 Lightning Lake, Manning Provincial Park
Richard Lewis photo Dip into the unusually warm waters of Desolation Sound or explore the delightful inlet of Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park. Relax in the inviting environment of Alice Lake and gaze at the majestic peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Admire the thrilling plunge of Brandywine Falls. Amble the intricate nature trails of Golden Ears Provincial Park or scramble over the rugged terrain of Manning Provincial Park.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
A word or two on safety:
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
Internationally renowned as a premier cruising and kayaking destination, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park was originally established as a means to protect an isolated area of safe boating waters. Encompassing an astonishing 8,449 ha (20,878 ac), the park boasts more than 60 km (37 mi) of captivating shoreline, multiple islands, quaint bays and cozy coves. The atypically warm summer waters hold great appeal for swimmers and divers.
Transient wildlife includes whales, sea lions, porpoises and dolphins. Seals, otters, sea stars and sea cucumbers call this park's waters home, while deer and cougars roam its shoreline and bald eagles soar overhead.
The park is located at the north end of the Sunshine Coast and is accessible only by air or water. It has three major destination anchorages, a nearby government wharf and walk-in wilderness camping.
> Desolation Sound Park website.
Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park
The charming Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park is made up of a granite-walled gorge that slices through snow-tipped mountains. In warmer months, the sun melts the mountain snow, creating over 60 waterfalls that plunge to meet the pristine ocean waters of the inlet below. The inlet itself is never more than 800 m (2,625 ft) wide in its entire eight-km (5-mi) length. Boaters can dock at the park's large public government wharf, stopping for a bite at one of the picnic areas or setting up for the night at one of the wilderness campsites. A day cruise up Jervis Inlet into the park makes for a lovely excursion.
Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park is only accessible by air or water. It is located just over 60 km (38 mi) by water from the town of Egmont on the Sunshine Coast.
A word or two on safety:
- Due to strong currents, Malibu Rapids at the park's entrance should only be entered at or near slack tide
> Princess Louisa Park website.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
Just ten minutes north of Squamish and surrounded by towering mountains as well as thick forests, Alice Lake Provincial Park is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Visitors to the park enjoy its four freshwater lakes. There is excellent swimming off their sandy beaches, good fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden in their waters as well as pleasant canoeing. On land, superlative hiking, walking and mountain biking -on trails of varying degrees of difficulty- make for popular pastimes.
Alice Lake is situated off Highway 99, approximately 10 minutes north of Squamish.
> Alice Lake Park website.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Named after the famous 19th-century Italian patriot and soldier, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Garibaldi Mountain commands over 194,000 ha (almost 480,000 ac) of undeveloped backcountry, alpine meadows, lakes, rivers, mountain glaciers and volcanic terrain.
Visitors can hike or backpack on well-developed trails, which take anywhere from a few hours to several days. A popular day hike is to glacier-fed Garibaldi Lake, an 18-km (11-mi) roundtrip of approximately eight hours. The lake sits behind The Barrier, a natural 300-m (984-ft) dam, which was formed from the erupting lava of Clinker Peak. Backpackers often camp for the night at the lake's wilderness campground before continuing to the summit of Black Tusk, a volcanic cone remnant. The hike to Black Tusk from Garibaldi Lake is a 14-km (8.7-mi), six-hour roundtrip.
You'll share the park with mammals such as marmots, squirrels and chipmunks. Birders can watch for Canadian jays, flickers and even a golden eagle or ptarmigan.
Garibaldi Provincial Park can be accessed from five entrances along Highway 99 between Squamish and Pemberton, starting just one hour north of Vancouver. The trailheads are anywhere from 4 km (2.5 mi) to 16 km (9.9 mi) from Highway 99.
A word or two on safety:
- Mountain weather is subject to sudden change - Garibaldi Park can receive snow 12 months of the year
> Garibaldi Park website.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is steeped in history. As the legend goes, two early surveyors made a wager on the height of the falls. One bet a bottle of wine, the other a bottle of brandy. The height was measured, the brandy won and the wine took a backseat in the name.
Today, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping and viewing the dramatic waterfall.
A short walking trail leads from the park parking lot to a platform at the top of Brandywine Falls. Here, you can watch the falls plunge a spectacular 70 m (230 ft) into a sculpted bowl. You can also take in views of Daisy Lake spreading out below Black Tusk and the surrounding mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is located 15 minutes south of Whistler via Highway 99.
> Brandywine Falls Park website.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Golden Ears is one of the region's largest parks - and one of its most popular. Once the traditional hunting and fishing grounds for Aboriginal people, today the lake, its forested areas and rugged mountain backdrop serve as a lush setting for family fun. Named for the famous twin peaks that appear to watch over the Fraser Valley, Golden Ears is perhaps most noted for its outstanding recreational opportunities, particularly those around Alouette Lake. This includes windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, boating and fishing.
An extensive system of trails makes the park an ideal hiking and horseback riding destination. There are three campgrounds to choose from: Gold Creek, Alouette and North Beach. If your itinerary doesn't permit camping for a night or two, consider a day trip, complete with a packed picnic lunch enjoyed at the beach.
Golden Ears is one hour east of Vancouver via Highway 7.
> Golden Ears Park website.
Manning Provincial Park
Manning Provincial Park sits in the heart of the Cascade Mountains amidst jagged mountains, deep valleys, sub-alpine meadows, lakes and rivers. In addition to its rugged splendours, the park offers many all-season, outdoor recreation opportunities. Manning's well-developed wilderness trail system makes the area a hiker's paradise. Visitors can choose routes that vary from a 15-minute jaunt to a six-day trek. The network of trails takes adventurers through easily accessible flower-clad meadows that boast a medley of astonishing colour.
During warmer months, visitors can swim, canoe and fish for rainbow trout in the park's Lightning Lakes chain. Campers have a choice of four campgrounds: Coldspring, Lightning Lake, Hampton and Mule Deer. In the winter, the park hosts downhill as well as cross-country skiers and snowboarders.
Manning Park is located along Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, three hours east of Vancouver.
> Manning Park website.
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