Whonnick Lake

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.

Maple Ridge - Whonnick Lake Beach at Sunset
Whonnick lake at sunset. It is the perfect spot for locals to come for dinner and a popular beach for everyone to enjoy on weekends too!

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 Shallow Calm Water
Whonnick Lake has a shallow entry making it a popular beach for parents with little ones! The big kids like it too!

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.

Maple Ridge - Paddleboarding Whonnick Lake British Columbia
The calm water makes Whonnick Lake the perfect place to bring the paddle boards!

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

Beach and Grassy Area Whonnick Lake British Maple Ridge
Whonnick Lake has beach, grass, picnic tables, playgrounds and lots of places for families to set up for their beach day!
Can you swim at Whonnick Lake?

Yes Whonnick lake is a warm lake. So warm in fact, late summer swimming is sometimes not allowed due to the water conditions.

Can you fish at Whonnick Lake?

Yes you can. It is stocked with trout.

Are dogs allowed at Whonnick Lake?

Dogs are not allowed on the grass or the beach but are allowed on the trails and parking lot areas.

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