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Cat Lake

4.5
·186 reviews·, Canada

A stunning glacier-fed lake near Squamish, BC, offering swimming, camping, and a picturesque escape into nature.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and secure a spot

CrowdHigh
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Cat Lake - Image 1

Cat Lake

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and secure a spot

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning glacier-fed lake near Squamish, BC, offering swimming, camping, and a picturesque escape into nature.

4.5
(186 reviews)

"Such a beautiful place, but you have to get there early so you can find a space to camp."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters

Use a vehicle with higher clearance for the unpaved forest service road. 🚗

⏰ Early Bird Gets the Spot

Arrive before 8 AM on weekends to guarantee a campsite or parking. :alarm_clock:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 186 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Glacier Water

Crystal Clear Glacier Water

The lake itself

Immerse yourself in the refreshing, clear waters of Cat Lake, perfect for swimming and dips.

TikTok
Rope Swing Fun

Rope Swing Fun

North East side of the lake

Experience the thrill of the rope swing for an exhilarating jump into the lake.

Reddit
Serene Lakeside Camping

Serene Lakeside Camping

Campgrounds along the shore

Pitch your tent amidst the trees for a peaceful night's sleep by the water.

Reddit
Paddling Paradise

Paddling Paradise

The lake

Enjoy a day on the water with SUPs, kayaks, and floatation devices.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for Prime Spots

Cat Lake is a popular spot, especially on weekends. Arrive early, ideally before 8 AM, to secure a campsite or even a day-use parking spot. The forest service road to the lake can be rough, so a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended if you're concerned about your car. Reddit

Be Prepared for Rustic Amenities

Campsites offer bear caches and outhouses, but bring your own toilet paper. The road to the lake is unpaved for about ten minutes, so be mindful of your vehicle. Dogs are permitted at a specific beach on the southeast corner. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and secure a spot
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
More relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer
Why
Warmest water for swimming
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Is this Canada’s most beautiful lake?
@sebpic_
287.2K likes • 2.6M views

🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters

Use a vehicle with higher clearance for the unpaved forest service road. Reddit 🚗

⏰ Early Bird Gets the Spot

Arrive before 8 AM on weekends to guarantee a campsite or parking. Reddit :alarm_clock:

Cat paddle Fitz - 1.5 years old 8am floats equal a quiet non powerboat lake. Tho..... my talking voice is louder than most people, so I am slightly afraid of what all the other people living around this lake hear at 8am 😂 anyone else get shushed all through school years like I did? Lifejacket by @surfercat Link to boat in bio Second camera @aldredpotter #watercat #beachcat #swimmingcat #catboat #c...
@fitzcapades
184.7K likes • 1.7M views
A very simple moment. But also a moment that made me feel truly happy. Eddy, a mountain lake, wet and dirty clothes and an adventurous story to tell my mother. Happiness is free, it’s within all of us. It’s in the moment of now. And all it asks in return is that you are here — not lost in what was or what might be, but rooted in the miracle of now. The simple moments are what makes you happy. An...
peter_mai_
723.3K likes • 5.6M views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach

Dogs are welcome at the designated beach on the southeast corner. Reddit 🐕

🥾 Pack Your Essentials

Bring your own toilet paper and any other personal items needed. Reddit 🚽

found my dream home location 🏞️ . #cinematic #Hiking #britishcolumbia #squamish #canada #meadow #beautifulbritishcolumbia #brandywinemeadows #vancouverlife #fyp #davinci #colorgrading #videography #sonyalpha #nature #mountain
@thebluemars
53.1K likes • 262K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters

Use a vehicle with higher clearance for the unpaved forest service road. Reddit 🚗

⏰ Early Bird Gets the Spot

Arrive before 8 AM on weekends to guarantee a campsite or parking. Reddit :alarm_clock:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach

Dogs are welcome at the designated beach on the southeast corner. Reddit 🐕

🥾 Pack Your Essentials

Bring your own toilet paper and any other personal items needed. Reddit 🚽

🎣 Fishing Opportunities

Try your luck with fly fishing in the Squamish area. TikTok :fishingpoleand_வத:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(186 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cat Lake is a beloved natural gem offering clear waters for swimming and a serene camping experience. Visitors rave about its beauty and the fun activities like the rope swing and paddling. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, and the need to arrive very early to secure a spot. The unpaved road and strict warden are also points to note. Reddit

"Small lake just minutes from the highway with access via a forest service road. Campsites nestled in the trees along the shore of the lake that include bear cache and outhouses, without toilet paper though. Multiple docks line the lake to provide easy access to the steep lake shore. Rope swing on the North East side of the lake. Dogs allowed at one beach at the South East corner of the lake. Lots of people using floatation devices, SUPs and kayaks."

Christian Johannsen

"Such a beautiful place, but u have to get there early so you can find a space to camp, If they run out of spaces you’ll have to leave, you can stay for the day but at night u might leave"

Halibaa Nolasco

"It's a beautiful and cozy place, but the road from the exit to the lake is not paved, it's about a ten-minute drive."

Naghmeh Dh

What People Like

Beautiful clear water
Peaceful camping
Fun rope swing

What People Dislike

Crowded on weekends
Strict warden
Rough access road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cat Lake is approximately a 2-hour drive from Vancouver. The final stretch involves a forest service road that is unpaved for about ten minutes. It's recommended to use a vehicle with higher clearance if you're concerned about scraping the bottom. Reddit

Yes, there are two parking lots accessible via forest service roads. Arriving early is crucial, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Reddit

No, the road from the highway exit to Cat Lake is not paved and is about a ten-minute drive. Reddit

While many visitors manage with regular cars, a vehicle with higher clearance is advisable due to the unpaved forest service road. Avoid low-clearance vehicles if you're worried about damage. Reddit

A 4x4 is not strictly necessary, but a vehicle with good ground clearance will make the drive on the forest service road more comfortable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no explicit entry fee mentioned, but parking and camping spots are limited and can fill up quickly. It's best to arrive early to secure your place. Reddit

Cat Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours for day use, and campsites are available for overnight stays. It's a natural area, so hours are typically dictated by daylight and campground availability. Reddit

Yes, camping is available at Cat Lake, with campsites nestled in the trees along the shore. Arriving early is essential to secure a spot, as they can fill up. Reddit

Fire bans are strictly enforced during dry seasons. Be aware of the local warden who patrols the area and enforces rules, sometimes with a stern demeanor. Reddit

For weekend visits, it's highly recommended to arrive before 8 AM to increase your chances of securing a campsite or even a day-use parking spot. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming in the clear, glacier-fed water, sunbathing, paddling with SUPs and kayaks, and even using the rope swing on the northeast side. It's also a great spot for fishing. TikTokReddit

Yes, the lake water is known for being clean and perfect for swimming, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Dogs are permitted at a specific beach located on the southeast corner of the lake. Reddit

Campsites include bear caches and outhouses. There are also multiple docks along the lake for easy access to the water. Reddit

Bring your own toilet paper, as it's not provided in the outhouses. Also, consider bringing floatation devices, kayaks, or SUPs for water activities. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Cat Lake Fishing

The surrounding Squamish area offers opportunities for fishing, including fly fishing. While specific fishing reports for Cat Lake itself aren't detailed, it's a natural lake in a region known for its angling. TikTok

The Squamish region is known for various freshwater species. It's advisable to check local fishing regulations and guides for specific species found in lakes like Cat Lake. TikTok

Yes, a valid British Columbia fishing license is required to fish in Cat Lake and surrounding waters. You can obtain one online or from authorized vendors. TikTok

Fishing conditions can vary, but generally, spring and fall offer good opportunities. Summer can be productive, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. TikTok

While specific guides for Cat Lake might be rare, numerous fishing guides operate in the broader Squamish and Sea-to-Sky region. They can offer expertise on local fishing spots and techniques. TikTok

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