tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post1987649657724494634..comments2024-03-21T12:18:54.681-07:00Comments on 100 Lakes on Vancouver Island: Nanaimo Urban LakesRichard Powellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-90028013231420753512021-09-10T15:12:33.386-07:002021-09-10T15:12:33.386-07:00With your last comment being over 3 years old, I d...With your last comment being over 3 years old, I do wonder if you still maintain this site.<br />If so, I'm thinking about moving to the Nanaimo area & would love your advice about which lakes would be good for swimming -- not simply with a beach area but also how clean the water is. The closest "swimming" lake to me currently is so full of goose poop that it's really disgusting.<br />Also, are any of the lakes suitable for kiteboarding?<br />Thanks!Patriciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09051553404797434208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-34006189007399286192018-10-05T08:33:04.428-07:002018-10-05T08:33:04.428-07:00Caught some big trout in this lake from shore. Lot...Caught some big trout in this lake from shore. Lots over 3 to y lbsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00930784073791155502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-91013849100498932202018-05-21T13:53:21.673-07:002018-05-21T13:53:21.673-07:00Hi Afiena, thanks for the comment, sorry I missed ...Hi Afiena, thanks for the comment, sorry I missed it when you made! Never the less, I appreciate your perspective and I agree that the new public access to Quenell has made it great for the general public, but such access tends to grow in on such lakes. I support the idea of greater protection for lakes, especially Urban lakes, so that future generations can enjoy them like we do.Richard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-39210497722224187092017-09-29T13:34:25.043-07:002017-09-29T13:34:25.043-07:00kayaked yesterday on Quenell L from the public acc...kayaked yesterday on Quenell L from the public access(workable, though still a bit narrow and muddy, could do with some graveling further into the water...) to the end of first finger and intend to return to check out the island nxt time/ this being canada (in our home country in europe they've long ago learned to save -- their precious, last, remaining natural places, lakes and other places, from private ownership by granting natural protected status and regulate access AND use -- such as NO POWER BOATS!) as it is here, I guess we can, for the moment, trust the owner of the island in the western half of Quenell, to defend it against further 'development' and exploitation.Thanks for your site/ much appreciated/ in Canada we owe SO MUCH to private people LEADING THE WAY LONG before politicians step up to the plate!Afiena's Write Pagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00356127988269652269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-45839886599469552162016-09-02T04:33:27.908-07:002016-09-02T04:33:27.908-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Vintage Leather Bagshttp://www.vintageleatherbagsusa.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-49112943731251640212016-04-08T12:38:20.512-07:002016-04-08T12:38:20.512-07:00Hi Aquatic Biologist! Thanks for your comment. I t...Hi Aquatic Biologist! Thanks for your comment. I think that is good advice regarding a clean boat. I actually wash my boats down, sometimes at the car wash, after each visit to a lake. I also have strong opinions about living on a lake. I don't encourage it. I think lakes are most beautiful and rewarding when they do not have developments on them. Note the tremendous popularity of Westwood lake which only has development on one side of it. If we were to create parks around all the remaining lakes on Vancouver Island so public had controlled access, it would be the best thing ever. I actually think that making wilderness accessible to the public preserves it, where as making reserves off in the wilds somewhere that no-one sees just contributes to a general sense of ignorance about the wonders and beauty of nature. People protect beautiful places they love. Lakes like Enos are changed significantly when developments go ahead around their shores. I know everyone wants a cottage on a lake, but really, it is a very elitist desire because it both spoils the natural beauty, and restricts other people's enjoyment. My soapbox!!! Thanks for adding to the conversation.Richard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-67108027561035671982016-04-08T12:30:03.322-07:002016-04-08T12:30:03.322-07:00Hi Anonymous, sorry I missed your comment from 201...Hi Anonymous, sorry I missed your comment from 2014. Many of the lakes I reference with long portages have trails to them, so a two wheel cart with rubber/inflated wheels can be used. The smaller wheeled ones, in my experience, don't manage the roots and rocks on these rough trails very well. See the cart I use here: http://100lakesonvancouverisland.blogspot.ca/2013/08/return-to-trail-pond.htmlRichard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-58793855456590879042016-04-07T19:26:57.544-07:002016-04-07T19:26:57.544-07:00Re: the Enos Lake Stickleback. Info on this little...Re: the Enos Lake Stickleback. Info on this little guy can be found on the species at risk public registry http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=749. According to the species' recovery strategy, biggest threats are introduced species (crayfish) and residential development in the watershed. So, if you want to be an ethical user of the lake, be SUPER careful your boat is clean (actually you should always do this :) ) so you're not bringing any plant or animal hitchhikers with you. Also, you could gently encourage people to resist the siren call of pretty acreages in the woods.....they inevitably lead to low density, car dependent subdivisions with all the attendant impacts (ok, I'll get off my soapbox now ;) ) <br /><br />Signed, an aquatic biologist who stumbled across this site while looking for swimming holes I can hike to. Thanks for all the work putting this intel together!Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10058974690971178880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-90876698489133604662016-03-20T13:45:29.147-07:002016-03-20T13:45:29.147-07:00Hi There, You can access lake dimensions from http...Hi There, You can access lake dimensions from http://www.anglersatlas.com<br />You'll need to register on the site, they supply survey maps as PDF's for almost all the lakes in Canada.Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01439148974854350786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-23599195951571264612014-09-07T15:48:18.359-07:002014-09-07T15:48:18.359-07:00Thank you for all the leg/paddle work on the lakes...Thank you for all the leg/paddle work on the lakes. I am moving to Nanaimo shortly and am searching out where to paddle ( other than in the salt water ) with my kayaks. I note you speak a lot about "long" portages to the lakes from your parking. I use a two wheel , wide tire, cart to move my kayaks over "long" distances. Is it feasible to do this on your "portage" lakesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-6143377141959390442014-08-03T19:04:06.168-07:002014-08-03T19:04:06.168-07:00Thanks to both anonymous commentors regarding Hare...Thanks to both anonymous commentors regarding Harewood Lake. I have now posted a report on the lake here: http://100lakesonvancouverisland.blogspot.ca/2014/08/sanborn-paddle-review-custom-built.html <br /><br />Access is indeed across from Fernwillow on Godfrey.<br /><br />Thanks!!Richard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-37380604684235349102014-06-22T00:34:41.522-07:002014-06-22T00:34:41.522-07:00hi there harewood lake can be reached from godfr...hi there harewood lake can be reached from godfry rd towards the south end of the lake.there is a slot cut in the weeds plenty wide for a canoe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-92226102170574435442014-06-18T22:09:19.081-07:002014-06-18T22:09:19.081-07:00hi harewood lake can be reached off godfrey rd acr...hi harewood lake can be reached off godfrey rd across from fernwillow pl.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-32973820340642974932014-03-14T14:24:28.276-07:002014-03-14T14:24:28.276-07:00Hi Maureen, no, no success so far, but thanks to A...Hi Maureen, no, no success so far, but thanks to Anonymous for the note of a better launch off Ritten Road. This is indeed great news!!!<br /><br />RichardRichard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-65365722399474007252014-03-14T14:16:20.655-07:002014-03-14T14:16:20.655-07:00The access off Ritten rd has majorly improved the ...The access off Ritten rd has majorly improved the launching for car toppers. The additional parking, port a potty and major improvements have made launching on Quesnell lake so much easier. Kudos to the Regional district for spending time and money to enhance our experienceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-48454132670922650932013-08-25T20:15:06.992-07:002013-08-25T20:15:06.992-07:00Hi Richard, I note you said you have not found acc...Hi Richard, I note you said you have not found access to Harewood Lake and I am wondering if access has now been found? Today I took a drive to Scannel Road and followed it until I reached some farm land. As it was evening and the road was not very wide, I decided not to continue down the road. I am wondering if you have been successful?Maureennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-27008767116293431312013-08-06T21:45:00.090-07:002013-08-06T21:45:00.090-07:00Hi Anonymous,
The fish stocking guide for Vancou...Hi Anonymous, <br /><br />The fish stocking guide for Vancouver Island is at: http://www.gofishbc.com/fish-stocking-reports.aspx<br /><br />Don`t know about the noise level of bull frogs during mating season.<br /><br />Mosquitos numbers are higher near Green and Brennan lake, primarily because of marshy areas nearby the lakes, rather than the lakes themselves.<br /><br />If I were choosing between living on Green or Brennan, I would choose Brennan. But that is because I find it to be a more interesting lake to paddle. Brennan also has lots of bull frogs.<br /><br />Hope that helps!<br /><br />RichardRichard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-79317460070252630462013-08-06T21:29:56.941-07:002013-08-06T21:29:56.941-07:00Is green lake stocked 2 or 3 times a year does the...Is green lake stocked 2 or 3 times a year does the bull frogs make a lot of noise during mating season thinking of moving on Geen lake how is it for mosquitos If you had a choice between Brennan or Green Lake which would be better.<br /><br />ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-18968226053361619202013-08-05T22:48:13.357-07:002013-08-05T22:48:13.357-07:00Hey Piranha, this info is great. Very good news ab...Hey Piranha, this info is great. Very good news about the Ritten Road put in. I was on the lake recently, but via Zuiderzee and their launch price has gone up a bit. <br /><br />The other access point to Holden is welcomed as well. <br /><br />Westwood Lake is swimmer-noisy in the summer and the parking lot gets nuts, but it is Soooo convenient and the "no motor boats" redeems it for me somewhat. Good note though, as from September to June it is much less crowded, so maybe that is the best time to access it. Richard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-75038208765506763972013-08-05T22:25:28.506-07:002013-08-05T22:25:28.506-07:00very informative, thank you. i didn't know ab...very informative, thank you. i didn't know about enos lake at all, and thanks to your commenter, now know a way to michael lake, which looks quite unspoiled. i second the request for a change to the highlight colours.<br /><br />access to quennell lake at ritten rd is now much improved; proper gravel parking has been established, and some gravel (though probably not enough) also makes the launch area less muddy. there's a toilet, and i think the RDN has further plans<br /><br />access to holden lake can also be had via tiesu road -- coming from cedar, just at the edge of the far park boundary, before the road takes a strong right turn, is what looks like a dark driveway on the left. the first thing you see is a huge "NO TRESPASSING" sign on the right, but if you look left from there you can see official park signage; the no trespassing only refers to the property on the right. i suspect the owners have put the sign there to discourage any traffic going through at all -- i imagine that works, since i've only ever seen local anglers there. it's a rough road, and i am not sure whether a car without high clearance can make it safely. there is room at the bottom for 2 fullsize trucks. the put-in is slightly sandy and stony, not as muddy as one might expect.<br /><br />i don't like westwood lake much anymore in the summer; with all the new development it has become very busy and noisy. though thankfully still no gas motors, but screeching children are not desirable either. the ramp has been much reduced in size and often feels congested; i usually put in a little further down, outside of the official swimming area.<br /><br />--pirAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-24647453856732791442013-02-23T12:12:18.634-08:002013-02-23T12:12:18.634-08:00Hi Anonymous, thank you, it is great to receive yo...Hi Anonymous, thank you, it is great to receive your encouraging note. I hear you re the highlight colours. I'll see what I can do about that. The size question is an interesting one, curious to know if you found a source for that. I seem to recall seeing a square hectare measurement on some old maps...will have to go and look those up...Richard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-65637985189604788242013-02-23T06:55:23.713-08:002013-02-23T06:55:23.713-08:00Hi, thank you for a well written and well research...Hi, thank you for a well written and well researched piece about the lakes in and around Nanaimo. I stumbled upon your site when I was looking for the sizes of the lakes ie. acres? This too would be good info if you have it. Also, just a note it is very hard to read the print under the Yellow and Green highlighted areas. Maybe a lighter shade? Anyway, very informative and nice photos. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-76272157453194393792012-10-23T08:11:05.574-07:002012-10-23T08:11:05.574-07:00Hey, thanks for the tip on the iris. I googled it ...Hey, thanks for the tip on the iris. I googled it and found this page which has a photos of the seed pod. Very similar: http://www.plant-identification.co.uk/skye/iridaceae/iris-pseudacorus.htm<br /><br />Now I am wondering if this is the invasive iris. Guess I need to do a little more research...Richard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-90601192494365669742012-10-23T05:35:37.602-07:002012-10-23T05:35:37.602-07:00I believe the "curious water plant" is I...I believe the "curious water plant" is Iris pseudacorus (paleyellow iris; yellow iris). Its hard to tell from the photo but It is definetly in the Iris Genus, Iridaceae (Iris Family).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6837111543310509955.post-71752203223207348832012-05-15T14:33:34.351-07:002012-05-15T14:33:34.351-07:00Thank you. That is a very nice gift. I look forwar...Thank you. That is a very nice gift. I look forward to following your directions and checking Michael Lake out. RichardRichard Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955947507429942573noreply@blogger.com