Categories: Travel

These lesser-known BC Parks have magical fall colours without the crowds

We might not be on the East Coast, but British Columbia is home to some truly spectacular fall scenery this time of year. And we talked to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and BC Parks to uncover just where to find the most striking autumn colours!

From the rugged coastlines at Rathtrevor Beach Park to the seas of golden larches lining Goldstream and E.C. Manning Parks, there are tons of must-visit spots to check out.

And BC Parks has many year-round destinations to explore, whether you’re looking for a scenic fall hike or a weekend of camping or glamping.

So pack your bags and warm layers, and get ready to take it all in!

Popular fall destinations

According to BC Parks, these are consistently the most visited provincial parks during the autumn season (between 2019 and 2024):

  1. Cypress Park 
  2. E.C. Manning Park 
  3. Rathtrevor Beach Park 
  4. Goldstream Park 
  5. Golden Ears Park 
  6. Mount Seymour Park 
  7. Porteau Cove Park 
  8. Shannon Falls Park 
  9. Stawamus Chief Park 
  10. Juan de Fuca Park 

Lesser-known parks

Photo via Shutterstock

Prefer to take the road less travelled? You’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking fall scenery at these hidden gems, which BC Parks says are known for their vibrant colours.

Maybe you’ve heard of some of these, or maybe they’re entirely new to you – no matter, these lesser-known parks are worth the journey this season:

Fall camping

For campers craving an overnight adventure, there are a handful of campgrounds operating this fall and year-round to make note of.

If you’re looking to stay cozy, the Cultus Lake Maple Bay Cabins are a great option, reservable until November 30th, according to BC Parks.

Bikers and hikers have their pick of many stunning walk-in sites this season, including popular campgrounds at Miracle Beach, Porteau Cove, Cold Creek at Golden Ears, Alice Lake, and Okanagan Lake South Park.

Looking for even more options? Head to BC Parks’ camping reservation site and use the “walk-in” filter to reveal even more spots.

So there you have it, BC! Whether you want to beat the crowds or join them, it’s worth checking out as many of these spots as you fancy.

Remember to check each individual park’s website for the most up-to-date visitor and accessibility info, and stay safe! 

Happy fall!

Recent Posts:
There’s a lakeside town in BC known for its stunning waterfall with autumn colours
Some of the world’s largest spruce trees are in BC at this wilderness park

Recent Posts

You can explore military vehicles and meet rescue teams at this two-day Calgary event

Tactical Days is returning to the Military Museums in Calgary this August, offering a behind-the-scenes…

7 hours ago

The Vancouver Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (July 28)

Welcome back to the Vancouver Group Chat, your weekly go-to for some of the city's hottest…

7 hours ago

The Toronto Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (July 28)

Hey, Toronto, what’s up?! Your group chat is popping off, and we’re here to keep…

8 hours ago

North Vancouver residents can pick up a free outdoor plant this October and here’s how

If you're looking for a reason to pick up a couple of new plant babies…

9 hours ago

The Calgary Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (July 28)

Welcome to the Calgary Group Chat, your spot for all the local updates you'll want…

9 hours ago

Edmonton records its rainiest summer in over 70 years

An absolute summer soaker...

11 hours ago