Squamish is full of family-friendly outdoor adventures, and the Four Lakes Trail is a great way to explore. If you’re looking for a fun and scenic hike with little ones, this loop trail is a perfect choice. It offers easy-to-navigate paths, stunning views, and plenty of chances to connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a casual outing, this trail is a fantastic option.
The Four Lakes Trail is in Alice Lake Provincial Park, is just a few minutes drive to the north end of Squamish. This well-maintained loop takes you through peaceful forested areas and past four picturesque lakes. Along the way, you’ll see Alice Lake, Stump Lake, Fawn Lake, and Edith Lake. You can start in either direction, but let me walk you through what to expect at each stop.
The Four Lakes Loop Trail is an easy-to-moderate 6.5 km hike, perfect for families with young kids. The well-marked path has gentle slopes, offering enough variety to keep little hikers engaged without being too challenging. At a steady pace, the loop takes about two hours to complete. With kids stopping to play, explore, and take breaks, it’s best to plan for three hours or more. Your experience will vary depending on where you start, as the lakes appear in a different order.
No matter which direction you take, you’ll encounter serene lake views, towering trees, and the occasional wildlife sighting along the way.
I personally love starting the hike at Stump Lake because it sets the tone for adventure right away. Second in size, Stump Lake is famous for its floating gardens—small islands made of sphagnum moss and a grass-like plant called sedge. These unique formations anchor to fallen logs and slowly extend over the water. They may look sturdy, but they’re incredibly fragile, so be sure to admire them from a distance. True to its name, the lake also features massive stumps just off the trail. These centuries-old, hollowed-out stumps are perfect for kids to climb into, turning them into forts and hideaways. This section of the hike is especially fun for little explorers.
Tucked quietly in the forest, Fawn Lake is the smallest and most overlooked of the four. This peaceful spot is great for families looking for a moment of quiet away from the more popular sections of the trail. Kids love spotting frogs and dragonflies here, making it a delightful little stop.
Edith Lake sits at the back of Alice Lake Provincial Park and is the third-largest on the trail. Bike trails wind all around it, making it a popular stop for local bikers. Many cool off with a quick dip after a ride. While it’s great for a swim, it’s not the best choice for families with small kids. There’s no beach, so getting into the water isn’t as easy as it will be at Alice Lake. The lake’s peaceful setting makes it a nice place to pause for a splash. Despite being on a well-traveled route, Edith Lake feels secluded. It’s a hidden gem within the park.
Alice Lake is the largest of the four lakes and a perfect place to end your hike. With two main beaches, it’s a great spot to relax after your adventure. You can enjoy a picnic, let the kids play in the sand, or take a refreshing swim. The day-use area has picnic tables, bathrooms, and a playground, making it easy to unwind while the kids burn off any remaining energy. The back beach parking lot is also one of the main trailheads for the Four Lakes Loop Trail. If you started here, you’ll finish in a scenic, welcoming spot. For extra fun, rent a canoe or paddleboard to explore the calm waters and make the most of your visit.
The Four Lakes Trail hike is easy, making it a great option for families with young kids. The trail is well-marked, with only a few steeper sections, and overall, it’s manageable at a relaxed pace. If you have a little one with you, consider renting some baby gear for post-hike relaxation. A baby swing rental can help your child nap after a fun-filled day. If you need other essentials, check out our baby equipment rentals.
The hike takes about two to three hours, depending on how often you stop and how fast the little legs in your group move. While mostly flat, there are some uneven areas, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. If you’re hiking in the warmer months, bring sunscreen, water, and snacks to keep everyone fueled.
Alice Lake Provincial Park is a fantastic spot to spend extra time with kids. It has picnic tables, beaches, and plenty of space to relax after the hike. If you’re looking to extend your stay, Alice Lake also offers excellent camping. The campground is popular, so reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak season. With spacious sites, clean facilities, and easy access to the lake and trails, it’s a great place for a family-friendly camping trip. If you’re planning to stay longer, check out the Alice Lake Four Lakes Trail guide for more details.
Where can I find a Four Lakes Trail map?
There are Four Lakes Trail maps located at the start of each of the two trailheads and online through BC Parks’ website. Remember, it’s always a good idea to take a picture of the trail map before you head out. There is also good signage along the trail. Here’s a snapshot though, for your reference.
Where are the Four Lakes Loop Trail heads?
The Four Lakes Loop trailheads are located at the back of the Alice Lake beach day-use parking lot and the other just past the Ranger camping station check-in. If you are planning to park behind Alice Lake by the beach, take the first exit at the roundabout with the Alice Lake sign in the center. If you want to take off from the Stump Lake trailhead, take the second exit at the roundabout.
Where is the Four Lakes Trail parking?
Alice Lake Provincial Park has several parking options, including lots near the main beach and the back beach. Personally, I prefer parking at the far end of the main beach lot for a few key reasons—first and foremost, there’s simply more space. The parking near the Stump Lake trailhead is much more limited. By parking at the main beach, you can take a short walk to start your hike at the Stump Lake trailhead and then finish back at Alice Lake, right where you left the car—perfect for wrapping up with a picnic and a swim.
Can you bike on Four Lakes Trail?
Biking is not allowed on the trail from May 1 to September 15 to ensure a safe and tranquil experience for hikers. There’s lots of great biking just beyond the Four Lakes Trail, though, like Jack’s, Cardrona, Stone Ridge, and Leave of Absence.
Do you need a day pass for Alice Lake?
As of now, a day pass is not required, but it’s always best to check BC Parks for any seasonal updates.
