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.
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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.
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72 Parks in British Columbia
11 - 20 of 72 Results
11
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
A popular tourist attraction for the town of Hope & provides viewing, walking & picnicking opportunities. The hiking trail links to the historic Hope-Nicola Cattle Trail & the Othello tunnels were cut through granite for past railway access.
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12
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Cypress offers towering North Shore Mountains that form a backdrop to the bustling city of Vancouver. Outdoor recreationists can enjoy hiking & sightseeing, photography, wilderness camping, mountain biking (in limited areas), skiing & other snow-related activities.
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13
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
This park is a yachter's paradise at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet & Homfray Channel with more than 60 km of shoreline, several islands, numerous small bays & snug coves. The forested upland offers trails & wilderness tent sites. It is a great location for power boating as well as sailing.
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14
68 Km East Of Hope
Hope, British Columbia
V0X 1L4
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Manning Park is one of the most popular destination areas in the province. The landscape diversity of this park combined with 4 seasons' development, provides a wide range of both summer and winter recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing.
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15
104 Km North Of Sparwood
Sparwood, British Columbia
V0X 1L4
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free800-663-7867
Phone604-660-2421
Located within the western ranges of the southern Rocky Mountains, this is an easily accessible wilderness park characterized by outstanding sub-alpine landscapes, remnant glaciers, rugged peaks & productive lakes. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails available.
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16
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-260-3590
Fintry Provincial Park includes the former Fintry Farm Estate, a heritage site with a colourful history. There is over 2 km of waterfront property with surrounding mountains & canyons that offer camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing & great location for power boating.
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17
Off Hwy 99
Squamish, British Columbia
V8W 9M9
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Located in the heart of the Coast Mountains, 70 kms north of Vancouver. Offering over 90 kms of established hiking trails. One of the favourite year round destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Offers five access routes; varying difficulty levels for hikers.
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18
80 Km West Of Golden
Golden, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Websitehttp://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/glacier
Toll-free
Phone250-837-7500
Once seen as a rugged, inaccessible place where only the wild spirited and adventurous would dare enter, Glacier National Park is home to some of Canada's most fascinating transportation & mountaineering stories. Backcountry enthusiasts can enjoy Glacier's challenging peaks & deep snow while those looking for a more relaxing experience can take a leisurely stroll along the many short trails. Visitors are invited to 'try on some history' as they pose in a new interpretive sculpture/exhibit celebrating over a century of women's 'skirtless' mountaineering at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
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19
20 Km Northeast Of Grand Forks
Grand Forks, British Columbia
V0H 1H0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
The Monashee Mountains surround the warm Christina Lake at the park & is a perfect backdrop for a variety of water-oriented recreational activities. Along with these water activities, there is hiking, fishing & horseback riding to enjoy the area.
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20
11 Km North Of Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge, British Columbia
V2W 1X9
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Golden Ears is one of the largest recreational provincial parks in the province. The extensive system of trails within the park provides an excellent opportunity for hiking & horseback riding. Alouette Lake is a popular spot for many water activities.
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