Tenquille Lake – Tenquille‑Owl Lakes Recreation Area, BC
Tenquille Lake is a serene subalpine oasis in the Pemberton Valley, embraced by jagged mountain peaks and lush forests. The lake features a rustic backcountry cabin and offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, camping, and accessing nearby scrambles. It’s a perfect blend of alpine beauty and easygoing adventure. 📸
Distance & Elevation
10.5 km round‑trip (via Tenquille Creek Trail)
275 m elevation gain
Out & back
Trailhead & Route Options
Tenquille Creek Trailhead (Birkenhead Lake FSR): ~3.5 km easy forested hike to east side of lake.
Branch 12 (Hurley FSR): ~6 km gentle walk to lake - 4WD needed.
Lillooet FSR trailhead: ~9.5 km approach with ~1,400 m vertical gain, no 4WD needed.
Trail Notes
The Tenquille Creek Trail climbs gradually through dense forest along the creek before opening onto the lake’s eastern shore. A pleasant 3 km loop skirts the shoreline, passing blueberry bushes, fishing spots, and picture-perfect camping clearings. The Pemberton Wildlife Association cabin sits near the west side, offering a dry shelter and social hub (honor system, leave it tidy!).
Camping & Permits
Backcountry camping is allowed around the lake, with several primitive lakeside spots. Fires are prohibited.
Tent pad/cabin booking not required, but overnight stays still need a BC Parks backcountry camping permit.
Reserve via BC Parks:
https://camping.bcparks.ca → select “Tenquille‑Owl Lakes Recreation Area” or “Garibaldi Provincial Park”
Seasonal Tips
Best Time: June to September for snow‑free trails.
Spring and fall may be wet and muddy—waterproof footwear recommended.
Summer evenings drop cool; bring warm layers and bug spray!!! The bugs are bad...
You need a 4x4 to access the road. As it can be really gnarly with washouts. So without 4X4 you hike in up the road up.
Gear Essentials + Fun Stuff
Fishing rod and valid freshwater license (lake stocked with rainbow trout!).
Trekking poles for creekside mud and gentle elevation.
Cabin etiquette essentials: clean gear, no chopping wood inside, respect communal space.
AllTrails Link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/tenquille-lake-trail
