Tantalus Provincial Park
Located north of Squamish, this wild, 113 square kilometre park is packed with Squamish’s most dramatic peaks. The park’s crown jewel is an aptly-named lake called Lake Lovely Water.
At 3,800 feet above sea level, Lake Lovely Water is a serene sub-alpine lake that despite the effort required to reach it, will reward you with 360-degree views of old-growth forests, granite slab mountain ranges and expansive glaciers. The lake is stocked with trout making it a great spot for angling.
Helicopter-assisted hiking, alpine climbing and advanced, spring backcountry skiing are the main activities to be found in the park. Adventurers looking to extend their trips overnight can access the tent pads or book into the Jim Haberl or Tantalus Huts through the Alpine Club of Canada.
Sightseers can also view the massive mountains from the Tantalus lookout 19 kilometres north of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway as well as from other viewpoints around Squamish.
How to get here
Travel west from the Highway onto the road that heads into the Upper Squamish Valley. Turn left at the fork in the road just past the Cheekeye Bridge. Two kilometres past the fork, turn left on the unmarked dirt road. Travel approximately 2 km down this road to the river. The lower portion of this road crosses private property, and permission should be sought to cross from the landowner.
Heli drops are available through Blackcomb Helicopters and Black Tusk Helicopters. Boat access is available through Squamish Watersports.
Things to do
Sightseeing
Sightseers can view the impressive mountains from the Tantalus Lookout, 19 kilometres north of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway. The mountains can also be viewed from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, at Levette Lake and from the Tantalus Viewpoint on the Brohm Lake trail network
Heli and Flight-Seeing
Tours depart daily to fly by the Tantalus Range. On your tour, ask your guide to point out the Rumbling Glacier and Lake Lovely Water for a bird's eye view you won't soon forget. Heli-tours include an optional landing within the park
Helicopter operators: Blackcomb Helicopters and Black Tusk Helicopter Inc.
Flight-seeing operators: Glacier Air and Sea to Sky Air
Hiking
Trail access to Lake Lovely Water is located on the west side of the Squamish River by boat access only. The hike is 6.5 kilometres and takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete. Please note that the trail is both steep and rugged. Good route-finding skills along with appropriate clothing, footwear and gear are essential. Helicopter drop-offs are a popular way to reach the lake and can be booked through Blackcomb Helicopters and Black Tusk Helicopter Inc.
Alpine Climbing
Once in the Tantalus Range, there are numerous options for alpine climbing. The Tantalus Traverse is the most popular climbing trip and should only be undertaken by experienced alpine climbers. Guided trips are available through Altus Mountain Guides, Canada West Mountain School and Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures.
Spring Skiing
During the spring months, advanced backcountry skiing can be accessed from the Jim Haberl Hut. Steep skiing courses and tours are available through Altus Mountain Guides, Canada West Mountain School and Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures
Paddling
Canoes are available for guests staying in the Tantalus Hut at Lake Lovely Water
Useful Information
This is very limited within the park. Cell service can normally be found outside the Jim Haberl Hut and on the emergency helipad at the Tantalus Hut at Lake Lovely Water. Make a plan prior to entering the mountains and do not rely on cellular coverage
Pit toilets are located at the Tantalus Hut at Lake Lovely Water and the Jim Haberl Hut
Must be sourced from creeks and streams, it is advised that you treat or boil your water
Camping is available at Lake Lovely Water on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers should stay on designated tent pads only and use the bear caches provided
A public-use cabin located on the east end of Lake Lovely Water is available from late spring through fall. There is also a hut located in the Lake Lovely Water Wilderness Area. Both are available for reservations through the Alpine Club of Canada
When
Know Before You Go
Be sure to check the BC Parks website for the latest seasonal, trail and park updates.
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