Entire home

Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast.

Photo gallery for Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast.

Dock and Gazebo in morning sunrise, quiet calm lake.  Good for swimming.
Drone sot of our property
End of private lane is WATERLILY.   Owner's MGTF and Vespa.
Property grounds
Front door access through grapevine arch.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 72700 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
victoria, british columbia
  • Langford Lanes
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Goldstream Provincial Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Hatley Castle
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Rec room has captains bed (single)

1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast.


Waterlily Lane has the four key ingredients for a worthwhile vacation: island location, lakefront, good weather and easy access to surrounding activities. 'Waterlily' is the perfect family gathering place and our fire pit is ready. The lakefront has a large dock with Gazebo and an "easy to use" party barge which can cruise the lake any time of year.
LOCATION . "Waterlily " is on the west shore of Victoria, Vancouver Island. Victoria has an old style charm and is the capital city of the province of British Columbia.
WATERFRONT: Waterlily has a private waterfront with tall cedars on one side and a gigantic Willow on the other. With lawn and a large dock in between. The Cedars have a rope swing. The dock a large floating Gazebo leading to a Jimmy Buffet type bar and change room.
WEATHER: Mild warm summers, cooling ocean breeze (we are an island) and very few bugs and biting insects.

EASY ACCESS: Waterlily is beside the Galloping Goose cycle trail and a short ride to the new Jordie Lunn bike park (https://vancouverisland.travel/stakeholders/jordie-lunn-bp/ ).
The Pacific ocean coast beaches are only a short drive away along the Esquimalt Lagoon bordering the manicured lawns of famous Royal Roads University.
10 mins from 3 different golf courses. 15 from Goldstream Provincial Park and the Mt Finlayson hiking trails.
The Butcharts Gardens (https://www.butchartgardens.com) and Victoria's inner harbour area - 1/2 hr drive.
3 ferry terminals are close by and Victoria international airport is 25 mins away.

DISCLAIMER: Due to the new BC laws governing STR's (short term rental homes) The residence must be owner occupied, meaning I live on site. In a semi detached 1 bedroom suite below the large sundeck. The is also a young couple living above the garage. That's the way it has always been since I first listed with VRBO back in 2007, guests had as much privacy as they wanted. 5 star reviews. We are SAFE from bed bugs, biting insects, and break ins.

Walk up the garden path through fruit trees and grape vines across the large sundeck and through french doors into a rambling split level 3 bedroom main house. Help yourself to a bowl full of Blueberries - just don't pick them all.
Waterlily is a renovated 1960's original lake cottage with large editions added 1970's and 2010. It has full kitchen and all the utensils you will need to make memorable meals.

Here is a list of what extras we provide free of charge:
* a 10 x 12 ft electric motor party barge to cruise the lake with - easy to use Newport electric trolling motor.
* kids kayak, 2 SUP boards.
* Rope swing into the water
a sailing dinghy if you know how to sail.
* fishing rods, tackle boxes

During summer, the minimum stay is 5 nights.

The BEST meat store on the island (Glenwood Meats) within 200 meter walk. Westshore Mall with 3 large grocery stores, Walmart, BC Gov super liquor, restaurants.

The750 sq ft deck has a 'wow' factor with a 180 degree view over Glen Lake and Weber BBQ.

For toddlers/children there is a large park next door with a new playground apparatus and a water play feature. Go for a cycle on the safe Galloping Goose cycle rail trail for 55kms worth of car free designated cycling/walking flat trails. Or the Sooke Wilderness Trail which climbs into the hills behind us and over an old railway trestle to Shawnigan Lake and beyond. It is now a part of the Trans Canada Trail system which connects the Pacific to the Atlantic via recreational (no cars) trail system.

Lots of wildlife visit the property. Deer walk the pathways and native turtles sunning themselves on a log next door . And a family of otters which can be seen crunching on crayfish lying on their backs in the water. Raccoons stop by to gather the ripe fruit during season. Bald eagles live in the trees around the lake.
The new Y is walking distance - pool, terrific tube slide, yoga and large weight gym. 5-8km running trails easily accessible on foot or bike trail around nearby Lake Langford.

Westhills Stadium home to the Canadian National Rugby team is located on Glen Lake Road just around the corner and across the lake from us. We discount for rugby players and fans on special events ( I am a retired rugby coach).

**** NO FALSE REVIEWS HERE *** the reviews are genuine on our VRBO site.

Keywords: Victoria, Vancouver Island, Butcharts, 3 Brm lake front main house, separate carriage suite, garden with fruit trees, huge deck with view and dock, fishing & boating, nearby golf, mall and seashore. Lakefront. family reunion,

Property manager

Richard Cook
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Gym
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 32
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Only outside. Never inside.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number H759656541

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Victoria

Located in Victoria, this holiday home is on the beach. Butchart Gardens is a popular area attraction and if an activity is on the agenda, Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are worth checking out. Travelling with kids? Consider Langford Lanes, or check out an event or a game at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and rock climbing nearby.
Map
victoria, british columbia

What's nearby

  • Langford Lanes - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Royal Roads University - 6 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Goldstream Provincial Park - 6 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Hatley Castle - 8 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 22 min drive - 21.0 km

Getting around

  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Rhino Coffee House - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bucky Taphouse - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast. ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast. ?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Lakefront playground in safe and beautiful Victoria on BC's Pacific west coast. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Victoria holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Langford Lanes and Luxton Park. Royal Roads University is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 87 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris H F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super Chill

Lots of room for our group of 6. Had everything we needed. Fantastic spaces both inside and out to mingle and chill. Awesome grounds, decks and docks. Really great privacy while having all the conveniences of stores and restaurants close by. Spotless. Rich welcomed us warmly and walked us through the property
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location!

We had a wonderful week at this location. The lake was lovely and it was nice to use the barge to go for a float. The host was very responsive to messages and very accommodating!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place and lovely views

Very comfortable and well equipped. Enjoyed the lake but didn't attempt the barge as days were rainy and windy. Owner very accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Todd R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

We recently stayed at this lakefront property for 5 days with a group of 5. The location is fantastic, offering beautiful views of the lake from the house and yard. The private dock and lake access make it easy to enjoy the water at any time. We only used the electric motor 'party barge' (which was very easy to use) and canoe a couple of times but if we had stayed longer with better weather, I am sure we would have used them more. The property's proximity to Victoria’s attractions made our outings easy and we also made use of the nearby YMCA & walking paths. Shopping and restaurants are within a couple of km of the house and it was very convenient to pop out and get groceries or whatever we needed. Important points to note: The property is shared with other tenants in two attached suites, which didn't really affect our privacy, but we could hear the upstairs tenants at night. The property is older and shows signs of needing some TLC. Additionally, the house is currently on the real estate market (as of Aug 2024), and there was a scheduled showing during our stay. The owner was able to accommodate us and book the showing around our schedule. Overall, the location, private dock, and lake access are the best features of this property.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Gregory

Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot

Relaxing and private location. We enjoyed the lake view from patio and covered dock with party barge. Owners were very helpful and gave us some great recommendations on places to see. Fans and portable air conditioner were supplied for the hot weather. Comfy beds and cozy house.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leith L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect end of summer for us

We all loved our stay. It suited our needs perfectly- adults and teens. A wonderful end of summer treat for everyone in the family. The host couldn’t have been more gracious about showing us around, accommodating our needs- making us feel at home and welcome.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay at Waterlily lane!

We had such a great stay at Waterlily lane! Richard and Peter are great hosts and went out of their way to ensure we had access to all the amenities and water toys. Comfortable beds, well stocked kitchen, huge deck and clean and comfortable home. Our family had a blast and we hope to return next summer! Highly recommend and thanks again Richard and Peter.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rich S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property! Would return!

Beautiful!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

AQoBGWwAAACqAQICAHhRqf5uyCh4rhrpAEcd0Lr3O2ECPWffSl2fK29sG1pXlAE8/i20RceEHX3L1LCQPq+WAAAAcDBuBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagYTBfAgEAMFoGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMt4JG/AkFccxNKY6hAgEQgC3n2M+tfyBBggx+tIjmDufzoVB/mynwNGRdslb4Jt/kDYukEhQq1YotbjJFYAa+Td6BkozQckpxZ8PCZCzVSxQxcMlBIFAQDCRilHreHw A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and welcoming home

House was very pretty, homey. The lake is also beautiful and the yard is lush.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Katherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very clean, lots of amenities

This is a well laid out house and very clean. The dock has all the varieties of boats you could wish for. Both hosts also live in the house (over garage and below the house) so you see them daily -they are very respectful to give you space. Unfortunately one of the beaches on the lake was closed due to water quality but there’s another beach at the other end of the lake that was open and fantastic fun is had when anchoring off the bubbler. The hosts couldn’t have been more accommodating!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yen tsun L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family reunion

Richard and Peter's property was perfect for our family reunion. They even accommodated our family with an extra suite. We were celebrating graduations and birthdays. The floating barge indeed was a highlight of our trip. Our teenagers were delighted with the canoes and paddle boards. From their beautiful garden to their well equip kitchen - don't hesitate. Book this place for your next perfect getaway.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Lakefront property

Looks exactly as it does in the photos! Charming lakefront property, with barge to tour the lake! Hosts were often on site staying at their units and were happy to help in any way they could. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Gerry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great-ish

Hosts are fantastic, location and to do things unparcelled. My only complaint would be that I was under the impression I had rented a whole home when indeed there were two tenants in the same home broken up into suites. Overall we had a great time and the Barge was a blast. Thank you Richard and Peter.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Linda & Mike S., Baden

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing stay

We travelled to Water Lily for a family holiday wanting to explore the area and spend time outdoors. Water Lily fit the bill as it is in a lovely location, very convenient to amenities and situated on Glen Lake. Richard was very helpful and met us at check in to help make us feel at home. The biggest disappointment was the non functional hot tub, as our family was looking forward to evenings relaxing outdoors. Richard tried to get it fixed, but to no avail. Beds were very comfortable and the house met all our needs. The house was clean with a lived in feel. Water Lily would be lovely in the summer when you can take advantage of all the fun things on the property. But, we still had a great time even in snowy February.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Lisa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable, homey loads of activities.

Our families enjoyed our experience. We were comfortable and enjoyed the fire pit, barge, and cooking & eating together

10/10 Excellent

Lena G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week at Waterlily

It has been a wonderful and a very relaxing week. We had women-only get-together as a group of 7 and spent each day enjoying the beautiful property, the land and the lake. The house is very cozy and clean with everything in it to make our stay comfortable. We had lunches on a huge deck that overlooks the lake, we used barge to float on a lake, used kayak. Bike trail nearby is really good, and we used bikes that are on a property to ride there. We also did other outdoor activities such as walking on a beach, hikes on a mountain,etc, all within 20-30 minutes from the house. The host was very attentive and helped us with lots of little things such as starting a fire in a firepit, getting a new pot for us, preparing the bikes, etc. We really recommend this property and would love to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Sean C., Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable stay

The property is in a great location and features a wonderful lake front where many water toys are available. The hosts were both incredibly friendly and helpful. Bedrooms were decent and comfortable. I'd say it's a bit less refined and organized compared to many other places I've stayed before. We also loved the fresh grapes and pears! Our only compliant was that the hot tub was not functional and we were not informed prior to our booking. This was a big deal for us and pretty disappointing as we probably would've booked somewhere else if we had known. This property would be best to book during sunny, hot days to fully enjoy the lake and all it offers.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peter M., Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A gem with Lake Front

We loved our time at this spacious home with beautifully landscaped back garden leading to the Lake. The water craft were great fun for kids and adults. Thank you Richard.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Aleasa T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

5 day stay on the island

Loved the experience - barge, outside space, Nespresso coffee, Richard’s input, comfy beds - no air conditioning but lots of fans - playgrounds nearby - close to Victoria, shopping and golf
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Dave C., Delta, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property with tons to do!

We had a great one week stay at this property and really enjoyed it. The house and property is spacious and open. By far what we enjoyed the most was the barge/raft to cruise the lake. The kids enjoyed the kayak and paddleboards as well. Having the owners onsite was helpful and wasn't a bother at all, they're really friendly and helpful. We're hoping to come back again, possibly with another family next year. Just a note, if you expect a pristine and modern home/property, this might not be the ideal place for you. If you're looking for a place that you can truly relax and not worry too much about things being worn/used, then you'll love this property. It's clear Langford is booming and we can see why! Lots to do in the area and no crowds like the city. We walked to Langford Lake (only a 10min walk), rode the Galloping Goose, explored Sooke Potholes and walked to Goldstream Falls (highly recommended). If you're there on a Sat evening, we suggest checking out Westshore Speedway for some racing, pretty unique experience and the kids loved it! We also spent a day in Victoria with the kids, checked out the Bug Zoo (great), Beacon Hill Park and the diner, raided some candy/chocolate shops and hoped on a short harbour boat ride. Honestly, you could easily spend 2 weeks in the area and not run out of things to do. Hopefully we're back next year and can enjoy it again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steven H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A private lake resort paradise

My family (me, my wife, two kids and one of our daughter's friends) stayed here for five days in August. We had a perfect time at this really wonderful lakeside property. Everything we needed was there - canoe, kayaks, paddleboards, and the awesome party barge. The Tiki bar at the lakeside was a great place to hang out at night, and the home itself was clean and infinitely comfortable. The owners both were super kind, friendly and informative, as well. It was quiet at night, too. Really, just an awesome place for a family vacation. We already booked it again for next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Big House feels like great cottage.

Really enjoyed the lake and the house is good for a lots of guests. Tons of space and 4 separate sleeping areas. Lots of water fu toys. Especially the beagle/dock that the electric motor moves around the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Jane K., Delta, British Columbia, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely lakeside staycation

We enjoyed meeting Richard and spending time at his lake retreat. He has all the toys you could imagine - SUP, canoe, barge, fishing rods, horseshoes, games, fire pit and more!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Monica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lakefront oasis perfect for families!

An unbeatable location on Glen Lake! Early morning coffee and canoeing on the glass-like lake watching the sunrise was the perfect escape. We loved the old school hot tub and the house was large enough for our extended family. Wonderful owners!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

About the host

Hosted by Richard Cook

Host profile image
Born in Australia and raised in BC, worked in New Zealand 20 years - I now work as teacher/counsellor in our local Saanich school district.

The property reflects my time spent sailing, travelling and living in New Zealand, Australia and the Caribbean. I enjoy hosting people and sharing the adventures to be had here on Vancouver Island..... be it great food, world class Salmon fishing spots or surf kayaking locations.

Why they chose this property

My parents raised me to appreciate a good view and Waterlily sundeck has 180 degree view overlooking the lake and park.

Bald eagles nest in our giant fir trees, large Great Blue Heron fish from the same docks we do, otters crunch the crayfish while turtles bask in the sun on the cedar logs that form a water garden next door. It is not unusual to see a deer standing on hind legs to reach low hung fruit then stop on the lake path to watch us playing crib down at the firepit in the early evening during summer.

So much to do within easy reach from our home with good weather - not too hot and not too much rain. Very few biting insects. The only things that bite are the bass, trout and catfish in the lake.
You do feel a sense of calmness being so close to the heart of Victoria and it's sites. Best of both worlds 20 mins apart.

What makes this property unique

Taking The Queen's barge out around the lake is worth price of admission. So much fun to cruise the lake with a floating deck equipped with palm trees. But during summer I like to walk down to the Taki Tiki and make a fresh cup of coffee in the early morning, sit silently on a couch by the glassy lake and just be. Maybe see a family of baby raccoons walk along the shoreline looking for breakfast. Or ducklings swim by. Or grab a yoga mat to do some stretches before diving into the lake for a warm water swim. The lake can get to 80f (24c) degrees (matching air temperature) on the surface during summer. When it gets too hot on the lake then you can retreat with a book or a beer to a hammock under shade by the numerous fruit trees..

There are 3 adult bikes ( Prefer an Ebike ask to arrange) to access the nearby by historic rail trail called the Galloping Goose at the south end of Glen Lake road. You can ride for 40 kms in either direction travelling on a protected bike path, shaded by forest for most of the time to visit neighbouring lakes or stop on the ocean and have lunch at Stickleback restaurant deck in Sooke.
Hiking/running trails are easy walk away from your front door in Goldstream Provincial park. Ask me about where to go mountain biking.

I am not a regular golfer but Bear Mtn, Royal Colwood and Olympic View are all within a real time 10 minute drive. And there are are 3 disc golf courses closely just ask to borrow a few discs from my collection. I play disc golf and there are 2 good courses near here and I have discs you can borrow. I built a course with student help at my school.

World class Salmon and Halbut fishing is an hours drive up the west coast. I charter a fishing guide boat every September with success (limit out on Halibut and Salmon).

Westhill's Rugby Stadium is the home of the Olympic Bronze medal 7's women team and now the training centre for our national teams. The field is literally at one end of our lake.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests