Plan Tantalus Park near Squamish with Lake Lovely Water access, rugged hiking, climbing, alpine swimming, trout fishing, aircraft guidelines, hunting, and pet rules.
Tantalus Park is just north of Squamish and includes the former Lake Lovely Water Recreation Area. BC Parks describes scenic Lake Lovely Water at more than 1,100 metres above sea level, surrounded by stable granite, expansive glaciers, and remote mountain terrain.
Access is limited, and BC Parks lists no facilities in the park.
Why Visit Tantalus Park
Tantalus is a serious alpine destination for hikers, climbers, anglers, and advanced backcountry skiers. The 6.5-kilometre hike to Lake Lovely Water takes four to six hours and is rugged, steep, and route-finding intensive. Established but steep trails continue from the Alpine Club of Canada cabin toward Niobe Meadows and Lambda Lake Meadows.
Visitors also come for cool alpine swimming, stocked trout fishing at Lake Lovely Water, canoe use for paying cabin guests, excellent climbing, and hunting during the September 10 to June 15 open period.
Things To Do
Hike to Lake Lovely Water, continue to alpine meadow routes, climb with proper experience, swim without lifeguards, fish with the proper licence, use cabin canoes only if eligible, ski advanced backcountry terrain, and hunt during open seasons.
Planning Notes
The trail is on the west side of the Squamish River and can only be accessed by watercraft. The first two kilometres begin on private property and are unmarked, and permission should be sought to cross from Squamish First Nation lands on the east side. Weather can change quickly, visibility can collapse, and pets are not suitable for backcountry areas because of wildlife and bears. Aircraft operators should follow voluntary flight guidelines.