Top 8 Lakes around Area C (Puntledge/Black Creek)

For breathtaking scenery, consider the alpine lakes within Strathcona Provincial Park, such as Helen Mackenzie Lake and Battleship Lake. These offer rugged wilderness views, especially when Battleship Lake is frozen or covered in snow. Comox Lake also provides memorable scenery with forested hills and mountain backdrops.

Yes, Helen Mackenzie Lake is noted as family-friendly and invites rest and swimming. Comox Lake is also excellent for various watersports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, with smooth conditions often ideal for families. Maple Lake is another good option for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing in a peaceful setting.

Maple Lake is a local favorite for excellent fishing, particularly for rainbow and cutthroat trout, and is regularly stocked. The cooler months from October to April are considered best. The alpine lakes in Strathcona Provincial Park, including Helen Mackenzie Lake, Battleship Lake, and Circlet Lake, are also great for freshwater fishing, with rainbow trout stocked annually.

You'll find a variety of trails. The area around Comox Lake and the Puntledge River Recreation Area offers extensive multi-use trails for hiking and biking, including easy paths with river and lake views. For more challenging terrain, the network of trails around Strathcona's alpine lakes like Helen Mackenzie and Battleship Lake provides access to serene forests and alpine meadows. You can explore routes like the Maple Lake Trail or the Comox Lake via Vancouver Island Trail.

Absolutely. The China Bowls are a unique natural monument where Perseverance Creek flows, creating deep, turquoise-glowing basins. These pools are surrounded by ferns, cedars, and Douglas fir, offering a distinctive natural experience.

The best time depends on your preferred activities. For fishing, the cooler months from October to April are ideal for Maple Lake. For watersports and hiking in the alpine regions, the warmer months typically offer more accessible conditions, though some alpine lakes like Battleship Lake can still be frozen or snow-covered in May, offering a unique winter-like experience.

Yes, for extended stays, Buttle Lake Campground is beautifully situated in a dense forest by the lake, open from April to October. For a more rugged experience, Circlet Lake Campground offers individual tent pitches on wooden platforms, and Moat Lake has a rentable cabin for wilderness adventures.

Yes, the region offers various routes for running and cycling. You can find running trails like the Paradise Ponds – Battleship Lake loop or the Millard Nature Park loop. For road cycling, there are routes such as the Willemar Bluff – Robb Bluff loop or a Roadbike loop from Comox.

For those who enjoy cold water, the glassy alpine lakes in Strathcona Provincial Park, such as Helen Mackenzie Lake and Circlet Lake, are perfect for wild swimming. Comox Lake also offers opportunities for swimming, with its glacier-fed waters providing a refreshing experience.

Access varies by lake. Maple Lake has a cartop boat launch and trails around its perimeter. Comox Lake features the Comox Lake Dam picnic area with amenities like parking and serves as a trailhead. For the alpine lakes in Strathcona Provincial Park, you'll typically drive to the Paradise Meadows trailhead, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Courtenay, and then hike in.

Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from tranquil fishing and paddling on Maple Lake to the extensive watersports on Comox Lake. The serene wilderness experience and challenging hikes to alpine lakes like Helen Mackenzie Lake and Battleship Lake are also highly valued. The community has shared over 30 upvotes and 10 photos, highlighting the area's natural beauty and varied activities.