On the island in Blenkinsop Lake,easily accessible from the Lochside Trail...if you're a bird!
I see this lake all the time when I'm biking downtown and decided to put a kayak in to try it out. Not easy! It's more of a marsh than a lake but the cache should make up for the short paddle.
Be prepared to get wet and muddy on this one. Wear water shoes or sandals! Remember to CITO where applicable! Tread lightly as possible on the island and let any wildlife present go its way. Float your GPS across in an otter box or somethin'.
Facts About Blenkinsop Lake
- Blenkinsop Lake is a low point where water has collected and it prevented from escaping by a rim of volcanic rock.
- The lake has a soft, peaty bottom up to 100+ ft in depth.
- There are apparently marine shells embedded in the mud at the southern end.
- Originally it was spit into two properties owned by Henry Von Allman and George Blenkinsop.
- Prior to the early 1900's, it was known as Lost Lake.
- The CNR Train ran across a trestle through the lake from 1916 to 1934.
- After the train ceased operations, a guy blew up the trestle so that he could land his float plane. The created a major gap in the Lochside Trail for decades.
- The bridge was rebuilt by Saanich and the CRD in 2000 but other options were considered including a trail around the west side of the lake or a floating or covered bridge to not disturb waterfowl.