It’s no secret that Golden Ears is one of the largest, most breathtaking provincial parks in British Columbia, and it’s just an hour away from Vancouver, making it a great destination for a spontaneous trip this summer.

And for those who prefer to get there car-less can hop on a Parkbus on a Saturday between July 27th and September 14th!

With three large campgrounds including the popular Alouette Lake, Golden Ears is a camper’s and hiker’s paradise. There are plenty of surrounding streams, waterfalls, valleys, and mountain peaks to take in.

Camping info

While there’s a campfire ban in effect as of July 12th, 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.

There are cold water taps at the campgrounds at Alouette Lake, Gold Creek, and West Canyon Trailhead.

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golden ears british columbia
Photo via BC Parks

Swimmers can take advantage of marked swimming areas the the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area and at Campers’ Beach between Gold Creek and Alouette from June 17th to September 5th.

Day passes

Note that day-use passes are required if you’re visiting between Friday and Monday from May 3rd to September 2nd. Passes can be booked online (up to four at a time).

Given its size and range of outdoor activities, Golden Ears is especially popular during the summer months, and subject to periodic closures when the day-use and boat-launch parking lots fill to capacity. So make sure to plan accordingly 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, and leave no trace behind!

Golden Ears

Where: Maple Ridge, BC

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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