One of the best picnic sites in the area, Spider Lake features a small sandy beach perfect for water lovers of all ages on a hot summer day.
The warm water of Spider Lake is noted for its excellent canoeing, kayaking and swimming and the park is an idyllic spot for a quiet family outing. Paddlers can spend a peaceful afternoon exploring the shoreline and the many secluded bays of this lake, located west of Qualicum Beach on central Vancouver Island.
Spider Lake is stocked with small mouth bass and rainbow trout, providing fishing opportunities year-round. Powerboats are prohibited but small car-top boats and canoes and kayaks can be launched from the beach next to the park’s small parking lot. Boats can also be launched from a steep banked causeway outside of the park.
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.
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 at provincial 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 or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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 is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America. It poses a significant threat to bats of the west and British Columbia. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment. To help prevent WNS from taking hold in B.C., the Province is making investments in bat conservation projects.
To ensure the protection of bats and their habitat in this park, BC Parks strongly advises that personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies not be used in B.C. Also, before entering caves in B.C, cavers and visitors should consult the provincial WNS website, which includes a link to a Decontamination Protocol for Mines and Caves.
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.
This park proudly operated by:
R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
250 474-1336
office@rlcparks.ca
www.rlcparks.ca
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.