Duck Lake Protected Area is a BC Parks protected area five kilometres east of Powell River, just south of Haslam Lake. BC Parks says it provides important nesting habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds.
The protected area also offers hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and excellent birdwatching.
Duck Lake is a practical local nature area for trail users, paddlers, anglers, birders, and mountain bikers. BC Parks lists about nine kilometres of good hiking and mountain biking trails, all well marked and reached from the main Duck Lake Road.
The trails provide wildlife and scenic viewing opportunities, while the lake itself supports canoeing and kayaking. Duck Lake is relatively small, with a perimeter of about four kilometres. Parking is along Duck Lake Forest Service Road beside the lake.
Swimming is permitted, but the shoreline is rocky with no sandy beach and a steep drop-off. Fishing is available under current regulations, and hunting is allowed during open season. E-bikes are permitted on signed or designated trails if they meet BC Parks criteria.
Plan around marked hiking trails, mountain biking, signed e-biking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing with the required licence, rocky-shore swimming, lake-edge photography, road-access planning, and seasonal hunting where permitted under current regulations.
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. Stay on designated trails, use helmets when cycling, watch the steep rocky shoreline, park along the road beside the lake, and check fishing and hunting regulations before travelling.
