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 gives us wilderness parks where one can wander the backcountry for a day or a week and marine parks that preserve the quiet bays and rocky shorelines that provide habitat for wildlife.
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 Louisa Marine Provincial Park
Stanley Park
Stanley Park was named 'World's Best Park' by TripAdvisor in 2014. Vancouver's beloved backyard is revered by visitors and locals alike, hosting 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. Bring your swimsuit and dip in the heated outdoor pool at Second Beach, water park at Lumberman's Arch or the ocean at Second and Third beaches.
Visiting Stanley Park
- The Vancouver Aquarium, Canada's largest aquarium facility, is located in the heart of the park
- Great blue herons and bald eagles nest in the top branches of old growth cedar, hemlock and fir
- TUTS – Theatre Under the Stars – a musical theatre tradition at Malkin Bowl each summer
Garibaldi Provincial Park
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 Vancouver, 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 north of Vancouver. Signs on the Sea-to-Sky (Highway 99) lead to trailheads that are just off 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. With a rugged, forested setting, the park features an extensive trails system with routes from easy to challenging and 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.
Camping in Golden Ears Park
There are 409 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.
Camping in Manning Park
There are 359 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.
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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