Four Lakes Trail – Alice Lake Provincial Park, Squamish, B.C.
Trail order: Stump Lake → Fawn Lake → Edith Lake → Alice Lake
Distance: ~6 km loop
Elevation gain: Minimal (~100 m)
Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Alice Lake Provincial Park, just north of Squamish
Overview:
Nestled within the tranquil woods of Alice Lake Provincial Park, the Four Lakes Trail is a peaceful and scenic loop that connects Stump Lake, Fawn Lake, Edith Lake, and Alice Lake. It’s an ideal low-intensity hike to recharge and relax, especially if you’re sandwiching it between more challenging hikes — like Deeks Lake the day before and the Chief the day after.
This trail winds gently through coastal rainforest, offering shady sections, lake views, and chances to spot birds, frogs, and the occasional deer. With minimal elevation and good signage, it’s family-friendly and great for a recovery day.
Trail Description:
🪵 Stump Lake
The first lake on the route, Stump Lake, is a quiet, shaded spot surrounded by lush greenery. The trail skirts close to its shore, offering a few peekaboo views through the trees. It’s more of a reflective woodland pond — peaceful and moody.
🌿 Fawn Lake
Continuing on, you’ll come across Fawn Lake, which is the smallest of the four. It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but it has its own charm, especially in early morning mist. This area often feels like a secret glade — serene and undisturbed.
🌲 Edith Lake
Next up is Edith Lake, often considered the prettiest of the group. It’s more open, with a lovely forest backdrop and fewer people around. There’s a small rocky outcrop that makes for a great snack break or quick photo stop.
🏞 Alice Lake
Finally, you return to the namesake lake — Alice Lake. It’s the largest and most popular, with day-use areas, picnic tables, and spots to swim or dip your feet. This lake has the most infrastructure and makes for a relaxing end to the loop.
Why This Trail?
After pushing yourself on the steep and rewarding Deeks Lake trail, the Four Lakes Trail offers a welcome “active recovery day” — something to stretch the legs, stay in motion, and soak in nature without demanding too much. It’s also perfect to keep your body loose before tackling the Chief the next day.
Tips:
- Trail is well-marked but bring a map or GPS if unfamiliar with the area.
- Wear hiking shoes — some areas can be muddy after rain.
- Consider bringing a towel and swimwear for Alice Lake.
- Arrive early or late to avoid the mid-day crowds, especially in summer.
Final Thought:
The Four Lakes Trail may not be a showstopper in terms of elevation or views, but it’s beautiful in its simplicity. This forested circuit lets you breathe deeply, recharge, and connect quietly with nature — exactly what you need between two big Squamish adventures.