Top 20 Lakes around Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

Beyond the well-known Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake, the region features Kinbasket Lake, a massive reservoir ideal for remote wilderness experiences. Cedar Lake, near Golden, is versatile for summer and winter activities. Mitten Lake is known for excellent fishing, while Gorman Lake, Reflection Lake, Dainard Lake, and Holt Lakes offer scenic beauty and tranquility.

Kinbasket Lake is a popular spot for anglers, with bull trout, ling cod, rainbow trout, kokanee, and whitefish. Cedar Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it a good fishing destination. Mitten Lake is annually stocked with 8,000 Gerrard rainbow trout, known for their large size, making it excellent for kayak fishing.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Cedar Lake, located near Golden, has a sandy beach and a dock, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and camping. Emerald Lake and Moraine Lake are also noted as family-friendly, offering opportunities for gentle walks and canoeing.

The region boasts diverse natural features. Kinbasket Lake, a vast reservoir, offers remote wilderness with undeveloped shorelines. Emerald Lake is famous for its intense turquoise-green color from glacier water. You'll find alpine lakes like Gorman Lake, sub-alpine lakes like Dainard Lake surrounded by thick forest, and the cobalt blue waters of Holt Lakes set against towering peaks and waterfalls.

Many lakes offer hiking opportunities. Gorman Lake is an alpine lake with scenic hiking. The Emerald Lake Loop Trail is a popular 5.2-kilometer hike. For more options, you can explore various hiking guides for the region, including waterfall hikes and easy hikes around Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake).

The best time largely depends on your desired activities. For summer adventures like swimming, hiking, and boating, late spring into autumn is ideal. Lakes like Reflection Lake and Emerald Lake are perfect for paddling during this period. For winter activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, Cedar Lake transforms into a winter wonderland.

Access to Kinbasket Lake is typically via wilderness gravel roads off Highway 1 west of Golden. Due to active logging roads, it often requires a radio for communication. Water levels can vary drastically, and some areas may have debris and stumps, which can be hazardous for boaters. For more detailed information, you can refer to Wikipedia or Tourism Golden.

Yes, Cedar Lake is a prime spot for winter activities. It transforms into a locale for ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing once frozen. While Kinbasket Lake is remote, its vastness can offer unique winter wilderness experiences for those prepared.

For easy hiking options, consider the Easy Hikes around Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake) guide. Trails like the Wapta Falls Trail and Sherbrooke Lake loop are good choices. The Emerald Lake Loop Trail is also a gentle 5.2-kilometer walk suitable for many.

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the remote solitude of Kinbasket Lake to the activity-rich Cedar Lake. The stunning turquoise waters of lakes like Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, set against spectacular mountain backdrops, are frequently highlighted. The opportunity for hiking, paddling, and finding peaceful spots is also highly valued.

Holt Lakes are described as incredibly beautiful hidden gems, featuring cobalt blue waters, towering peaks, and waterfalls. They offer solitude for hikers and campers willing to put in the effort to reach them, providing a truly rewarding wilderness experience.

Yes, paddling and canoeing are popular activities. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise offer canoe rentals. Cedar Lake is excellent for stand-up paddleboarding, and Dainard Lake provides a peaceful setting for canoeing. Reflection Lake and Emerald Lake are also tranquil options for paddling from late spring into autumn.