Lake Lovely Water

Sept 11-12, 2021

Lake Lovely Water is a large lake in the Tantalus mountains. It can be accessed by two different methods: helicopter or hiking in via the steep 5km Lake Lovely Water trail. While hiking in seems easy, there's a catch. In order to access the trailhead, you have to cross the Squamish River (via canoe or boat). Patrick Lewis and his crew from Squamish First Nation can take people across for $50 per person (must call 604-898-9107 to book). Parking is available at the river.

My friends and I decided to take the helicopter across which departs from the Squamish Heliport. It's not cheap - $200 per person. It is a very fun experience though. The ride is short - only 5 minutes.

My and my friends before taking off for Lake Lovely Water

The helicopter dropped us off at the sandpit camping area on the south side of the lake. We had a 1km hike to reach the campsite on the eastern side. There are tent pads (non-bookable) and a hut. The hut must be reserved and paid for in advance and is for groups only.

Lake Lovely Water and the Tantalus peaks and glaciers from the sandpit camping area

Tantalus Hut. Reservable only

Lake Lovely Water from the campsite. Absolutely gorgeous reflections and colours.

My friends and I went exploring around the lake. We went over to Lambda Lake and the meadows surrounding it. In the talus, I saw my very first pika. They are adorable.

I was apparently really excited to cross a suspension bridge

Looking down on Lake Lovely Water from the Lambda Lake trail

Lambda Lake. Alpha Mountain and the glacier can just be seen above it.

The next day, a friend and I went back to the sandpit camping area and went exploring in the Niobe Meadows. We climbed the rocky slopes following a creek and found a small tarn.

The beautiful blue of Lake Lovely Water from the trail that goes around the south end of the lake. The bright colour is due to the cold temperatures.

Niobe Meadows south of Lake Lovely Water

Exploring the granite slabs above the meadows

Looking back on Lake Lovely Water from above Niobe Meadows

Found a beautiful little tarn above Niobe Meadows

My group only stayed one night. We were meant to stay the entire second day but the weather was due to get completely socked in and so our only chance of making it out was in the morning. We had to quickly pack up our stuff and go to the helicopter landing spot above the hut.

Next time, I'll do some scrambling and peak bagging of the Tantalus mountains.