Fresh Water Swimming on Salt Spring Island: Lakes Worth Knowing About
Salt Spring is an island, so naturally most people come for the ocean. Honestly, we're with you on that. But when the summer heat settles in, and you want something a little calmer, a little warmer, and a little more still, the lakes deliver in their own quiet way. Here's what you need to know.
St. Mary's Lake
St. Mary's is the main one, the lake most people on the island grow up swimming in, whether they planned to or not. It's the largest lake on Salt Spring and has proper swim access, with a beach that gets busy on hot summer days, especially with families and kids. Parking can be a little tricky at peak times, so arriving early or later in the afternoon is a good call.
One of the charming things about St. Mary's in summer is that you'll notice people pulling over along the roadside to find their own sneaky little dip spots along the shore. It's very Salt Spring. Everyone finds their own way in.
Good for: families, kids, a classic summer lake day
Cusheon Lake
Cusheon Lake is our local pick, sitting closer to the cabin and coming in as the second-largest lake on the island. There's one main dock access point, but honestly, the best way to enjoy Cusheon is to show up with a floatie, drop in, and find your own patch of sun out on the water. In the shoulder season, it's wonderfully quiet, and a cold dip here on a warm afternoon feels like a little reset. Simple and lovely.
Good for: shoulder season, floating, a quick cold dip, peaceful mornings
Stowell Lake and Weston Lake
These two smaller lakes sit at the south end of the island, both relatively close to the cabin. They both have access points, though you'll want to drive slowly and keep your eyes open for them as they're easy to miss. They're not signposted with fanfare, which is part of what makes them feel special.
We'll be honest, we have a little dream involving one of these lakes, a paddleboard, a good friend, cold drinks, snacks, and absolutely no agenda. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, these are the lakes to make it happen on.
Good for: adventure seekers, paddleboarding, quiet exploration
A Note From Us
If you're choosing between a lake day and a beach day on Salt Spring, we'll always nudge you toward the ocean first. The beaches here are genuinely special, and the salt water is hard to beat. But the lakes have their own charm, and on a long, lazy summer day, there's something to be said for floating on fresh water with nowhere to be.
Either way, you're in the right place.
Staying at Salty Stay Cabin? You're perfectly placed to explore both. Ask us for directions to the sneaky spots.