cathedral provincial park

I have to admit, I went hiking there quite a few years ago. It still ranks as the most beautiful, and varied terrain area I have ever hiked in. Picturesque beyond belief. Beautiful mountain peaks, and geological formations that defy imagination. Imagine sitting on a mountain ledge high above the lake eating your lunch. We stayed in a cabin and had meals in the main lodge. Fresh fruit from Keremeos and would you believe the cook was a friend of mine and on my last day fresh lemon meringue pie made for me.. yeah. If you like to hike, this is one place you for sure do not want to miss.

Third Thanksgiving (Canadian, so in October) in a row. Amazing hiking, and the Lodge is charming. The food was excellent. There is a fee to stay at lodge and a fee to camp in the Park. In theory, one could walk up for free, but it takes about 7 hours, so I recommend getting a ride from the Lodge people. You must arrange in advance. http://www.cathedrallakes.ca

This provincial park is less accessible, thus more rewarding for those who visit. Unless you go to the private lodge (Cathedral Lakes Lodge) or pay for a ride up to the lakes in their jeep (very rough road not accessible to the public) you are looking at a 6-7 hour hike uphill (800 m elevation gain) from the Lakeview trail access. But it is WORTH it. There are backcountry campsites on Quiniscoe Lake across from the Lodge, but another 15 minutes on the (now level) trail will take you to more isolated campsites on Lake of the Woods (all at about 2000 m elevation). From basecamp there you can do many mountain hikes. Even if you don't climb higher, we had a young billy mountain goat wander through our Quiniscoe Lake camp and a friend had about 30 mountain sheep come through his camp at Lake of the Woods in July. The lakes area has been hit hard by the spruce bark beetle so dead blackened spruce give the woods a more macabre atmosphere countered by the colourful alpine flowers. Dead spruce have caused BC Parks to close the Pyramid Lake campsites for the moment. It can be a big buggy, but the sights make it worthwhile for the backcountry hiker with some experience. Hiking poles are recommended. For those needing creature comforts, try the Cathedral Lakes Lodge.

We stayed at the Lodge for a long weekend - we have previously camped up there and both are good alternatives. However, seriously consider the Lodge's ride up and back - it is a long steep hike and you should save your energy to get to the mountain tops.The lakes are lovely at any time and in any weather. Spruce beetle damage has left a lot of standing dead trees, but the young trees are already growing in.

The Lodge is rustic but comfortable. The staff are very helpful. And the food was very good though we'd have liked more vegetable options. That said, the cook was accommodated my gluten-free diet. The hiking was spectacular but not for beginners. A lot of the best trails (amazing views) are steep vertical climbs followed by steep ascents. The best views are on the Rim - from one spot you can see all the way to Mount Baker!

No out of shape hikers for the climb up from the base camp up to the Lodge on the LAKEVIEW TRAILHEAD to Quiniscoe Lake !!! Hardcore 10 mile steep vertical of about 4,000+ feet. Great hike! The lodge sits in a spectacular setting and once settled in you can have a great meal and some local spirits. We did a full day hike from the lodge up to the top via the RIM TRAIL circling around Red, Quiniscoe and Pyramid mountains. We then hung our toes over Smokey the Bear, checked out the Giant Cleft and stopped and had lunch with the white mountain goats. Then down Lady Slipper trail to tour the 4 lakes (stopped for a quick cold dip). Take a camera - it is a must - even tho you can't capture the real beauty up there. This is a hike that you should not miss....

My husband and I stayed at the Lodge in the oldest cabin Herb Clark which has a comfortable queen size bed. The food served in the Lodge is prepared by an outstanding talented chef. It is both nutritious and delicious. 4 course dinners each day with not your standard three items but 6 to 8. Home made cakes and pies, soup to die for and not your standard green salads but pasta, caesar, etc. The choice of hiking will blow your mind away each offering a range of vistas and terrains. This resort is a must for your Bucket List. Everyone staying there connects with each other and you feel so much at home. No bears just deer and mountain goats and they don't bother anyone. Very safe.

A nice day hike to the top of the mountains results in amazing views to the south.

Some of the trees are more than 800 years old and covered in moss. I didn't know there were rainforests in Canada until I went here. There is a plaque there explaining the area and campgrounds further down the road.

Amazing hiking! If you haven't been, go! You can hike up for 14 km or pay for the jeep to take you up the private road. Camping is great - I've never been to the lodge but would consider it as I get older!

we took the shuttle bus up the steep gravel road in the army jeep into the mountains. reservations through cathedral lake lodge. the only other access is hiking in. there is camping at two alpine lakes. the hiking up across the ridge path is the big thing, but all the trails are beautiful. the area has been hit by mountain pine beetle, but it has also opened up the forest. the first week of august there were masses of wild lupins, indian paint brush flowers, even blue gentians up in the alpine. also saw mountain goats, hares, and deer. the swimming is great...if you're wild and crazy.

Great adventure lots to see great hiking trails nice accommodation