Callaghan Lake Provincial Park
A rugged, remote alpine park with stunning lakes, offering camping, paddling, and hiking amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roads clearer, fewer bugs, stunning colors
Callaghan Lake Provincial Park
Best Time
Roads clearer, fewer bugs, stunning colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rugged, remote alpine park with stunning lakes, offering camping, paddling, and hiking amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
"The ride is rough, but definitely worth it. We had the spot almost for ourselves."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The service road is rough with potholes. A 4x4 is best to avoid getting stuck.
🐻 Bear Safety is Crucial
Be bear aware! Store food securely and never leave anything in your tent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Callaghan Lake
Main campground area
Spectacular alpine lake reflecting surrounding mountains, perfect for kayaking and serene moments.
Upper Lake Hike
Across Callaghan Lake
A rewarding hike to a second, stunning lake offering even more breathtaking scenery.
Ring Lake
Near Callaghan Lake
Discover the unbelievable beauty of Ring Lake, a hidden gem within the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions are Key
First-Come, First-Served Camping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The service road is rough with potholes. A 4x4 is best to avoid getting stuck. +1
🐻 Bear Safety is Crucial
Be bear aware! Store food securely and never leave anything in your tent.
🏕️ Arrive Early for Camping
Camping is first-come, first-served. Secure your spot early, especially on busy weekends.
🛶 Kayak or Canoe the Lake
The lake is spectacular for paddling. Bring your own or rent nearby if available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The service road is rough with potholes. A 4x4 is best to avoid getting stuck. +1
🐻 Bear Safety is Crucial
Be bear aware! Store food securely and never leave anything in your tent.
🏕️ Arrive Early for Camping
Camping is first-come, first-served. Secure your spot early, especially on busy weekends.
🛶 Kayak or Canoe the Lake
The lake is spectacular for paddling. Bring your own or rent nearby if available.
💧 Check Road Conditions
Snow can linger into late May. Always check recent conditions before heading up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible, unspoiled beauty of Callaghan Lake Provincial Park, particularly its spectacular lakes and serene atmosphere. The challenging, rough road access is a significant deterrent for some, requiring a 4x4, but most agree the stunning scenery and remote camping experience are well worth the effort. Wildlife sightings, especially bears, are common and add to the wild nature of the park.
"Incredible location, with 2 lakes. The ride is rough, but definitely worth it. We had the spot almost for ourselves, we shared it only with another camper.
We crossed the lake until the other end, then hiked to the upper lake which offers a beautiful scenery.
Visited September 2018"
Oswen Corbel
"Lovely spot for camping and the lake is spectacular for kayaking. The lake was easy to get to, from the 99 highway you can turn into Callaghan Valley Road which takes about 8-10mins until you reach the Service Road on the left that takes a good 10-15min to drive due to the rough and gravel road (beware lots of potholes) and it takes you directly to the campsite of the lake. We saw a black bear along the service road and the scenery was absolutely stunning. The campsite is small with less crowd, I believe there’s only one pit toilet and you’re not allowed to start a fire outside the designated pit area. From the lake, you can see the Alexander Falls and beautiful mountains surrounding the area."
Momoko
"The most amazing views with free camping spots. There is an island in the middle of the lake that you can canoe/kayak to, but no camping outside of the designated sites. Better bring a 4x4 as the 8km drive into the park is a forest service road with lots of potholes and washouts. Regular cars won't work as the washouts get pretty deep. If you cross the lake, there is another lake you can hike to as well."
Millcent Trinidad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Highway 99, turn onto Callaghan Valley Road. After about 8-10 minutes, look for the Service Road on your left. This 8-15 minute drive is rough, gravel, and has many potholes and washouts, making a 4x4 vehicle highly recommended. +1
The road is generally accessible in summer and fall. However, snow can linger into late May or early June at higher elevations, and the road can be challenging after heavy rain. Always check current conditions.
It's not recommended. The forest service road is unmaintained and can have deep potholes and washouts that smaller cars cannot navigate safely. +1
Callaghan Valley Road itself is about 8-10 minutes, but the subsequent service road to the lake is a rough, gravel 10-15 minute drive with significant potholes and potential washouts.
Yes, Olympic Village and Alexander Falls are within a 10-minute drive of the trail leading to the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Callaghan Lake Provincial Park offers free camping and access, making it an incredible value for visitors seeking stunning natural beauty.
Yes, camping is available and is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are approximately 10 unmaintained lots.
As a provincial park, Callaghan Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours for day use. Camping is available, but there are no specific operating hours for entry outside of potential seasonal road closures.
No, camping at Callaghan Lake Provincial Park is strictly first-come, first-served. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
No specific permits are required for general day use or camping at Callaghan Lake Provincial Park. However, always check for any local advisories or regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking to nearby lakes like the upper lake or Ring Lake. Winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. +1
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Callaghan Lake, offering fantastic opportunities for anglers.
Camping is unmaintained with basic facilities, including one pit toilet. Campfires are only permitted in designated pits.
Yes, you can hike across the lake to an upper lake, and there are trails to Circle Lake (about a 20-minute walk). Some trails may be closed due to bear activity. +1
While beautiful, the rough road access and unmaintained camping might be challenging for families with very young children. However, older children can enjoy the natural beauty and activities.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife & Safety
Visitors have reported seeing black bears along the service road and even grizzly bears near campsites. It's crucial to be bear aware.
Always use bear-proof containers or hang food properly. Never leave food or scented items in your tent or vehicle.
The primary safety concern is wildlife, particularly bears. Additionally, the rough road conditions require careful driving.
While the lake is beautiful, swimming is not explicitly mentioned as a primary activity. It's best to check local advisories or observe other visitors. The water can be very cold.
Stay calm, do not run, and make yourself appear larger by raising your arms. Back away slowly. If the bear charges, fight back.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Emphasize bear safety with children, ensuring they understand the importance of staying close and not approaching wildlife.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
Beyond the drive, the park’s natural beauty provides ample reward. The opportunity to explore the alpine lakes, including the main Callaghan Lake and the upper lake, offers stunning scenery for photography and quiet contemplation.
+1 The remote camping, while basic, allows for an immersive experience in nature, far from the crowds. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, which add to the thrill for those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure. 🎣 Anglers and Paddlers
For paddlers, the crystal-clear waters of Callaghan Lake are ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
The calm surface, especially in the mornings, provides a perfect environment for exploring the lake's shoreline and enjoying the breathtaking mountain reflections. Bringing your own kayak or canoe is recommended, as rentals may not be readily available. The journey across the lake to discover its hidden coves and surrounding beauty is a truly rewarding experience for any water enthusiast. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Road to Callaghan Lake
Even with a suitable vehicle, driving requires caution and a slow pace. The 8-15 minute drive on the service road from Callaghan Valley Road can feel much longer due to the need for careful navigation. Despite the rough access, reviewers emphasize that the destination is absolutely worth the effort, with many finding the remote location offers a sense of solitude and unspoiled nature.
Beyond the immediate road to the lake, the surrounding area also offers points of interest. Olympic Village and Alexander Falls are conveniently located within a 10-minute drive of the access road, providing additional opportunities for exploration before or after your visit to the lake itself.
Camping and Wildlife Encounters
A significant aspect of camping at Callaghan Lake is the prevalence of wildlife, most notably bears. Visitors have reported encounters with both black bears and grizzly bears in close proximity to campsites.
While the presence of wildlife adds to the wild allure of the park, it also necessitates vigilance. Some trails may be temporarily closed due to bear activity, so it's important to be aware of any posted advisories. Despite these considerations, the breathtaking views and opportunities for fishing and boating make Callaghan Lake a sought-after destination for those prepared for its rugged charm and wild inhabitants.
Exploring the Alpine Lakes
For those seeking further natural beauty, a hike across Callaghan Lake leads to an upper lake, which provides even more spectacular scenery and a sense of discovery.
These alpine lakes are not just visually stunning; they also offer recreational opportunities. Fishing is a popular pastime, with the lakes providing excellent chances for anglers.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit