North Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Special notes
- Campfires are not allowed in this park.
- Due to health authority regulations, BC Parks has removed the drinking water hand pump from the day-use area.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times in the park and are not allowed on beach areas.
- Powerboats are prohibited on Spider Lake.
- The main parking lot and day-use area are closed from October 1 to May 14 of each year. Please use the small parking lot during this period.
- Camping is not permitted at this park. Camping opportunities are available at a private campground located adjacent to Horne Lake Caves Park, approximately 10km away.
- The park does not offer a boat launch. Small boats, canoes and kayaks can be put in the water at the small day-use area located off Lakeview Road less than 1km before the main park entrance.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Spider Lake Park is located 60km north of Nanaimo and 16km west of Qualicum Beach on central Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed via the Horne Lake exit off Hwy #19 or Hwy #19a. Follow signs for 5km to Spider Lake.
Nearby communities include: Qualicum, Parksville, Nanaimo, Comox.
Things to do
A short, easy trail connects the two day-use areas. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
The warm waters of Spider Lake are ideal for swimming.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
The warm water of Spider Lake is noted for its excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring the shoreline and the many secluded bays of this lake. Paddlers can set in at the small day-use area, located off Lakeview Road less than 1km before the main park entrance. This area has parking for up to eight vehicles.
The warm water of Spider Lake is noted for its excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring the shoreline and the many secluded bays of this lake. Paddlers can set in at the small day-use area, located off Lakeview Road less than 1km before the main park entrance. This area has parking for up to eight vehicles.
Spider Lake is stocked with Rainbow trout and small mouth bass and is a popular spot for anglers. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
During the summer months, this is an extremely popular destination. Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Spider Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Opportunities exist for windsurfing at this park during periods of high winds.
This park offers opportunities for fresh water scuba diving.
Excellent caving opportunities are located close to Spider Lake at Horne Lake Caves Park, approximately 10 km away.
White-Nose Syndrome
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America. Humans have accelerated spread by bringing contaminated clothing, gear, and equipment into caves. To learn more about White-Nose Syndrome, read the White-Nose Syndrome fact sheet [PDF], or visit the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website.
Before you enter a cave, use the gear decontamination instructions.
Help protect bats and their habitats from the spread of White-Nose Syndrome. Clothing and gear that has been used in caves east of the Rocky Mountains should not be used in B.C.
Facilities
This park has a large day-use and picnic area, with approximately 16 picnic tables, fresh water, five pit toilets and a sandy beach. This area and the parking lot is closed from October 1 to May 14 of each year.
A smaller day-use area, open year-round, can be found off Lakeview Road less than 1km before the main park entrance. This area has two picnic tables, a pit toilet and parking for up to eight vehicles. Small boats, canoes and kayaks can be easily launched from this location.
There are five pit toilets located throughout the park.
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.
Contact
| Park operator | This park is operated by RLC Park Services. |
|---|---|
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
