Exploring Enos Lake

There’s a network of trails around a series of ponds and ultimately Enos Lake itself which makes for easy walking.

We found the trails to be a little confusing and the maps not very helpful (there are no convenient “You Are Here” dots on the trail maps) so allow yourself some extra time if you’re exploring. It’s a good idea to download the trail map from Fairwinds as well – it’s not super helpful but it provides the opportunity to do a mental workout.

Having never “hiked” these trails before, both Jocie and I were amazed by the amount of diversity in the ponds. Pacific Tree Frogs (Hyla regilla) were everywhere – sitting on top of the Watershield (Brasenia schreberi) leaves, swimming in the water, and crawling in the grass.

We found Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) in bloom in the wet edges of the pond and swampy streams. The white, three-petaled flowers were unusual looking and distinctive allowing for easy identification. The basal leaves are long stalked and egg shaped. Also in the water was Bladderwort (Utricularia sp.), an aquatic plant that traps small invertebrates in its valve-lidded bladders. From a botanical perspective, these small ponds and wet areas are very interesting.

I didn’t have my dragonfly net, but on a return visit I’ll definitely bring it. I was able to identify several species of dragonfly by sight but would have to spend the time to catch and release in order to come up with a comprehensive list. Four-spotted Skimmers, Eight-spotted Skimmers, Common Green Darners, and several other species of Darners were common.

Our final stop was Enos Lake, home of the limnetic Enos Lake Stickleback (Gasterosteus sp.). This is the only place where this specific stickleback pair (both benthic and limnetic) is found. Hopefully, the lake will remain undeveloped and this Endangered fish will survive.

Despite a few wrong turns, we had a spectacular day walking around the wetlands and ponds at Enos Lake. This is a great place for nature viewing and well worth visiting. We’ll definitely be back!

Getting There

The most obvious access point to the trails at Enos Lake is on Fairwinds Road. From the Petro Canada gas station turn off the Island Highway (Highway 19) onto Northwest Bay Road. Turn right onto Powder Point Road and continue until you reach a four way stop. Continue straight as Powder Point Road then becomes Fairwinds Road. Look for the trail head on the left hand side of the road.

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