Exploring Battleship Lake Loop in Strathcona Park, BC

Battleship Lake is a beautiful alpine lake in Strathcona Park, BC. Spectacular views of the area draw hikers and backpackers alike. Did you know they stock the lake with rainbow trout? It’s also a great spot for bird watching, as Whisky Jacks, or Grey Jays, are in abundance and always on the lookout to steal your lunch or snacks. You get to the lake from Paradise Meadows Trailhead, near the Mount Washington ski area. It’s considered an easy trail, in fact, most of the trail is a boardwalk. For a longer hike, you can continue on the trail to Lake Helen McKenzie, Kwai, and Circlet Lake.

Its stunning scenery and diverse fauna, including the Whisky Jacks, make it a favourite spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The morning mist gives the lake an extra layer of beauty and mystique, making it a great spot to capture stunning photos.

Imagine yourself immersed in a vibrant forests with towering mountains; it’s as if you’ve ventured into an entirely different realm. Trust me, it’s totally worth a visit!

Key takeaways

It’s a super pretty spot with an alpine lake, forests, and mountains – perfect for taking cool photos!
The hike is pretty easy, making it great for families and beginners.
You might see some fun wildlife, like Whisky Jacks (they’re birds that love snacks).
The trail is about 8.5 km long and takes about 2.5 hours to walk.
Fall is an awesome time to visit, especially if you want to see some misty views.
To get there, head to Mount Washington ski area and look for signs to Raven Lodge.

How do I find the trailhead for the hike?

To get to the trailhead, follow these steps:

Head south along the Inland Island Highway (BC-19 S).
Turn west onto the Strathcona Parkway and follow signs for Mt. Washington Resort.
Drive 19.0 km as the road gains approximately 1,000 m of elevation.
When you arrive at the junction before the ski resort, hang a left towards the Raven Lodge.
Park near the Raven Lodge and visit the Strathcona Wilderness Institute.
Follow the Helen MacKenzie/Battleship Lake Loop Trail, which is a 2.5-hour, 8.5-kilometre roundtrip hike.
Enjoy the view and take some memorable photographs.

How to get to Battleship Lake?

Battleship Lake is in Strathcona Park, British Columbia, next to the Mount Washington ski area.

To reach the lake, park at Raven Lodge and take the Centennial Loop trail via Paradise Meadows Trailhead.

The trail will separate into two different boardwalks. Going left or right will lead you to the Battleship Lake. Follow the Centennial Loop till you come to Crooked Creek Boardwalk. Stay on this boardwalk until you reach the end.

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What to consider when hiking Battleship Lake Loop.

Length of trail

The trail is 8.6klm (in & out) and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

What type of trail is the hike?

The hike is a short but pleasant 1.6-kilometre loop trail with an elevation gain of 80 m. The trail passes through a plateau, a mixture of sub-alpine meadows carpeted with lovely flowers and forests of yellow cedar, amabilis fir, and mountain hemlock. The trail is suitable for hiking or walking, as well as wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with grades averaging around 5%. Although park management allows dogs, they are considering banning them from this area due to trail misuse.

Difficulty of trail

The trail is considered an easy walk for beginners, families, and young children, and special wheelchairs are available. The elevation gain is relatively low at 70 m, and the route follows a well-maintained boardwalk and gravel trail with few steeper sections.

Type of Hike: Day Hike
For leisure hiking, the loop will take about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
For experienced hikers, the loop should take between 1.5 and 2 hours.
Details about the trail: Loop from the parking lot: 8.6 km long, 150 m ascent, 150 m descent

Scenery

Wander through to the lake, take in the picturesque views, perfect for capturing stunning photos of nature. The trail goes through meadows filled with wildflowers and forests of cedar, fir, and hemlock. This makes the trail an ideal location for capturing stunning photos of the surrounding nature. The lookout at the end of the lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys, perfect for capturing panoramas.

Time of year

My preferred season for photographing hiking the loop and photographing the lake is Sept. and Oct. During this time, beautiful, green woodlands surround the lake, allowing for mist observation.

Wildlife

I can almost guarantee during your hike, you will come across Steller’s Jay (Whisky Jacks). Be sure to bring treats for them. Also during the drive up the mountain, you may also come across the endangered Vancouver Island Marmot. If you are looking for a winter outage Cross-country skis and snowshoes can reach the lake in the winter.

Conclusion

Battleship Lake is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that brings you closer to nature and offers a peaceful retreat from the demands of daily life. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing by the water, or exploring the surrounding trails, Strathcona Provincial Park is sure to leave a lasting impression. So lace up your boots, and get ready to discover the beauty of Lake for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You swim at Battleship lake?

Yes, you can swim in Battleship Lake, BC. This small, scenic lake in Strathcona Provincial Park offers refreshing dip for swimming during summer months. However, be aware that the water can be cold and there are no lifeguards on duty.

How long is the Lake Helen Mackenzie Loop Trail?

The Lake Helen Mackenzie Loop Trail is 8.6 km in length and takes between 1.5 to 3.5 hours to complete depending on the experience level of the hiker. The elevation gain is 150m.

What is the elevation gain of the Loop Trail?

The elevation gain of the Loop Trail is 150 ft. Most of the elevation is when you start the climb up to the lake.

Is there a campground at Battleship Lake?

There is no official campground However at nearby Lake Helen Mackenzie has designated backcountry campsites. Visitors should be prepared for backcountry conditions and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Are there any facilities at Battleship Lake?

Yes, there are facilities at Battleship Lake. Restrooms are accessible at both, Lake Helen Mackenzie and Battleship.