Including a lake that is surrounded by soaring mountains and thick forests, Alice Lake Provincial Park is considered a local landmark. Known for its mountain views, grassy areas, and four freshwater lakes, the park is located about 13 km (8 miles) north of Squamish. The park has a lot to offer, with each of the four lakes utilized for numerous recreation activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Out of the water, Alice Lake Provincial Park offers plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Aside from enjoying the amazing views the park has to offer, you will find plenty of hiking trails that are suitable for a variety of abilities. Mountain biking is another popular activity in the park, and the trails are considered some of the area’s best.
Alice Lake Provincial Park is also home to a spectacular campground. With 108 sites that are reservable, and shower and washroom buildings, you will find it easy to explore the park while camping within it. The campground is typically open from March through the end of October.
Whether you are looking for some relaxation time, or are ready to embark on an adventure, Alice Lake Provincial Park fits the bill and is an ideal place for your next RV vacation.
To get to Alice Lake Provincial Park from Vancouver, you will take BC-99 N for 74.8 km (46.48 miles) until arriving at the park. Enjoy gorgeous views along the way and build in some time to stop and take in the scenery as you desire. For example, in Squamish, you will have the opportunity to take a short walk and view Shannon Falls, which is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia.
Parking is available throughout Alice Lake Provincial Park
Another option to get to Alice Lake Provincial Park is by Parkbus, which is a transportation service that runs from downtown Vancouver to certain BC parks. Parkbus can be reached at 1-800-928-7101 for information.
Alice Lake Provincial Park offers two group campsites that can host groups of 15 to 40 people. The sites each offer a central fire ring and tarp posts. Both sites receive full sun and allow for easy access to the lake in order to cool off or enjoy the beautiful views. Each site is able to accommodate up to five RV’s and one of the two sites offers electrical service. Showers, restrooms and water are all accessible to campers. Group sites are able to be reserved and make a great location for a family reunion of family get together.
Open and able to be reserved from March 22 through October 31, campgrounds A and B offer a total of 96 campsites that are accessible by vehicle. Set back in the forest, your campsite will offer plenty of shade while still allowing for easy access to the lake. Electrical hook-ups are available at 55 of these campsites with 20 amp service with one standard RV receptacle and one 15 amp standard household receptacle. Sites are able to accommodate RV’s and trailers of a variety of sizes. Each campsite has a campfire ring and firewood can be purchased in the park. Drinking water, toilets and showers are available at the campground for the use of all registered guests.
Alice Lake Provincial Park offers 12 walk-in campsites within the park. Parking is available very close to the sites (for example, you may have to walk about 150 feet uphill from where you parked your car to get to the site). Some of the sites are located apart from one another while some are very close, making them ideal for groups camping together. Sites, which are shaded, can be reserved ahead of time and offer picnic tables and fire pits. Enjoy a little more solitude with just a short walk from your vehicle!
Just a 16-minute drive from Alice Lake Provincial Park is the town of Squamish, which offers plenty of interesting things to do throughout the year. For example, check out West Coast Railway Heritage Park, which is the home of the Royal Hudson steam locomotive. Housing the largest collection of railway rolling stock in Western Canada, you can view more than 90 pieces of heritage railway cars and artefacts, to include a rare Canadian Pacific Colonist sleeping car from 1905. The 12-acre site is open year-round and is responsible for hosting several popular events, like the “Day Out with Thomas” and The Polar Express. You can also participate in the escape room experience in a vintage rail car (reservations are required).
If the weather at Alice Lake Provincial Park is a bit chilly for you, that does not mean that you cannot still enjoy the park’s beauty. Hop in your car and take a drive, where you can take in the park’s beautiful scenery. Look up in awe at the snow-covered peaks that surround the lakes while remaining warm and cozy in your vehicle. Keep your eyes out for any wildlife and enjoy how quiet the park is during the off-season.
Remember the Four Lakes Trail? Turns out it is a great choice for a romp in the snow with your snowshoes. Enjoy views of the lake, surrounding peaks capped with snow, and the forest, while utilizing the trail network that offers options for short and longer loop hikes. Check out the park’s nine other trails as well for some variety in your adventures. For example, DeBeck’s Hill Trail is about 3km (1.8 miles) round trip with a steep climb of 274 meters (898 feet), taking you to where you can enjoy amazing views. Fill a thermos with hot chocolate to warm you up during a break and be on your way!
The lakes of Alice Lake Provincial Park are ideal for taking a swim. The park includes two beach areas with sandy beach, swimming floats and change houses. During summer months, the water is typically warm, meaning taking a dip will be refreshing and relaxing as opposed to chilly. The swimming areas are market by floats and a floating dock can be found at South Beach, which is a short walk from the park’s campground. It is important to remember that there are no lifeguards at the park, so swimming is at your own risk.
A great way to explore the park and Alice Lake is by a kayak or a canoe. You can paddle around the lake at your own pace, enjoying the scenery and solitude that the park has to offer. Don’t have a kayak or a canoe of your own? No problem; rentals are available at the park. You can choose to rent a canoe, a single or double kayak and even a stand-up paddle board or a pedal boat. There is a one-hour minimum for rentals, however you can rent for two hours should you seek more time on the water.
During your visit to Alice Lake Provincial Park, take some time to explore one or more of the park’s 10 hiking trails. Each trail has something different to offer and level of difficulty varies. For example, the Four Lakes Trail is 6km(3.7 miles) long and loops around all four of the park’s lakes. To access the trail, park at the Stump Lake parking lot or the Alice Lake south beach area. As you walk along the trail you will encounter a variety of trees, including Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar as well as a variety of birds (warblers, Stellar’s jay and chickadees, for example). You may even come across a box turtle relaxing in the sun. No matter which trail you choose, be sure to remain on the trail for your safety as well as to preserve the park.
