Witchcraft Lake

Walked through the outer bypass. It was a nice long walk! Very quiet, not many people around.

It’s a quiet little lake !We did Mt Benson before this so this was a little bit of a let down but the walk to the lake is nice and short! Nothing special though!I love how one can see the reflection of the trees in the water but the absence of life is what makes me feel that there are better places you can visit than this!

Didn't spend any time on the lake. We parked there for a trail to the top of Mt Benson. This was a very challenging but rewarding hike. Follow orange markings to get to the top via a steeper route. Or turn left to a yellow trail at 1/2 point. Intersection is clearly marked as 1/2 point. After some time on a yellow trail which is mostly old gravel road, turn towards the top of the mountain into orange trail again. I couldn't quite figure out the trail maps, but seems like following orange will bring you to the top and then back to the parking lot.

It's a beautiful small lake at the Benson view road and Mt Benson base area. If any one wants to hike to the peak of Mt Benson, here is where you park your car and get going. Info board is by the entry. It is on a dead end road with acarage homes on other side of road. This is also part of My Benson Regional Park. Can be accessed from anywhere Nanaimo approximately within 30 minutes. Beautiful views from rocky ridges. No bicycles or ATVs are allowed. Worthy place to visit if you like to sweat or just to relax in nature.

Great place to go on a good hike. Usually like a 3-4 hour hike but a great view at the top.

Beautiful despite the grey weather. Quick stop, so didn't get to fully appreciate this area. Walking trail goes along the other side and starts at the Mt Benson carpark. Will definitely allow more time to walk this lake properly.

Fantastic hike and great views! If you do plan on hiking this trail make sure you have hiking poles because it is fairly steep in some areas. Takes roughly 2 hours up and 2 hours down. Take water and snacks.

I loved this place! I'm not even dissapointed that we didn't visit Butchart gardens because this place was way cooler in my opinion than gardens (that we didn't see lol) I love the lush green forest with giant moss covered rocks and the waterfall, best hike we have done so far while visiting the island

We parked the car roadside by the trail entrance, crossed the bridge, and enjoyed a steady hike uphill in the shade of the large trees. After 1.5hrs we made it half way up to a lookout point (350m vertical increase). We didn't make the rest of the 350m to the summit due to time constraints but we did have an eager 7 year old and a wiry 70 year old in tow and they made it up; we stopped for frequent but short water breaks.The trail is well marked with the odd sign and small numbered orange plastic tags nailed to the trees every 50m or so (they warn you that the numbers don't relate to any distance measurement or anything and are just there to help you connect the dots).Although the hike is considered difficult, if you're in half decent shape you shouldn't have a big problem just be mindful that coming down was pretty slippery on the dry dirt and loose rocks and roots. We didn't have poles but they would have been helpful. Bring water and don't wear flip flops!I want to finish the hike next time I'm in the area and have a couple hrs more time.

Witchcraft lake trail is relatively straight forward not overly rugged, Mt Benson is for more experienced hikers or those looking for a challenge. Wear appropriate footwear.