7 Glacial-Fed Lakes for Your B.C. Bucket List

Crystalline waters and breathtaking views€”what are you waiting for?

We don’t mean to alarm you, but the summer is over. Done. Well, fret not dear readers, because we still have a few outdoor wonders for you to visit this fall. Autumn is the best time to #exploreBC because the crowds have thinned out, the leaves are changing colour, and the snow-capped mountains provide the perfect backdrop to these stunning glacial-fed features.Here are just a few of the most incredible glacial-fed lakes in British Columbia.

1. Atlin Lake

This is about as remote as it gets—and that’s probably for the best, since you won’t want to share it with anyone. Atlin, a small town in northwestern B.C., is close to the Yukon and Alaska borders. Atlin Lake, which is 6.5 kilometres wide and 136 kilometres long, is on the west side of town and bordered by mountains.

2. Chilko Lake

Chilko Lake, in Ts’il?os Provincial Park, is in a remote area of B.C.’s Chilcotin region. The lake is bordered by the rugged Coast Mountains to the west and the dry Interior Plateau to the east—an incredible contrast of frozen peaks and massive glaciers against alpine meadows and arid landscapes.

3. Emerald Lake

Photo: Destination BC/Dave HeathNamed after its otherworldly green waters, Emerald Lake is plum in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, and the scenery is breathtaking. From canoeing, to lunch on the lake, to a visit to the Natural Bridge over Kicking Horse River, this is a must-visit. The Natural Bridge parking lot closes after October 11, but the road to Emerald Lake remains open through winter. This is a great time to see the lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

4. Comox Lake

Just west of Courtenay on Vancouver Island, Comox Lake is a sight to behold. If you still have energy after a day of hiking in Strathcona Provincial Park or mountain biking in Cumberland, be sure to schedule a paddleboard glide on Comox Lake.

5. Frozen Lake

Located in Elk Lakes Provincial Park and at the border of B.C. and Alberta, Frozen Lake is only 2.5 hours north of Fernie. Note, this is a remote and wireless part of the province, so be sure to pack all that you need, especially in case of emergency. The best route to get to the lake starts at Elk Lakes trailhead: follow it down to West Elk Pass and continue west toward Fox Lake.

6. Harrison Lake

Less than three hours away from Vancouver, Harrison Lake is a beautiful 60-kilometre lake that spans the village of Harrison Hot Springs to the north. Enjoy a beautiful boat tour of Eco Island and view the First Nations pictographs by booking with Harrison Eco Tours through October.

7. Berg Lake

Photo: Megan McLellanLocated at the border of Alberta and snug inside Mt. Robson Provincial Park, Berg Lake is a must-see on your list. And for hiking enthusiasts, Berg Lake Trail is a 23-kilometre backcountry trail that will get you the best views of Mount Robson. What’s even cooler is this single trail will take you through three different vegetation and weather zones (called bioclimatic zones), and the trail takes you to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. For the ultimate alfresco experience, pitch a tent at the Berg Lake campground. You can book a spot for the 2017 season starting October 1, 2016.With B.C.’s crystal waters just hours away, what are you waiting for? Get out there and #explorebc.