A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
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.
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.
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:
Reservations are not accepted for the walk-in sites in this park, all
walk-in sites are available on a first-come, first served basis.
There is a cabin for public use within the park that is available
by reservation only. The cost is $25 per
person per night. For reservations or moer information, contact
the Alpine Club of Canada at (604) 687-2711. Questions may also
be directed to the Alpine
Club of Canada website.
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
There are two (2) canoes at the cabin available for paying guests only. There are paddles and life jackets available.
Climbing
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.
Fishing
Lake Lovely Water has been stocked with trout. Anyone fishing or angling
in British Columbia must have an appropriate
licence.
Hiking
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.
Hunting
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.
Swimming
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.
Facilities Available At This Park
Cabins / Huts / Yurts
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 $25 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.
Drinking Water
Potable water is available from Lake Lovely Water. It is strongly recommended that you filter, boil or otherwise treat your water.
Pit or Flush Toilets
There are two pit toilets at Lake Lovely Water.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
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.
