story and photos by Scottee Giles –
The oak leaves have unfurled, scattered wildflowers lend bursts of colour to the land, birds’ nests sing with new activity, and frogs repeat their stories from the tall grass. It’s May at Prospect Lake! Longer daylight hours and warm weather make spring the perfect time to enjoy an early morning of fishing or a beautiful sunset reflected in the calm water. If you live in this stretch of cottage country heaven, you are one of the lucky ones indeed. The rest of us can enjoy a day trip to explore the area, thanks to several easy-to-access parks.
Prospect Lake is 200 acres in size and stocked with rainbow trout annually. If you have a small boat in tow, you can make use of the Echo Lake Boat Launch at the end of Echo Place on the eastern shore. Boaters must abide by local bylaws and Transport Canada regulations.
Whitehead Park on the northern tip of the lake is a beautiful spot where Prospect Lake Road, Tod Creek and Goward Road meet. There is a great playground, ample parking, seasonal washrooms, a carry-in boat launch, small dock, green space and picnic tables under picturesque willow trees.
Estelline Park is tucked away down a narrow road, with limited parking and a marshy carry-in boat launch.
Further down the western shore, South Prospect Lake Park can be accessed from Prospect Lake Road. Fawn lilies are in abundance on either side of the foot trail as we head steeply down a couple of hundred metres to the lake that boasts beautiful views and water access.
Our final destination is a May Day gathering at a friend’s parents’ place who have a dock on the lake and several big old trees. We show the kids how to set up a traditional maypole and dance with the ribbons. They whirl around and around until they’re dizzy and laughing, then lie in the grass making flower crowns. Patio string lights come on as we start the barbecue to the clink of glasses. It’s the beginning of another season to be grateful for and we stay up late, sharing our wishes in the evening light.
Things to Note:
- To get there, take West Saanich Road, Burnside Road West, or the Interurban Rail Trail to Prospect Lake Road
or Goward Road - Learn more about Prospect Lake Parks at www.saanich.ca
- Find out about the Friends of Tod Creek Watershed restoration projects at www.todcreekwatershed.ca
