Alice Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton
Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish is a great way to get into nature without going far from the city. The park boasts beginner-friendly hiking, swimming, beaches, canoe rentals, and lots more.
How to Get to Alice Lake Provincial Park
From Vancouver, take Highway 1 west towards Horseshoe Bay, then switch to Highway 99 north. A few minutes north of the town of Squamish, turn right onto Alice Lake Road and drive into the park.
Tips for Visiting
- Use the park map to find your way around.
- The park can get busy on summer weekends. Go early to make sure you get a parking spot.
- Dogs must be on-leash in the park and are not permitted on the beach, in the picnic area, in the playground, or on the Alice Lake Trail.
- Smoking, vaping, cannabis, drones, alcohol, and collecting plants are not allowed.
- There are washrooms at both Alice Lake beaches.
- Be safe in the park. AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
Have a Picnic
Alice Lake is a great spot for a picnic. Bring a blanket to spread out on the beach or the nearby grassy areas. Or set up at one of the many picnic tables at the two day-use areas.
Photo via Alice Lake Provincial Park
Go For a Swim
On hot days, the waters of Alice Lake are popular with swimmers. The lake has two sandy beaches with swimming areas (but there are no lifeguards). You can swim out to a float or take a flying leap off the dock at South Beach.
Photo via Alice Lake Provincial Park
Paddle a Kayak, Canoe, or SUP
The calm waters of Alice Lake are the perfect place to try kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Sea to Sky Parks rents boats and boards at the main beach. See their website for hours and rates.
Photo via Sea to Sky Parks
Hike the Four Lakes Trail
The signature hiking trail at Alice Lake Provincial Park is the Four Lakes Trail. It makes a loop around the park, visiting Stump, Edith, Fawn, and Alice Lakes. The six-kilometre circuit takes about 2 hours to complete. Use our Four Lakes Trail Guide to plan your hike.
View of the Tantalus Mountains from the Cheekeye River on the Four Lakes Trail. Photo: Taryn Eyton
Go Trail Running
The network of trails at Alice Lake Provincial Park is one of the best places to trail run near Vancouver. Each year, the park hosts several trail running races. Popular routes include the Four Lakes Trail, Jack’s Trail, and Debeck’s Hill.
Photo via Tourism Squamish/David McColm
Hit the Mountain Trails
Squamish is known for mountain biking and the trails near Alice Lake draw riders from around the world. Beginners should try the flowy berms on Rob’s Corners and Cliff’s Corners. Experts should head to Pamplemousse, a techy flow trail, or to some of the grippy granite slabs in the nearby Garibaldi Highlands zone. Use the Trailforks app to plan your route.
Pamplemousse Trail. Photo via RideBCSquamish/Trailforks
