The way from Qualicum Beach to Spider Lake Provincial Park is by car. BC Parks says the park is about 16 km west of Qualicum Beach, reached from Highway 19 or 19A by the Horne Lake exit and then about 5 km of signed road.
From the Horne Lake exit
Take Highway 19 or 19A to the Horne Lake exit and follow the directional signs for roughly 5 km to the park. A map app is a good backup, since the final turns are on local roads. BC Parks places the park 60 km north of Nanaimo, which helps if you are coming up from the south.
Parking and the seasonal gate
There are two parking areas. The main lot is open from May 15 to September 30, and the main parking lot and day use area close each year from October 1 to May 14. A small lot stays open year round and serves visitors in the off season. A separate day use area off Lakeview Road, less than 1 km before the main entrance, has room for up to eight vehicles and is the preferred water access for canoes and kayaks.
- There is no boat launch.
- Powerboats are not allowed.
- The drinking water hand pump has been removed, so bring your own water.
Getting there without driving
No public bus to the park was confirmed. Look at the BC Transit trip planner for service in the Qualicum Beach and Parksville area, and plan on a taxi for the last stretch. The Parksville taxi page covers the Oceanside area, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough fare. The Uber estimate calculator does the same for rideshare.
Agree on a pickup time if you plan to stay a while, because phone coverage out at the lake can be unreliable.
Coming from Vancouver
Reach Vancouver Island by BC Ferries and continue north on Highway 19. Check the BC Ferries sailing schedule and road conditions before you leave, and keep the seasonal closure dates above in mind if you are visiting outside summer.