The property was the site of a sawmill that operated in the 1920s and 1930s. The present lake was in fact the millpond for the sawmill, which was built on the rocky outcrop adjacent to the main swimming beach today. The beach and lake bottom are composed largely of sawdust from the mill operation. Sand was brought in the later years to create the beach.

On the top of the Malahat, turn west off the Trans-Canada Highway onto Whittaker Road staying left. Follow the road and turn right at the park entrance sign.