The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Callaghan Conservancy

This wide, easygoing trail follows Madeley Creek through a peaceful mix of forest and wetlands. A favourite for cross-country skiing in winter, it becomes a lovely summer hike where the creekside scenery keeps the route feeling fresh and wild.

Must See

In a forest clearing for the power line route, there is a branch of the Sea to Sky Trail, leading north. The map and trail signs describe the trail as a recreational trail, which is not maintained. The forest trail runs at some distance along the west bank of the Cheakamus River to the Brandywine Falls Park boundary and then continues through private land to the railway line. BC Parks recommends not continuing this trail beyond the park boundary. In any case, the short stretch along several small lakes is worthwhile. The trail leads over hill and dale with gentle ups and downs. The smooth rocks at the last lake invite you to take a break and enjoy the scenery. (Visit May 25, 2025)

From the southern vantage point of Brandywine Falls, you have a magnificent view of Daisy Lake Reservoir and Black Tusk Mountain in the Garibaldi Ranges of the Coast Mountains. The Daisy Lake Reservoir was created in 1926 after the construction of the Cheakamus Dam; the dam was replaced in 1984. The reservoir is part of the Cheakamus Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Squamish River. https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/operations/transmission-reservoir-data/previous-reservoir-elevations/lower-mainland/daisy_lake_dsy.html

Pothole Lake is one of numerous small lakes in the landscape known as Lakes of Fire. The plain was formed by a lava flow, which created hollows that filled with water, leaving no outlet. The lake is located on the Sea-to-Sky Trail, a few meters from the Whistler Bungee Bridge, on the plain above the Cheakamus River Gorge. A table set is available for enjoying the view of the lake and taking a break. (Visit May 24, 2025)

The Cheakamus River flows south through a 50-meter-deep, densely forested rocky gorge. In the distance, we can see the striking rocky peak of The Black Tusk.

The Cal-Cheak Suspension Bridge crosses Callaghan Creek just before its confluence with the Cheakamus River. The Sea-to-Sky Trail passes by, and the Cal-Cheak Campground is nearby, spread across four separate sites between Callaghan Creek and the Cheakamus River. On the west side of the suspension bridge, a forest trail leads along the Cheakamus River to a gravel road where you can cross the railroad tracks and reach the Lava Lake Trailhead. This section of the trail is on private property, so please respect the rules. https://www.herwildwanderings.com/bc-calcheak-suspension-bridge

The Whistler Bungee Bridge crosses the Cheakamus River Gorge at a height of 50 meters. Bungee jumping has been offered year-round since 2002. Access to the Whistler Bungee Bridge is via the Sea-to-Sky Trail parking lot near Brandywine Falls or by vehicle via the Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road, a gravel road that branches off to the east a few kilometers south of Cheakamus Crossing. https://www.whistlerbungee.com/