One of BC’s largest parks has over 400 lakeside campsites & it’s an hour away from Vancouver

Looking for a fun day trip idea or camping spot for the warmer months? Golden Ears is one of the largest, most breathtaking parks in BC, and it’s just an hour away from Vancouver. Perfect for a camping trip, a spontaneous day on the lake, or a challenging hike through the mountains. Or a combination of the three!

Golden Ears Provincial Park is a true testament to our province’s beauty if there ever was one. Spanning 62,539 hectares, the massive park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and wildlife to observe. And its proximity to the city certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to making last-minute plans.

Camping info

While there’s a campfire ban in effect as of June 8th, campers can still enjoy vehicle-accessible camping at Alouette Lake, Gold Creek, and North Beach. All in all, there are over 400 campsites to choose from, as well as several backcountry areas for those with a little more experience under their belt.

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Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and alpine meadows, as well as the iconic peaks that give the park its name: Mount Blanshard and Golden Ears. From Evans Peak Trail to the more moderate Lookout and Loop trails, there is no shortage of trails to choose from.

And if you’re looking for more of a lake day vibe, you can rent a canoe or kayak at Alouette’s day-use area (South Beach) on the weekends up until Labour Day, weather permitting.

Note that given its size and range of outdoor activities, Golden Ears is a popular destination during the summer months. The park is subject to periodic closures to day users and boaters when the day-use and boat-launch parking lots fill to capacity. These closures typically occur on sunny weekends and holidays between 11 am and 4 pm – so make sure to plan ahead and arrive early!

Day-use passes valid from 7 am to 4 pm can be reserved for free online via BC Parks.

So there you have it, BC. A fantastic day of exploring awaits, and you won’t have to go far from the city. Stay safe!