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
31 - 40 of 72 Results
31
Km 765 Of Alaska Hwy
Muncho Lake, British Columbia
V0C 1Z0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-776-7000
The park offers two hot springs that are of national ecological significance & well known for their natural setting in a lush, boreal spruce forest. The park is a popular stopover for tourists travelling the Alaska Hwy.
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32
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Visitors can stroll through trails under towering ancient Douglas fir trees - some more than 800 yrs old. Excellent hiking opportunities.
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33
NW Part Of Clayoquot Sound
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
The natural hot mineral spring pools at this park are a very unique feature. This wilderness area is also known for coastal hiking, wilderness camping, sea kayaking & wildlife viewing. The park is only accessible by boat.
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34
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Miracle Beach is a popular destination offering a broad safe sandy ocean beach featuring rich tide pools at low tide, perfect for observing varieties of marine life. A large picnic area overlooks the water & trails wind through lush forest.
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35
111 Km North Of Vernon
Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 6T1
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
This undeveloped mountain wilderness is a wonderful adventure for both experienced, backcountry hikers & willing beginners alike. Lush green forests grace the valley bottoms & in the spring, alpine meadows blossom with a colourful array of wildflowers. Great location for fishing & bird watching.
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36
Murray River Rd
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
V0C 2W0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free800-663-7867
Phone250-257-0700
Monkman Provincial Park is nestled in-between the Hart Ranges & Central Rocky Mountains. A diverse natural landscape encompasses alpine meadows, jagged mountain peaks, forested valleys, thundering waterfalls & clear alpine lakes. Kinuseo Falls is higher than Niagara Falls & often the highlight of visitors' trips. At Monkman Provincial Park, also enjoy caving, cycling & fishing.
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37
10 Km Northwest Of Sturdies Bay
Galiano Island, British Columbia
V0N 1P0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
White shell beaches, open meadows, tidal lagoons, towering forests, craggy headlands & abundant bird life are a few things that attract visitors to this park. Arrive by vehicle/ferry or moor your boat & camp or picnic & explore.
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38
48 Km SW Of Banff
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
V0A 1M0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park offers hiking, mountain climbing, wilderness camping & spectacular mountain scenery for backcountry hikers, horseback riders & cross-country skiers. No roads penetrate this unspoiled wilderness, with trails providing the only land access.
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39
Trans Canada Hwy
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S0
Websitehttp://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/revelstoke
Toll-free
Phone250-837-7500
Home to Canada's only inland cedar-hemlock rainforest, Mount Revelstoke is the only national park in Canada where you can summit a mountain five minutes from your vehicle. Visitors are invited to stroll amongst giants on the Giant Cedars & Skunk Cabbage boardwalks, or enjoy a panoramic view and meadows of subalpine wildflowers from the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Cycling enthusiasts can try riding 26 km (1600 m elevation gain) up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. During the winter months outdoors enthusiasts can explore the Meadows in the Sky Parkway on skis or snowshoes.
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40
Off Hwy 16
Valemount, British Columbia
V0E 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Designated as a World Heritage Site, Mount Robson offers majestic views & many hiking & recreational opportunities in the area. The Berg Lake trail is known for daily & multi-day hiking, viewing various wildlife, fauna & surrounding landscapes.
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