Bucket List BC: 10 breathtaking turquoise lakes you can visit

Jun 24 2021, 4:00 pm

Note: Please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing and frequent hand washing, and wearing a mask or face-covering in public indoor and retail spaces. If you are sick, please stay home.

British Columbia has some of the most stunning lakes and national parks the country has to offer — and many can be checked off the list within a weekend.

Be sure to add some of these breathtaking turquoise lakes to your BC bucket list. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of our favourite blue-green lakes.

Joffre Lake

A post shared by 🇫🇷🍞 (@bryms) on


What: One of the most popular lakes near Vancouver, Joffre Lake is one of British Columbia’s most beautiful hikes and is relatively easily accessible compared to other alpine lakes in the region. There’s a hiking trail that reaches all three lakes – and if you aren’t an avid hiker, the lowest lake is just a short walk from the carpark.

Remember though, you’ll have to leave your furry friends at home if you decide to make the hike – BC Parks announced earlier this year that domestic pets are no longer allowed in the Pemberton-area park.

You’ll also need to get a day-use pass through BC Parks.

How long: The full hike is 4-hours or 10 km, however, the Lower Joffre Lake is just minutes from the parking area

Where: Just off Duffey Lake Road north of Pemberton

Get there: Approximately a 3-hour drive from Vancouver

Kalamalka Lake

A post shared by Allison (@allisonimbeau) on


What: Located in the city of Vernon, Kalamalka lake is the perfect weekend trip. During the summer months, dissolved limestone crystallizes, giving the lake its distinctive blue and green colour. When the lake cools off in the winter, the limestone crystals disappear, taking the green colour with it – which is why summer is the perfect time to visit this particular lake.

How long: There are several trails around the lake, however the lake itself is a short walk from the parking area

Where: Around 8 km south of the city of Vernon

Get there: A 5-hour drive from Vancouver

Emerald Lake

A post shared by Ayunda R (@yuayuyuk) on


What: Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, and is the largest of Yoho’s 61 lakes and ponds. On the border of British Columbia and Alberta, it is one of the most well-known lakes in the area – and with good reason. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by mountain peaks, the lake is a beautiful sparkling green.

How long: There is a 5 km hike around the lake, but visitors can see the beautiful green waters straight away

Where: Located on Emerald Lake Road

Get there: An 8-hour drive from Vancouver

Boya Lake

A post shared by Lucy Schick (@lschick22) on


What: Boya Lake is the perfect spot for canoeing or kayaking, with its clear waters allowing you to see all the way to the bottom of the lake. Its unique aqua-green colour, as well as relatively warm waters, make it a must-visit lake during the summer. There is also an abundance of wildlife around the area, as well as beautiful sandy beaches.

How long: The campground is located beside the lake itself

Where: Northern British Columbia

Get there: A full day (24-hour) drive from Vancouver

Watersprite Lake


What: One of the hidden gems of Squamish, Watersprite Lake has only become popular with tourists more recently. It is one of the most awe-inspiring hikes, with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and creeks – all along a well-marked route.

How long: 7 hours or 17 km

Where: East of Squamish

Get there: Approximately a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Vancouver

Lake O’Hara


What: Lake O’Hara is a lake located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Yoho National Park. There is a limited bus service that takes you to Lake O’Hara, as the road to the lake is closed to outside vehicles – and it is in extremely high demand. The limited availability of the bus service maintains the unique alpine experience of the lake.

How long: The bus service takes you to the lake, where there are several trails to explore

Where: Located in Yoho National Park on the western side of the Great Divide

Get there: Approximately a 9-hour drive from Vancouver

Lindeman Lake

A post shared by VancityWild (@vancitywild) on


What: Far less busy than the more popular Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, Lindeman Lake has become increasingly popular this season. The lake itself is a beautiful turquoise blue and is surrounded by dense forest and mountain peaks – it really is the perfect daytime hike. Be warned, the water looks inviting but is extremely cold.

How long: 2 hours or 3.4 km

Where: The hike to the lake starts at the end of Chilliwack Lake Road in Chilliwack

Get there: Approximately a 2-hour drive from Vancouver

Landslide Lake


What: This is one of the most popular destinations in Strathcona Provincial Park, with the Elk River Trail leading to the beautiful teal Landslide Lake nestled at the base of the majestic mountain peaks. Landslide Lake truly is a piece of paradise on Vancouver Island.

How long: From the parking area, the distance to Landslide Lake is approximately 11 km or 6 hours one-way to the lake

Where: Located in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island

Get there: Approximately a 5-hour drive from Vancouver

Berg Lake


What: The hike to Berg Lake is one of the most rewarding hikes in British Columbia – and also one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Berg Lake, hidden deep within the mountains, is an incredible blue and green colour that you have to witness to believe. This is also one of the few places in the world you can truly feel lost in nature.

How long: 23 km

Where: On the Robson River located within Mount Robson Provincial Park

Get there: Approximately a 7-hour drive from Vancouver

Lake Lovely Water

A post shared by Sarah Haley (@sarahmkhaley) on


What: Located in Tantalus Provincial Park, Lake Lovely Water is a remote alpine lake hidden away in Squamish. To access the trailhead to the lake, you must cross the river either by canoe or cable – but the adventure to the lake is worth it. With little to no crowds, you can enjoy the pristine lake with few people around. Bear-proof canisters are mandatory.

How long: The hike to the lake can take up to 4-8 hours depending on fitness level

Where: Located just outside of Squamish, north of Vancouver

Get there: Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver

Audrey LimAudrey Lim

+ Travel Deals
+ Great Outdoors
ADVERTISEMENT