In a friendly competition that had lakeshores buzzing with excitement, Sproat Lake has been crowned the winner of CBC British Columbia’s search for the best lake in the province.
After an engaging two-week showdown that drew more than 140,000 votes, Sproat Lake emerged victorious, securing the title of “BC’s Best Lake” in a close final round.
The contest, dubbed “The Search for BC’s Best Lake,” showcased the natural beauty of lakes throughout the province and allowed residents to show off their regional pride.
The final match-up came down to the wire, with Sproat Lake narrowly surpassing Shuswap Lake by just 133 votes, highlighting the tough decision voters had to make.
“BC’s nature is world renowned, and the Canadian public broadcaster is proud to highlight natural wonders such as our breathtaking lakes,” said Shiral Tobin, Director, Journalism and Programming CBC British Columbia.
“These brackets—spearheaded by Municipal Affairs reporter Justin McElroy—connect local communities across the province in a light-hearted and engaging competition that celebrates local pride.”
Amidst concerns about wildfires in the province, the competition provided a positive distraction. By whittling down a selection of over 20,000 lakes to 48 contenders, the event highlighted the resilience of natural beauty in the face of adversity.
Sproat Lake, located on central Vancouver Island, was called Kleecoot by indigenous locals, meaning “wide open.” Shaped like a rough cross with four arms, it spans over 25 kilometers in length and boasts 90.8 kilometers of shoreline.
To commemorate the win, CBC British Columbia visited Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island, allowing local residents to bask in the spotlight and share their pride.
With journalist Justin McElroy reporting live from the lake, the victory was celebrated as a testament to the charm and appeal of Sproat Lake, showcasing yet another reason to appreciate British Columbia’s diverse landscapes.
Which BC lake ranks number one to you? Let us know in the comment section below.
