Poland Lake Trail

Poland Lake Trail in E.C. Manning Park is a solid full-day outing or relaxed overnighter, not a quick stroll. This 16.4 km out-and-back climbs about 703 m to around 1,838 m, so expect a challenging hike that still feels reasonable if you’re used to steady elevation. It’s quieter than the more famous Manning Park routes, and the payoff is a peaceful subalpine lake, good camping, and a real sense of being away from it all.

The Poland Lake Trail starts from Strawberry Flats with an easy warmup before turning into a sustained climb, including a section across the ski hill that can feel steep but short. Once you gain the ridge, the grade eases off and the trail rolls along wide forest road and singletrack with views to surrounding Manning Park peaks, then drops gently toward the lake. The lake itself is calm and clear, great for a cold dip if you don’t mind a muddy entry, and there are several flat tent spots plus a small cabin and simple campground setup.

Recent hikers report the trail is well defined in summer and very doable as a day hike in around 5–6 hours, though strong parties are doing it in less. In bug season, the campsite can be swarmed, so bring spray, a head net, and long sleeves if you’re hanging around camp. In winter and shoulder season, expect snow, route-finding challenges near the ski area, and a much tougher effort; snowshoes and a GPS track or Manning Park’s winter route map are smart to have. Nights get chilly even in summer, there are outhouses at Strawberry Flats and Poland Lake but no toilet paper, and bear caches can be finicky, so come prepared and you’ll have a quiet, rewarding trip.