
Cat Lake
A stunning glacier-fed lake near Squamish, BC, offering swimming, camping, and a picturesque escape into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure a spot

Cat Lake
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure a spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning glacier-fed lake near Squamish, BC, offering swimming, camping, and a picturesque escape into nature.
"Such a beautiful place, but you have to get there early so you can find a space to camp."

🚗 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:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 186 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Glacier Water
The lake itself
Immerse yourself in the refreshing, clear waters of Cat Lake, perfect for swimming and dips.

Rope Swing Fun
North East side of the lake
Experience the thrill of the rope swing for an exhilarating jump into the lake.

Serene Lakeside Camping
Campgrounds along the shore
Pitch your tent amidst the trees for a peaceful night's sleep by the water.

Paddling Paradise
The lake
Enjoy a day on the water with SUPs, kayaks, and floatation devices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
Be Prepared for Rustic Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
Dogs are welcome at the designated beach on the southeast corner. 🐕
🥾 Pack Your Essentials
Bring your own toilet paper and any other personal items needed. 🚽
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
Dogs are welcome at the designated beach on the southeast corner. 🐕
🥾 Pack Your Essentials
Bring your own toilet paper and any other personal items needed. 🚽
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Try your luck with fly fishing in the Squamish area. :fishingpoleand_வத:
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there are two parking lots accessible via forest service roads. Arriving early is crucial, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
No, the road from the highway exit to Cat Lake is not paved and is about a ten-minute drive.
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.
A 4x4 is not strictly necessary, but a vehicle with good ground clearance will make the drive on the forest service road more comfortable.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Yes, the lake water is known for being clean and perfect for swimming, especially during warmer months.
Dogs are permitted at a specific beach located on the southeast corner of the lake.
Campsites include bear caches and outhouses. There are also multiple docks along the lake for easy access to the water.
Bring your own toilet paper, as it's not provided in the outhouses. Also, consider bringing floatation devices, kayaks, or SUPs for water activities.
🎫 🎣 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.
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.
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.
Fishing conditions can vary, but generally, spring and fall offer good opportunities. Summer can be productive, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit