Categories: Travel

A steep but rewarding trail leads to the ‘quietest lake in Squamish’

Photo via Tourism Squamish

There’s nothing more thrilling than a hike with a lake to reward your efforts, and Petgill Lake Trail is the ideal last-minute destination if you’re in the Squamish area or headed up from Vancouver for the weekend.

Situated across from Browning Lake at Murrin Provincial Park, the scenic trail leads hikers to yet another charming alpine lake away from the crowds. So if you’re up for a challenge, you won’t be clamouring between an influx of hikers to get to the top.

In fact, Petgill Lake is known as the “quietest” lake in Squamish. Even more reason to take your time and enjoy the journey!

From the trailhead, the steep trail quickly ascends into the surrounding forest, with fixed chains and ropes there to guide hikers on their journey. After 1.5 km, the trail “eases off,” reaching a former logging road that meanders from the road into another section of dense forest.

The trail then follows multiple rocky ridges, with the stunning Petgill Lake awaiting below.

According to Tourism Squamish, the 11.5-km trail takes five to seven hours to complete, rewarding hikers with a refreshing dip and stunning views of Howe Sound and Squamish.

Note that the final viewpoints are located another 10 minutes past the lake.

The trailhead is located approximately 100 metres north of the parking lot, on the opposite side of the highway.