Ministry of Environment - Tantalus Provincial Park

Parks Listed Alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

Please Note: The dirt road access to the trailhead for Lake Lovely Water currently has land access issues. BC Parks does not recommend using this road at this time. Trail access to Lake Lovely Water is from the west side of the Squamish River. To find out about boat access options to the trailhead, contact the Squamish Chamber of Commerce at:

Squamish Chamber of Commerce
Telephone:(604)815-4990 or 1-866-333-2010 (toll-free)
Fax: 604-815-4998
Email: admin@squamishchamber.com

Park Info:

Just north of Squamish, this new protected area includes the former Lake Lovely Water Recreation Area. Scenic Lake Lovely Water is located at 3800 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 Blacktusk.

Park Size: 11,351 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Approved Master Plan (957 kb pdf).

Location:

Location Map

The trail to Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River, so a canoe is needed to cross the river. To reach the river go west from Highway 99 onto the road that heads into the Upper Squamish Valley (past the dump). Turn left at the fork in the road just past the Cheekeye Bridge. Two kilometres past the fork turn left on the unmarked dirt road. Travel approximately 2 km down this road to the river. The lower portion of this road crosses private property, and permission should be sought to cross from the landowner.

The following companies currently have a Park Use Permit to provide air taxi service:

Black Tusk Helicopter
Blackcomb Helicopters
Glacier Air
Omega Aviation
Seaair Seaplanes
Whistler Air

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Nature & Culture:

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

General Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Reservations are not accepted at this park, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	The are walk-in sites and the park is open year round when accessible. The Alpine Club of Canada cabin is available by reservation only. Phone (604) 687-2711. 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. 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 kms 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.
	No group campsites.
	No day-use or picnic facilities.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Potable water is available from Lake Lovely Water. It is strongly recommended that you filter, boil or otherwise treat your water.
	There are two pit toilets at Lake Lovely Water.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are not permitted. It is recommended that a cookstove rather than open fires be used in this sensitive and vulnerable alpine area.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	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 (2) canoes at the cabin available for paying guests only. There are paddles and life jackets available.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	Lake Lovely Water has been stocked with Trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	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. If you choose to bring your pets, they must be on a leash at all times - you are responsible for their behaviour.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	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 Regulations for seasons and closures.
	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
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	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 the Lake Lovely Water Wilderness Area. The cabin is available by reservation only. The cost is $15 per person per night. For reservations or more information contact the Alpine Club of Canada at (604) 687-2711. Questions may also be directed to the Alpine Club of Canada website.