As summer inches closer to its end, the desire to fill up our weekends with hikes, camping, and lake days grows stronger. And if you can’t choose a summer activity, not to worry, because these beautiful destinations in British Columbia cater to all three. So with that in mind, here are 8 turquoise lakes to visit in BC before summer ends.
Joffre Lakes
Joffre is a famed provincial park that’s home to some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in the country, and it’s well within a day trip’s distance to Vancouver. Better yet, it’s also a Parkbus destination, which means you don’t have to have a car to hike to (and take a dip in) the park’s three turquoise lakes.
Where: Off of Highway 99 east of Pemberton
Kalamalka Lake
One of Canada’s most beautiful lakes (and known as the “lake of a thousand colours”), Kalamalka is known for its tropical-looking, turquoise waters in the warmer months and exquisite beaches, which comprise 42 kilometres of beautiful shoreline.
The popular summertime destination has 10 beaches to offer visitors, many of which are easily accessible with washrooms, surrounding parks, and plenty of free parking.
Where: Coldstream, BC
Ts’ilɂos (Chilko Lake)
This one’s for cold plungers and fans of an alpine dip. Revered for its pristine waters and dramatic mountain vistas, Chilko Lake is surrounded by stunning alpine meadows, glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged peaks. All that’s missing is your picnic blanket to take it all in!
Where: Near Tatla Lake, BC
Lindeman Lake
Located inside Chilliwack Lake Park, Lindeman Lake is accessible via a dog-friendly, “intermediate-level” hike through gorgeous forested trails. Note that the glacial lake remains cold year-round, but its blue-green waters and mountain vistas are well worth the trek.
Where: Near Chilliwack, BC
Garibaldi Lake
From Wedgemount to Cheakmus, there are plenty of stunning lakes to choose from at Garibaldi Provincial Park, but its namesake lake holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit – and for good reason. The beautiful mountain lake is known for its turquoise, iridescent waters, and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains year-round.
Where: Garibaldi Provincial Park, 30 km north of Squamish
Boya Lake
With crystal-clear, aquamarine waters that are unusually warm for the north, Boya Lake at Tā Ch’ilā Park is as dreamy as they come. The area was carved out by glaciers 20,000 years ago, and is now surrounded by elongated eskers (ridges), rolling hills, and countless bays and islets.
Where: 150km north of the town of Dease, BC
Adams Lake
Adams Lake is the second largest natural lake in the southern interior of the province – so there’s plenty of room to enjoy various water activities. Whether you want to take a boat out on the water, go fishing for species like rainbow trout or kokanee salmon, or stick with swimming – there’s something for everyone here.
Where: Squilax, BC
Turquoise Lake
Last but certainly not least, we come to the aptly named Turquoise Lake at Marble Canyon Park. The park is situated between two small lakes that are popular with fishermen and birders: Turquoise and Crown Lakes.
Where: Marble Canyon Park, BC
So there you have it, lake enthusiasts. You can’t do much better than these turquoise lakes if you’re craving a scenic dip.
Enjoy!
Note that parts of BC are currently facing significant wildfire activity. If you’d like to help the communities affected, please head to the BC Wildfire Recovery Fund.
Curiocity Staff
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