Prospect Lake is an idyllic rural neighbourhood in West Saanich, north of Victoria BC. If you like the idea of living in Victoria, yet don’t want to live in the city, you couldn’t do much better than this. Prospect Lake is pure country living close to town. The community is flanked by Elk Lake Park to the east and Mt Work Park to the west, and is surrounded by forest and park land.
The neighbourhood is near the Royal Oak commercial area for shopping and other services and not far from Brentwood Bay, but there is little commercial development within Prospect Lake. There are, however, beautiful rural properties and hobby farms where people enjoy keeping livestock, large gardens and all the benefits of country living.
There are plenty of trails for exercising your horse, riding a bike or taking a hike and of course the lake itself, with a picturesque park and beach area for swimming in the warm months. The Prospect Lake Golf Course is a 9 hole public course that overlooks the lake.
The Prospect Lake Community Hall is always busy with local group meetings and community events. This neighbourhood has an active volunteer-run community group, the Prospect Lake District Community Association (PLDCA) which has been operating since 1956.
Things to do in Prospect Lake
- Enjoy the Lake
Photo credit to Power To Be
Fittingly so, the biggest attraction in Prospect Lake is the lake. Popular among locals for swimming, fishing and boating, the lake is stocked with about 1,000-5,000 Rainbow trout. The 220 acre lake has a series of natural bays, and is surrounded by parks including South Prospect Lake Park, Estelline Park, and Whitehead Park.
- Fuel up at Mosi
Mosi Bakery Café & Gelateria is a favourite spot among West Saanich residents, located right on West Saanich Road at the intersection of Prospect Lake Road. The serve an incredible, Italian-style breakfast and lunch, along with the full range of espresso option. But what Mosi is famous for is their award-winning Gelato – a tradition in the Mosi family since Stefano’s grandfather was making it in Torino, Italy in the 1920’s.
- Hike Mount Work
Photo credit to Victoria Trails
Mount Work Park is one of the largest regional parks in the Capital Regional District, featuring three freshwater lakes, 11km of hiking trails, and Hartland – the series of mountain biking trails. The main attraction of the 743 hectare park is Mount Work, the 449 meter mountain with it’s collection of hiking trails, offering some of the best views of Victoria.
Schools around Prospect Lake
Prospect Lake is home to Prospect Lake Elementary, located off Prospect Lake Road near the intersection of West Saanich Road. Island Montessori is also nearby, just a bit further up West Saanich Road. Claremont Secondary is also not too far away, located on the other side of the Pat Bay Highway. But being a rural community, there aren’t many nearby options for school.
If you had north towards Saanichton, you’ll find many schools including Keating Elementary, Bayside Middle School, and Stelly’s Secondary. Or you could head south towards town, where you’ll find Royal Oak Middle School, Northridge Elementary, and more.
