Photo via BC Parks
Vancouver is really warming up, and we don’t know about you, but if it feels this much like summer already, we’re prepared to plan some lake days before June even rolls around.
Some of these spots are right by the city, while others are great day or weekend trip destinations. We’ll leave the planning to you!
Here are some breathtaking lakes to visit in B.C. as the weather heats up.
It’s one of the Lower Mainland’s most popular outdoor destinations for a reason. Cultus Lake is a warm, freshwater lake, so you don’t have to worry about braving any freezing temperatures here. It’s a perfect picnic or BBQ spot, plenty of paddling opportunities, and great for families and groups of all sizes.
Note that the Entrance Bay and Clear Creek campgrounds are currently closed due to a nearby wildfire.
Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 20 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E.
This underrated, less developed provincial park in Abbotsford is well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to some of the more popular destinations in the Lower Mainland. Its peaceful surroundings and fishing and boating opportunities make it a flexible day trip destination from Vancouver.
Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 30 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E.
Known as the “lake of a thousand colours,” Kalamalka Lake is renowned for its tropical-looking, turquoise waters and beautiful shoreline, which stretches 42 kilometres. It’s situated just east of Okanagan Lake, offering visitors a great alternative that’s every bit as magical as the pictures.
The popular summertime destination has 10 beaches to offer visitors, many of which are easily accessible with washrooms and plenty of free parking.
Distance from Vancouver: Four hours and 50 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and BC-5 N.
Located inside Chilliwack Lake Park, Chilliwack Lake is an accessible lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain and forest views. Its waters are rather cold year-round, but that makes your swim all the more refreshing!
Note that the trail leading to Lindeman Lake is currently closed.
Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 50 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and Chilliwack Lake Road.
A “moderate” downhill hike in Mission takes you to Devil’s Lake, a hidden gem if there ever was one. It’s located in the Stave West Recreation Area, and you’ll pass a floating bridge before descending a flight of wooden stairs to the south end of the small lake. What the lake lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its natural allure and charm.
Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 30 minutes via Highway 1 and Dewdney Trunk Road.
Situated in Birkenhead Lake Park in what was originally only meant to be a stopover spot between Whistler and Lillooet, Birkenhead Lake has become a destination in itself. Its sparkling waters beckon swimmers in, despite their colder temperature. Visitors can lounge on the sandy beach to warm up before or after a refreshing dip.
Distance from Vancouver: Two hours and 30 minutes via BC-99 N.
From Wedgemount to Cheakmus, there are plenty of stunning lakes to choose from at Garibaldi Provincial Park, but its namesake lake holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit. The beautiful mountain lake is known for its turquoise, iridescent waters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains year-round.
Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 20 minutes via BC-99 N.
We end this list with a final, quintessential lake, or three rather. Joffre Lakes Park is famed for having some of the most beautiful mountain views in the country, and it’s well within a day trip’s distance from Vancouver. Better yet, it’s also a popular Parkbus destination, which means you don’t have to have a car or hitch a ride to enjoy a scenic hike and dip into one of the park’s three turquoise lakes.
Distance from Vancouver: Two hours and 30 minutes via BC-99 N.
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