Cat Lake

Cat Lake in Squamish is one of those quick little walks that makes you wonder why you’d ever skip a leg stretch on the way up the Sea to Sky. This 1.4 km loop has barely 35 m of gain, takes around 20–25 minutes, and circles a calm forest lake with a low-key, relaxed vibe. It’s an easy win if you want a nature fix without committing to a big hike.

The Cat Lake trail loops through classic coastal forest, close to the water almost the whole way. You’ll pass quiet coves, small docks, and boardwalk-style sections, with lots of mushrooms popping up along the path in the wetter months. Views are more about still water, trees, and reflection shots than big mountain panoramas, but the setting is calm and surprisingly peaceful given how close it is to Squamish.

Recent visitors are calling it short, pretty, quiet, and full of fungi, which sums up Cat Lake nicely. The trail itself is very easy, but the access road is a short gravel logging road with some potholes, so drive slow and don’t bring a super low car. The area is popular for camping and swimming in summer, with outhouses, parking, a small playground, and docks that dogs love, while fall brings the mushroom show and fewer people; winter conditions can be icy, so microspikes are smart if it’s been freezing.