Thetis Lake

About an hour by bicycle from Victoria on the Galloping Goose trail is a nifty little lake called Thetis lake, where I've been spending many a lazy & hazy summer afternoon.

What makes Thetis Lake interesting are the different 'stages' or points of entry. When you come in, there is a main beach that is pretty small, with a small canteen and changing facilities etc.

The water is nice and warm, and I recommend bringing something to float on to give you some extra space. The main beach can get pretty crowded, and is definitely of a 'family' orientation.

After visiting this main beach a few times I discovered paths on either side of the lake that take you to Upper Thetis, another small lake that connects to the main lake.

Upper Thetis is much cooler (in the hip sense - the water is actually quite warm) with less traffic and tons of secluded coves, rewarding the person who's willing to walk a bit further with scenic views and fewer people.

Upper Thetis has just the right amount of people around at different points on the lake, and is definitely more of an adult orientation - funny-smelling tobacco and nude suntanners abound.

Definitely one of my favourite places, and a highly recommended way to spend a summer afternoon.

The picture above was taken with my cellphone, and is of the main lake. The picture below is actually just a few blocks from my house, and isn't related to this post at all. :-)