Enos Lake

Tucked into Nanoose Bay, Enos Lake is a 1-kilometre-long lake surrounded by forest, wildflowers, and the sounds of nature.

This peaceful 18-hectare lake is named after John Enos, the first settler of Nanoose Bay, who arrived from the Azores in 1862. Though located on private property, the trail system is open year-round, except during periods of extreme dryness when it may close due to fire risk.

Enos Lake Hiking Trails

With more than 7-kilometres of interconnected trails to explore, the Enos Lake area blends peaceful woodland paths with rocky terrain and bursts of vibrant plant life. Depending on the route you choose, you'll uncover scenic lake views, a small, seasonal waterfall, and forest scenes that shift beautifully with the weather and light.

The trails range from easy to moderate, with some steeper areas and slippery rocks. The landscape shifts with the seasons, expect dusty sections in dry weather and mud after the rain. Young children may need a hand in certain spots, but most visitors find the hike manageable and rewarding.
Whether you're hiking, running, biking, or out on a walk with your dog, you're likely to cross paths with other nature-lovers along the way. Trail maps on AllTrails can help you navigate the sometimes-confusing route network.

Wildlife Viewing

Enos Lake isn’t just a place to stretch your legs, it’s a fascinating destination for nature lovers and wildlife watchers. The lake is home to the endangered Enos Lake Stickleback, a unique fish species found only in this area. In the surrounding wetlands and ponds, you’ll often see Pacific Tree Frogs hopping across floating Watershield leaves or climbing through the grass.

Keep an eye out for blooming Water-plantain, with its delicate white flowers, and the curious Bladderwort, an aquatic plant known for trapping tiny invertebrates. The ponds and lake are full of rare and distinctive species. Dragonflies also thrive here. Try to spot the Four-spotted Skimmers, Eight-spotted Skimmers, Common Green Darners, and other varieties dancing through the air.

Whether you're an avid birder, plant enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a quiet place to observe nature, Enos Lake delivers.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Enos Lake located?

Enos Lake is on Vancouver Island, roughly a 20-minute drive from Parksville Downtown, and is just a few minutes from another popular hike, the Notch.

Is Enos Lake good for swimming?

Swimming is not permitted at Enos Lake. Consider exploring popular swimming spots or head to one of our beaches for a refreshing swim.

Can I fish at Enos Lake?

Fishing is not allowed at Enos Lake to protect its endangered stickleback population. However, there are ample ocean and freshwater fishing locations in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region.

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