Parks
BC Park Ranger, Cypress Provincial Park (BC Parks photo)
Epic mountains, sparkling lakes, living rainforests and oceanside trails – there are hundreds of parks in BC to explore.
From the world-ranked Stanley Park in the heart of Vancouver to Gwaii Haanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that puts the "wild" into wilderness, British Columbia is renowned for having the most extensive parks system in Canada – there are nearly 1,000 provincial parks and protected areas, plus many more national and city parks.
Walking and hiking are a given in virtually every park. Beyond that, there is wildlife viewing and bird watching, backpacking, camping, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, fishing and boating, skiing and boarding, mountain biking and mountaineering. In 2011, both BC Parks and Parks Canada celebrated their 100th anniversaries.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Three of BC's parks are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, signifying that they are a protected area of global significance.
Read More
National Geographic Traveler Award
Protecting the natural environment is crucially important, and BC is recognized as a world leader in this area. In 2009, Kootenay and Yoho national parks were jointly ranked second in the world (first in North America) by National Geographic Traveler's annual survey on destination stewardship.
Learn more about BC's Parks by Region and City
Geographically, parks in the province are divided into six regions and three cities:
Vancouver
Victoria
Whistler
Which Park to Visit
Visitors are spoiled for choice when determining which BC park to visit. Pick from some of BC's most unique or interesting parks according to special interest below, or by the region/city (above). Additional information on the province's stunning regional and provincial parks is listed on each of the regional and city pages. Or explore trip ideas about some family-friendly parks and provincial park highlights.
Ocean-Front Parks:
East Sooke Regional Park, Cape Scott Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Naikoon Provincial Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Tribune Bay Provincial Park, Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, French Beach Provincial Park
Canoeing, Boating and Kayaking:
Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, Bowron Lake Provincial Park Canoe Circuit, Broken Group Islands (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve), K'nabiyaaxl/Ashdown Conservancy
Marine Hot Springs:
Bishop Bay Hot Springs (Monkey Beach Conservancy), Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy
Big Mountains:
Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Parks, Strathcona Provincial Park, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Manning Provincial Park
Warm Water Lakes and Beaches:
Golden Ears Provincial Park, Lost Lake Park, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, Gladstone Provincial Park
First Nations Culture:
Gwaii Haanas National Park and Haida Heritage Site, Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park
Birding:
Witty's Lagoon Regional Park, Island View Regional Park, Vaseux Lake Provincial Park
Salmon Spawning:
Goldstream Provincial Park, Capilano River Park and Salmon Hatchery, Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park
Practical Information about BC Parks
Camping:
Many parks offer camping facilities – both vehicle-access and wilderness sites. The typical camping season is mid-May to mid-September although opportunities also abound for winter camping. Some parks accept reservations, others don't. Check the specific park's listing. Campers in the backcountry should practice "leave no trace" ethics.
Wildlife:
Although interactions are rare, most of BC's parks are in wilderness areas, so it is important for visitors on the trails to be "bear aware."
Pets:
Watch for signage, but dogs on leash are usually welcome in most city parks and off-leash areas are designated. In wilderness areas, pets are generally discouraged and sometimes prohibited because of problems with wildlife, bears in particular. Check the specific park's website to be certain.
Seasons:
While most parks are open year round, winter weather can close trails and make conditions treacherous. Visitors need to check trail conditions and ensure they are appropriately equipped and knowledgeable about the terrain and winter conditions. Check the specific park's website for trail conditions.
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. For more information on BC forest fires, click here. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
Read Less
Show me Parks close to:
or
Main Address
Activity/Branch/Terminal
Visitor Centres
72 Parks in British Columbia
1 - 10 of 72 Results
1
Off Hwy 99
Squamish, British Columbia
V8B 0X3
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Alice Lake is surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests & grassy areas. There are 4 freshwater lakes which dominate the landscape & make swimming & fishing very enjoyable pastimes. Various hiking trails offer leisure strolls to experienced hikers.
More Details
2
Hwy 16
Terrace, British Columbia
V8G 0G8
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone877-878-9601 (Reservations)
The park is the first provincial park jointly managed by a First Nation & BC Parks. Enjoy interpretation of natural features, native culture & guided volcanic tours through old growth forest & a variety of features. To protect the volcanic cone, unguided tours are prohibited.
More Details
3
3 Km East Of Smithers
Smithers, British Columbia
V0J 2N7
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone877-878-9601 (Reservations)
Babine Mountains Provincial Park is located within the Skeena Mountains ecosection & offers some of the finest hiking opportunities in West Central British Columbia. Glacier-fed lakes, rugged peaks & extensive subalpine meadows provide day & overnight hiking opportunities. Horseback riding & mountain biking are also permitted. Please visit website for more details.
More Details
4
Hwy 26
Bowron Lake, British Columbia
V0C 2G0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone778-373-6107
The park offers a world-renowned canoe circuit encompassing over 100 km of lakes, waterways & portages; 54 wilderness campsites & 25 vehicle accessible campsites available. Those attempting the canoe circuit must have some wilderness canoeing experience. Animals are prohibited on the canoe circuit.
More Details
5
30 Km East Of Port McNeill
Port McNeill, British Columbia
V0N 2R0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
BC's largest marine park, consisting of dozens of undeveloped islands & islets. The park offers excellent boating, kayaking & wildlife viewing opportunities & provides park visitors sheltered waters & anchorages with a backdrop of the magnificent coastal mountains.
More Details
6
Gravel Road Off Hwy 95
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
V0A 1M0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free800-663-7867
Phone604-660-2421
This park situated in the Purcell Mountains of southeast British Columbia continues to draw climbers from around the world to its airy, glacier sculpted granite spires. With many peaks over 3,000 m the Bugaboo's offer awe-inspiring mountain & glacier terrain. Great location for climbing, hiking, and horseback riding trails.
More Details
7
64 Km West Of Port Hardy
Port Hardy, British Columbia
V0N 2P0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Cape Scott is a rugged coastal wilderness located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. Visitors can choose day hikes or backpacking excursions to explore the sandy beaches & rain forest area. Adverse weather conditions can occur all year.
More Details
8
20 Km NW Of Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
V0S 1K0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-474-1336
Carmanah Walbran offers several hiking trails providing access to many natural features, including some of the area's largest trees. The park is a wilderness area; walk-in campsites & trails are primitive & usually very muddy.
More Details
9
Hwy 3
Keremeos, British Columbia
V8T 5J9
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone12508408807
Cathedral Provincial Park offers experienced hikers a view of jagged mountain peaks, azure lakes & alpine meadows. The park also offers fishing, camping, wilderness camping & mountaineering. Be prepared for outdoor living. Pets are not allowed in the park.
More Details
10
Hwy 31 - 2 Km North
Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia
V0G 1A0
Websitehttp://www.codycaves.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-505-2592
Cody Caves Provincial Park is located in the Selkirk Mountains above Ainsworth Hot Springs. In the Cody Cave system, an underground stream flows for 800 m through ancient limestone. Guided tours provide an introductory caving experience and visitors see fragile calcite formations such as stalactites, soda straws & draperies.
More Details