Maple Ridge’s hidden gem, Whonnick Lake has warm waters, a sandy beach area, a significant covered picnic area, a kids playground, trout fishing, and stunning views. It is located off 272nd Ave between Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge.
While Whonnick has a couple of gravel parking lots, they do fill up on busy summer days (especially on weekends). Whonnick Lake has flush toilets and outhouses.
Powerboats and electric boats are not permitted on the lake.
Whonnick Lake has a shallow entry into the water, and warm water even in the spring, making it a popular choice for families with young children. There is a roped-off swimming area but no lifeguard on duty.
Because of all of these things, it is one of the best swimming beaches in Metro Vancouver.
Whonnick Lake Features and Amenities
- Barbeque Area / Grill
- Paddling
- Drinking Water
- Fishing
- Beach
- Open Green Space
- Parking
- Picnic Areas
- Picnic Shelters
- Playground
- Swimming Area
- Volleyball
- Washrooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Wildlife Viewing
Whonnick Lake Gate Hours
The Whonnick Lake Parking Gate hours vary by season. Summer season is generally 8am to 10pm.
Whonnick Lake Parking
Whonnick Lake has a main parking lot as well as parking by the boat launch. The parking lot is gravel.
Whonnick Lake Address
Whonnick Lake Address: 27871 113 Avenue Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9
Whonnick Lake Swimming
Whonnick Lake is a popular swimming beach, especially early in the season. Even in warm spring days in April and May you will find locals playing in the shallow waters. The issue with shallow lakes such as Whonnick Lake is that the warm water can become full of bacteria late in the season. Before you head out for a late July or August visit, check out
Fraser Health follows the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality. Recreational water is considered safe if the geometric mean result is under 200 E.coli/100mL. If the geometric mean exceeds 200 E.coli/100mL, a series of single sample results exceed a maximum of 400 E.coli/100mL and/or in the event of a known hazard or spill, the Medical Health Officer will make an assessment of the risk to human health.
If there is a risk to human health, a warning sign will be posted at the beach. Results are communicated on the Fraser Health website.
Whonnick Lake Paddling
Whonnick lake is the perfect lake for paddling a canoe, kayak or SUP. Because of its ideal conditions, Whonnick Lake is home to the Ridge Canoe & Kayak Club. They offer all levels of programming for those looking to join a team.
If you are a recreational paddler, bring your boat or SUP to Whonnick Lake to paddle.
Whonnick Lake Picnic Shelter Reservations
If you are interested in reserving the picnic shelter at Whonnick Lake, contact 604-467-7422 or email facilitybookings@mapleridge.ca
Yes Whonnick lake is a warm lake. So warm in fact, late summer swimming is sometimes not allowed due to the water conditions.
Yes you can. It is stocked with trout.
Dogs are not allowed on the grass or the beach but are allowed on the trails and parking lot areas.
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!