Drive north from Squamish on Highway 99 on a hot day and you'll pass three of the corridor's favourite swim lakes within a few minutes: Alice, Brohm and Cat. They're all good. They're just good at different things.
Brohm Lake: the jumping lake
- Access: paved pull-off right on Highway 99, a short walk to the water.
- Best for: rock ledges and rope swings, warm summer swims, a quick paddle, a short hike on the interpretive trails.
- Not great for: toddlers (deeper water, rocky edges), camping (day use only), or a relaxed weekend afternoon (the lot fills early).
- Boats: hand-carry launch, no motors.
Brohm is the pick for teens, confident swimmers and anyone who wants to jump. See our note on jumping safely.
Alice Lake: the family lake
- Access: inside Alice Lake Provincial Park, a short drive off the highway, with parking near the beaches.
- Best for: families with small kids, sandy beaches, picnics, a full day out, camping, and walking the trails that link the park's smaller lakes.
- Not great for: solitude in summer. It's one of the busiest parks in the corridor.
Alice is the most "complete" day out, with facilities and beaches. On summer weekends, arrive early.
Cat Lake: the small, calm one
- Access: a short gravel road off the highway north of Brohm, then a short walk.
- Best for: a calm first paddle, kids and dogs on a canoe, a smaller and more laid-back feel, and camping at the recreation site.
- Not great for: big groups on peak weekends; it's small and fills up.
Quick pick
- Little kids: Alice.
- Jumping and swimming: Brohm.
- First time on a paddleboard or canoe: Cat, or Brohm on a calm morning.
- Camping: Alice or Cat.
- Quick swim on the drive to Whistler: Brohm, right off the highway.
- Somewhere quieter: any of them midweek or early. Or walk in to Lucille Lake, a little further up the highway.
Wherever you go
- There are no lifeguards. Watch kids and weaker swimmers.
- Parking fills early on hot weekends. Come midweek or before 10 a.m.
- Dogs on leash, and pack out everything.
- Want a boat without the roof rack? Squamish Canoe Rental delivers canoes and paddleboards to all three.
Questions
Which lake near Squamish is best for kids?
Alice Lake is the easiest for families, with sandy beaches and facilities in a provincial park. Cat Lake is small and calm and good for a first paddle. Brohm is better for confident swimmers because of the ledges and deeper water.
Which Squamish lake has cliff jumping?
Brohm Lake is the one known for rock ledges and rope swings. Always check depth before jumping; there are no lifeguards.
Can you camp at Brohm Lake?
No, Brohm is a day-use lake. Alice Lake Provincial Park and Cat Lake both have camping. Check current reservation and site rules before you go.