Cultus Lake Quick Info
Why Cultus Lake Is Worth the Drive from Vancouver
Cultus Lake sits in forested hills south of Chilliwack, with sandy beaches along the southeast shore and mountains behind the water. Most of the activity happens at that developed end of the lake, where parks, beaches, campgrounds, playgrounds and a small commercial strip sit side by side. For many Metro Vancouver families it works as a summer day trip, a camping weekend or a quiet lakeside walk once the crowds thin out.
Photos from our visits to Cultus Lake. Tap any photo to enlarge it.
Two Parks Share One Lake
The first thing to sort out is that Cultus Lake has two separate park areas with different managers. Knowing which is which makes it much easier to find the right official page for rules, camping and trail updates.
Cultus Lake Park
This is the community park run by the Cultus Lake Park Board. It covers about 640 acres of parkland, conservation areas, trails, beaches, camping and cabins. The main beach, playgrounds, boat rentals, restaurants, shops and Sunnyside Campground are all here, and the water park and adventure park sit close by. It is a smoke-free park.
Cultus Lake Provincial Park
The provincial park has a more rustic feel, with a developed southern end and a much wilder northern end. It has four developed campgrounds, day-use picnic areas at Entrance Bay and Maple Bay with wharfs, boat launches, and a network of forest trails that includes Teapot Hill.
The lake lies within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Stó:lō and Nuxwsa’7aq (Nooksack) peoples.
Things to Do at Cultus Lake
Swimming and Beaches
The beaches are sandy and the lake is popular for swimming through the summer. Swim only inside the buoyed swimming areas, because BC Parks warns of steep drop-offs along the lakeshore and does not have lifeguards on duty at its beaches. Wharfs at the Entrance Bay and Maple Bay day-use areas give you a place to sit by the water, and there are designated off-leash dog swim areas if you bring a dog.
Paddling and Boating
Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are all permitted on Cultus Lake, and boat rentals are available in the park’s commercial area. Motorboats share the water in summer, so early mornings are usually calmer for paddlers. If you want more paddling ideas around the region, our guide to the best places to kayak in Vancouver covers other launch points.
Walking and Hiking
The area has trails for almost every energy level. A wooded path leaves from behind the campgrounds near the main beach for an easy stroll, while Teapot Hill is a steeper climb known for the teacups, saucers and teapots that decorate the route. Seven Sisters Trail leads through older forest, and Vedder Mountain is a much bigger hike for experienced legs. BC Parks reports more than 20 km of recreation trails in the provincial park, and trail conditions change, so check the BC Parks trail conditions report before you head out.
A park trail and one of the trail display posters near the trailheads.
Water Park and Adventure Park
Cultus Lake Waterpark is a large seasonal water park with slides, lazy rivers and splash pads, and Cultus Lake Adventure Park next door has amusement rides and carnival games. Both run on their own seasonal schedules, so confirm opening dates with the operators before planning a day around them.
Fishing
Cultus Lake is known for sport fishing, with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden among the catches. Anyone fishing in British Columbia needs the appropriate licence, and BC Parks links to the current fishing and hunting guide.
Camping and Cabins
You can stay overnight in the provincial park’s campgrounds or at Sunnyside Campground in Cultus Lake Park, which has close to 600 campsites. Cabins near the waterslides are another option. Summer is the busy season, so look at booking rules early.
How to Get to Cultus Lake
Most visitors drive. From Metro Vancouver, take Highway 1 east through the Fraser Valley, exit at Yarrow or Sardis, and follow the signs south onto the Columbia Valley Highway, also called Cultus Lake Road. It is the only public road into the Cultus Lake area, and the drive from Burnaby takes about 1.5 hours in normal traffic. Parking fills up fast on hot summer weekends, and Tourism Chilliwack suggests visiting midweek to avoid the crowds.
Best Time to Visit Cultus Lake
Summer is the obvious choice for swimming, paddling and the water park, but it is also when the beaches and car parks are busiest. Weekday mornings and evenings are calmer. Outside peak season the lake is a good place for a slow walk, a picnic on a bench with a view, or a hike on the forest trails, as long as you check trail conditions and what is open first.
Tips Before You Go
- Check hours, fees and seasonal openings on the official pages: Cultus Lake Park, BC Parks and Tourism Chilliwack. Details change, so this page does not list them.
- Swim only in the buoyed areas and keep a close eye on children near the drop-offs.
- Keep dogs on a leash on trails, and stick to designated areas for beach and swim time.
- Bring a valid fishing licence if you plan to fish.
- Smoking is not allowed on Cultus Lake Park trails, and forest fire risk is real in dry weather.
- Arrive early or visit midweek in summer to find parking.
Keep Planning Your Chilliwack Trip
Cultus Lake makes an easy anchor for a wider Chilliwack day. These pages on our site cover the rest of the area and other paddling ideas around the region.
Cultus Lake FAQs
How far is Cultus Lake from Vancouver?
Cultus Lake is roughly 90 to 100 km east of Vancouver, and the drive usually takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Take Highway 1 east, exit at Yarrow or Sardis, and follow the Columbia Valley Highway south to the lake.
Can you swim at Cultus Lake?
Yes. The beaches are sandy and swimming is one of the main summer activities. Swim only within the buoyed swimming areas, watch for steep drop-offs along the shore, and remember that BC Parks does not have lifeguards on duty at its beaches.
Is there a fee to visit Cultus Lake?
Fees depend on the area and activity. Parking, camping, boat rentals, the water park and the adventure park each set their own rules and prices, and they change by season. Check the Cultus Lake Park, BC Parks and Tourism Chilliwack pages for current information.
Can you bring a dog to Cultus Lake?
Dogs are welcome in parts of the area but must be leashed on trails and are not permitted on beaches outside designated areas. Cultus Lake has designated off-leash dog swim areas, and you should check the current park rules before you go.
Is Cultus Lake good for kids?
Yes. Families come for the sandy beaches, playgrounds, calm shoreline walks, Cultus Lake Waterpark and Cultus Lake Adventure Park. Because there are no lifeguards at BC Parks beaches and the shore drops off steeply in places, children should stay close to an adult in the water.
What is the difference between Cultus Lake Park and Cultus Lake Provincial Park?
Cultus Lake Park is the community park managed by the Cultus Lake Park Board, with the main beach, shops, restaurants, cabins and Sunnyside Campground. Cultus Lake Provincial Park is managed by BC Parks and has campgrounds, day-use areas at Entrance Bay and Maple Bay, boat launches and forest trails such as Teapot Hill.
Can you get to Cultus Lake without a car?
Most visitors drive, since the Columbia Valley Highway is the only public road into the Cultus Lake area. If you want to try public transit, check Tourism Chilliwack and local transit sources for current service before you plan the trip.
Plan Your Cultus Lake Day
Pick a weekday if you can, check the official pages for current hours and fees, and pack for a full day by the water. Then keep exploring the area with our other Chilliwack guides.
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