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Cirque Lake – Everything YOU need to know
Staying overnight?
I’d definitely recommend making your visit an overnight stay. If you have the proper equipment I would recommend camping at Cirque Lake to experience both sunrise and sunset at a truly spectacular spot. However, you can do what my partner and I did which is do Cirque lake hike during the day and camp in the back of our car overnight parked at Callaghan Lake Campsite.
Accessing Cirque Lake requires a bit more effort than your average hike. The adventure begins with a canoe or kayak paddle across Callaghan Lake. Followed by a challenging uphill trek through dense forests and rocky terrain. For information on hiring a canoe/kayak click here. The hike itself spans approximately 3-4 kilometers but is known for its steep inclines and demanding path, making it a rewarding challenge for those up to the task.
What sets Cirque Lake apart is its stunning setting, surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged peaks that reflect beautifully on the crystal-clear waters. The serene and isolated atmosphere provides a perfect escape from the crowds. Allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the alpine wilderness.
Ideal for seasoned adventurers or those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Cirque Lake is a destination that promises both physical challenge and natural splendour. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for your next great adventure or someone eager to discover one of Whistler’s most secluded spots. Cirque Lake invites you to embark on a journey that is as rewarding as it is awe-inspiring.
Cirque Lake – Whistler
Cirque Lake – Navigate our page below
- Cirque Lake Statistics
- What to Bring
- Map of Cirque Lake
- How to get to Cirque Lake
- The Hike
- Facilities at Cirque Lake
- Bear Safety
- Historical Information & Development
- FAQ
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Cirque Lake Statistics
Difficulty Rating – Moderate/Hard
Distance – 3-4km
Net Elevation Change – 354m (1,161 feet)
Time Needed – 2 hours for the hike (+1 hour of paddling – 30 minutes each way) Allow for 3-5 hours total
Season – July – Early September
Dog Friendly – YES (But this is known grizzly territory)
Est. Driving Time from Vancouver – 2 hours
Camping – YES
What To Bring
Bear Spray – A lot of Water – Food – Sunscreen – Flash Light – Whistle
Map of Cirque Lake
The Hike
To access Cirque Lake you will need access to a vehicle in order to at the very least get to Callaghan Lake via the fire road. Only accessible by watercraft, Cirque Lake has and will continue to be a private, beautiful retreat for those who love the outdoors. Even in the height of summer, you’re likely to be the only one setting up camp in this stunning alpine cirque. Occasionally, you might see hikers making the climb up from their campsites at Callaghan Lake for a quick visit, but more often than not, it’s just you and the serene wilderness. Click here to skip ahead to find out where you can hire a kayak/canoe for cheap.
The Trail
What tends to scare most hikers off is the steep, rugged nature of the trail. It’s a challenging ascent, and winter snow has taken its toll on the trail markers, leaving them sparse and hard to follow at times. But, the short distance—just under two kilometers—makes the climb more manageable. Even with a heavy pack, you can make it up in just over an hour, maybe a bit longer if you stop to take in the gorgeous viewpoints looking back over Callaghan Lake. And trust me, those views are worth pausing for. In August, the trail is lined with blueberry bushes, which adds even more reason to slow down and enjoy a snack along the way.
The trail itself is scenic and rewarding. The first 15 minutes wind through a charming forest, with small streams crossing your path. After that, the terrain gets steeper, and you’ll find yourself pulling up on tree roots and even using a knotted rope at one tricky section. About 30 minutes in, you’ll reach a vast boulder field, where your attention will be split between navigating the rocks ahead and taking in the breathtaking views of Callaghan Lake behind you.
But the best part comes in the final 15 minutes. You’ll summit a ridge that opens up to incredible, panoramic views of Callaghan Lake. It’s such a beautiful spot that you might be tempted to drop your pack and spend the night right there. But just five minutes ahead lies the true marvel—Cirque Lake itself, waiting for you in all its tranquil glory.
From the Callaghan Lake camping site you will have the same view as above. The boat/paddle will require you to go directly across the lake in the rough area of the Red X seen in the image above. The trail head isn’t incredibly visible via the water. The best way as 2023 summer to identify the start of the Cirque Lake Trail head was a large dead tree log on the bank edge. Unfortunately, I have not been back there and can neither confirm or deny this logs existence anymore. The image below is the beginning of the Cirque Lake trailhead and is the location of the Red X in the prior image.
Hiring a Canoe/Kayak
Looking for a canoe/kayak to hire for the overnight trip? We decided to go with Whistler RV Park as they were the most honest and fair canoe hire option we had. We ended up paying $105 to hire for 24 hours and they were not harsh when it came to drop off times. Explaining our use (exploring Cirque Lake) the staff were very accommodating even helping with directions and tips for the hike. You can find out more from their website here – WHISTLER RV PARK
Once you’ve landed on the shore ensure to keep your watercraft out of the way of other hikers like another couple who were visiting Cirque Lake. As you begin the trail you will follow the dirt trail into the woods towards the creek. This trail can vary in regards to its location at the start of summer as this hike is completely inaccessible during winter. A better understanding of the trail can be provided in our full YouTube Walkthrough found below.
You will continue through a charming forest for around 15-20 minutes, following and crossing a stream. After that the terrain will get steeper and you may come across some ropes for steep sections climbing over tree roots.
After around 30 minutes you will reach the bottom of the boulder field. There is partial path you can follow up the left side of the boulder field but conditions can change so use your best judgement. Be aware the last section of the boulder field is extremely steep just before moving through the forest at the top. If carrying a heavy back please be wary of the environment.
Ensure you stop from time-to-time to take in the beautiful views of Callaghan Lake.
After summiting the boulder field and travelling through a tight forest trail you will continue your ascent until your reach a more open trail. Continue along the trail until you summit a ridge where you will finally get a glimpse of Cirque Lake. As well as panoramic views of Callaghan Lake.
You will now begin the descent down to the waters edge passing some amazing camping spots and or lunch spots. We chose to continue down the right side of the image above to have lunch at the waters edge.
Be careful on the descent down as again this is a steep boulder field with loose rocks and gravel.
For a detailed visual guide on Cirque Lake you can watch our full YouTube walkthrough video.
How to get to Cirque Lake
Using a vehicle, just head up Highway 99, 70 km north of Vancouver or 20 km south of Whistler. Turn onto the paved Callaghan Valley Road and follow it for 8 km before making a left onto a rough, gravel forest service road (Callaghan FSR 01) for another 8 km. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended for the bumpy ride. Keep in mind, during winter, this road isn’t plowed and transforms into a groomed cross-country ski trail. The nearest hub for supplies and amenities is Whistler.
Once at Callaghan Lake campground you will need a watercraft to cross Callaghan Lake and reach the start of Cirque Lake trail. After a 2km hike detailed above you will reach Cirque Lake.
Facilities at Cirque Lake
There are no facilities at Cirque Lake. There is faciltites at Callaghan Lake campsite however. Callaghan Lake Park remains a free, no-frills campsite, offering a raw and authentic outdoor experience. There’s a gravel slope at the campground, ideal for launching a canoe into the pristine, crystal-clear water. The park features several well-spaced tent sites right next to the parking area. Making it a favorite spot for car camping—a beloved tradition among Canadians. Though amenities are minimal, there are clean outhouses on site, and the lack of developed infrastructure only adds to the park’s wild and natural charm.
As you ease your canoe into the water, you’ll be struck by the incredible clarity of the lake—its light green hue is almost otherworldly. While swimming is refreshing but frigid, you can spend hours floating on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, soaking in the tranquility. Just meters from the shore, all traces of civilization fade away, leaving you surrounded by an untouched alpine lake and dense, emerald forest that stretches toward snow-capped peaks.
Cirque Lake, a short hike away, is even more secluded and pristine. The rugged trail leading there is faint, and when you arrive, you’ll find no evidence of other visitors, save for a small fire ring near the shore. It’s a true wilderness experience, where the beauty of nature takes center stage, uninterrupted by the modern world.
Bear Safety
It’s crucial to prioritize safety when in bear country, and Whistler, with its beautiful natural surroundings, is no exception. Here are some general bear safety procedures to keep in mind:
- Carry Bear Spray:
- Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make sure it’s easily accessible, preferably on your belt or backpack.
- Stay Alert:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or walking in wooded areas. Bears can be quiet, and surprise encounters can be dangerous.
- Make Noise:
- Make noise while hiking to alert bears to your presence. Clap your hands, talk loudly, or sing. This can help prevent surprising a bear.
- Travel in Groups:
- Traveling in groups is safer than going alone. Bears are less likely to approach larger groups.
- Secure Food and Garbage:
- Properly store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers or bear lockers. Bears have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to food odors.
- Respect Closures:
- Follow any trail or area closures that are in place due to bear activity. These closures are there to protect both humans and bears.
- Do Not Feed Bears:
- Never feed bears intentionally or leave food out for them. Bears that associate humans with food can become dangerous and may need to be euthanized.
- Back Away Slowly:
- If you encounter a bear, back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact. Speak in a calm, assertive voice.
- Stay Calm:
- In the rare event of a charge, stand your ground. Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
Click here – Bear Safety – for more information. And Click here – Black Bear or Grizzly Bear? -for information on a Black bear vs a Grizzly Bear.
Historical Information & Development
The trail to Cirque Lake in Whistler, though not as widely known as some of the more popular routes in the area, has a history rooted in the early exploration and development of the Callaghan Valley region. This area, rich in natural beauty, was originally accessed by indigenous peoples for hunting and gathering, long before it became known for recreational activities. The modern trail to Cirque Lake, which involves a canoe or kayak trip across Callaghan Lake followed by a steep hike, became more accessible as interest in the region grew in the mid-20th century, particularly with the rise of Whistler as a major outdoor recreation destination.
The Callaghan Valley, including Cirque Lake, played a role in the development of Whistler as a hub for adventure tourism, especially after the 2010 Winter Olympics, when the surrounding areas saw increased infrastructure improvements. Despite its more remote location, Cirque Lake has remained a coveted spot for those seeking solitude and a connection to the unspoiled wilderness that has defined Whistler’s natural heritage.
Future Development
As Whistler continues to grow as a premier outdoor destination, there have been discussions about the potential for future developments around the Cirque Lake Trail to enhance accessibility while preserving the area’s natural beauty. Current plans, although still in early stages, include the possibility of improving trail signage, maintaining the ruggedness of the path while making it safer for hikers, and potentially offering guided experiences to manage visitor impact on the delicate ecosystem.
There is also interest in enhancing the facilities at Callaghan Lake, such as improved docking areas for kayaks and canoes, which are essential for accessing the Cirque Lake Trail. However, any development is being carefully considered with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, as local authorities and environmental groups are keen to maintain the pristine nature of this remote wilderness area. These future developments aim to balance increased visitor access with sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that Cirque Lake remains a serene and unspoiled destination for years to come.
FAQ
How long is Cirque Lake Hike?
3-5 hours (4km out and back +60 minute paddle)
How Difficult is the Trail?
Difficult – Steep, water craft required and grizzly territory
How much does it cost?
Free
Are there restrooms on the trail?
No public toilets on the trail but there are toilets available at Callaghan Lake Park
Best time to Go?
June-October
Are Dogs allowed?
Yes, but not advised as this is known grizzly territory