At the end of Ida Lane, the trail climbs into Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area (parklands) to Deep Lake.   Some of the finest grasslands in the province cover an area of 17 square kilometres on the hillside plateau, bounded by the upland forests to the north and west and the Batchelor Range to the south.   Most hikers go up to Deep Lake, or beyond to the Community Grasslands Trail, but there are also routes north to McQueen Creek, south above Westsyde along the fibre optic line, and there are some single tracks through the hills.   One of the nicer routes is a 6km loop around Deep Lake.

Park at the black gate at the upper end of Ida Lane and follow the trail into the park.   As you climb toward the hill overlooking Deep Lake, watch for a single track veering off to the right (at N50 47.159 W120 20.543).   Follow this single track as it winds around the hills on the east side of Deep Lake.   At the far end, the route climbs through openings up to the grasslands north of the lake.   Loop back to the lake.   This is a moderate route, suitable for a shorter hike with family or to walk the dog.  We have chosen this route in shoulder season or in marginal weather,   The higher areas have wider views so we choose those routes in better weather.   The route is unsigned and unmarked, but it is easy enough to follow.

Deep Lake in the fog

The upper grasslands

Looking down at the hills around Deep Lake