Wabasso Lake

This is a low-stress, family-friendly forest walk that ends at a quiet, marsh‑rimmed lake with distant views of Mount Edith Cavell. The path is clear singletrack through cool fir forest, with gentle ups and downs and very little overall elevation change. Plan on roughly 5.0 miles/8 km round-trip and 2–3 hours, depending on how long you linger at the water.

Scenery and vibe

Expect a peaceful, largely shaded hike. The lake itself is tranquil and seldom busy, even in peak season. Keep an eye out for beaver activity—the lake is beaver‑engineered and a large dam is visible at the northeast corner. The shoreline is mostly marshy, which adds to the wild feel but limits spots to sit right at the water. Clearings offer rewarding looks toward Mount Edith Cavell.

Route notes

Start from the small signed trailhead on the east side of Highway 93 across from Wabasso Campground (don’t start inside the campground). The tread is obvious and mostly flat, with a viewpoint break in the trees along the way before you reach the lake. Confident hikers can extend the day: Trail 9 continues around the north side toward Valley of the Five Lakes, and a junction leads along Wabasso Creek toward the Skyline Trail. There are no facilities at the lake.

Best time to hike

Late spring through fall is the sweet spot; summer tends to be driest and offers the easiest footing. Go early or late in the day for maximum solitude and softer light on the lake. Winter is not recommended due to snow and marshy conditions.

Know before you go

Some public trail pages listed this route as closed in spring 2025—check current status with Parks Canada before you commit. Wildlife is common, so carry bear spray and make noise. After rain, expect muddy patches near the marsh; waterproof footwear helps. Connected sections of Trail 9 see bike use, so stay aware on shared stretches. As of August 2025, dogs are not allowed on this trail.