British Columbia is a province blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, and its lakes are no exception. From crystal-clear mountain lakes to vast freshwater reservoirs, British Columbia’s lakes offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, boat, fish, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, you’re sure to find the perfect lake for you.
1. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most iconic lakes in Canada. Situated in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is known for its breathtaking turquoise waters, which are fed by glaciers. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, making it a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.
Culture
The Lake Louise area is home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Stoney Nakoda First Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today. Visitors can learn about the Stoney Nakoda culture at the interpretive center at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre.
Transportation
Lake Louise is located about 180 kilometers west of Calgary. The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC). From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to reach Lake Louise.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the Lake Louise area, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a historic hotel that offers stunning views of the lake and mountains.
2. Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is another stunning lake located in Banff National Park. The lake is known for its vivid blue waters, which are caused by the reflection of the surrounding mountains. Moraine Lake is a popular destination for hiking, canoeing, and photography.
Culture
The Moraine Lake area is also home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Stoney Nakoda First Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today. Visitors can learn about the Stoney Nakoda culture at the interpretive center at the Moraine Lake Visitor Centre.
Transportation
Moraine Lake is located about 14 kilometers north of Lake Louise. The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC). From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to reach Moraine Lake.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the Moraine Lake area, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The Moraine Lake Lodge is a historic lodge that offers stunning views of the lake and mountains.
3. Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park. The lake is known for its emerald green waters, which are caused by the reflection of the surrounding mountains. Emerald Lake is a popular destination for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Culture
The Emerald Lake area is home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Ktunaxa First Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today. Visitors can learn about the Ktunaxa culture at the interpretive center at the Emerald Lake Visitor Centre.
Transportation
Emerald Lake is located about 25 kilometers west of Lake Louise. The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC). From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to reach Emerald Lake.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the Emerald Lake area, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The Emerald Lake Lodge is a historic lodge that offers stunning views of the lake and mountains.
4. Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The lake is known for its deep blue waters, which are fed by glaciers. Garibaldi Lake is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and camping.
Culture
The Garibaldi Lake area is home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Squamish Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today. Visitors can learn about the Squamish culture at the interpretive center at the Garibaldi Lake Visitor Centre.
Transportation
Garibaldi Lake is located about 70 kilometers north of Vancouver. The closest airport is the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to reach Garibaldi Lake.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the Garibaldi Lake area, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The Garibaldi Lake Campground is a popular option for backpackers and campers.
5. Shuswap Lake
Shuswap Lake is located in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. The lake is known for its warm waters and sandy beaches. Shuswap Lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Culture
The Shuswap Lake area is home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Secwepemc Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today. Visitors can learn about the Secwepemc culture at the interpretive center at the Shuswap Lake Visitor Centre.
Transportation
Shuswap Lake is located about 300 kilometers northeast of Vancouver. The closest airport is the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to reach Shuswap Lake.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the Shuswap Lake area, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The Shuswap Lake Resort and Spa is a popular option for families and couples.
6. Kootenay Lake
Kootenay Lake is located in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. The lake is known for its stunning scenery, which includes snow-capped mountains and lush forests. Kootenay Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping.
Culture
The Kootenay Lake area is home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Ktunaxa First Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today. Visitors can learn about the Ktunaxa culture at the interpretive center at the Kootenay Lake Visitor Centre.
Transportation
Kootenay Lake is located about 400 kilometers east of Vancouver. The closest airport is the Castlegar Airport (YCG). From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or rent a car to reach Kootenay Lake.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available in the Kootenay Lake area, including hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The Kootenay Lake Resort is a popular option for couples and families.
7. Okanagan Lake
Okanagan Lake is located in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. The lake is known for its warm waters and sandy beaches. Okanagan Lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Culture
The Okanagan Lake area is home to a rich Indigenous culture. The Okanagan Nation has lived in the area for centuries, and their traditions and stories are still shared today.
