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 7250.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
victoria, british columbia
  • Langford Lanes
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Goldstream Provincial Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Hatley Castle
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    ‪24 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 · 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

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Gym

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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 - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Royal Roads University - 6 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Goldstream Provincial Park - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Hatley Castle - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 20 min drive - 18.3 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

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

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

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

Rich S.

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

Great property! Would return!

Beautiful!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

David G., Edmonton, AB

Golf foursome

We rented the house for 3 nights and it worked very well for 4 men each needing their own bed. Beautiful location lakeside.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jon W., United States

Fun place to stay

My family had a great time at this place. The lake is especially fun. My kids and I went out on it almost every day even though the weather did not exactly cooperate. The owner is a great host and went above and beyond to put up a Christmas tree for us (he asked us first) and make us a special holiday music CD that became the theme music for our vacation.

10/10 Excellent

kathryn s.

Peaceful winter paradise

What a lovely place. We had to go to Victoria for the holidays and we had a wonderful time. Quiet and peaceful place right on a lake! It was so nice to come home to after busy days of visiting elderly parents. And the hot tub was wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Getaway

Very close to downtown Victoria but far enough away to feel "away from it all". Richard is great and very helpful as a local guide to directions as well as local eats. Loved being on the lake and taking the "Princess" out for a morning cruise watching the sun rise.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Jane P., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Lots of fun in a lakeside home

We very much enjoyed our stay at the "Taki Tiki" over the Easter weekend (2017). Our host, Richard, was very helpful and quick in responding to our initial questions for the reservation. The home is well equipped for a "beach" vacation; unfortunately the weather did not cooperate with us, but we still hung out on the lakefront, utilized the floating dock for lake tours, sat out on the huge deck and soaked in the hot tub. This is fun house to stay at and we would definitely go back again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Liz B., Wellington, New Zealand

Great location for exploring Victortia

It's a little haven overllooking the beautiful lake. I really enjoyed the proximity to the Galloping Goose trail. A really nice opportunity to ride this trail, about 14km or an hours ride to Mathieson lLake. Walk around the lake and picnic so a great day or adternoon out. Then you can enjoy dountown Victoria, about 20 minutes drive away. sample a few oysters at The Oyster Bar, on Humboldt St or you can have a great meal at Spinnakers Brew Pub in West Victoria

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

8/10 Good

Lauren M., Seattle, WA

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

Great spot for families

Our group of seven (kids ages 2, 5 and 7) had a fantastic vacation at this house! The water toys included were phenomenal and we used them every single day. My in-laws especially enjoyed Richard’s antique canoe. It was also great to have bikes to use. Richard and Peter were excellent, friendly hosts. Some things to note that *may* bother some people: There is no air-conditioning. There are plenty of fans provided, but some of the windows don’t have screens so bugs do get in the house. There were also a ton of fruit flies in the kitchen when we arrived which we were never able to fully get rid of. Our stay was during a very warm week in August, so this would not be a problem all of the time. We have the same issues in our older Seattle home at times so it did not affect our enjoyment of our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Mary Ann C.

Family Vacation

Richard is a warm and caring individual who greeted us upon our arrival. He explained the workings of the house and "barge". We enjoyed taking the barge out in the early evening or late morning and liked paddling the canoe around the lake. The lake is beautiful though small. We didn't use the outdoor firepit...mainly because we settled down for the evening on the deck or indoors. Only thing I'd like to mention is the walk to the lake from the house is steep. There's a good path and stairs but it is steep. I also have a suggestion...that the pictures of the outside areas should be updated as they are outdated. Overall...we truly enjoyed ourselves and siting on the deck at the house or relaxing on the "barge" and/or taking it out for a ride was fantastic. We didn't see the other people renting other parts of the house and had our privacy. The location is great as it's 20 minutes to Victoria and 20 minutes to beautiful pristine beaches on the western coast. We would definitely go back to British Columbia. It is beautiful and the people are great...especially Richard.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patti F., Utah

Wonderful Water Lily Lane!

We arrived quite a bit later than we had projected, but called ahead and Richard was waiting at the end of the street with a friendly wave and welcomed us as if we were long lost friends! We'd had a rough time getting through customs, so it was great to see such a friendly face! We loved our week here! The yard and lake are gorgeous! We slept comfortably and as cozy as could be! I notice another guest said the house was a bit cool, but we did not have that problem at all. Although the weather was chilly, we were able to regulate the heat just fine. Very clean and we appreciate the "pay it forward" approach to using and replacing items in the kitchen. Thanks for providing such a wonderful place for our "girls' reunion." We hot tubbed, floated on the Princess on the lake and felt that everything we needed was close at hand. A small mall is very close and within a short drive, there is even a Costco or Walmart if you need a big box store. The house had brochures and even a detailed driving map with suggestions for what you should see while you are there. Richard goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and insure you have a wonderful visit in his little slice of "Heaven on Earth'! THANK YOU!

6/10 Okay

Gregory

Stayed 9 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

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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

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