Whonnock Lake is a natural muskeg lake. The only regular water input is from the north. There is an exit to Whonnock Creek on the south-east side originally closed off by a sandbar (beaver dam) that was replaced in 2008 by a man-made berm and fish channel. This is where the water escapes from the lake to Whonnock Creek which flows to the Fraser River. In the past beavers regulated the water level of the lake – now the city does. Whonnock Lake Park offers a stand of mature trees, a grassy playground, and a small sandy beach for swimming. The park is home to native plants and thriving colonies of beavers and muskrats, as well as to breeding populations of loons, mallard ducks, grey herons, and numerous small birds. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout, and supports a substantial recreational fishery.
On Whonnock Lake RCKC has installed a 9 lane 500m canoe and kayak course running through the middle of the lake spanning from the eastern shore to the western shore. On top of the main dock, the club has 3 floating docks – one at each of the 500m Start Line, the 200m Start Line, and the Finish Line. Each Start/Finish Line is marked by a row of larger orange buoys, with small buoys marking every 25m for each lane.
Whonnock is a rural, naturally treed, and hilly community on the eastern end of Maple Ridge. The name Whonnock is derived from a Halkomelem word for humpback salmon or pink salmon, the only kind of salmon to ascend on Whonnock Creek. First Nations have been living continuously in the area for more than 10,000 years. Whonnock is a home to many farmers who care for animals such as horses, poultry, sheep, goats, cows, and llamas. The community also has an elementary school, fire hall, post office, and feed store.
Whonock Lake Centre was opened by the Whonnock Community Association (WCA) in 1988. The WCA is a group of volunteers interested in the wellbeing of the community and sponsors and organizes community events. After operating the Centre for 25 years, the WCA transferred management to the City of Maple Ridge.
