National park · Canada
Cathedral Provincial Park
Go only if you will hike: the core lakes sit 1,000 m above the road, reached by a $90–100 shuttle or a 15 km (9.3 mi) climb. Day-trip the Lakeview Trail or stay 2 nights at Quiniscoe Lake; skip it if you want drive-up views.Go only if you will hike: the core lakes sit 1,000 m above the road, reached by a $90–100 shuttle or a 9.3 mi (15 km) climb. Day-trip the Lakeview Trail or stay 2 nights at Quiniscoe Lake; skip it if you want drive-up views.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
333 km² (128 sq mi)128 sq mi (333 km²)
approximate
Established
1965
Best months
Jul–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 333 km² (128 sq mi)128 sq mi (333 km²)
- 33,272 hectares (332.72 km²) per BC Parks; some sources round differently (check).
- Established
- 1965
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Cathedral Provincial Park is 33,272 hectares of high backcountry in the Similkameen, west of Keremeos in British Columbia. The road only touches its northern and western edges; everything worth seeing — Quiniscoe Lake, Glacier Lake, Ladyslipper Lake, Stone City, the Cathedral Rim — is a long climb or a paid 4WD shuttle from the core. There is one lodge, one restaurant, no cell signal and snow in any month. It rewards walkers and punishes planners who assume a provincial park means a car park and a viewpoint.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1965.
Size and age
333 km² (128 sq mi)128 sq mi (333 km²) · national park since 1965
33,272 hectares (332.72 km²) per BC Parks; some sources round differently (check).
Why go
- Alpine lakes and meadows at 2,000 m that most BC parks cannot match without a multi-day approach.
- The Cathedral Rim circuit links Glacier Lake, Stone City and the Giant Cleft in one 6–8 hour day.
- Quiet compared with Manning or the Rockies: the access cost keeps crowds down.
- Grazing mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer and marmots on the high slopes.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprAvoid
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep snow; road and shuttle closed
- FebDeep snow; no access
- MarSnowpack; no shuttle
- AprSnow at altitude; road often rough
- MaySnow patches; shuttle may not run
- JunTrails open but snow lingers on the rim
- JulWildflowers peak; longest days
- AugWarm, meadows in bloom, driest trails
- SepClear, cool, fewer people
- OctEarly snow possible; shuttle winds down
- NovSnow; access unreliable
- DecWinter conditions; no services
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine wildflowers in the meadowsJul–Aug · Timing shifts with the snow year; mid-July to early August is typical. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, marmotsJun–Sep · Grazing animals on the high slopes; keep distance and store food. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Bears in the lower parkMay–Oct · Rare in the upper regions; more likely in lower forest along the Ashnola Road. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Trout in the stocked lakesJul–Sep · Ladyslipper Lake is the pick. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Keremeos
Drive Highway 3 about 3 km (1.9 mi) west, turn onto the Ashnola Forest Service Road; first 10 km (6.2 mi) paved, then gravel to the park edge at about 20 km (12 mi).Drive Highway 3 about 1.9 mi (3 km) west, turn onto the Ashnola Forest Service Road; first 6.2 mi (10 km) paved, then gravel to the park edge at about 12 mi (20 km).
40–50 min
From Vancouver
Highway 3 east via Manning Provincial Park and Princeton to Keremeos, then the Ashnola Road.
4.5–5.5 h
From Kelowna
Highways 97 and 3 south-west via Osoyoos or Penticton to Keremeos, then the Ashnola Road.
2–2.5 h
From Shuttle base camp
About 22 km (14 mi) down the Ashnola Road, marked by a sign and gate; 4WD shuttle from here to Quiniscoe Lake.About 14 mi (22 km) down the Ashnola Road, marked by a sign and gate; 4WD shuttle from here to Quiniscoe Lake.
1 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ashnola Road corridor | The drive-in edge of the park: Buckhorn and other roadside campgrounds, river and lower forest. | Open by car; rough gravel in places. |
| Quiniscoe Lake core | The hub: lodge, main campground, ranger station and the start of most trails. | On foot or by lodge shuttle only. |
| Cathedral Rim and lakes | Glacier Lake, Ladyslipper Lake, Stone City, the Giant Cleft and the high rim. | Day hikes from Quiniscoe Lake; route-finding on upper sections. |
| Lakeview Trail approach | The 15 km (9.3 mi) climb from the Ashnola Road into the core, with the biggest meadow display around the 5 km (3.1 mi) mark.The 9.3 mi (15 km) climb from the Ashnola Road into the core, with the biggest meadow display around the 3.1 mi (5 km) mark. | On foot; trailhead between the 13 and 14 km (8.7 mi) markers.On foot; trailhead between the 13 and 8.7 mi (14 km) markers. |
Sketch map
- 1Keremeos · Town≈49.206, -119.826Map ↗
- 2Ashnola Road turn-off (Highway 3) · Gate≈49.203, -119.860Approximate.Map ↗
- 3Shuttle base camp · Ranger station≈49.110, -120.100About 22 km (14 mi) down the Ashnola Road; approximate.About 14 mi (22 km) down the Ashnola Road; approximate.Map ↗
- 4Lakeview Trailhead · Trail≈49.100, -120.130Between the 13 and 14 km (8.7 mi) markers; approximate.Between the 13 and 8.7 mi (14 km) markers; approximate.Map ↗
- 5Quiniscoe Lake (lodge and campground) · Sleep≈49.066, -120.197Map ↗
- 6Glacier Lake · Viewpoint≈49.056, -120.208Map ↗
- 7Ladyslipper Lake · Viewpoint≈49.047, -120.196Map ↗
- 8Stone City · Viewpoint≈49.039, -120.208Map ↗
- 9Giant Cleft · Viewpoint≈49.033, -120.199Map ↗
Take the points offline
9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates for the core lakes and rock features come from mapped points; the road, base camp and trailhead positions are approximate, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral Lakes Lodge 4WD shuttle, base camp to Quiniscoe Lake | CAD 90–100 (≈ US$70–75) | person | One way; low season to high season. Book at least a day ahead; campers and day-trippers can ride without staying at the lodge (check current fare). |
| Quiniscoe Lake Campground | CAD 10 (≈ US$8) | adult per night | Child rate about $5; campfires permitted (check). |
| Buckhorn Campground (drive-in, Ashnola Road) | CAD 13 (≈ US$10) | party per night | Near the 16 km marker; picnic tables and fire rings (check). |
| Cathedral Lakes Lodge meals | CAD 25–50 (≈ US$19–40) | person per meal | Breakfast and lunch about $25, dinner about $50; open to campers as well as guests (check). |
| Park entry | Free | person | No gate fee for BC provincial parks; you pay for the shuttle, camping or the lodge. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Shuttle booking permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Fishing permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- C$90–100≈ US$70–75
- C$10≈ US$8
- C$13≈ US$10
- C$25–50≈ US$19–40
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on BC Parks — Cathedral Provincial Park before you go.
Park rules
- No gate fee, but no free ride
- BC provincial parks do not charge entry here; you pay the lodge shuttle, camping fees or both.
- Campfires
- Permitted at Quiniscoe Lake campground; check for seasonal fire bans before you rely on one.
- Food storage
- Keep food secured; bears are uncommon high up but present in the lower park.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all rubbish; there are pit toilets at the campgrounds but no bins in the backcountry.
- Dogs
- Check current BC Parks rules for the core area before bringing a dog on the shuttle (check).
Where to stay
In the park
Cathedral Lakes Lodge
Rooms and log cabins on Quiniscoe Lake; some cabins have kitchens, not all have private bathrooms. No TV, internet or cell signal. Two-night stays per person from about $535 high season, $475 low season, including taxes, meals and shuttle.
In the park
Quiniscoe Lake Campground
30 sites in forest on the south shore, near the lodge; the main base for the rim hike.
Near the park
Buckhorn Campground
Drive-in camping on the Ashnola Road near the 16 km (9.9 mi) marker; the easy option if you are not climbing in.Drive-in camping on the Ashnola Road near the 9.9 mi (16 km) marker; the easy option if you are not climbing in.
Near the park
Keremeos
Motels and fruit stands on Highway 3, about 20 km (12 mi) from the park edge; the practical base before an early start.Motels and fruit stands on Highway 3, about 12 mi (20 km) from the park edge; the practical base before an early start.
Safety
Sudden weather change and snow in any month high
Steep, rough descent from the rim to Ladyslipper Lake medium
No cell reception in the core medium
Rough gravel on the Ashnola Road low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Ashnola Road corridor and drive-in campgrounds are reachable by car with minimal walking.
- The core area, lodge and all main trails require the 4WD shuttle or a long climb; not suitable for limited mobility.
- The lodge has rooms at lake level, but the surrounding trails are rough and ungraded.
Visiting lightly
- Book the shuttle full rather than running extra vehicles; seats are limited and the road is fragile.
- Stay on marked trails in the alpine meadows — trampled tussock takes years to recover.
- Carry out everything, including food scraps, and use the pit toilets provided.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Cathedral Provincial Park?
There is no entry fee — BC provincial parks here have no gate. Your real costs are the Cathedral Lakes Lodge 4WD shuttle at about $90–100 per person one way, camping at about $10 per adult per night at Quiniscoe Lake or $13 per party at Buckhorn, or a lodge stay from about $475–535 per person for two nights including meals and transport.
What are the best hikes in Cathedral Provincial Park?
The Cathedral Rim Trail is the main one: 6–8 hours from Quiniscoe Lake past Glacier Lake, Stone City and Ladyslipper Lake, with steep sections and a long descent. The Glacier Lake Loop is the easy alternative at about 4 km and 1–2 hours. Fit walkers can enter on the Lakeview Trail, 15 km with over 1,000 m of gain from the Ashnola Road.
When is the best time to visit Cathedral Provincial Park?
July to September. Wildflowers peak from mid-July to early August, August has the driest trails and September brings clear, cool days with fewer people. Snow is possible in any month at this altitude, and the shuttle and lodge do not operate through the winter.
Can I drive to the lakes in Cathedral Provincial Park?
No. The Ashnola Forest Service Road only skirts the northern and western edges of the park. The core area around Quiniscoe Lake is reached on foot or by the lodge's 4WD shuttle, which takes about an hour each way from the base camp about 22 km down the road.
Do I need to stay at Cathedral Lakes Lodge to use the shuttle?
No. The shuttle is open to campers and day-trippers as well as lodge guests, but space is limited and you must book at least a day in advance.
Is there cell service or food in the park?
No cell reception in the core area, and no internet at the lodge. The only restaurant is at Cathedral Lakes Lodge, open to campers too, with meals around $25 for breakfast or lunch and $50 for dinner. Otherwise bring and cook your own food.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go