Situated in the southwest corner of BC's mainland, the region's parks reflect that location: sheltered coastal waters, old-growth rainforests, Coast and Cascade mountain ranges and proximity to population centres.
This diversity delivers Stanley Park, the pride of Vancouver in a metro area that is home to hundreds of green spaces. It gives us wilderness parks where one can wander the backcountry for a day or a week. And it includes the marine parks that preserve the quiet bays and rocky shorelines that provide habitat for wildlife.
The region is home to the province's largest population centers so the parks are located within driving distance of where people live and work and go to school. Several offer camping facilities and other accommodations, as well as picnic areas. The region boasts literally hundreds of parks.
Highlight Parks in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Include:
Stanley Park
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Golden Ears Provincial Park
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
Princess Louise Marine Provincial Park
Stanley Park
Stanley Park, Vancouver's beloved backyard hosts eight million visitors a year. With 400ha/1,000ac, this oasis of tranquillity has room for them all and is a park for all seasons.
Within walking distance of downtown hotels, Stanley Park is the place to go for an afternoon. Walk, cycle or rollerblade the 8.8km/5.5mi seawall that circumnavigates the park and provides unforgettable ocean, mountain and city views. Or spend a week exploring its 27km/17mi of forested trails, two fresh water lakes and many activities.
Visiting Stanley Park
- The Vancouver Aquarium, Canada's largest aquarium facility, is located in the heart of the park
- Learn Aboriginal history and culture at Klahowya Village, a unique interactive display
- Great blue herons and bald eagles nest in the top branches of old growth cedar, hemlock and fir
- Tennis courts, a pitch & putt golf course and playing fields
- Brockton Point totem poles
- Childrens playground and seasonal art displays
- Heated outdoor pool at Second Beach, water park at Lumberman's Arch and beach bathing at Second and Third beaches
- Miniature train carries 200,000 happy passengers over trestles, through tunnels and back to the station through an enchanting forest. In October it morphs into "The Ghost Train" for Halloween fun then lights up the night with its "Bright Nights" Christmas display during December.
- TUTS – Theatre Under the Stars – a musical theatre tradition at Malkin Bowl each summer
- Four full-service restaurants and several concessions
- Rose and Perennial gardens.
- Stanley Park Site
Garibaldi Provincial Park
At 2,678m/8,786ft, Mount Garibaldi commands over 194,000ha/480,000ac of spectacular backcountry – snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, gemstone lakes, sparkling streams and rushing rivers. Only an hour's drive from the big city, Garibaldi Provincial Park is a year-round mecca for those who flock to its well-developed trails for afternoon or multi-day trips. The primary activity in the park is hiking and mountaineering with Black Tusk, a remnant of a volcanic cone, posing as the climber's challenge.
Camping in Garibaldi Park
All camping is walk-in with 160 sites at ten locations. There are some huts available and there is winter camping in selected areas. No reservations.
Getting to Garibaldi Park
Garibaldi Provincial Park is 70km/43.5mi north of Vancouver. Signs on the Sea-to-Sky (Highway 99) lead to trailheads that are 2km/1.6mi to 16km/9.9mi from the highway.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Golden Ears Provincial Park is one the of the region's largest parks and is popular for its warm water lake, sandy beaches and proximity to population centers. The park offers extensive day use and camping facilities. With a rugged, forested setting, the park features an extensive trails system with routes from easy to challenging. There are also 20km/12mi of horseback riding trails. Alouette Lake, the center of summer fun, is popular for boating activities of all types – power, paddle and windsurfing. Rentals include: pedal boats, canoes and kayaks.
Camping in Golden Ears Park
There are 408 vehicle-access sites in three campgrounds with some wheelchair accessibility. Reservations available. Winter camping, walk-in wilderness camping and rustic marine campsites also available.
Getting to Golden Ears Park
Golden Ears Provincial Park is 11km/6.8mi north of the town of Maple Ridge.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
This all-season recreation paradise in the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range is within three hours drive of either Vancouver or the Okanagan. Manning Provincial Park is renowned for its well-developed trails system which leads users through deep valleys and sub-alpine meadows into the heart of the Cascade Range. Activities include: walking and hiking trails for every skill level, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and all-weather camping.
Camping in Manning Park
There are 357 vehicle-access sites spread over five campgrounds. Some sites are reservable. Limited winter camping. There is also an accommodations lodge within the park.
Getting to Manning Park
Bisected by Highway 3, the park stretches 58km/36mi from gate to gate. The western gate is 26km/16mi east of Hope and the eastern gate is 52km/32mi from Princeton.
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
Internationally renowned as a premier cruising and kayaking destination, Desolation Sound, at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel features more than 60km/37mi of shoreline, several islands, small bays and snug coves. The warm waters are ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking. Wildlife includes whales, sea lions, otters, porpoises and dolphins.
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is accessible only by air or water with three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo's Bay and Grace Harbour.
Camping in Desolation Sound Marine Park
Wilderness camping is permitted on the shoreline.
Getting to Desolation Sound Marine Park
144km/90mi north of Vancouver on the Sunshine Coast; Lund is the closest community.
Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park
Millions of years ago, glaciers carved a deep, narrow gorge 8km/5mi into the granite face of the Sunshine Coast. A scenic gem in a coastal region that is renowned for its seascapes, the inlet is further accentuated by steep granite walls that rise 2,100m/7,000ft straight up from the waterline.
As the snowpacks melt through spring, more than 60 waterfalls cascade over the edge of those granite walls, the star of the show being Chatterbox Falls, dropping 40m/120ft at the head of the inlet. Visitors are encouraged to tie up their boats at the government docks, then disembark and enjoy the 800m/2,625ft walkway with its viewpoints and picnic tables.
The entrance to the inlet, Malibu Rapids, must be transited at slack tide, but once inside Princess Louisa Inlet it is placid as a lake. Visitors arrive by private boat or commercial excursion.
Camping in Princess Louisa Marine Park
There are ten boat-in/walk-in sites at McDonald Island and Chatterbox Falls available year round. No reservations.
Getting to Princess Louisa Marine Park
Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park is only accessible by air or water. It is located up the Strait of Georgia, by way of Jervis Inlet, just over 60km/38mi from the town of Egmont on the Sunshine Coast.
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
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