Potholes, Ponds and Sandy Seashores.

There are a lot of hidden gems to enjoy when Thetis Lake and Elk/Beaver Lake are packed with people.

Lookout Lake, is in a small, little known municipal park tucked amid residential cul-de-sacs on Triangle Mountain in Colwood. Also in the West Shore, there is Langford Lake or Glen Lake.

Continue down Highlands Rd, behind Thetis Lake, you'll find Prior Lake, also further down is Pike or Mackenzie Lakes.

More established swimming spots are Matheson Lake in Metchosin or Durrance Lake in Saanich, these two are not as busy as Sooke potholes.

If you like the saltwater beaches, you have Arbutus Cove in Gordon Head, Willows Beach in Oak Bay or Coles Bay in North Saanich.

There is a ton of places to escape to, grab your gps, a towel, some lunch and try a new swim spots this year!

Enjoy,