Backpack to Lake Lovely Water

This adventure is one of the best kept secrets in the Whistler area, let alone, British Columbia. The trailhead for Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River. There is no road access to the trailhead so you need to cross the river via boat. Make reservations with the jet boat operation prior to the trip. There is overnight parking in the parking lot across from The Watershed Grill (49°45’409.2”N, 122°57’27.5”W). Alternatively, people rent or bring their canoes/kayaks and lock them up on the other side. For jetboat service across the Squamish River, call Jay Bricknell at 604-815-9647 or 1-866-466-2628.

Once at the trailhead, the trail is straight forward up to Lake Lovely Water. The trail begins relatively flat for the first 0.5 km / 0.3 mile and then turns steep as the trail climbs its way up the valley wall. The trail is rugged making progress slow. The large old growth forest and rushing river below create a great ambiance while you stop to catch your breath.

The trail only flattens out once you reach the bottom of Lake Lovely Water. At the fork, the trail to the right crosses the river and goes to the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) hut ($25 a night), a few camp spots and the dock with two canoes. Only paid hut members have access to the canoes.

The trail to the left hugs the southern edge of the lake for two kilometers and ends at a small beach campsite. Set up camp and enjoy the glacial views on the other side of the lake. Take the canoes out for a spin if you’ve paid the ACC fee.

There are a number of peaks and ridges to scramble up so the next morning follow the trail up the creek next to the campsite to Niobe Basin. From here Mt. Omega, Mt. Niobe, Mt Pelops and Iota Mountain stand before you. Go southwest up to the Omega-Pelops col and soak in the glorious views.

If time & energy permits, there are more trails on the north side of Lake Lovely Water or just crack open that wine and paddle the lake.

Once back in Squamish, head over to The Howe Sound Brewery to celebrate.

Notes:

• BCParks.ca for updated information
  
• Trailhead Coordinates: 49.797919, -123.206504
• Beach Campground: 49.779172, -123.254040
• Niobe Basin: 49.776612, -123.252167
• The Watershed Grill