Buttle Lake
Lake Large lake on Vancouver Island within Strathcona Park
A long freshwater lake in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Outdoor visitors paddle, fish, camp and hike along shorelines surrounded by old‑growth forest and alpine ridges.
Buttle Lake is a freshwater lake in Strathcona Provincial Park on central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, set within a mountainous, forested landscape. The lake lies within a protected provincial park popular for outdoor recreation.
The lake and its shoreline provide opportunities for canoeing, backcountry camping, fishing and short walks, with forested slopes rising from the water and mountain views around the basin. Boat-based access is a common way to reach campsites and more remote shoreline areas.
The area was incorporated into Strathcona Provincial Park in the early 20th century as part of British Columbia’s park system; the lake and surrounding valleys have been used for recreation and limited hydroelectric development in the 20th century.
Buttle Lake sits in the central highlands of Vancouver Island within Strathcona Provincial Park, accessed from routes west of Campbell River and forming part of the island’s inland lake system.
How to Get to Buttle Lake #
Buttle Lake is reached via Gold River Road (Highway 28) from Campbell River; the drive from Campbell River is roughly 1.5-2 hours. The main highway turns into Strathcona Park Road and leads directly to the lake’s campgrounds and launch points.
Tips for Visiting Buttle Lake #
- If launching a kayak, use the established public launch on the east shore to avoid private campsites.
- In summer, do the short walk to Lower Myra Falls as part of a day in Strathcona Provincial Park.
- Fuel up in Campbell River before heading into the park - services are sparse on Vancouver Island's west side.
Best Time to Visit Buttle Lake #
Summer is best for on-water activities; spring and autumn suit quieter hiking and photography.
Weather & Climate near Buttle Lake #
Buttle Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (2171 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (318 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (241 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (192 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (252 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (394 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (319 mm).
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