Top 7 Lakes around Area D (Oyster Bay/Buttle Lake)

Buttle Lake is the primary and most notable lake in the region, situated within Strathcona Provincial Park. It's known for its stunning scenery and diverse outdoor activities. Other notable lake experiences include Circlet Lake Campground, which offers individual tent pitches by a beautiful lake, and Landslide Lake, reached via a challenging trail through forests and past waterfalls.

The lakes in Area D, particularly Buttle Lake, are a hub for outdoor recreation. You can enjoy hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding Strathcona Provincial Park provides habitat for various wildlife, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails catering to various skill levels. Popular options include the Elk River Trail, which leads to Landslide Lake, and trails to picturesque waterfalls like Lupin Falls and Myra Falls. For more challenging treks, Mount Albert Edward offers rewarding panoramic vistas. You can find more hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Area D (Oyster Bay/Buttle Lake) guide.

Yes, several campgrounds are available along the shores of Buttle Lake. Buttle Lake Campground is beautifully situated in a dense forest by the lake, offering spacious campsites with amenities like pit toilets and drinking water. Circlet Lake Campground also provides individual tent pitches on wooden platforms.

Yes, Buttle Lake Campground is considered family-friendly, offering a comfortable base for exploring. Additionally, the Darkis Lake Interpretive Trail, located near Buttle Lake Campground, is a family-friendly trail around Darkis Lake, which is also used for swimming and recreational fishing.

Buttle Lake has a unique underwater landscape. The construction of the Strathcona Dam in the 1950s raised the water level, submerging portions of the forest. This has created an eerie yet fascinating environment where visitors can still see tree stumps underwater, especially during lower water levels.

The warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall (May to October), are ideal for visiting the lakes in Area D. During this period, conditions are generally best for hiking, camping, boating, and swimming. Reservations for campgrounds like Buttle Lake are recommended from May to September.

For a quiet and secluded lake experience, consider visiting Mud Lake. Tucked into the forest at the end of a short walk, its shoreline feels still and enclosed, offering a peaceful spot to pause and take in the surroundings. You'll often have it to yourself.

While the immediate lake areas are primarily for hiking and water activities, there are cycling opportunities in the broader Area D. You can explore various routes, including easy to difficult options. For more details, refer to the Cycling around Area D (Oyster Bay/Buttle Lake) guide.

Yes, the region is home to picturesque waterfalls. Myra Falls, located near Buttle Lake, is a significant attraction with both upper and lower falls accessible via trails. You can also find more waterfall-focused hikes by checking the Waterfall hikes around Area D (Oyster Bay/Buttle Lake) guide.

Buttle Lake Campground is situated in a dense forest by the lake and is open from April 1 to October 31. Reservations are recommended from May 1 to September 30. The campground provides numerous new universal pit toilets, several drinking water fountains, and grey water disposal sites. Be aware that there is no telephone signal in the region.