Hiking in Nun Lake: trails, map and practical info

Nun Lake is a backcountry destination tucked into the Vancouver Coast Mountains of British Columbia. It sits in a region known for dramatic landscapes — dense coastal forest, rugged ridgelines, and the kind of quiet that's hard to find closer to the city. Whether you're planning an overnight trip or scouting it out for a future adventure, Nun Lake rewards those willing to put in the effort to reach it.

The Setting

The lake itself is the centerpiece of the experience. Surrounded by old-growth and second-growth forest typical of the Coast Mountains, the water reflects the peaks and treeline in a way that makes the effort of getting there feel immediately worthwhile. The terrain in this part of British Columbia transitions from dense lower-elevation forest to more open subalpine zones as you gain elevation, giving hikers a genuine sense of moving through different worlds on a single outing.

The Vancouver Coast Mountains region is one of BC's most accessible wilderness corridors, yet it still holds pockets of genuine backcountry character. Nun Lake falls into that category — not a frontcountry picnic spot, but not an extreme mountaineering objective either. It occupies that sweet spot that experienced day hikers and overnight backpackers both appreciate.

What to Expect on the Trail

The route to Nun Lake follows a forested approach before opening up as you get closer to the lake. Trail conditions in this part of the Coast Mountains can vary significantly depending on the season — early season often means wet, rooty, and potentially snow-covered terrain at higher elevations, while late summer and fall typically offer the most stable and enjoyable conditions underfoot.

Navigation is generally straightforward for hikers with basic trail experience, but the backcountry nature of the area means you should come prepared. Trails in this region don't always have the same level of signage or maintenance as more popular provincial park routes, so carrying a map and knowing how to use it is a smart habit here.

Flora and Wildlife

The forest along the way to Nun Lake is characteristic of the wet coastal ecosystem — expect western red cedar, Douglas fir, and hemlock in the lower sections, with the vegetation shifting as elevation increases. Mosses, ferns, and devil's club are common companions in the shadier, wetter stretches of trail.

Wildlife in the Vancouver Coast Mountains is diverse. Black bears are present throughout the region, so standard bear awareness practices apply — make noise on the trail, carry bear spray, and store food properly if you're camping. Deer, marmots, and a variety of bird species are also commonly spotted in this type of terrain.

Camping and Overnight Options

Nun Lake is well-suited as a backpacking destination. The lake area provides a natural base for an overnight stay, allowing you to explore the surrounding terrain at a slower pace than a day trip permits. If you're planning to camp, come self-sufficient — this is not a developed campground with infrastructure. Leave No Trace principles are especially important in sensitive subalpine lake environments like this one.

Water from the lake and surrounding streams is generally available, but always treat backcountry water before drinking, regardless of how clean it looks.

Getting There

Access to Nun Lake is via the road and trail network in the Vancouver Coast Mountains area of British Columbia. Road conditions leading to trailheads in this region can range from well-maintained paved routes to rougher forestry roads that benefit from a higher-clearance vehicle. It's worth checking current conditions before heading out, particularly in spring when roads may still be recovering from winter.

Parking at the trailhead is typically informal, as is common with many backcountry access points in this part of BC. Arrive early on weekends during peak season to secure a spot.

Planning Your Visit

• Best season: Late summer and early fall offer the most reliable trail conditions and the best chance of clear weather for views at the lake.
• Bear awareness: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise in dense bush sections.
• Water: Treat all backcountry water sources before drinking.
• Navigation: Bring a map and compass or a downloaded offline GPS track. Cell service is unreliable in the backcountry.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Camp on durable surfaces and keep a clean camp.
• Weather: The Coast Mountains are known for rapid weather changes. Layers and rain gear are essential regardless of the forecast.

Who It's For

Nun Lake suits hikers who are comfortable with backcountry travel and self-sufficiency. It's not the place for a first-ever wilderness outing, but it's also not out of reach for fit, prepared hikers with some trail experience under their belts. The reward — a remote lake in one of BC's most scenic mountain regions — is the kind of payoff that keeps people coming back to the Coast Mountains year after year.

If you're looking for a destination that feels genuinely removed from the everyday without requiring technical mountaineering skills, Nun Lake delivers exactly that.