Hiking Inland Lake Provincial Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Inland Lake Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.7 Appreciated by 34 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
14 km
Elevation
30 ft
Duration
3h30

Explore a 13.5 km wheelchair-accessible loop around a pristine mountain lake in the Vancouver Coast Mountains, just 90 minutes north of Vancouver. This easy, 3.5-hour trail welcomes all abilities while delivering authentic coastal forest scenery and frequent wildlife encounters.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Inland Lake Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Walking the Inland Lake Trail feels like stepping into a living postcard of coastal British Columbia. The path winds through towering stands of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar, their canopy creating a natural cathedral overhead. Shafts of sunlight filter through the branches, illuminating patches of ferns and moss that carpet the forest floor in brilliant green.

The trail stays close to the shoreline for much of the loop, offering constantly changing perspectives of the lake's clear waters. You'll cross several small bridges over creeks that feed into the lake, each providing a moment to pause and listen to the gentle sound of flowing water. The lake itself stretches out like a mirror on calm days, reflecting the surrounding peaks and forest in perfect detail.

The trail is characterized by gentle terrain and minimal elevation changes, making it perfect for taking your time, whether you're photographing wildlife, enjoying a lakeside picnic, or simply soaking in the mountain atmosphere. Most hikers complete the full loop in about three and a half hours, though the accessible design means you can easily turn back at any point if you prefer a shorter outing.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Haslam St, British Columbia V0N 2G0, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.920096, -124.4816475
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the inland lake provincial park is to drive there. The park is located about an hour and a half north of Vancouver, British Columbia.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.920096, -124.4816475
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
18 Reviews
J
Jennifer
Mar 10, 2026
A photographer's paradise with exceptional opportunities during golden hour. The calm lake surface creates mirror-like reflections of surrounding mountains and forest. Wooden viewing platforms and boardwalk sections offer excellent vantage points for capturing wildlife, including osprey and waterfowl. Spring season brings wildflowers and migrating birds that enhance the visual appeal.
E
Emma
Dec 5, 2025
Transforms into a magical winter wonderland when snow-covered. The frozen landscape creates stunning visual contrasts with the partially iced lake. Wildlife tracks and forest sounds enhance the experience during quieter months. Warming facilities along the route provide essential rest stops, though microspikes are recommended for safety on potentially icy sections.
D
David
Dec 3, 2025
Excellent winter destination for snowshoeing! The trail transforms into a magical wonderland with snow-covered trees reflecting in the partially frozen lake. We spotted deer tracks and heard woodpeckers throughout our journey. The warming huts provide perfect rest stops. Remember to bring microspikes even for the main trail as it can get icy.
D
David
Nov 28, 2025
A straightforward and well-maintained loop with excellent packed gravel surface throughout. Interpretive signage provides educational context about local ecology and Indigenous heritage. The trail is notably busy during weekends, making weekday visits more peaceful. While entrance fees apply, the accessibility and quality of the experience justify the cost for most visitors.
S
Sarah
Nov 15, 2025
Completed the full 13km loop in about 3.5 hours with several photo stops. The gravel path is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it perfect for families. We encountered lots of frogs along the shoreline and enjoyed swimming at multiple beach access points. The boardwalks over marshy areas were highlights. Just be aware that some bridges need repair work - we had to take a short detour near the campground.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
30.00 m
3h30
No
No
The main trail at Inland Lake Provincial Park takes approximately 3h30 to complete. This duration is based on the 13.5 km distance and easy difficulty level, though actual time may vary depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the scenery.
The elevation gain on the Inland Lake Provincial Park trail is 30 m, making it a very gentle hike suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. This minimal elevation change contributes to the easy difficulty rating of the trail.
Yes, Inland Lake Provincial Park is an excellent choice for beginners and families, as it is rated as an easy difficulty hike with only 30 m of elevation gain. The 13.5 km distance and 3h30 duration are manageable for most visitors with basic fitness levels.
The trail at Inland Lake Provincial Park is 13.5 km in length. Combined with the easy difficulty rating and minimal elevation gain, this makes it an accessible option for a half-day outdoor adventure.
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Update : June 2026