Breathtaking turquoise lakes in B.C. to add to your summer bucket list

If you’re itching to plan a lake day, we’re right there with you. The weather is finally heating back up in Vancouver, and that means a little road trip is in order. Thankfully, there are plenty of stunning lakes to choose from in B.C., and many of them boast a beautiful blue-green hue. So with that in mind, here are some breathtaking turquoise lakes in B.C. to add to your summer bucket list.

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.

Distance from Vancouver: Four hours and 50 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and BC-5 N.

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 from 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.

Distance from Vancouver: Drive two and a half hours from Vancouver via BC-99 N.

Situated in Birkenhead Lake Park in what was originally only meant to be a stopover spot between Whistler and Lillooet, Birkenhead Lake has become a destination in itself. Its sparkling waters beckon swimmers in, despite their colder temperature. Visitors can lounge on the sandy beach to warm up before or after a refreshing dip.

Distance from Vancouver: Two hours and 30 minutes via BC-99 N.

Located inside Chilliwack Lake Park, Chilliwack Lake is an accessible lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain and forest views. Its waters are rather cold year-round, but that makes your swim all the more refreshing!

Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 50 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and Chilliwack Lake Road.

Also situated at Chilliwack Lake Park, Lindeman Lake is accessible via an “intermediate-level” hike that has recently reopened, which means visitors will wind their way through the surrounding forest to reach this stunning lake, revered for its blue-green waters and mountain vistas.

Parking is available at 63100 Chilliwack Lake Rd., Hope.

Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 50 minutes via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and Chilliwack Lake Road.

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. The beautiful mountain lake is known for its turquoise, iridescent waters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains year-round.

Distance from Vancouver: One hour and 20 minutes via BC-99 N.

This one’s for the wilderness adventurers. 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!

To get to the lake, drive 200 km west of Williams Lake on Highway 20, then turn south toward Tatla Lake. The final 63 km to the north end of the lake follows a gravel road.

Distance from Vancouver: Drive six hours from Vancouver to Williams Lake via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E, Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 and Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N. Then drive roughly 200 km west along Highway 20 to Tatla Lake, turning south onto the gravel Tatlayoko Lake Road and following the signs to the north end of Chilko 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. It’s not a short road trip whatsoever—it might actually just be the furthest away from Vancouver you can get while remaining in the province, but it’s well worth the visit.

Distance from Vancouver: Drive 21 hours from Vancouver via Yellowhead Highway W/BC-16 W and BC-37 N.

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