Four Lakes and Mashiter Trail Loop

The primary access point for this loop is within Alice Lake Provincial Park. You'll find ample parking available there, which serves as a convenient starting point for both the Four Lakes Trail and connections to the Mashiter Trail.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times. Note that dogs are generally not permitted on the beaches around the lakes within Alice Lake Provincial Park.

This trail is a fantastic year-round option. While beautiful in all seasons, late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant weather for hiking and enjoying the lakes. Winter hiking is also possible, but be prepared for snow and potentially icy conditions.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Four Lakes and Mashiter Trail Loop itself. However, as it's located within Alice Lake Provincial Park, standard provincial park regulations apply.

You'll experience a diverse landscape. The Four Lakes portion winds through lush, mossy second-growth forest with large trees, offering picturesque views of Alice Lake, Edith Lake, Fawn Lake, and Stump Lake. The Mashiter Trail section, often a dirt/gravel road, introduces more significant elevation changes, providing a greater variety of terrain compared to the flatter Four Lakes Trail.

The Four Lakes Trail section is considered very easy and family-friendly, with minimal elevation gain. When combined with the Mashiter Trail, the overall loop becomes more moderate due to increased distance and elevation changes. It's still generally suitable for active families, but beginners should be aware of the longer distance and uphill sections introduced by the Mashiter portion.

Beyond the four beautiful lakes (Alice, Edith, Fawn, and Stump), you'll pass by the Tracks From Hell Trail Boardwalk and follow sections alongside the Cheekye River. Each lake offers unique characteristics, from Alice Lake's sandy beach to Edith Lake's seclusion and Stump Lake's floating gardens.

The Four Lakes Trail is generally well-groomed and easy to follow. However, when combining it with the Mashiter Trail and other connecting paths, some turn-offs can be easy to miss. It's highly recommended to use a navigation app like komoot to stay on track, especially since the 'Four Lakes and Mashiter Trail Loop' isn't a single official named trail but a combination of routes.

Yes, you'll find multiple washrooms conveniently located along the Four Lakes Trail section, particularly around the main Alice Lake area. While there are no designated water refill stations directly on the trail, you can usually find potable water sources within the main Alice Lake Provincial Park facilities. Always carry enough water for your hike.

Yes, the route is a combination of several trails and passes through sections of the Mashiter, Four Lakes Trail, Jack's, Perth Drive Service Road, Lumber Jacks, Rollercoaster, Tracks From Hell, Guanxi, Alice Lake Access Road, Credit Line, Lower Pamplemousse, and 50 Shades of Green, among others, offering a rich network of paths.

Given the moderate length and varied terrain, pack essentials like plenty of water, snacks, appropriate footwear (hiking shoes or sturdy trainers), layers of clothing for changing weather, sun protection, and insect repellent. A first-aid kit and a navigation device (like your phone with komoot maps downloaded) are also highly recommended.