Though you can’t see Cirque Lake from Callaghan Lake, you can guess its location when standing in the main parking area on Callaghan’s southeast shore. Look directly across at the mountainous backdrop, and at the steep stream of water rushing down through thick forest. That water comes from Cirque Lake.

A steep, unmaintained trail leads from the far end of Callaghan Lake to Cirque Lake, but getting to where it starts is the first challenge. A faint, brushy path leads around the east side of Callaghan. The better way to get there, however—if you have the means—is to paddle. Land your boat at the backcountry campsites near the inlet stream. This is where the trail starts.

Hike upward through forest that soon gives way to views over the Callaghan Valley from a rocky hillside. The gradient doesn’t relent until the very top, when you enter the narrow outflow valley of Cirque Lake. Brilliant blue water appears before you, within a picture frame of green and gray streaks beneath snow-capped peaks. A network of social trails weave around the lake, but all the sides are steep—scrambling may be required in some places. Enjoy a dip in the frigid water, a bask on the shore, or an elevated vantage from surrounding slopes.

Sources: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/callaghanlk/#Hiking http://hikeinwhistler.com/index.php/best/best-aerial-views/387-cirque-best-aerial http://hikeinwhistler.com/index.php/maps/callaghan-lake-map