Cheakamus Lake
A picturesque glacial lake in BC's Garibaldi Park, offering beginner backcountry camping and a scenic hike with stunning turquoise waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Cheakamus Lake
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque glacial lake in BC's Garibaldi Park, offering beginner backcountry camping and a scenic hike with stunning turquoise waters.
"It was paradise! I didn't know how to capture this lake, it was so beautiful."
🚗 4WD Recommended for Road
The road to the parking lot is rough. A 4WD vehicle is highly advised for a smoother, safer journey.
🎟️ Day Pass Required
Ensure you have a day pass for parking, especially during peak season. Book in advance if possible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turquoise Waters
Cheakamus Lake
Crystal-clear turquoise water reflecting snow-capped peaks. A truly breathtaking sight.
Lakeside Camping
Cheakamus Lake Campground
Beginner-friendly backcountry camping with stunning lake views. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Scenic Hike
Cheakamus Lake Trail
A moderate 4km hike through forests, rewarding you with beautiful lake vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Day Pass & Parking
Backcountry Camping Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Recommended for Road
The road to the parking lot is rough. A 4WD vehicle is highly advised for a smoother, safer journey.
🎟️ Day Pass Required
Ensure you have a day pass for parking, especially during peak season. Book in advance if possible.
🎒 Pack Light for Camping
It's a 4km hike to the campsites, so pack only essentials for a comfortable backcountry experience.
📸 Capture the Views
While not packed with photo spots, the lake and mountain reflections are stunning. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Recommended for Road
The road to the parking lot is rough. A 4WD vehicle is highly advised for a smoother, safer journey.
🎟️ Day Pass Required
Ensure you have a day pass for parking, especially during peak season. Book in advance if possible.
🎒 Pack Light for Camping
It's a 4km hike to the campsites, so pack only essentials for a comfortable backcountry experience.
📸 Capture the Views
While not packed with photo spots, the lake and mountain reflections are stunning.
🐻 Wildlife Awareness
Be aware of local wildlife, including potential cougar sightings. Stay informed and take precautions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain reflections at Cheakamus Lake, calling it a 'paradise.' The beginner-friendly backcountry camping and scenic hike are major draws. However, the challenging road to the parking lot and the need for a day pass are common points of consideration.
"One of the hiking trails in Garibaldi Park requires a day pass for the parking lot. We have visited here in mid August. The overall hiking experience is very pleasant, with most of the route surrounded by trees and water. The difficulty level is moderate. Although there aren’t that many photo spots along the way, you can still capture some stunning scenery. The road leading into the parking lot is truly difficult to drive, so a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended."
Paul Chen
"The hike to the lake is relatively easy, with a mostly flat trail. Once you reach the lake, you're rewarded with crystal-clear turquoise water and stunning views of snow-capped peaks reflected in the still surface."
leesa tran
"The lakes in Canada are truly a gift from God, offering some of the most spectacular views imaginable. For the best experience, hike as high as you can you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and crystal-clear blue waters."
Gowda Sydney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cheakamus Lake is accessible by car. The road leading to the parking lot is challenging, and a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. It's about an hour and a half drive from Squamish.
The road condition to the Cheakamus Lake parking lot is often described as difficult and rough. Many visitors recommend using a 4WD vehicle to navigate it safely.
Yes, Cheakamus Lake is located within Garibaldi Provincial Park, offering access to its beautiful natural landscapes.
While both are in the same park, a direct hike from Cheakamus Lake to Garibaldi Lake is not a common or straightforward route. They are separate destinations within the park.
The primary access is via the Cheakamus Lake Road. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for potentially rough terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a day pass is required to access the parking lot at Cheakamus Lake, especially during busy periods. It's advisable to check for reservation requirements.
Information on day pass costs can vary. It's best to check the official BC Parks website or relevant booking platforms for the most current pricing.
Yes, backcountry camping at Cheakamus Lake often requires reservations. Check BC Parks for booking details and availability.
Cheakamus Lake is generally accessible year-round, but specific facilities or road conditions might be seasonal. Always check current conditions before visiting.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Cheakamus Lake trailhead, but it requires a day pass and can fill up quickly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Cheakamus Lake is generally considered moderate, with a relatively flat trail for about 4km to the lake. It's a great option for beginners.
The hike to Cheakamus Lake typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and any stops you make.
While the trail itself offers beautiful scenery, the lake itself provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. Hiking higher can offer even more breathtaking vistas.
Cheakamus Lake is highly recommended for backcountry camping, offering a peaceful experience with beautiful lakeside sites. It's considered a beginner-friendly option.
Visitors should be aware of common wildlife in the area, including the possibility of cougar sightings. It's important to be informed and take necessary precautions.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Fishing is permitted at Cheakamus Lake, but you'll need to adhere to BC fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses.
Yes, Cheakamus Lake is a beautiful spot for paddleboarding, especially during the summer months when the water is calm and the scenery is spectacular.
Besides hiking and camping, visitors enjoy photography, picnicking, and in the summer, activities like paddleboarding.
While not as commonly mentioned, Cheakamus Lake could potentially be a destination for snowshoeing in winter, though trail conditions and accessibility would need to be verified. [^SEO Keyword]
The water at Cheakamus Lake is known for its stunning turquoise color, a result of glacial silt. It's often described as crystal-clear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in overnight stays, the beginner backcountry camping at Cheakamus Lake is ideal. It offers a chance for kids to experience camping in a less remote setting. Ensure you pack age-appropriate gear and discuss wildlife safety with your children. The stunning scenery provides a wonderful backdrop for creating lasting family memories.
🎒 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider carpooling to the Cheakamus Lake trailhead, especially if you're traveling with friends. Packing your own food and cooking at the campsite will also significantly reduce expenses compared to dining out. The Cheakamus Lake camping experience itself provides immense value, offering stunning views and a peaceful environment for a fraction of the cost of other tourist activities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2While the hike to the lake is beautiful, focus your photographic efforts on the lake itself and its surroundings. Consider bringing a packraft to explore different angles from the water, as suggested by some visitors, which can open up new perspectives for unique shots. The iPhone photography capabilities are more than sufficient to capture the beauty, but a good camera and tripod will help you make the most of the dramatic lighting and reflections, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cheakamus Lake Road
Travelers often mention that the road is unpaved for a significant portion and can be particularly difficult after rain or during the spring thaw. While some manage with standard vehicles, it's a gamble that can result in damage or getting stuck. The Cheakamus Lake road condition is a recurring theme in discussions, highlighting its importance for trip planning. Ensure you check recent road reports if possible before heading out.
Despite the road's challenges, the reward at the end is well worth the effort for many. The Cheakamus Lake parking lot serves as the gateway to the beautiful lake and its surrounding trails. Being prepared for the drive ensures you can focus on enjoying the natural beauty rather than worrying about your vehicle.
The Cheakamus Lake Hiking Experience
While the hike itself is not overly strenuous, the real magic happens upon reaching the lake. Visitors are greeted with stunning scenery, including the vibrant turquoise waters and the majestic snow-capped peaks that surround it. The reflections on the calm surface are particularly captivating, making it a photographer's delight. Some reviewers suggest that while there aren't an abundance of distinct photo spots along the trail, the lake itself provides ample opportunities for breathtaking shots.
For those looking to extend their stay, Cheakamus Lake camping offers a serene lakeside experience. The Cheakamus Lake trail conditions are generally well-maintained, but it's always wise to check for any updates before your visit. The combination of a pleasant hike and a spectacular destination makes the Cheakamus Lake trail a must-do for nature lovers exploring the region.
Backcountry Camping at Cheakamus Lake
When planning your Cheakamus Lake camping trip, remember to pack efficiently. Since you'll be carrying your gear for 4km, prioritizing essential items will make the journey more enjoyable. It's also crucial to be aware of any wildlife advisories, as is standard practice in backcountry areas. Checking for Cheakamus Lake camping reservation requirements is also a key step, as popular spots can book up quickly.
The experience of waking up by Cheakamus Lake is often described as magical. The tranquility of the location, coupled with the opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, makes it a memorable trip. It's a perfect introduction to the joys of backcountry camping in British Columbia.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit