Squamish has more swimmable lakes than most towns have parks. The famous ones get packed on hot weekends. With a little timing, or a short walk, you can still find calm water.
Lucille Lake
A small, clear lake a short walk off Highway 99, north of Brohm. A sandy beach on the north shore, water that drops off quickly and stays clear, and no facilities at all. It stays quiet because the trail is unsigned. Read how to find it before you go. Weekdays are best; weekends bring locals.
Cat Lake
Small, calm and motor-free, a short gravel road off the highway north of Brohm. It's popular with families and campers, but it's a smaller, more laid-back scene than the big park beaches.
Browning Lake (Murrin Park)
A little lake in a granite bowl south of Squamish, with climbers on the walls above. Small enough to feel cozy. The lot fills fast on summer weekends, so go early or midweek. See the Murrin Park field guide.
Alice Lake, on your own terms
Alice Lake Provincial Park is one of the busiest parks in the corridor, but its trails also connect to smaller lakes in the park, which are usually quieter than the main beaches. And early on a weekday, even the main beach is peaceful.
Brohm Lake, early
Right off the highway and always busy in summer, but before 9 a.m. or on a September weekday you can have glassy water and the loons. See the Brohm Lake field guide.
How to find calm water anywhere
- Go midweek. The single biggest difference.
- Go early or late. Mornings are calmest; evenings are warm and golden.
- Go in September. Water still swimmable, crowds gone.
- Bring a board. A paddleboard lets you leave the beach and find your own corner of any lake.
Keep quiet places quiet
Small lakes stay good because people treat them gently. A single careless visit shows on a lake the size of Lucille.
- Pack out everything, including other people's leftovers.
- Keep music low. Others came for the quiet too.
- Dogs on leash, and out of the water near other swimmers.
- No fires unless it's a designated spot and there's no ban.
- Think before you post exact locations. Share responsibly.
These lakes are in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation territory. Leave them the way you'd want to find them.
Questions
Where can I swim near Squamish without crowds?
Smaller lakes like Lucille Lake, a short walk off the highway, are quieter than the big park beaches. Even popular lakes like Alice and Brohm are calm on weekday mornings.
Is Lucille Lake good for swimming?
Yes. There's a small sandy beach on the north shore and the water is clear and deepens quickly. There are no facilities or lifeguards.
When is the water warmest near Squamish?
Usually August. Lakes warm through July and are often at their warmest in August, then stay swimmable into September on warm days.