshore Road. You can walk all the way from Sproat Lake Provincial Park to Sproat Lake Landing Resort (roughly 4.5km one way).
Fossli Provincial Park is among my top favourites of all Vancouver Island Provincial Parks and is accessed via the lake or along a rough logging road. No matter how you get there, it's a must-see treat for your senses!
You might also be interested to know that the area around Sproat has several hidden gems.
Camping at Sproat Lake
Several campgrounds offer places to pitch your tent or park your RV. The most popular is Sproat Lake Provincial Park, which offers 59 vehicle-accessible campsites with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and washroom facilities. It's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak camping season.
This campground has two distinct areas. The Lower Campground offers 15 non-serviced sites and is located adjacent to the lake but is not forested. The other 44 non-serviced sites are found in the Upper Campground, which is located across the highway from the lake but is well-forested.
Taylor Arm Provincial Park offers group camping. A freshwater hand pump and pit toilets are located at the group campground. A trail links the campground to the lake via an underpass.
Dining Options
- The Fish & Duck offers great pub-style food (try the Bomber burger!) and a patio with beautiful views.
- Drinkwaters Lakeside Lounge, located at Sproat Lake Landing, offers more upscale eats in a casual atmosphere. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, wine, and local on-tap beer.
- Dellas Cafe & Giftshop is a personal favourite of mine. This is a great place to stop when hungry for ice cream, freshly baked pastries, delicious coffee, and tasty sandwiches (among just a few of the specialty items). During the summer, they add a taco food truck with delicious handmade tacos that you can enjoy in the grassy picnic area. The cafe also stocks a few grocery items and a great selection of souvenirs and products from local First Nations.
Accommodations
- Fish & Duck Resort (linked to above)
- Sproat Lake Landing
- If you are looking for a private residence rental, there are many (view the map below)!
- Of course, Port Alberni is a short drive away and has a few hotel options. Zoom out on the map to find hotels in Port.
Conclusion
Overall, Sproat Lake is a beautiful destination that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. It's the perfect place to spend a hot summer day, especially if you have a boat!
This article contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase from one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no further cost to you.
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