The 10 Cleanest Lakes in British Columbia

Although there’s nothing better than taking a dip in the lake on a warm summer’s day, doing so in a clean lake is essential. Bodies of water can be full of harmful bacteria, waste, and decaying matter. 

If you’re planning a trip to the stunning landscapes of British Columbia, you’re in for a treat. This portion of Cana has some of the cleanest, most beautiful lakes in the country. Visit one of these 10 locations to be transported to an outdoor oasis. 

1. Johnson Lake

In the Banff National Park, Johnson Lake is a stunning and well-liked lake. Johnson Lake in Banff is a lovely location for a picnic with a sizable day-use area. Take a stand-up paddleboard, boat, or canoe out on the water on a sunny day in the summer.  

Johnson Lake in Banff offers a ton of enjoyable free activities year-round, regardless of the season. Although the water may be crystal clear and clean, it’s often quite chilly. The inconspicuous shores of Johnson Lake should not be disregarded since they are tucked between the rough landscapes of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. 

Work up a sweat before going into the lake on the hiking trail that encircles the water. Every color of wildflower beckons to anybody who wanders the lakeside route as it sways in the gentle breeze on verdant hillsides overlooking the water.

2. Okanagan Lake

From Verton to Penticton, the magnificent Okanagan Lake extends 84 miles. There are around 30 beaches around Okanagan Lake, which are popular tourist destinations. There are restrooms, refreshment stands, and playgrounds on numerous beaches. 

Throughout the summer, the lake is welcome and cooling, but it also conceals mysteries like monsters, caverns, and tombs. Find Ogopogo, trek Knox Mountain’s Paul’s Tomb trail, or go snorkeling in the remote bays’ pristine waters. In the height of summer, water doesn’t get colder than 68 degrees! 

3. Garibaldi Lake 

Garibaldi Lake is another one of the cleanest lakes in British Columbia. Although the lake is beautiful, many people flock to this area to go hiking. At 4,757 feet above sea level, the stunning Garibaldi Lake with its blue glacial waters is encircled by snow-capped peaks, alpine fields, and volcanic features.

The huge Sphinx Glacier and the Sentinel Glacier, the lake’s two main inflows, are responsible for the lake’s flawless azure hue, which is caused by glacial flour floating in the meltwater.  

A campground, pit toilets, and cooking pavilions are located next to the lake. Fishing is permitted here. Cast a reel and hope you catch one of the best-tasting trout in the region. A fantastic place to have lunch and go swimming is on the dock close to the lake. 

4. Joffre Lakes

The incredibly stunning Joffre Lakes’ vivid blue waters are undoubtedly something you’ve seen on Pinterest. For the sole purpose of hiking to Joffre Lakes, numerous individuals travel to this region of Canada. Fortunately for tourists, the lake is both lovely and clean. 

Joffre Lakes actually consists of three lakes: Lower, Middle, and Upper. The beauty of each one surpasses that of the last! The crystal-clear blue waters of Joffre Lakes are legendary. The sunlight refracting off the surface of the water produces a magical color that almost doesn’t look real. 

This is from the rock flour and glacial silt from thousands of years ago. We suggest visiting on a sunny day to get the full experience. Hikers appreciate the moderate trail that envelopes the sparkling water. 

5. Clearwater Lake

With a name like Clearwater Lake, one would expect this place to be pristine. At Clearwater Lake, a weekend getaway and swimming paradise is waiting. There are 80 campsites available in the Clearwater Lake campsites along the lake and the Clearwater River. 

The campground is situated at the apex of Osprey Falls, where Clearwater Lake empties into the Clearwater River. This is the perfect lake for you, whether you’re searching for a spot to unwind in a forested campsite, have a stroll through the gated border of the canyon, or embark on a kayaking or canoeing expedition into the wilderness of the Clearwater region. 

6. Eva Lake

Another picturesque lake that is a popular hiking destination in British Columbia is Eva Lake. Eva and Miller Lakes in Mount Revelstoke National Park are excellent small highland lakes for swimming. 

The cold water will feel refreshing after the three-hour hike to reach the lake. Even experienced hikers will work up a good sweat before dipping their toes in for a cool plunge.

There are hotels, motels, eateries, and shops for your comfort in Revelstoke. This area is accustomed to hosting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. 

7. Lake O’Hara

Yoho National Park in the province of British Columbia contains the unusual lake known as Lake O’Hara. You could be wondering why this lake specifically draws all of the curiosity and why it shines from other places in Canada given that the whole region of the Canadian Rockies is well recognized for its stunning snow-capped mountain ranges and pristine turquoise waters.  

The Yoho National Park management strives to protect such an unusual environment by enforcing a tight registration procedure when only a small number of passionate people are allowed to explore the area every day. 

If you’re looking for a lake that won’t be crowded, Lake O’Hara is for you. The natural beauty surrounding Lake O’Hara is distinctive and delicate. The lake itself is genuinely exquisite and deserves a trip, as is the most well-known Opabin Prospect perspective. 

8. Emerald Lake

Are you looking for another lake within Yoho National Park? The President Mountain Range encircles Emerald Lake. This is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in all of British Columbia. Emerald Lake is the biggest body of water in Yoho National Park. 

Touring the body of water on a hot summer’s day is one of the best natural sights in the entire Canadian Rockies. Given that the glacial waters reflect light in a vivid exhibition of color, it is not difficult to understand how Emerald Lake got its name. 

Visitors become speechless when they see the sheer natural beauty of this clean lake. There are many ways to take advantage of the lake, but the two most well-liked ones are relaxing strolls down the shore or peaceful canoe rides across the water. 

9. Shuswap Lake

Over 620 miles of shoreline can be explored along the Shuswap Lake system in British Columbia, which is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and an idyllic setting. The Shuswap has one of the biggest houseboat fleets in the entire world as well as one of the biggest in Canada, making it a wonderful place for a holiday with loved ones.

Imagine being nestled in bed while gently floating along the water and admiring the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and clear sky full of stars. The lake, which has a sandy and gravel beach and encompasses the entirety of Copper Island, is located on the former Scotch Creek delta. 

A sizable boat launch, a challenging playground, a huge grassy recreational area, and a nature trail are all available by this lake!  

10. Berg Lake

Unquestionably, Mount Robson and Berg Lake in the Canadian Rockies provide some of the nicest views in the entire range. The most noticeable mountain in the North American Rockies is Mount Robson. It is nothing short of spectacular to set up camp on a peak near Berg Lake and witness a glacier calve into the water. 

Berg Lake receives some of its water from the impressive Berg Glacier. Even in the height of the summertime, Berg Lake is littered with icebergs due to its glacial waters. One of the best things about visiting this clean lake in British Columbia is seeing wildlife frolic through fields of wildflowers.  

Summary of the 10 Cleanest Lakes in British Columbia