Cathedral Provincial Park, British Columbia: Complete Hiking and Camping Guide

Cathedral Provincial Park is one of BC’s most underrated protected areas. The core area of the park sits entirely above 2000m elevation and is traversed by a network of impressive hiking trails with views of mountain peaks, geological formations, alpine lakes and more.

A shuttle provides access to the core area, saving visitors the long, strenuous hike required to reach the park’s alpine scenery. This means that Cathedral offers a backcountry experience to a wider range of visitors.

I first became aware of Cathedral shortly after we moved to Penticton in 2015. Being just an hour’s drive away, it’s easy to think of the park as our local backcountry escape. Fortunately for us, the park recently reopened with shuttle access after being closed following a wildfire in 2023.

This new guide reflects what Cathedral Provincial Park looks like now, with updated information on trails, accommodation and access based on most recent trip in mid July 2026.

While some areas have changed, many of the park’s most spectacular features remain, including the iconic Rim Trail. Is Cathedral still worth visiting post-wildfire? Without a doubt.

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Introducing Cathedral Provincial Park

Cathedral is a 33,272 hectare Provincial Park near Keremeos, British Columbia, Canada. It borders the Snowy Protected Area as well as the vast Pasayten Wilderness Area in Washington.

About five hours drive from Vancouver and nine hours from Calgary, Cathedral Park lies between the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains and the dry, desert-like landscapes of the Okanagan Valley. This is the traditional territory of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.

While locals know Cathedral as an accessible destination for alpine hiking and backcountry camping, the park remains under the radar for most other Canadians and international tourists.

The park was established in the 1960s to protect the Cathedral Lakes (Glacier, Ladyslipper, Quiniscoe, Pyramid and Lake of the Woods), the surrounding alpine landscape and the basin of the Ashnola River.

The core area of the park sits above 2,000m and has more than 30km of hiking trails. The popular Rim Trail follows the ridge above Cathedral Lakes, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Unique geological features, including Stone City, Smokey the Bear, the Giant Cleft and Devil’s Woodpile, are another highlight.

The resident herd of mountain goats is a common sight for visitors, especially on the higher elevation trails and in the campground.

In July 2023, the Crater Creek wildfire burned a significant part of Cathedral Park. The main bridge used by the shuttle was damaged, likewise the Lake of the Woods Campground. Some of the signage and hiker bridges were destroyed.

Both Quiniscoe Lake Campground and Cathedral Lakes Lodge survived the fire, though the surrounding area was burned. Thankfully, 200 metres above the campground, everything looks much as it did before.

Quick facts

• Access to core area is by shuttle or trail (16km+) only
• Main hiking season is early July to mid September
• Larch trees in the core area turn golden at the end of September/early October
• Camping reservations are required from late June to mid September
• Lodge accommodation available
• Wildfire damage is visible around the campgrounds
• No dogs permitted

How to get to Cathedral Provincial Park

Cathedral is primarily a backcountry park, with public road access limited to the edges of the park. To reach the core alpine area, visitors need to either hike in or pay for a shuttle ride along the private owned Lakeview Road.

The shuttle service is operated by Cathedral Lakes Lodge, who also provide rooms, cabins and meals in the park – more details later in the guide.

The majority of campers and lodge guests use the shuttle as the access trails into the park are long (16km+) and involve significant elevation gain (1000m+).

Since the core area is the most scenic part of the park, taking the shuttle means you can save your time and energy for exploring it. And I say this having hiked out once myself!

Lodge shuttle

There are two shuttles up and down every day – 10am and 4pm (up) and 9am and 3pm (down). The 14km long journey takes around an hour and can be a bit bumpy.

The shuttles leave from the lodge’s gated basecamp area on Ashnola Road, 26km from Keremeos. The final 10km of the drive is on an unpaved, but well maintained, road.

The entrance gate to the parking area is only unlocked when the shuttle vehicles arrive, as the road is private. I would recommend arriving 15 minutes before your departure time.

The lodge typically uses vans for the shuttle but also has side-by-sides and a Unimog. Each person can bring one large backpack and a duffel bag (two bags total). One cooler is allowed per group.

Reservations are essential and should be made after securing a tent spot in the campground. In 2026, the return trip costs $168/adult and $84/child (4 to 12 years old). Children aged 3 and under are free.

It’s also possible to book a one-way trip and hike in/out. If you want to do this, I’d recommend calling to reserve instead of using the online system. We were charged for the return trip and had to request a refund, then wait a couple of weeks for it to be processed.

Hiking into/out the core area

There are three trails that lead from the edge of the park into the core area, one of which is currently closed.

On our last trip, we hiked the Lakeview Trail back to our vehicle*. It took us five hours total with minimal stops. Though we started early, it became hot really quickly as the trail travels almost entirely through burned landscape.

There is some water availability along the way, with one of the best sources being a creek 6km from the lodge. The final section (or first, depending on direction) joins the shuttle road several times, with a few more creek crossings along the way.

The highlight of the trail is a view of the Cathedral Rim around 8km from the lodge. In mid July, the wildflowers were also outstanding. Nonetheless, I was very glad to be hiking down rather than up. If you plan to hike this route, start as early as you can. The sun is unforgiving.

*After arrival, we had to wait for a shuttle to arrive for the basecamp gate to be unlocked. We dipped in the Ashnola River while waiting.

• Lakeview Trail
  • Trailhead – Ashnola Forest Service Road (23km from Highway 3)
  • Length – 16km
  • Elevation gain from trailhead – 1300m
  • Suggested time – 6 to 8 hours
  • Overview – Very exposed route through wildfire burn area with some steep sections
• Wall Creek Trail (also known as the Centennial Trail)
  • Trailhead – Ashnola Forest Service Road (48km from Highway 3)
  • Length – 20km
  • Elevation gain from trailhead – 1100m
  • Suggested time – 7 to 9 hours
  • Overview – Longer route than Lakeview but less elevation and generally considered easier, some short unburned sections
• Ewart Creek Trail – currently closed
  • Trailhead – Ewart Creek Road (20km from Highway 3)
  • Length – 28km
  • Elevation gain from trailhead – 1740m
  • Suggested time – 10 to 12 hours
  • Overview – Longest and most challenging route into the core area, though wilderness camping is available at Twin Buttes

Where to stay in Cathedral Provincial Park

Since most visitors to Cathedral Provincial Park stay in the core area, this section focuses on the accommodation options available there. For details on wilderness camping and the limited frontcountry camping opportunities in the park, head to the BC Parks website.

Quiniscoe Lake Campground

As of 2026, there is only one operating campground in the core area of Cathedral Provincial Park – Quiniscoe Lake. Set into a spruce and larch forest next to the lake, the majority of the campground was unaffected by the fire. There’s only a few burned trees right at the back.

Lake of the Woods Campground was damaged in the 2023 wildfire and Pyramid Campground was closed for at least 15 years already due to pine beetle infestation.

While technically backcountry, Quiniscoe Lake Campground doesn’t really feel like it. Located close to Cathedral Lakes Lodge, you’ll hear the meal bells, occasional music and vehicle activity. Most campers arriving by shuttle so expect coolers, large tents, camp chairs and other comforts not usually seen.

• There are 30 numbered sites, each with framed tent pads.
• A handful of picnic tables are spread across the campground, as well as three outhouses
• Fires are allowed in designated pits in the campground when a fire ban is not in place, with firewood available for purchase near the ranger cabin.
  • There is, however, usually a ban from mid July to early September (sometimes longer). Check the BC Wildfire Service website before leaving.
• For food storage, there are two bear hangs.
• There are also some old wire cache structures, which I would not suggest using.
  • They provide limited protection from mountain goats and rodents. Bears have not been spotted in this area for a very long time.
• To help prevent the mountain goats from becoming more habituated, campers should:
  • Always use the outhouses for urination
  • Do not leave sweaty clothing and equipment out
  • Store food and smelly items properly – use the bear hangs when not in use
  • Dispose of grey water in outhouses
  • Keep a safe distance, a minimum of 50 metres, from mountain goats at all times

Reservation details

There are 30 backcountry sites at Quiniscoe Lake, with reservations being required from late June to mid September. The fee is $10/adult/night, with an additional $20/stay fee for non-BC residents.

Reservations can be made up to three months before your planned arrival date via the BC Parks website. Select ‘Backcountry’ then ‘Backcountry Reservation’ and then ‘Cathedral.’

Keep in mind that your reservation is for a spot at the campground, not a specific tent pad. The actual tent spots are first come first serve. The sites closest to the water (21–30) are the most popular.

While I’d still recommend making a reservation in advance if you have specific dates in mind (especially if its a weekend), there is usually a good amount of availability throughout the summer.

We made the reservation for our mid July trip just a week before we arrived. The campground was only about half full while we were there.

Outside the main hiking season, registration is still required. You can register online up to two weeks before arrival through the BC Parks website or in person at the campground entrance kiosk, where payment envelopes are available. Bring cash if registering in person.

Cathedral Lakes Lodge

The other place to stay in Cathedral’s core area is Cathedral Lakes Lodge. Located at the southern end of Quiniscoe Lake at 2000m elevation, it claims to be ‘one of Canada’s highest full-service hiking and fishing wilderness lodges.’

The main two storey lodge building was constucted in 1972. It is surrounded by a collection of small cabins, some dating back to the 1930s. The lodge rooms and cabins have a range of different facilities (private/shared washrooms, kitchens, heater/stove) and sleeping arrangements.

Most of the accommodation is offered on an all-inclusive basis, with three daily meals included. Prices are therefore calcuated on a per person basis, starting at around $300/night plus transportation fee. A three night minimum is standard.

The lodge is open from mid June to mid October and has been operated by the same family for the last 35+ years. I love that they sell so many local beers, wine and ciders for purchase in the lodge, for campers as well as guests.

Cathedral Provincial Park core area hiking trails

Hikers love Cathedral for its network of hiking trails, with the Rim Trail being the premier experience. The following trails all start from Quiniscoe Lake, where the lodge and campground are located.

For more information on the Cathedral’s best hiking path, head to our dedicated Rim Trail guide.

If you only have one full day in the park, I’d recommend hiking the Rim Trail as a priority (whether the full 17km loop or a shortened one). The Quiniscoe Lake Trail is a great option for a spare afternoon/morning, with Glacier Lake a solid alternative for a longer adventure.

• Quiniscoe Lake Trail
  • Length – 2km loop
  • Elevation gain – minimal
  • Suggested time – 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Overview – Easy hike around lake via lodge and campground, side trail to impressive waterfall, beautiful views of water and Quiniscoe Mountain above
• Diamond Trail around Scout Mountain
  • Length – 8km
  • Elevation gain – 250m
  • Suggested time – 3 to 4 hours
  • Overview – Low moderate level hike with mix of burned forest and wide open views of sub-alpine terrain and surrounding mountains. Side trail to Scout Lake (650m return)
• Glacier Lake
  • Length – 3km loop
  • Elevation gain – 200m
  • Suggested time – 90 minutes
  • Overview – Low moderate level hike through burned forest to pretty alpine lake, also used as an access route to/from the Rim Trail

• Ladyslipper Lake Trail
  • Length – 6.4km return
  • Elevation gain – 200m
  • Suggested time – 2 to 3 hours with time at the lake
  • Overview – Low moderate level hike through burned forest up to viewpoint above Cathedral’s most beautiful lake (in my opinion!) and then down to the lakeshore
• The Rim Trail
  • Length – 17km loop, shorter loops possible (e.g. exit/enter at Glacier or Quiniscoe lakes)
  • Elevation gain – 900m for full loop
  • Suggested time – 6 to 10 hours
  • Overview – Challenging full day hike with multiple mountain summits, geological formations, spectacular views, bouldering traverse. Usually hiked clockwise, taking in Ladyslipper Lake, Stone City, Devil’s Woodpile, Quiniscoe Mountain and Red Mountain

When hiking, be sure to urinate at least 50m from the trail. Mountain goats are attracted to the salt in urine, so this helps prevent them from becoming habituated to people.

Where to stay before/after visiting Cathedral Provincial Park

The closest place to stay to Cathedral Park is Keremeos, only 30 minutes drive from the lodge parking area on Ashnola Road. Keremeos is the agricultural centre of the Similkameen Valley and has quite a few cool things to do, include stock up on local fruit!

There are some great motels in Keremeos, such as the Orchard View Motel, as well as guesthouses and B&Bs. My top pick is Klippers Guest Suites, which is located on the same property as one of the best farm to table restaurants anywhere in the region (Row Fourteen).

If travelling from Vancouver, E.C. Manning Provincial Park is both a scenic and convenient option along the way. There are lodge rooms and cabins as well as camping, with Lightning Lake campground being the most popular. For chain hotels and motels, head to Princeton instead.

For camping, there are several free, rustic Recreation Site campgrounds along the Ashnola Road leading to the Cathedral Lakes Lodge basecamp parking area. Keep in mind that most of them do not have any shade due to the wildfire and this area can get very hot.

Recommended items to bring

Alongside all of your regular camping gear, I’d suggest the following items for a trip to Cathedral:

• Carabiner – We found that some of the bear hang cables were missing carabiners, possibly due to misuse, so we were glad we had brought our own.
• Dry bags – Be sure to bring these to keep food and other smelly items dry while they’re stored up the bear hang, which is completely exposed to the elements.
• Copy of reservation/registration – Print and carry with you to show BC Parks staff when requested.
• Insect repellent – The mosquitoes were pretty bad during our mid July visit. We had no issues on a previous trip in mid August. Consider bringing a head net if they bother you
• Swimsuit – The Cathedral Lakes are cold but swimmable! We swam in Quiniscoe Lake multiple times on our most recent trip. JR also skinny dipped in Ladyslipper (it’s a bit quieter up there)
• Fishing gear, if desired – Cathedral’s lakes support both rainbow and cutthroat trout. Fish tend to be on the small size (6 to 10 inches) but are plentiful. Don’t forget to bring a paper copy of your fishing licence.
• Cash – Cathedral Lakes Lodge sells beer, wine, pop, chips and cookies to campers. There’s also the option of purchasing meals, with advance notice
• Downloaded maps – We used Organic Maps for on trail navigation. There isn’t a lot of signage in the burned areas so it would be easy to miss a turn. Download the relevant maps before leaving for offline use

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The Best Okanagan Valley Wineries: A Local’s Guide

The Best Okanagan Valley Waterfalls, British Columbia

Frosty Mountain Larches, Manning Park: Everything You Need to Know

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