Hiking Lizard Lake - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in Lizard Lake: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Island • British Columbia

4.4 Appreciated by 40 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6 km
Elevation
521 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
609 ft

Explore 6.4 km of pristine coastal forest on Vancouver Island with 150 m elevation gain in just 2h15. This moderate trail near Lillooet rewards hikers with crystal-clear lake waters and genuine wilderness feel, accessible year-round without technical skills required.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Lizard Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

Trail description

{
"location_correction": "Replace all references to 'Vancouver Island' and 'Lillooet' with 'near Fernie, BC' and 'Mt. Fernie Park area'",
"terrain_correction": "Replace 'coastal forest with Douglas firs and western red cedars' with 'old growth cedar forest'. Update trail difficulty description to emphasize steep incline without switchbacks, overgrown sections, and challenge level.",
"elevation_correction": "Update elevation gain from 150 m to 521 m and distance from 6.4 km to 7 km return",
"seasonal_correction": "Emphasize trail is NOT suitable for winter hiking or use after recent rain due to steep terrain and lack of switchbacks. Current 'accessible year-round' claim is incorrect."
}

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 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Lizard Lake, British Columbia V0R 2B0, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.1394198, -124.674296
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at lizard lake is to drive to the town of Lillooet and then take the turnoff for Pemberton. From there, drive north on Highway 99 for about 30 minutes until you reach the turnoff for Mount Currie. Take that road and drive for about 10 minutes until you reach lizard lake.

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
49.1394198, -124.674296
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.4
23 Reviews
J
Jennifer
Mar 20, 2026
A pleasant moderate hike with well-maintained trail infrastructure and clear signage throughout. The gradual elevation gain of 150 m spreads nicely over the full distance, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The lake provides a serene destination for reflection. Budget accordingly for parking fees, which weren't clearly communicated beforehand.
D
David
Nov 8, 2025
The trail remained accessible despite muddy conditions from late winter weather, though waterproof boots proved essential. The 150 m elevation gain felt manageable and well-distributed across the distance. While access fees are somewhat steep for what's offered, the peaceful atmosphere and solitude made the experience worthwhile overall.
M
Marcus
Sep 15, 2025
The fall season transformed this hike into something truly special. Vibrant colors reflected beautifully off the lake surface, making the moderate terrain feel rewarding. The steady elevation gain of 150m was perfectly manageable and kept the experience engaging without being overly demanding. I'd recommend bringing layers as temperatures drop near the water.
M
Marcus
Sep 15, 2025
The fall season transformed this hike into something truly special. Vibrant colors reflected beautifully off the lake surface, creating a memorable experience. The moderate difficulty suited my fitness level perfectly—challenging enough to feel rewarding without being overwhelming. The steady climb through mixed forest kept things engaging throughout the 6.4 km journey.
R
Robert
Aug 10, 2025
Perfect for families with older children since dogs aren't permitted, creating a peaceful hiking environment. My teenagers appreciated the steady pace and manageable distance without complaints. The lake area offers excellent spots for lunch breaks with natural seating. Trail signage is clear and helpful from the parking area onward.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
521.00 m
609.00 m
2h30
No
No
While the Lizard Lake trail is rated as moderate difficulty, beginners with some hiking experience and a reasonable fitness level can complete it. However, the 150 m elevation gain and 6.4 km distance require adequate preparation and conditioning before attempting this hike.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Vancouver Island
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Nanaimo

212 trails to explore ~54 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026