Project overview
The Cheakamus Lava Escarpment, located along Jane Lakes Road, is an impressive columnar dacite formation, created at the terminus of a lava flow from the Loggers Lake volcano during the last ice age.
Once operated as a basalt stone quarry, this previously disturbed area is being restored with a thoughtful approach to enhance its natural and cultural heritage. The project includes opportunities for education, passive recreation with potential for guided tours, while maintaining the integrity of the escarpment’s unique landscape.
The site forms part of the Sea to Sky GeoRegion, recognized for its geological significance.
Access to the Lava Escarpment is by the Sea to Sky Trail or Cheakamus River Forest Services Road.
Parking is available at the Sea to Sky / Train Wreck Trailhead parking lots.
We encourage you to walk or bike because there is no parking at the Lava Escarpment.
Project highlights
The Cheakamus Lava Escarpment has been developed with three distinct plaza areas that utilize the unique basalt stone columns found on-site in various applications such as walls, tables, seating, a tiered play feature, and paving stones, all connected by crushed gravel surfaced trails.
Ecological restoration efforts have been incorporated based on recommendations from qualified environmental professionals (QEP’s) including protecting sensitive riparian areas with split rail cedar fence, new native planting selected from existing species recorded on-site, installing large course woody debris and erecting habitat trees.
Educational information panels, fixed to custom weathering steel sign stands have been added in several key areas throughout the property.
Additionally, 150m of new trail connects the Lava Escarpment to the Sea to Sky Trail, and upgrades have been made to 2 km of existing Sea to Sky Trail Improving accessibility for all users!
Timeline
Minor construction will continue in the spring of 2026 with official opening planned for early summer 2026.
Funding
This project is funded by the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the provincial Resort Municipality Initiative grant programs and does not rely on local property taxes.
