British Columbia has 20,000 lakes. It would take a lot of time and effort to visit every lake in BC, so we picked the best. These lakes are among BC’s most beautiful. Some are chilly, some are warm, some are easy to access, and others need more work, but each is distinctive. BC’s lakes are great for swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, and houseboats. Discover BC’s best lakes with our list.
Garibaldi Lake: One of the most beautiful lakes in BC
Garibaldi Lake is one of British Columbia’s most beautiful lakes. There are two drawbacks to this breathtaking view of a huge body of water, a brilliant turquoise color flanked by mountains.
First, catch: you’ll have to struggle to get here. Garibaldi Lake is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, halfway between Squamish and Whistler. To get to Garibaldi Lake, you must climb nine kilometers upwards, and when we say uphill, we mean 820 meters. You’ll probably work up a nice sweat on your trek, leading us to the following idea.
The second problem is how chilly this glacier-fed water is. After a hike, a quick splash in the lake could feel rejuvenating, but you won’t want to stay in it for too long. The fact that the lake is glacier-fed gives it its particular coloration – but it also makes it, quite literally, icy cold.
The greatest way to experience Garibaldi Lake’s splendor is to simply relax and take it all in. If you want to take your time appreciating the vista, consider a campground beside the lake through BC Parks. It’s a popular area to pitch a tent, so the earlier you book, the better. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, and holiday weekends are busier yet.
Okanagan Lake offers many recreational activities
Look no further than Okanagan Lake if you’re seeking a lake with lots of recreational activities.
Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, snorkeling, or good old-fashioned swimming — if you can think of a fun water activity, you can definitely do it on Okanagan Lake.
Okanagan Lake is best explored from the city of Kelowna. However, many other settlements nearby are also well worth visiting, such as Peachland, Summerland, Vernon, and Penticton.
There are more than 30 beaches around the lake’s borders, and although a lot of people visit the lake, there are still plenty of spots to go that feel more isolated, especially if you’re traveling by boat. The lake is 135 kilometers long from tip to tip.
While you’re playing in the water, keep your eyes peeled for weird lumps and bumps on the horizon. Legend has it that a mysterious aquatic monster, dubbed Ogopogo, calls Okanagan Lake home!
Do you know 5 Interesting Facts About Okanagan Lake That You Never Knew
Joffre Lakes: One of the best hikes in BC
Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes make up what is frequently referred to as “Joffre Lake” or just “Joffre.”
All three are located just north of Pemberton, BC. Joffre Lakes requires a little effort to access, but the good news is they’re considerably easier to get to than Garibaldi Lake. Upper Joffre, the farthest of the three lakes, is reached after a five-kilometer climb (one way), with a demanding but manageable 400 meters of elevation gain.
The first and easiest lake to access is Lower Joffre Lake – an easy five-minute trek over a flat, gravel road. Middle Joffre Lake is roughly three kilometers into the trip; most of the elevation gain of the entire trail comes in those three kilometers. After Middle Lake, there are two more kilometers to Upper Joffre Lake. The ascent through this portion isn’t bad, but the route becomes more technical, so watch your step.
Even though the three lakes are all quite cold and are normally not swimmable, many people nevertheless hike there to take Instagram-worthy pictures. A few years ago, the “secret” of Joffre Lakes was revealed, which led to an increase in visitors and heavy trail usage.
The trail has been updated recently, and parking has gotten better. However, be prepared for crowds during the busy summer months, plan your trip, follow parking guidelines, and be a good trail steward: leave nothing behind!
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Eva Lake: The hike’s high point
Eva Lake in Revelstoke, British Columbia, maybe the most stunning lake in the entire province, especially if you go in the late summer when Mount Revelstoke National Park’s vibrant wildflowers are in bloom.
The distance to Eva Lake is roughly six to seven kilometers (either way); it is shorter if you choose to use a shuttle from the parking lot, but it is longer if you choose to walk the additional kilometer to the trailhead. From the start of the trail, the hike is a true delight, with forested areas, rich subalpine meadows, and spectacular vistas over the Columbia River in the distance.
Of course, the magnificent Eva Lake is the hike’s high point. The lovely lake is encircled by woods, with magnificent mountain ranges in the back.
If you’re lucky enough to get one of the four wilderness campsites around the lake (which can be reserved through Parks Canada), you can enjoy the million-dollar vista from the door of your tent.
Emerald Lake: The most stunning lake in BC
It is easy to understand how Emerald Lake received its name because of its vivid emerald tint, which is breathtaking in person and in photographs.
The water of Emerald Lake comes from the melting snow on the surrounding mountains, which carries powdered limestone (sometimes called rock flour), creating the lake’s stunning emerald tint.
The lake is one of Yoho National Park’s main features and is also its largest body of water. A well-liked attraction is the 5.2-kilometer hiking track that circles the lake and allows visitors to see the lake from all sides. About half of the track is flat and fairly accessible, providing a perfect out-and-back option for individuals in wheelchairs, with strollers, or who just prefer a more peaceful hiking experience.
You may easily explore Emerald Lake from the water by renting a canoe or rowboat. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are offered throughout the winter. While swimming could be a bit chilly, fishing is a favorite sport; some of the more frequent catches include brook char and rainbow trout.
Treat yourself to a room at the Emerald Lake Lodge if you can’t get enough of Emerald Lake and its Rocky Mountain backdrop. This resort, which is perched on the lake’s edge, provides the chance for some peace and quiet.
Lake O’Hara: A VIP location for lake pleasures
Yoho National Park’s Lake O’Hara is sort of a VIP location for lake pleasures.
To safeguard the vulnerable ecology and retain the pristine wilderness component that makes the lake so alluring, Parks Canada limits the number of guests who can enter Lake O’Hara via shuttle bus on any given day. To book a position on the bus, guests must enter the random draw to get a seat, but be warned: the draw only takes place once per year, and reservations are non-transferable. If you acquire a spot, it’s nearly as satisfying as winning the lottery!
You can also choose to walk the 11-kilometer (one-way) distance to the lake. Even though it’s longer and harder, the prize is the same: the chance to see the magnificent Lake O’Hara in person.
Shuswap Lake: The paradise in summer
With a total surface area of almost 310 square kilometers (roughly 120 square miles), there’s much fun in and around Shuswap Lake. The lake is quite well-liked in the summer when a cool plunge in the water is the ideal relief from a scorching day.
Unlike many of the other lakes on this list, Shuswap Lake is comfortable to swim in throughout the summer season.
One popular activity on Shuswap Lake is houseboating. Renting a houseboat is a fantastic way to explore the ocean and check out the beaches, whether you’re going with friends, family, or both. Each night, you can dock at a different designated beach and be soothed to sleep on your boat. The size and facilities supplied by boats vary widely, and many include expansive sun decks and swirling water slides.
Don’t miss Berg Lake
Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park is difficult to reach; it requires a 21-kilometer hike (either way), and that’s if you can receive the desired camping permit, which must be reserved in advance. But as with many other things in life, you’ll enjoy Berg Lake’s natural beauty more if you have to fight harder for it.
The journey to the lake is full of amazing vistas, from the scenic Kinney Lake to the roaring Emperor Falls. However, many would contend that Berg Lake, with Mount Robson towering in the distance, is the hike’s true high point.
It is possible to hike out to the lake and back in a single day, but remember that the total distance covered is equivalent to running a marathon plus an additional 800 meters of ascent and descent. It can be done if you’re physically fit and an avid hiker, but it makes for a very long day.
Williston Lake: The best fishing lake in BC
Williston Lake is among the top contenders for the title of the best fishing lake in British Columbia, a topic of much discussion. It is also the largest lake in British Columbia and among all the provinces’ lakes.
Williston Lake is a fisherman’s paradise, measuring 1,761 square kilometers (680 square miles) in area. Brook trout, northern pike, lake trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, kokanee – these are just a handful of the fish you might capture out on the water.
Around the lake, various fishing camps provide everything from daylong expeditions to one-day fishing outings. Basic tent camping sites, rustic cabins, and fully furnished cottages are all options for lodging. In other words, almost everyone can find something to enjoy.
Read more 10 Stunning Lakes In Canada Every Nature Lover Must See!
Cultus Lake: One of the most family-friendly lakes in BC
Cultus Lake is one of the most family-friendly lakes in British Columbia. Cultus Lake, which is only an hour and a half from Vancouver, offers stunning natural scenery and fun activities for visitors of all ages.
On the sea, there’s swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, sailing, fishing, and motor boating. On land, one can go hiking, play golf, explore nearby parks, or simply relax on a sandy beach. In other words, you won’t get bored.
Check out Cultus Lake Adventure Park if you start to feel laked out. Cultus Lake Adventure Park features a variety of rides that range from mild to high-thrills. It is a combination theme park and water park. When you’ve had your fill of lakes, it’s a delightful change of scenery and a terrific treat for kids (and adults, too!).
Harrison Lake: A great place to go on a weekend getaway
Harrison Lake is a fantastic destination for a weekend vacation from Vancouver. This 60-kilometer-long lake, surrounded on three sides by majestic mountains, is magnificent.
The village of Harrison Hot Springs, which is renowned for its sulfur-laced hot springs, is typically included in a trip here. One of British Columbia’s top beaches can be found here as well.
But if you desire a bit of quiet and have a taste for adventure, head up to the lake, and you’ll quickly leave all evidence of civilization behind. Try and keep your eyes on the lake as you ride northwards; nevertheless, the towering summits of Mount Breakenridge, Mount Clarke, and Grainger Peak make for attractive distractions.
Here are the 11 best lakes in BC, in my opinion. If you have a different idea or a better list, please comment below to let us know!
