
Kemp Lake
A serene lake ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, surrounded by picturesque homes and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene paddling, fewer crowds

Kemp Lake
Best Time
Serene paddling, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lake ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, surrounded by picturesque homes and natural beauty.
"Lovely little lake great for swimming and non-motorized water craft."

๐ถ Non-Motorized Fun
Kemp Lake is ideal for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. Electric motors are permitted, but gas motors are not.
๐ฃ Fishing from a Boat
Bring a small boat for the best fishing experience, as the dock is limited. Rainbow trout are present.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 ยท 14 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Lake Paddling
Kemp Lake
Glide across calm waters on a paddleboard or kayak, surrounded by nature and residential charm.

Lakefront Living Views
Shoreline of Kemp Lake
Admire the picturesque West Coast-style homes and character cottages lining the idyllic lake.

Fishing Opportunities
Kemp Lake
Try your luck fly fishing for rainbow trout from a small boat or the limited dock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Peaceful Paddling
Boat Access & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ถ Non-Motorized Fun
Kemp Lake is ideal for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. Electric motors are permitted, but gas motors are not.
๐ฃ Fishing from a Boat
Bring a small boat for the best fishing experience, as the dock is limited. Rainbow trout are present.
๐ก Respect Private Shorelines
Much of the lake is lined with private residences. Be mindful of shore access and enjoy the public areas.
โ๏ธ Summer Boat Launch
The boat launch can get busy during summer. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for easier access.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ถ Non-Motorized Fun
Kemp Lake is ideal for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. Electric motors are permitted, but gas motors are not.
๐ฃ Fishing from a Boat
Bring a small boat for the best fishing experience, as the dock is limited. Rainbow trout are present.
๐ก Respect Private Shorelines
Much of the lake is lined with private residences. Be mindful of shore access and enjoy the public areas.
โ๏ธ Summer Boat Launch
The boat launch can get busy during summer. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for easier access.
๐ฆข Birdwatching Delight
Keep an eye out for various birds, dragonflies, and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kemp Lake is praised as a lovely, picturesque spot perfect for swimming and non-motorized water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. Anglers appreciate the potential for rainbow trout fishing, though a small boat is recommended due to limited dock space. Some visitors note that shore access is restricted by private properties and the boat launch can get busy in summer.
"Lovely little lake great for swimming and non-motorized water craft"
Melodie H.
"Nice little lake in town. You will need a small boat (without a motor) to fish as the dock isn't too big and sturdy. Heard there are rainbow trout and would like to try fly fishing here."
Eugene Choi
"Small but amazing. This lake has 2 places to launch small boats with electric only motors But it's more suited for paddleboards and canoes. There is no real dock to speak of so having fun on the water is your best bet. The boat launch can get busy in summer as it is small. There is outdoor toilet at the Milligan Rd. Boat launch but no amenities at the Chubb Rd. Public entry. The lake is surrounded by houses on about 60% of the lake with private undeveloped forest on other 40% . Can have lots of geese depending on the day so the water can get a bit mucky. Overall a very picturesque body of water"
Brad Booth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Kemp Lake is located near Sooke, BC. Access is typically via local roads. Specific directions will depend on your starting point, but it's generally accessible by car.
Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of Kemp Lake may be limited. It's recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access.
Parking is available at the designated boat launch areas, such as the Milligan Rd. launch. Be aware that these can become busy, especially during peak season.
Access to the lake itself is generally free. However, if you are renting a vacation property, there will be associated costs.
Some properties around Kemp Lake offer RV pads with full hookups, indicating it can be a destination for RV travelers.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access Kemp Lake for general recreational use like swimming or paddling.
Kemp Lake is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible from dawn till dusk. There are no set opening or closing hours for the lake itself.
Yes, Kemp Lake is suitable for swimming. It is generally considered safe, though it's always wise to check for any local advisories.
Kemp Lake is best suited for non-motorized watercraft. Electric motors are permitted, but gas motors are not allowed.
Yes, fishing is permitted at Kemp Lake. It's known to have rainbow trout, and fly fishing is a popular activity.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The lake offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoying nature.
There is a small dock at the Milligan Rd. boat launch, but it's not extensive. Many visitors prefer to launch directly from the shore or use private docks if available.
The Milligan Rd. boat launch has an outdoor toilet. The Chubb Rd. public entry point has no amenities.
Kemp Lake can get busy, especially during summer weekends, with its small boat launch being a focal point. Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.
Expect a picturesque setting with a mix of residential homes and undeveloped forest along the shoreline, often with abundant birdlife and dragonflies.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Kemp Lake. You'll need to travel to nearby Sooke or other communities for restaurants and cafes.
Picnicking is possible, especially if you bring your own supplies. There are no dedicated picnic areas, but you can find spots along the shore or at the boat launch areas.
You'll find grocery stores in the nearby town of Sooke, which is a short drive away, where you can stock up for a picnic or self-cater.
While there are no designated barbecue areas, if you are staying at a vacation rental with facilities or have a portable grill, you might be able to barbecue. Check local regulations.
The Sooke area is known for its fresh seafood and local produce. Many restaurants offer farm-to-table and ocean-to-table dining experiences.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Capture the serene lake views, waterfront homes, and the natural beauty of the surrounding trees. Sunrises and sunsets can offer beautiful light.
Drone photography might be possible, but always check local regulations and be mindful of private properties and potential wildlife.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque landscapes.
Yes, Kemp Lake is home to various birds and dragonflies, making it a great spot for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
The unique West Coast architecture of the lakefront homes and the natural tree-lined shores are the main visual attractions for photographers.










Social
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