Lone Lake

Overview

True to its name, Lone Lake is one of the park’s most secluded corners: a high‑country alpine lake tucked beneath peaks like Festubert and Lone Mountain. If you’re chasing big wilderness vibes and silence broken only by wind and water, this is your spot.

Getting There

There’s no road—reaching the lake is the adventure. The fastest approach is via the Blakiston Valley trail corridor, roughly 19.5 km one way, with alternatives via the Tamarack Trail or longer loops. Expect a long day on foot or plan an overnight. Use Parks Canada’s official maps and bulletins to confirm your route and any restrictions before you go.

Camp Setup and Amenities

Lone Lake is a designated backcountry campground. You’ll find tent pads, a new outhouse, picnic tables, and large bear‑proof food storage lockers. Fires are permitted only in the provided metal fire rings. There’s no potable water—treat water from the lake.

Horses: A Rare Perk

Lone Lake is one of the few places in the park with horse corrals (capacity up to eight). Advance permission from Parks Canada is required, and horses are restricted in some areas—plan your route and approvals before saddling up.

Wildlife and Safety

This is prime bear country (both black and grizzly), with heightened activity in fall. Make noise, carry bear spray, and use the food lockers diligently. The area is remote with no services, so pack self‑sufficiently and navigate carefully at trail junctions.

Who Will Love It

Experienced hikers and backcountry campers who value solitude over convenience. If you want a quiet alpine basin far from the crowds, it’s a gem; if you want easy mileage and amenities, skip it.

Best Time to Visit

Start early to make the long approach more pleasant and to beat any warm, windy afternoons. Weekdays are typically quieter (it’s already uncrowded). For photos, calm morning and evening light reward those camping overnight. Always check Parks Canada for current closures or restrictions; bear activity is especially notable in fall.