Park overview
Located 80km east of Vancouver, Davis Lake Park is characterized by a small warm-water lake, beaches and a scenic waterfall.
The park represents unique ecology that is not commonly found in the Lower Mainland area, including a virtually pure western hemlock stand and prime bird habitat. The access road into the parking area is approximately 1km of deactivated road (unmaintained gravel road) and signage is limited.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bring your own drinking water; potable water is not available in the park.
Activities
There is one short trail to the scenic falls. All other hiking would be on existing old forest service roads. Some roads are inside the park but most are outside the park boundary.
There is swimming available in the lake; however, it would not be considered a qood quality swimming area. The beach is considered “rustic” with some sand. There are no lifeguards on duty.
There are canoeing/kayaking opportunities at this park. Canoes and kayaks will have to be portaged into the lake (approximately a 15-minute hike). There are no canoe / kayak-accessible campsites.
There is fishing for kokanee, longnose sucker, northern pikeminnow, rainbow trout, westslope (yellowstone) cutthroat trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Maps and location
Davis Lake Park is located 19km north of Mission. Access is via Sylvester Road. Just north of the park boundary, this road accesses a secondary road that descends south back down the slope to Davis Lake. Please note that access is walk-in only. The access road into the parking area is approximately 1km of deactivated road (unmaintained gravel road) and signage is limited.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: August 17, 1963
- Size: 192 hectares
Nature and culture
- History: The park was designated Park status in October 1963.
- Cultural Heritage: Davis Lake Park is located in the traditional territory of the Sto:lo Nation. In the early part of the 20th century, several attempts were made at homesteading the park area though none were successful. During this time, selective timber cutting also took place. During the 1940s, the Whonnock Lumber Company logged the area to the north of Davis Lake.
- Conservation: Davis Lake Park lies within the coastal western hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. Predominant species include douglas-fir and red cedar, which are interspersed with douglas maple, alder, and vine maple, alder, and vine maple. The park also protects a virtually pure stand of western hemlock.
- Wildlife: Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and other birds can be seen at the south end of the lake. The diversity of ecosystems in this park also provides great potential for other bird species including spotted owl. Davis Lake supports small populations of cutthroat trout as well as Northern Pikeminnow.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.