The Cheakamus Lake Trail in Whistler is one of the best day hikes in the area, leading you through towering old-growth forest before opening up to a lake so vividly blue it looks unreal.
It’s accessible for most day hikers and it requires a day pass, which helps keep the trail feel less crowded. So, even though it’s popular it feels fairly quiet and allows you to take in the beautiful surroundings and the serene setting.
I had the pleasure of hiking this incredible trail on my last trip to Whistler. I’ve been to the area a few times and this is definitely one of my favorite day hikes!
There’s nothing better to me than ending a hike with a cool dip. Although be prepared, it’s only for the brave as the water comes straight from the glaciers. 🥶 But, it’s an amazing reward for a stroll through the woods.
I’ve written this comprehensive guide on the Cheakamus Lake day hike. It includes when to go, how to get day use passes, and tips for your journey. So, you’ll be ready to take on the trail!
Disclaimer: There are some affiliate links in this blog post. I may get a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thanks for your support!
Cheakamus Lake Trail Details
Quick Hiking Stats
Distance: 4.8 miles/7.7 kilometers
Elevation: 964 feet/295 meters of gain
Type: Out and Back
Length: 2.5-3 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate
Cheakamus Lake Location
Cheakamus Lake is located in Whistler, a gorgeous mountain town in BC Canada. In fact, if you go up to the top of Whistler Mountain, you’ll be able to spot Cheakamus Lake down below from the High Note Trail.
This trail is just a 10 minute drive from downtown Whistler. So, it’s a great day hike to add to your trip to this area!
It’s also just 90 minutes from Vancouver, so you can get an escape from the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 Day use passes are required to visit Garibaldi Provincial Park from June 13 to October 13th. If you want to visit, you must get a pass two days in advance at 7 am on the website.
☀️ Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so you should make sure to look at the forecast in advance. Always bring layers and prepare for inclement weather.
⛺️ There is one campground at the Cheakamus Lake shoreline with 10 campsites. You have to make reservations in advance, which you can read more about below!
🐻 This is brown bear country! Make sure that you stay bear aware and carry bear spray with you on the trails. If you are staying overnight, bring bear containers or use the bear hangs.
🦮 Pets are not allowed in Garibaldi Provincial Park to protect the environment.
⚠️ Always check for trailhead status and advisories before you go!
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
How to Get to Cheakamus Lake
You’ll need to drive to get to Cheakamus Lake. Although this road does not require a specific vehicle, it can get a little rough. If you are driving in a sedan, go slow and take your time.
You’ll want to turn right off of Highway 99 at Function Junction. Continue for 500 meters until you see the logging road on the left. From there, you’ll drive 7.5 kilometers until you see the trailhead parking lot.
Best Time to Go
While Cheakamus Lake is open year round, the best time to hike this stunning trail is in the summer when the snow is melted. It’s usually clear of snow from early July through early September.
The Forest Road is usually open from June through October though, so you can check updates on the trail and road closures on the BC website.
During the rest of the year, snow covers the road and the trail. The Forest Road to the lake is gated when there’s snow on the ground.
So, you’ll have to snowshoe or hike up the 7.5 kilometer road to get to the lake. But, if you want to see a gorgeous winter scene ❄️ and have the proper knowledge, then it could be worth it for you!
How to Get a Day Use Pass for Cheakamus Lake
Cheakamus Lake requires day use passes from June 13th to October 13th. Passes are free, but they do sell out immediately.
Passes are released on the BC website 💻 at 7 am (Pacific time) two days in advance. So, if you wanted to go hiking on Saturday, you would need to book a pass on the Thursday of that week.
Once you get on the website, you’ll click on Cheakamus Lake and then click on the portion that says “Book a Pass.”
If passes are sold out, you can keep refreshing 🔄 the page, because people do cancel their passes. In fact, I had to cancel twice in a row. So, don’t lose hope if you miss out at first!
Camping at Cheakamus Lake
While Cheakamus Lake is a great day hike, it’s also a wonderful place to stay overnight there as well. You will have to plan in advance to get a campsite however, because it’s a very popular spot.
Tent sites here are right off of the lake, so you’ll have amazing access to swimming or watching the colors change over the water. It’s a fantastic place to spend the night!
Cheakamus Lake Camping Guidelines
- You can make a reservation four months in advance on https://camping.bcparks.ca/ at 7 am Pacific Time.
- When you get to the camp, you must sleep on a tent pad. There are 10 sites near the shoreline. If you don’t mind going further there are 30 tent pads at Helm Creek, which is 7.5 km (5 miles from Cheakamus Lake trailhead).
- Each tent pad holds up to four people and you can book 3 tent pads at once.
- It is $10 CAD a person per night to camp.
- You must pack in and pack out everything you need!
Packing Guide
if you plan on day hiking Cheakamus Lake, then it’s important you bring good shoes, water, and layers in case of any weather.
We went out on a beautiful summer day and went for a swim. So, I highly recommend packing a bathing suit and towel if you want to enjoy the water.
However, that very next day we were hiking out in the same area when a sudden thunderstorm came through. So, you can never be too careful! It’s important to always be prepared. ⛈️
Packing List for Cheakamus Lake
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Shelter
- Rain jacket
- Light winter jacket
- Satellite phone
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
Cheakamus Lake Trail Description
Cheakamus Lake trail is a lovely walk through the woods to get to the lake. This trail meanders through the woods and is shaded for the majority of the time.
As you walk, you’ll eventually see the river on your right with a gorgeous glacial blue color. Plus, in the summer you may see berries along the trail as well. It’s a wonderful hike to take for a picnic, a swim, or just to see the wonderful landscape.
Although there’s some elevation gain, this hike is accessible for all level of hikers as long as you take your time!
Final Tips for Hiking Cheakamus Lake
Cheakamus Lake is a fantastic day excursion, but make sure that you plan ahead so you can go on it. I would check the weather in advance and make sure that you have someone ready to book when the day passes are released.
Other than that, bring some things to hang by the lake and enjoy your time! 😎
Let me know in the comments if you found this guide helpful!
👇 Explore more hikes in the area below 👇
📍 Pin Guide to Hiking the Stunning Cheakamus Lake Trail to Pinterest
Leave a Reply