If you’ve been curious about the Brohm Lake Hike, you’re not alone. This trail sits high on the list for locals who want something close to town but still feel like an escape. Brohm Lake Squamish BC has a calm, tucked-away vibe that’s beautiful in every season. The loop offers forest shade, lake views, and just enough ups and downs to feel like a proper adventure without exhausting the whole family.
As a local mom who hikes often with my kids, I’ve learned the Brohm Lake Loop Hike hits that sweet spot between adventurous and manageable. The trail undulates along the shoreline and winds through shady old-growth forests of western red cedar and douglas fir, making every step feel immersive.
Getting to Brohm Lake is simple. From the intersection of Highway 99 and Cleveland Avenue, drive north 14.5 km and turn left into the Brohm Lake parking lot. The main lot is small and fills quickly on summer weekends. Overflow parking is available along the highway about a kilometre south.
The Brohm Lake Hike is about 8 km in length with minimal elevation gain, making it doable for most families. The estimated time to complete the loop is roughly 2 hours, though you might want to allow more time if you stop to swim, explore, or take photos.
From the map board at the north end of the lot, the trail begins. Turn right at the first junction for the standard Brohm Lake Loop Hike. Along the loop, you’ll pass boggy ponds, a recently rebuilt boardwalk, and interpretive signs before curving beneath the power lines for another lake viewpoint.
The high point of the trail comes after a short staircase that leads to views over the lake. From there, descend to a charming footbridge crossing Brohm Creek, one of the prettiest parts of the hike. As you wander, you’ll pass massive douglas firs that are over 250 years old and weave through serene forest sections that feel truly magical.
For adventurous kids and adults, there’s the rope swing near the northern end. It’s a local legend and makes for a perfect break. Brohm Lake swimming is also an option, with plenty of safe spots along the shoreline to cool off during your hike.
Brohm Lake isn’t just a hike, it’s a little adventure playground for families. From spotting towering old-growth trees to pausing at the rope swing for an adventurous splash, there is an abundance of opportunities for small discoveries that make the day memorable. Bring a snack and a blanket for an impromptu lakeside picnic, or turn the hike into a scavenger hunt. Who can spot the biggest cedar, the tiniest frog, or squishiest pond?
Even simple moments, like watching sunlight shimmer on the water, spotting ducks, or listening to water cascade down rockfaces, turn into little victories when you are exploring with kids. It is a trail that encourages curiosity and slow wandering so everyone can feel accomplished without racing to the finish. By the end, you will have more than a completed loop, you will have stories, laughs, and likely even a few muddy shoes to remember the day by.
If you’re visiting from out of town, one of the best ways to make your hike easier is by renting a MEC Child Carrier. This lets you explore the lake and trails without worrying about tired legs or naps, and it’s a much cheaper alternative to buying gear outright. While you’re at it, you might as well explorer our other baby equipment rentals to see how they can make your Squamish vacation easier and less stressful.
Brohm Lake Loop Hike is a classic local choice because it works for so many ages and abilities. The varied terrain keeps kids curious, the viewpoints give adults a chance to pause and enjoy the scenery, and the lake itself offers little adventures along the way. For families asking “what to do in Squamish with kids,” this trail is always near the top of the list.
Whether you’re coming from out of town for a short Squamish vacation or you’re a local looking for a familiar favourite, Brohm Lake Hike is easy to fit into your day and leaves everyone feeling refreshed, accomplished, and ready for the next adventure. And if you’re looking for more trails that are kid-friendly and easy to manage, this guide to easy Squamish hikes with kids is a great place to start.
