Cheakamus Lake
Lake Alpine lake in Garibaldi Park, popular for hiking
In British Columbia’s coastal mountains, Cheakamus Lake attracts anglers, kayakers and hikers using its trails and backcountry campsites amid alpine forest.
Cheakamus Lake is a mountain lake in British Columbia located within Garibaldi Provincial Park and forming part of the headwaters of the Cheakamus River. The lake is set in a forested mountain valley and is a waypoint for backcountry travel in the park.
Recreational activities around the lake include fishing, paddling and day hikes; trails and backcountry routes leave from or pass near the lake into the surrounding alpine areas. Facilities are minimal and visitors should be prepared for wilderness conditions.
The lake occupies a glacially carved basin and its outflow contributes to the regional river system; it has long been used by outdoor recreationists as part of the broader Garibaldi Provincial Park network. Park management emphasizes conservation and low-impact use.
Cheakamus Lake lies in southwestern British Columbia within Garibaldi Provincial Park, reachable from the Sea-to-Sky corridor that connects Vancouver and Whistler; the surrounding landscape is mountainous with adjacent forest and alpine terrain.
- Park access: Located inside Garibaldi Provincial Park and draining to the Cheakamus River, it is used as an access point for backcountry hiking and fishing.
How to Get to Cheakamus Lake #
Cheakamus Lake is accessed from the Squamish/Whistler corridor; the final approach is a forest service road followed by a marked trail. Drive toward Squamish on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), then follow signed turnoffs and forestry roads. Expect a hike of several kilometers from the nearest parking.
Tips for Visiting Cheakamus Lake #
- Start early-the trail to Cheakamus Lake is long and becomes muddy in afternoon storms.
- The route is multi-use: expect mountain bikers and horseback riders on shared sections.
- Bring a map and know local bear-safety protocols; black bears are present in the region.
Best Time to Visit Cheakamus Lake #
Best accessed in summer when forest roads and trails are most passable.
Weather & Climate near Cheakamus Lake #
Cheakamus Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1408 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (221 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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