Alpine Lakes: Day Trips and Tours from Vancouver

Only a short trip north of Vancouver – the heartbeat of British Columbia – brings you to a region of Canada full of snowy-peaked mountains and crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Here, in the shadows of Mamquam and Whistler, lies a series of breathtaking lakes that welcome travelers with relaxation and adventure opportunities aplenty.

With several different Alpine Lakes day trips from Vancouver available, covering all sorts of adventure activities — from lakeside camping to hiking through the lush forests and swimming in deep blue waters — this Vancouver getaway offers an escape into nature that's sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Here's all you need to know about the Alpine Lakes, one of the most exciting day trips from Vancouver.

How to get to the Alpine Lakes From Vancouver?

The Alpine Lakes can be found all throughout Garibaldi Provincial Park, which lies about 96 kilometers north of Vancouver – the biggest city in Canada's British Columbia province.

The park itself is rather large, however, the main lakes flow around the two specific peaks: Mamquam Mountain at the southern end of the park and Whistler Mountain at the northern end.

From Vancouver to the alpine lakes by car

The drive from Vancouver is a very picturesque one, with the Sea to Sky highway offering stunning views of Howe Sound along the way. Once you reach Squamish, you can take the Mamquam River Forest Service road to explore the southern alpine lakes or continue onto the BC-99 highway to explore further north in Garibaldi National Park.

The entire drive takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and which section you wish to explore.

Guided tour to the alpine lakes From Vancouver

One of the most popular and convenient ways to explore the Alpine Lakes from Vancouver is to book a guided tour. As a hassle-free option, travel is taken care of for you — the tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off in Vancouver. You'll also have a local Canadian guide with you to show you around and share all their knowledge about the lakes, forests and wildlife.

You'll have time to explore all the main attractions of the park, from swimming in one of the many Alpine Lake beaches to spotting local wildlife or discovering hidden waterfalls tucked away in the forest.

What is the typical itinerary?

Although the tours may vary depending on the provider you choose, they share a similar structure. You often have the option to be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Vancouver to be dropped at the Vancouver Seaplane terminal. From there, you'll be taken on a scenic flight over the mountains — and, in summer, you'll be able to land on one of the lake's water, usually accompanies by a boat cruise and a lakeside picnic.

After soaring above the dramatic landscape, you'll be whisked back to Vancouver and dropped off at your accommodation. Throughout the day, you'll be accompanied by a guide and/or pilot, who'll be sure to share their local knowledge and answer any questions you have.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Alpine Lakes?

The main option for those wishing to book an adventure to the Alpine Lakes from Vancouver is to hop on a seaplane tour which will take you to and from Vancouver and allow you to see the glaciers, mountain peaks and lakes from above.

Seaplane tour to Whistler Mountain from Vancouver

On this tour, you'll be whisked away on a 1 to 1.5-hour seaplane flight over the snowy caps of Whistler mountain. Reaching a peak of nearly 2,200 meters high, this mountain — which sits on the northwestern edge of Garibaldi Provincial Park — is both enormous and infamous.

As you'd expect, the scenic flight provides panoramic views of the mountain ranges and alpine lakes. During the summer months, June to September, you'll be able to land on a secret alpine lake for a short cruise and waterside picnic before being returned to Vancouver by day's end.

Seaplane tour to Mamquam Mountain from Vancouver

A seaplane tour to Mamquam Mountain takes you on a one-hour scenic flight above the rugged peaks of lesser-known Mamquam Mountain, which sits on the southernmost end of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

As you glide above its rugged landscape, you'll be able to see hanging glaciers and the 2575-meter-high peak of the mountain. In the summer months, you'll be able to make a landing on the alpine lakes for a moment's pause before continuing your scenic flight that concludes back in Vancouver.

How much does a day trip to the Alpine Lakes from Vancouver cost?

Day trips to the alpine lakes from Vancouver range from US$280 to US$430, depending on the details and itinerary of your tour. A seaplane tour to Mamquam Mountain costs roughly US$280 per person, not including gratuities. You are also usually required to make your own way to the seaplane terminal (which is easily accessed by public transport).

A seaplane tour to Whistler Mountain will cost around US$430 per person, however, this includes hotel pickup and drop-off. For this specific tour, it's worth noting you'll need to bring an extra US$50 if you want your lakeside picnic catered.

What will you see and do?

A journey to the Alpine Lakes from Vancouver will take you on a flight over some of the main mountains in the area, such as Mountain Mamquam or Whistler Mountain, where you will have countless photo opportunities.

Depending on the season, you'll be able to land on one of the many flowing Alpine Lakes and have a waterside picnic to soak up the serene atmosphere with your fellow travelers.

Throughout your journey, you'll also have a knowledgeable guide by your side who will be able to explain the history of the area and share fascinating insights into the many natural features of this slice of British Columbia.

When is the best time to visit the Alpine Lakes?

The provincial park is open to the public year-round and the tours do still run during winter. However, the most popular time to travel is during the summer when the lakes are running — this is when you can cruise on the water, as well as when the hiking trails and picnic spots are much more comfortable.

Travel tips

• Book your Alpine Lakes day trip in advance to avoid missing out, especially during peak periods.
• Bring layers to keep warm. The higher up you go, the colder it can get.
• Remember to pack your camera to snap all the great photo opportunities!