Sproat Lake Provincial Park

Sproat Lake Provincial Park is a nature reserve situated along Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island, offering wooded hiking trails and designated swimming areas. The park also provides boat launch facilities and sits within forested terrain near Port Alberni.

The area was shaped by Gilbert Malcolm Sproat, a Scottish entrepreneur who arrived on Vancouver Island in 1860 and established industrial operations. His activities influenced the economic development of the region during that period.

The K'ak'awin petroglyph panel carved into rocks along the shoreline shows figures from indigenous traditions and beliefs. These carvings remain an important place where First Nations' knowledge and stories continue to be shared and remembered.

The park offers roughly 50 campsites accessible by vehicle and operates best from April through October for visiting. Bring appropriate gear if you plan to hike trails or launch a boat on the lake.

The lake serves as a water source for giant Martin Mars water bombers operated by Coulson Flying Tankers that collect water for firefighting missions. These unusual aircraft occasionally land and refill here, which visitors sometimes witness.

Location: Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District

Inception: June 6, 1966

Website: http://env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/sproat_lk

GPS coordinates: 49.29610,-124.92700

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48