Cathedral Lakes Lodge's Summer & Fall operation is open from June through October for hiking, trekking, fishing and wild alpine flower viewing. Due to an elevation of over 2000 meters (6800 ft), The Park has three seasons in a short period.

alpine seasons

Mid June to mid July
Spring is the time of melting snow and budding leaves. The larch trees, a deciduous conifer, are brilliant green with new needles. The lakes are still partially frozen and where there is open water dozens of trout are spawning. Trails leading to the ridge are still covered by snow and adventurous hikers, equipped with ice axes, gaiters and snowshoes, must kick step their way up the snowfields to the rim. During winter most of the snow blows off the rim making it possible to hike any time of year. Returning from the ridge is fast and exciting as the snow filled chutes make for great glissading or boot skiing.

Mid July to mid September
Summer is short in the mountains in Canada. Now the alpine meadows are a carpet of brilliant wildflowers. Some summers the lakes are warm enough for a fast dip after a long day's hike. Our high elevation prevents Cathedral Park from reaching the sweltering temperatures common in the Okanagan Valley in the summer. The nights remain warm enough to enjoy the stars that seem so close, here far away from city lights. Summer is also the busiest time in the park as people come from all over the world to enjoy one of BC's best alpine flower displays.

Mid September to early October
Mid-September brings a spectacular colour change to the Park. Now the alpine cranberry and blueberry turn red and purple, highlighted by brilliant yellow as the needles change colour on the rare alpine larches. Sunny days and cool clear nights make fall one of the best times to hike in Cathedral Park. In October the mountain peaks are dusted with snow as the lakes get a skim of ice and marmots, pikas and ground squirrels prepare for yet another long winter hibernation.

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