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
61 - 70 of 72 Results
61
Hwy 28
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 4R4
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Strathcona Park provides a variety of visitor-oriented summer & winter recreational opportunities within the Buttle Lake vicinity & Forbidden Plateau area. The rest of the park is largely undeveloped & appeals primarily to people seeking wilderness surroundings. Enjoy the hiking trails & visit the interpretive centre.
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62
3 Km North Off Hwy 97
Summerland, British Columbia
V0H 1Z2
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-548-0076
Located just south of Summerland, Sun-Oka provides one of the most superb beaches in the entire Okanagan. Offering excellent water play & picnic opportunities, as well as, fantastic views down Okanagan Lake.
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63
NW Corner Of BC
Atlin, British Columbia
V0W 1A0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
The Tatshenshini-Alsek Park has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO & is considered one of the most magnificent river systems on earth. Despite its remote location, the ruggedly beautiful area offers hiking, kayaking & mountain biking.
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64
48 Km Northeast Of Kimberley
Kimberley, British Columbia
V1A 3A9
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
An area of great beauty, the park is part of the Top of the World Plateau, most of which is at an elevation in excess of 2,200 metres. Although remote, the park is popular with hikers & backcountry campers. Also a good location for fishing, and cross-country skiing.
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65
160 Km SW Of Williams Lake
Williams Lake, British Columbia
V2G 5C5
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
The park comprises of rugged mountains, clear blue lakes, glaciers, alpine meadows & waterfalls. This remote area offers backcountry hiking & camping. Chilko Lake, the largest, natural high-elevation freshwater lake in Canada, is popular with boaters, kayakers & anglers. Horseback riding is permitted. Please visit our website for more details.
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66
Hwy 20 400 Km West Of Williams Lake
Williams Lake, British Columbia
V2G 5C5
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Tweedsmuir South is a magnet for outdoor recreationists. Activities include angling, hiking, horseback riding on wilderness trails, camping & canoeing the Turner Lake Chain. A major attraction on Turner Lake is the 260 m Hunlen Falls plunging into Atnarko River.
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67
Hwy 6
Slocan, British Columbia
V0G 2C0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free800-663-7867
Phone604-660-2421
This park protects a diverse topography typical of the Selkirk Mountains. There is waterskiing as well as canoeing, beaches, varied & abundant hiking opportunities, (short walks, wilderness treks & mountain climbing). The park also offers fishing & wildlife viewing.
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68
40 Km North Of Cranbrook
Wasa Lake, British Columbia
V0B 2K0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-422-3003
A vacation destination with one of the warmest swimming lakes in the Kootenays. This park offers camping, swimming, hiking, cycling, boating & nature viewing. There is an 8 km wheelchair & bike trail around the lakeshore & a self-guided interpretive trail.
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69
Off Hwy 5 At Clearwater
Clearwater, British Columbia
V0E 1N0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest. Numerous hiking trails, boating, canoeing/kayaking, fishing & camping with views of waterfalls, mineral springs & glaciers. There are 3 main access areas to the park.
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70
Access Off Hwy 93/95
Canal Flats, British Columbia
V0B 1B0
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free877-878-9601 (Reservations only)
Phone604-660-2421
Whiteswan & Alces lakes, natural hot springs are the focal points of this park. Lakeside or riverside campgrounds, boat launches, a historic lakeside hiking trail & abundant wildlife viewing opportunities makes this a excellent camping holiday destination. Great location for fishing, hiking, hot springs, kayaking & canoeing.
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