Best Places To Go For A Dip

Best Places To Go For A Dip

There’s nothing so satisfying on a warm summer day as going for a swim. Squamish has some of the best swimming lakes in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Here are some of our favourites.

What to Expect

• Reduced parking is in effect at most Squamish lakes. When possible, plan your visit at non-peak hours to ensure you get a parking spot. Squamish tends to be busiest from 10am - 2pm.
• Please pack out what you pack in. Never litter or leave garbage behind, and do not leave food out.
• Obey all signage in regards to water safety, fire bans, and respectful recreation.

Drive-In Access

Photo: D'Arcy McLeish, Browning Lake

Browning Lake (Murrin)

Browning Lake is located in Murrin Provincial Park approximately ten minutes south of Squamish right beside Highway 99. The lake is warm with several small beach areas scattered around its perimeter.  Browning Lake offers swimming, picnicking, fishing and a nice walking trail around the lake. Visitors should keep in mind this is one of Squamish's most popular parks for activities such as hiking and rock climbing, so the parking fills up fast!
 

Brohm Lake

Just north of Squamish along Highway 99, Brohm Lake is nestled in some of the oldest forests in Squamish and offers a great place to spend the day in the water. There are lots of rock outcroppings, cliffs and even a couple of rope swings dotted around the lake. The water is clear and warm, especially in late August and early September, when the warm summer sun has been on it for a few months. Parking is limited, weekdays are the best time to plan your visit. 
 

Alice Lake

Alice Lake Provincial Park is about ten minutes north of Squamish just off Highway 99 and is a fantastic lake for a swim. It has a nice sandy beach, swimming docks and is the perfect temperature to take a dip. Surrounded by a great campground, there are kayak and SUP rentals available onsight through Sea to Sky Parks, rental hours and fees can be viewed here. This is a real family-friendly lake, and on warm summer days, it’s a great place to bring the kids- it even features a nearby playground!

Cat Lake

Cat Lake is a beautiful oasis in north Squamish, perfect for a refreshing swim. Accessible via Cat Lake Road just off the Sea to Sky Highway, the lake features parking and picnic areas (as well as camping), making it ideal for families and groups. The water quality is excellent for swimming, with clear, cool waters inviting visitors to enjoy a dip on hot summer days. Additionally, Cat Lake is popular for paddleboarding and kayaking. Cat Lake gets very busy and has been temporarily closed in the past due to aggressive bear activity, please check with Sites and Trails BC for more information.

Please be advised that travellers headed Southbound after their visit are NOT PERMITTED to take a left hand turn onto HWY 99 from the Forest Service Road. Drivers MUST turn right to head northbound on HWY 99 for 300m, then turn left into Brohm Lake Day Use Parking Lot to turn around and rejoin Highway 99 South. This is for everyone's safety!

Levette Lake

Tucked in the Paradise Valley just north of Squamish, Levette Lake is a hidden gem for those up for a bit of adventure. A high-clearance 4×4 is required to navigate the rocky logging road leading to a compact parking area. From the lot, it’s a short walk (300 m) to the shore, where clear, calm waters beckon swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers, and there’s even a fun little island or rock to swim to. Facilities here are minimal—pit toilets, a few garbage bins, and a rustic campground operated by Sites and Trails BC. The lake’s compact footprint means it can feel crowded on sunny weekends, but its mountain-backed serenity and great water quality make it a worthwhile dip for locals and visitors alike. Just be bear-aware, pack out your trash, and respect the nearby private cabins.

Air Access Swimming Holes

Photo: Sea to Sky Air, Phantom Lake

Phantom Lake 

Enjoy a private floatplane tour, personal pilot, and the only way to access a scenic, untouched alpine beach high in the peaks of the coast mountains. The exclusivity of air accessed swimming means you can enjoy the lake all to yourself. You can swim around the beach or dive off the floatplane in this truly unique experience only available through Sea to Sky Air.
 

Lake Lovely Water

Land via helicopter to access Lake Lovely Water. Located in the heart of Tantalus Provincial Park, Lake Lovely Water sits in a subalpine cirque at the foot of Alpha, Omega and Serratus Mountain. From the lake, you can see up close the legendary mountains most only glimpse from the highway. Once you land, you can jump off the dock of the lake or borrow a rowboat and plunge off in the middle of the lake. 

Air access Lake Lovely Water trips are available through Blackcomb Helicopters and Black Tusk Helicopters Inc. Boat access to the trailhead is also available through Squamish Watersports.
 

Ocean Swimming

Photo: Sasha McGrenera, Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Squamish is perched on Howe Sound, and there are multiple options for saltwater swimming. Brittania Beach, Seal Cove and Porteau Cove Provincial Park all offer cool ocean swimming at its finest. It’s not uncommon to be approached by seals at any of these locations so keep a lookout for those friendly little guys when you’re in the water. The new Sp’akw’us Feather Park is located near downtown Squamish and features an oceanfront public beach as well as grassy areas and playground.

Please remember to use our parks and lakes responsibly and leave it better than what you found it so others can enjoy.

Lake Etiquette Tips

• Set up in designated areas only, leave space for others
• Keep your belonging secure so nothing blows away, it can be windy at times  
• Obey all posted signage and notifications in regards to fire restrictions and water safety
• If dogs are permitted, keep your dog on leash and pick up their waste
• ALWAYS pack out everything you pack in. Never litter or leave waste outside of full bins- take it with you!
• Do not leave food out- even if you're just popping into the water to swim
• Keep music and noise to a minimum, it's respectful of your neighbours who also want to enjoy the area