If you’re a mountain person who still wants to enjoy a refreshing dip this summer, there is no shortage of pristine mountain lakes to discover in BC. So we’ve gone ahead and rounded up just a handful of some of the most scenic options!
Note that while the lakes at Yoho National Park are a popular summertime destination, all waterbodies at the national park are closed until March 2025.
So in the meantime – here are 8 stunning mountain lakes to visit in BC this summer!
Recent Posts:
This island with clear waters has one of the prettiest towns in BC
10 beautiful lake towns to visit in BC this summer
Joffre Lakes
Joffre Lakes is a quintessential spot for summer. The provincial park is home to some of the most beautiful mountain vistas and turquoise waters in the country, and it’s well within a day trip’s distance of Vancouver!
Where: Off of Highway 99 east of Pemberton
Lindeman Lake
Located inside Chilliwack Lake Park, Lindeman Lake is accessible via a dog-friendly, “intermediate-level” hike through scenic forested trails. While the glacial lake remains cold year-round, its sparkling blue-green waters are well worth the trek.
Where: Chilliwack Lake Park, BC
Balsam Lake
For this pick, the journey is just as scenic as its destination. Visitors at Mount Revelstoke National Park can drive down an elevated parkway surrounded by vibrant fields of wildflowers, climbing to 1,835 metres in elevation at the mountainside Balsam Lake.
Where: Mount Revelstoke National Park, BC
Kootenay Lake
Divided into multiple sites (Campbell Bay, Coffee Creek, Davis Creek and Lost Ledge, and Midge Creek), the stunning Kootenay Lake has plenty to offer nature lovers. In fact, visitors can enjoy newly installed WiFi in between fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, and swimming in the lake!
Where: Kootenay Lake Park, BC
Garibaldi Lake
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.
Where: Garibaldi Provincial Park, 30 km north of Squamish, BC
Harrison Lake
View this post on Instagram
Situated in the charming town of Harrison Hot Springs, the glacier-fed Harrison Lake happens to be the largest in southwestern BC, covering around 250 square kilometres. Whether you’re looking for a scenic sailing spot, place to kayak or fish, or take a refreshing dip after a day of adventuring, Harrison Lake has it all and more!
Where: Harrison Hot Springs, BC
Muncho Lake
Ready to explore some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the province? Head up the Alaska Highway to the secluded Muncho Lake Park, which boasts spectacular mountain vistas, bountiful wildlife, and unreal jade-coloured waters.
Where: At km 681 of the Alaska Highway, BC
Floe Lake
This one’s for the backpacking enthusiasts out there. Kootenay National Park’s most popular backpacking trail is along the Rockwall trail, which takes you to the scenic Floe Lake, in addition to Helmet Falls, Tumbling Creek, and Numa Creek.
Where: Kootenay National Park, BC
And that’s a wrap on some stunning mountain lakes to visit across the province this summer! Happy road trippin’, BC!
