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
21 - 30 of 72 Results
21
Hwy 1 16 Km NW Of Victoria
Mill Bay, British Columbia
V0R 2P0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-474-1336
Goldstream Provincial Park attracts visitors to see massive trees, majestic waterfalls & a meandering river that meets the sea. Come see the flowers, birds, bald eagles, fish & annual salmon spawning run. Trails range from easy, wheelchair accessible walks to strenuous hikes. Interpretive centre on-site.
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22
2220 Harbour Rd
Sidney, British Columbia
V8L 2P6
Websitehttp://www.pc.gc.ca/gulf
Toll-free866-944-1744
Phone250-654-4000
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve safeguards a portion of British Columbia's beautiful southern Gulf Islands. Established in 2003, park lands are dotted throughout numerous islands, islets & reefs. Enjoy kayaking, boating,camping, hiking, walking along the beaches or trails, picnicking or geocaching. Take in an interpretive program (free & fun) - check the website for more details.
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23
Haida Heritage Centre
Skidegate, British Columbia
V0T 1S0
Websitehttp://www.pc.gc.ca/gwaiihaanas
Toll-free
Phone250-559-8818
Explore the edge of the world. In the southern portion of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) lies Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve & Haida Heritage Site, a wild & remote place of haunting beauty. Reservations required May 1-Sep 30.
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24
130 Km North Of Port Hardy
Port Hardy, British Columbia
V0N 2P0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Hakai boasts lagoons, reversing tidal rapids, tombolos, white-sand beaches with exposed shorelines, forested hills, large/small islands & all-weather anchorages, Hakai has a varied, scenic coastline. Under agreement with the Province, the Heiltsuk Nation manages the park.
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25
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-248-7829
You can experience the magic of the underground world by spelunking in the many caves protected within this unique park. Knowledgeable guides can lead visitors through the caves to discover this magical world of crystal formations & ancient fossils firsthand.
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26
Hwy 14
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
V0S 1K0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-474-1336
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park offers scenic beauty, marine & wildlife viewing & roaring surf along the 47 km wilderness trail. Easy to strenuous, day or multi-day hiking/camping offered along this rugged Pacific coastline.
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27
8 Km South
Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 6T1
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-545-9943
The largely undeveloped park has a natural setting. A sloping, paved trail wanders down to the beautiful private beaches with informative signs that talk about flora & fauna along the trails. In winter, cross-country skiers enjoy the wild beauty here also a great location for hiking.
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28
45 Km NE Of Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 2T6
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
The park protects grizzly bears & their undisturbed habitat along the north coast of BC. Visitor use is discouraged because of high sensitivity & strict conservation orientation; however, a limited amount of controlled viewing is allowed under permit.
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29
Hwy 3A 19 Km NE Of Nelson
Nelson, British Columbia
V8T 6X2
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free800-663-7867
Phone604-660-2421
Perhaps the best known alpine park in the Kootenay region. The boundaries encompass 32,035 ha of some of the most scenic country found in the Selkirk Mountains, comprising a picturesque mosaic of high peaks, snowfields, cirques & colourful lake basins ideal for hiking and fishing.
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30
Kootenay National Park
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
V0A 1M0
Websitehttp://www.pc.gc.ca/kootenay
Toll-free
Phone250-347-9505
Kootenay National Park's rich landscape ranges from glacier-clad peaks along the continental divide to the semi-arid grasslands of the Columbia Valley. Relax and soak in history at the famous Radium Hot Springs Pools. Take an afternoon stroll on the Redstreak Restoration Interpretive Trail or discover why Olive Lake has been a traditional stopping place for travellers on a self-guided interpretive walk. Marvel at the dramatic colours, sights and sounds found in Marble Canyon as you crisscross the narrow gorge into the heart of a recent wildfire. Watch the 'slow fireworks' of wild flowers along the Stanley Glacier Trail.
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