Alice Lake via Jack's Trail

Alice Lake via Jack's Trail is a short, easy escape in Squamish that feels like a proper forest wander without chewing up your whole day. At 4.8 km with only about 140 m of gain, it’s a relaxed out-and-back that most people finish in around an hour and twenty, making it a solid choice for families, newer hikers, or anyone just looking to stretch their legs before or after work.

The trail winds through classic Squamish forest, with soft dirt underfoot, tall trees, and a steady, gentle grade as you work your way toward Alice Lake. You’ll share Jack’s Trail with a lot of mountain bikers, so expect traffic and keep your ears open, but there’s usually plenty of room to step aside or hop up on a log when they roll through. The lake at the end is a calm payoff, more about the relaxed vibe than big views.

Recent hikers say Alice Lake via Jack's Trail is in good shape and a new local favourite, especially for morning walks. It’s dog friendly on the trail itself, but note that dogs are not allowed in the main lake beach areas, which catches some people off guard. Because of the heavy bike use, it’s smart to keep nervous pups on a long line and visit on a weekday or earlier in the day; March through October is the main season, but this low-elevation route is often doable much of the year as long as you’re ready for mud and rain.