Park overview
Just north of Squamish, this new protected area includes the former Lake Lovely Water Recreation Area. Scenic Lake Lovely Water is located at 3,800 feet above sea level. The mountain ranges are predominantly made up of stable granite rock and expansive glaciers.
This area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, mountaineering and advanced backcountry skiing. This is a remote wilderness area with limited access and there are no facilities at this park.
Special Features
The special features in this park include beautiful sub-alpine and alpine settings and cascading mountain streams with glacier views from Lake Lovely Water and some campsites. Distant view of the Black Tusk.
Advisories
Camping
Reservations are not accepted for campsites in this park. Camping is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis. There are 15 tent sites at the main campground and a small sand area available for a few more approximately 2.5 kms west at the Sandspit area. There are no food storage facilities located here. Camping is NOT allowed in any other area including the lakeshore, foreshore or up in the Niobe meadows.
There is a cabin for public use within the park that is available by reservation only.
There is a cabin for public use (available in the late spring, summer and fall) located on the east end (outflow) of Lake Lovely Water in the Tantalus Range of the B.C. Coast Mountains approximately 64 km (40 mi) northwest of Vancouver. The hut is located in Tantalus Provincial Park.
The cabin is available by reservation only. The cost is $25 (member) or $35 (non-member) per person per night. For reservations or more information, go to accvancouver.ca/huts.
There are wilderness sites and the park is open year-round when accessible.
No campfires permitted. Bring your own cook stove. Campsites and facilities are user maintained. Pack out your garbage including organic foods. Access is limited either by foot, permitted helicopter, or permitted float plane operators.
The trail to Lake Lovely Water is from the west side of the Squamish River. A canoe is required to cross the river (the cable car is locked and not available for public use). The crossing can be difficult and dangerous due to the speed and volume of the river. To reach the river access point, go West from Highway 99 on the road to the Upper Squamish Valley. Turn left at the fork in the road just past the Cheekeye River bridge. 2 km past the fork is and unmarked dirt road to the left. Travel this road for approximately 2 km to the river access point. Access to the river crosses Squamish First Nation land. The lower portion of the trail on the west side of the river crosses private land. Permission to travel on private lands should be sought from the landowners. Camping in Niobe meadows is prohibited. This park is frequented by permitted aircraft that land near the cabin and also on the lake.
The Alpine Club of Canada cabin is available by reservation only. Phone Ron Royston at 604-921-8164.
Facilities
There are two pit toilets at Lake Lovely Water.
Potable water is available from Lake Lovely Water. It is strongly recommended that you filter, boil or otherwise treat your water.
Activities
There is a 6.5 km (4-6 hour) hike to Lake Lovely Water. The trail is very rugged and steep. Good route finding skills and proper equipment and clothing are required. Weather can change quickly, causing limited visibility.
There are steep and rugged established trails leading from the cabin towards Niobe Meadows (approximately 2.5km one-way) and Lambda Lake Meadows (approximately 3.5km one-way).
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
At Lake Lovely water there is cool alpine lake swimming. There is no roped off swimming area. A small dock is located near the Alpine Club of Canada cabin. The beach is bedrock near the cabin and campground, however, there is a sandy spit west of the cabin. There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Provincial Parks.
There are two canoes at the cabin available for paying guests, only. There are paddles and life jackets available.
Lake Lovely Water has been stocked with trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
There are several excellent climbing locations throughout the park. Park visitors should contact the Alpine Club of Canada or BC Federation of Mountain Clubs for more detailed information.
This park is open to hunting from September 10 to June 15, during a lawful game hunting season. Anyone hunting in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the B.C. Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for seasons and closures.
Maps and location
The trail to Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River and can only be accessed by watercraft. The trailhead itself starts on private property and is unmarked for the first two kilometers. Access to the river from the east side is on the traditional lands of the Squamish First Nation and permission should be sought to cross.
The following companies currently have a Park Use Permit to provide air taxi service:
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: December 9, 1998
- Size: 11432 hectares
Nature and culture
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.