Comments

Sue M from Port Coquitlam writes:

Nice easy trail. Be aware it is now pay parking but the machines don’t take cash or credit cards. You need data to access the internet in order to pay. Very inconvenient

Posted: June 2, 2024 08:38:25 AM PST

Sue O'Keeffe from Vancouver writes:

Great hike with beautiful scenery. It was petty muddy so hiking boots were a must. Just after we arrived at the lake a mist started moving across it. We will go back for sure!

Posted: January 31, 2021 08:33:52 PM PST

Jessica from Vancouver writes:

Did this trail on a Tuesday afternoon and it was not busy on the way to the lake, but saw more groups on the way back down. The lake was so quiet and peaceful, such a nice spot to chat with your friends and have some snacks. The trail was not difficult but some areas were muddy, however it did rain a little the morning of. I read a lot of reviews about it being an on-leash trail for dogs, however we saw many dogs that were off-leash. Our group didn't mind, but would probably skip this trail if you're not a fan of dogs. Hiking boots not necessary, we were fine with our regular shoes.

Posted: June 27, 2020 03:22:35 PM PST

Bryan from Vancouver writes:

Hiked up to Whyte Lake this afternoon. The trail was in good condition and it looks like they have built a new dock since I was last here a few years ago. Walked around to the far end of the lake before heading back down. Ran into a few people and a larger group starting out just before I got back to the parking lot but it was not crowded on a Monday.

Posted: June 1, 2020 05:20:30 PM PST

Ethan from Vancouver writes:

Hiked 26th May 2019. The trails in good condition even after heavy rainfall the day before. Some exposed roots/rocks leading to uneven ground. That being said hiking boots are not essential just take your time over the rough parts.

Took me 30 mins up moving at a decent pace and 25 down. It’s a very gradual gradient after the initial push up from the car park.

Dog friendly trail (on leash), if you have a phobia of dogs this may not be the one for you. Lots of puppers on the way up and at the lake.

Posted: May 26, 2019 06:32:54 PM PST

Ross from Vancouver writes:

Lovely local hike... BUT don't do right now and likely for a few weeks as the last two-thirds of the hike is a sheet of ice. Give it until mid to late March.

Posted: March 2, 2019 07:36:02 PM PST

Tom from Lions bay writes:

A nice short hike for those who are looking for a first hike. The main attraction is the forest and the streams. Very nice.

The lake is a small pond and although there is a sign saying it’s not suitable sor swimming I saw lots of kids in it. the trail is well maintained. The whole hike is in shade so great for hot days. At the end of the parking lot is a big container for dog owners to bring their doggie poop bags instead of leaving them all over the place something I noticed a lot. But even worse are the jerks who ignore on “Leash only” signs and don’t pick up their dog crap. As a result you’ve got to watch your step!

Posted: August 6, 2018 08:20:28 AM PST

Paul Van Buekenhout from North Vancouver writes:

We wanted to find the Old Highway Bridge, but we were going to access the trail from another point when we discovered the parking lot for the Whyte Lake trail. We quickly found what we were looking for, therefore, we decided to continue on the trail, and glad we did! This was in April, so lots water from melting of the snow pack. For photographers there are lots of photo opportunities, therefore, it took awhile to get to the lake, but about 45 minutes to get back to the parking lot. It was very enjoyable!

Posted: July 22, 2018 09:07:42 AM PST

Claudia from W. Vancouver writes:

Bear and 2 cubs grazing at trail head June 3/18. Many people were trying to get photos or a better look by moving toward the mother bear - despite her close proximity....... I'm not sure they understand how quickly a bear can move and their unpredictable nature especially with cubs!

Posted: June 4, 2018 01:17:35 PM PST

Nick D. from Vancouver writes:

I thought this was a sweet little hike. Trail was a bit muddy, as expected with the rain. Lot's of lush greenery and some nice movement of the stream along some mini falls. For the comments below about wishing for a rebuilt dock, it is supposed to be complete this week per signage there (and pic).

Posted: April 29, 2018 10:15:41 PM PST

Carol from Richmond writes:

It's a relatively easy trail, and my 7-year-old and 11-year-old did it within 2 hours after our hiking at Wyhtecliff park! Each trail is quite easy and short so we combined the two trails in one day. The forest was nice in a sunny autumn day, dry and shady, with golden leaves shining above. The bridge on the lake was kinda under water so we didn't get on the bridge, but we saw someone just took off his shoes and walked in water on the bridge, then dived into the lake! Haha, maybe that's the better way of enjoying the surrounding.

Posted: October 30, 2017 10:25:40 AM PST

Eric from Richmond writes:

Sept. 17 - I have been on most hikes and this one might be the most beautiful. Lush green rainforest throughout. Just might be the perfect hike for a first date. There is one particular rock along the way who didn't look too happy. I have included his picture.
The lake is nothing spectacular but it is home to very aggressive ducks. They will jump on the wharf and clamp their bills on your finger if they think you have food. Bring snacks.
The hike itself is easy but there is a way to make it harder ( up to a moderate level)
When you reach the lake, continue forward to the outhouse and you will see a sign that directs you to the Baden Powell trail. Continue on and you will see another sign for the Old Helipad Trail. Turn left to take this unsanctioned, rarely used, but well marked trail. You will see the old helipad at the highest point and climb down quite a lot of rocks on the way down. It will loop right back to your original starting point at the water tower. Enjoy!

Posted: September 18, 2017 04:32:37 PM PST

crossover from Vancouver, BC writes:

We arrived on Victoria Day (May 22, 2017) at 10:30am with the gravel parking lot almost full. This was not surprising as the weather was perfect. The lot could park around 25-30 cars (bigger than i have expected).

The trail was easy and relaxing once you enter the forest. We heard bear howling a couple times around the TransCanada Trail junction. We hesitated to proceed but seeing so many other hikers along the trail, we decided to keep going and fortunately we did not encounter any bear.

The lake is quite nice although it is small. The dock is partly submerged in water and your feet will get wet if you want to walk all the way out to the end. There is not a lot of open area around the lake where you can sit down and enjoy a break. We ate our snack quickly and headed back down to our car.

We like the trail nevertheless as it is very accessible and gives us a nice quick workout.

Posted: May 22, 2017 11:24:10 PM PST

Lion Tamer from Vancouver writes:

Walked on March 17th, the day was clear, a nice break from a week or so of rain.

This was a great hike! The trail is very well maintained for this time of year. The few muddy sections had stumps laid down which worked very well. The scenery is quite and peaceful, we only saw two others on the trail.

The lake at the end is quite nice, but the dock was completely flooded. Perhaps it gets better when the lake is lower in the summer. It also lacks any sort of lakefront area to stretch out a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

Highly recommend for those wanting a relaxing hike close to the city without too many people. Those looking to spend a full day at the lake should try elsewhere.

Posted: March 17, 2017 03:24:56 PM PST

Gonzalo Valdes from New Westminster writes:

Does anyone know how to get there by bus or something like that?

Posted: December 17, 2016 12:51:27 PM PST

patrick from surrey writes:

Hey Maria, Yes you can swim in the lake, but it's cold for sure. You access the water from a very small slightly submerged dock. Most people don't lazy around in the lake as you get cold fast. Mostly a jump in swim for a bit and try to warm up in the sun kinda swimming lake. I'm told it warms up in the summer months, but I'm not 100% sure of this rumour. Have fun and swim often!

Posted: September 9, 2016 09:10:44 AM PST

Davy from West Van writes:

Beautiful. Really, how you can give it less than 5 stars?
Wish they would fix the dock.

Posted: July 31, 2016 11:46:18 AM PST

Maria from Surrey writes:

Hi,

Just wanted to ask if the lake is suitable for swimming? Thanks !

Posted: June 4, 2016 12:49:49 AM PST

patrick from surrey writes:

Monday April 25th hiked this with my sister. It's great fairly easy hike, at the start it is a big steep so take it easy and do some stretching breaks. The dock is small and with 6-7 people feels a bit crowded - can't imagine on a nice weekend. But the water, although cold, was so refreshing.... If you're into geocaching someone has placed 3 easy ones enroute, again makes for a nice stretch and rest break.
Time up to lake 60 minutes and 40 back down. Little parking lot almost full at 11am on a Monday - 15 cars? Just thinking how busy it might be on a weekend. I love this hike and will be going back soon.

Posted: April 28, 2016 12:18:06 PM PST

Dog owner from Lower mainland writes:

The hike was great except for all the little kids making so much noise and running around....
Also, it's terrifying to have a 4 year old run up and lunge at you when you're only A gentle dog tied up on a leash completely restrained and able to get away, like you are there for the kids amusement, some type of play thing. Stop letting your kids harass our dogs!

Posted: April 9, 2016 12:40:52 PM PST

Imke from Vancouver writes:

My friend and I hiked the trail yesterday. We continued all the way up to Cypress Mountain Ski Area via Eagle Bluffs (highly recommendable, if you like a nice workout and a tiny bit of scrambling). The hike to Whyte Lake is really nice, especially due to the beautiful forest.
For everyone who doesn`t have a car: the trail is easily accessible by bus. Just catch the bus #250 to Horseshoe Bay and get off at Cranley Dr.
If you continue to Eagle Bluffs/Black Mountain in summer, you will need to head back the same way, since buses from Cypress only run in winter.

Posted: February 22, 2016 01:33:58 PM PST

Sheila from West Vancouver writes:

The forest is beautiful as mentioned before but it's hard to enjoy when you're constantly avoiding dog poop and dogs off-leash. Dog owners - please leash up on this section of the trail and pack out the poop. Those are the rules for a sensible and courteous reason! You and your dog are not the exception... Also, it's terrifying to have a large dog run up and lunge at you when you're only 4-years old and half the dogs size. Stop letting your dogs harass our kids.

Posted: February 15, 2016 04:18:57 PM PST

Taylor from Vancouver writes:

Nice, easy, scenic hike. As mentioned, the dock was almost inaccessible under water. We took a different trail behind the first water reservoir that we came to from the parking lot, which added maybe 40 minutes and some challenge to the start of the hike. Once we came upon a road we followed it to the left to reconnect with the Whyte Lake trail.

Posted: November 3, 2015 06:18:21 PM PST

Brian and Stella from Vancouver writes:

Nice trail through the beautiful trees. Loved the sound of the creek once away from the highway noise. Will do it again.

Posted: August 26, 2015 03:47:38 PM PST

Shan from New Westminster writes:

Nice trail, close to the city. We got there around 2pm and the parking lot was half empty. The only thing I don't like about this trail is that there was quite a bit of dog poop along the trail so watch where your step.

Posted: August 17, 2015 09:01:05 AM PST

Mark from Vancouver writes:

Nice hike close to Vancouver (July 5, 2015). Bit of a slog up the gravel road, but it doesn't go on too long. Trail past the road is very nice, with large trees in a pleasant forest.

Lake is a bit of a disappointment - only real access is a dock, that was overrun with people. Go for the hike through the forest, and consider it a bonus if the lake is peaceful when you get there.

As you'd expect this close to Vancouver, the parking lot was full, and there were a lot of people on the trail.

Posted: July 5, 2015 03:24:28 PM PST

Rob Ellis from Vancouver writes:

This hike is a hidden Gem, and as the other comments allude, the lake is not terribly accessible. You can get in from the dock or a small entry on the far side.

The beauty is in the hike up along the creek and past a small grove of Duglas Furs.

This hike can also be done as a loop, but pay extra attention, after you cross the boardwalks and get to the junction (near the outhouse) Right to Eagle Bluffs (Cypress parking lot) Left to Horseshoe bay and loop.

We walked right past the turn off to back to Whyte Parking lot and all the way back down to Horseshoe bay, if you find yourself in this position, it might be easier to get a cab or walk all the way back to the lake.

We were able to find a skid trail along the north side of 99 that turned into a little more than a dear trail and went up the hill and eventually to the power lines. Once under the power lines it winds over the ridge and to a power line junction. Right back to the Whyte parking lot, and left to Whyte lake. (and the correct junction)

When all was said and done, we clocked 11.5KM and added an extra 2hrs.

Have fun, plan ahead and bring extra water.

Posted: June 14, 2015 06:58:11 PM PST

Melissa from New Westminster writes:

Great short 'easy' hike to start the year off or to go with less fit friends. Beautiful narrow canyon that is super green, makes you feel like you're in a Lord of the Ring forest.

I've been a few times but yesterday, June 1st 2015 about half way from the TCT junction to the lake we heard a bear vocalizing ahead of us. We did not investigate, but it was not amicable noises, more like 'woofing' or a growl. Whyte Creek was just a trickle of water.

Posted: June 2, 2015 07:43:42 AM PST

Landon from North Shore writes:

An awesome easy hike and great swim spot in the summer. Beavers are active here and have risen the water level along the dock, so prepare to get your feet wet if you want to really enjoy the lake. If you come in the evening, & hike out after sunset, you will usually see the beaver doing laps, but be smart about hiking out at night, don't do it alone, and bring lights. The hike can be accessed from horseshoe bay, or the westport parking lot next to the highway. The hike from the bay is quicker, but much steeper, and not as scenic. It's becoming more and more popular of a hike, but a much better option than the overly popular Quarry rock...Why do people go there?

Posted: October 28, 2014 10:54:47 AM PST

John from Bunting writes:

Nice hike. Lake is tea colored and not particularly accessible. Go for the hike, not for the lake.

Posted: August 12, 2014 11:27:02 AM PST

spudwil from North Vancouver writes:

Actually, there are toilet facilities at Whyte Lake. There is an outhouse along the trail just west of the lake, complete with toilet paper and a view. Also of note, the lake is flooded at the moment and it is a bit tricky to walk out on to the dock due to parts of it being under water. Apparently, this is due to the work of beavers who have managed to dam up the outflow. Still, a nice hike.

Posted: July 22, 2014 01:07:51 PM PST