Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
50 m
Frequently asked questions
St. Mary Lake Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +20.0°C, warms up to +24.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.1 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 50 metres.
St. Mary Lake Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
St. Mary Lake Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
St. Mary Lake Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: crocodiles, venomous snakes. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
St. Mary Lake Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit.
St. Mary Lake Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is from June to September. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Dogs are prohibited on the beach. Leaving rubbish is prohibited.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
St. Mary Lake Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet nature holidays. Not suitable for those seeking ocean waves and developed infrastructure.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what makes this beach unique?
St. Mary Lake is the largest freshwater lake on Salt Spring Island and also serves as a drinking water source for locals. Motorized boats are prohibited on the lake, making it ideal for peaceful swimming.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Largest lake on the island, Calm water, No motorized boats, Scenic forests, Suitable for families. Cons: Small beach, No infrastructure, No lifeguards, Limited parking.
St. Mary Lake Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Salt Spring Island, Channel Ridge Park. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
St. Mary Lake Beach: how do I get to the city of Ganges?
The beach is located near the city of Ganges. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Ganges.