Sea-to-Sky & Sunshine Coast · this weekend

Located on the southern peninsula of Cortes Island, Smelt Bay Park is named for the capelin fish that spawn ashore by the tens of thousands. Females lay up to 65,000 eggs on the shore in late September and early October, which hatch within three weeks. These small, silver fish draw a variety of other marine life to the area. The park features a beautiful beach that extends from the south end of Smelt Bay around the shoreline to Sutil Point. It is a great place for marine exploration at low tide. The beach is backed by mounds which are believed to have been built by Coast Salish First Nations as a form of defense. This is the only provincial campground on remote Cortes Island. It offers 22 spacious campsites laid out in a delightful setting in the woods, overlooking Smelt Bay.

For an experience rich in history, culture and entertainment, do what people have been doing since the 1930s and hop on a boat to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park. Bring your own boat or take the passenger ferry from Nanaimo (a 10 minute ride that deposits passengers on Newcastle Island), located just a few hundred metres offshore from Vancouver Island. From a distance you’ll see an island shoreline dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges, interspersed with sunny beaches. A marked contrast to the interior of the island, which is studded with mature Douglas fir, Garry oak, arbutus and Big Leaf maple trees. Visitors to Newcastle Island can choose from an extensive network of walking and hiking trails that lead to various historic points around the island. Indigenous midden…

Ruckle Park on Salt Spring Island is one of the most beautiful parks in the southern Gulf Islands area. Pitch your tent in the grassy meadow overlooking Swanson Channel then lie back and relax, watching pleasure boats and ferries sail by in a stately and colourful parade. With its seven kilometres of shoreline, rocky headlands, and tiny coves and bays, Ruckle Park provides hours or even days of enjoyable exploration. Forest, field, and shore habitats make it one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas on Salt Spring. Watch for sea lions and killer whales out at sea, as well as mink and river otters cavorting along the shoreline. Tidal pools are filled with a brightly coloured mix of crab, mussel, limpet, oyster, sculpin, starfish, and more. Scuba divers frequent the waters off Ruc…

Montague Harbour Marine Park on peaceful Galiano Island. Beaches, open meadows, tidal lagoons, towering forests, craggy headlands and abundant bird life are just a few of the things that attract visitors to this park in the southern Gulf Islands. The park starts five metres below sea level and climbs 180 metres to a steep rocky precipice. Visitors can moor their boats to one of the 35 buoys in sheltered Montague Harbour or come by ferry and camp in one of the scenic vehicle-accessible or walk-in campsites. The park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or afternoon of exploration. Located within the park is Gray Peninsula, which was inhabited by First Nations peoples before the arrival of Spanish explorer Dionisio Galiano in 1792. Skirting the northwest edge of the peninsula is a spect…

Situated in the scenic Skagit Valley, Silver Lake Park is a small, undeveloped lakefront area. Visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking and boating (10 horse power motor limit) against a spectacular mountain backdrop or take pleasure in a rustic camping experience.

Less than an hour drive from Vancouver, Rolley Lake Park provides a quick escape from urban life. The park is a predominately flat, wilderness area blanketed with tall, second-growth conifers. The small, warm-water lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Sixty-four campsites are nestled in the trees just minutes from the lakeshore. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and short hikes.

Enjoy use of this GROUP site for your family or group gatherings. This semi-private site is located at the northeast side of Weaver Lake and boasts a dock, 10 tenting pad sites and a communal fire ring. In addition, it features a beautiful log shelter complete with wood stove, food preparation station and three beautiful log tables. <BR><BR>The fee structure is: weekdays are $200.00/night with weekends and holidays are $290.00 per night. This site is available through reservations only. For more information and site availability visit <a href="http://www.westharrisonreservations.com" target…

This small picturesque park on the north side of Denman Island offers an idyllic location to enjoy a picnic and spend a quiet afternoon. The land that is now Fillongley Park was bequeathed to the province of British Columbia by George Beadnell, an Englishman who settled here at the turn of the century. Over the years, Beadnell developed Fillongley into one of the most beautiful estates in the Gulf Islands. A large, flat grassy field, once the site of a bowling green, comes alive with vibrant wildflowers in the spring. Set amongst a canopy of imported deciduous trees, this park is also noted for its beautiful display of colours in the fall. Ten campsites are located along the ocean, and there are several walking trails through the park where visitors can observe the old growth cedar fore…

Golden Gate/X̱áat Yádi Aani Conservancy was established as a result of the Wóoshtin Wudidaa Atlin Taku Land Use Plan and Taku River Tlingit First Nation Strategic Engagement Agreement. The conservancy is a high value Tlingit landscape that includes important cultural and recreational features in the islands, bays and shoreline at the junction of Tagish Lake and Graham Inlet. The Tlingit name (X̱áat Yádi Aani) refers to a village located close to the place where humpback whitefish congregated. The conservancy is located approximately 35 kilometres northwest from Atlin in the asserted traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit and Carcross/Tagish First Nations.

Located north of Harrison Hot Springs, Sasquatch Park is characterized by a series of pocket lakes, a unique second-growth and birch forest, and scenic mountain ridges. Hicks Lake and Deer Lake are ideal for motorboating and canoeing, while Trout Lake provides a tranquil fishing experience. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

Tribune Bay Park is on Hornby Island. It has almost 1 km of fine, white-sand beach leading into the Straight of Georgia’s warm waters. There are views of unusual rock formations along the shoreline and many wildflowers in the spring. This park includes Tribune Bay Campground, a 75-site frontcountry camping area, with electrified sites, cabins , and a playground . In peak season, sites can be booked through the BC Parks reservation service . The park also has a day-use area with a picnic shelter , and outhouses. The day-use area also includes a tennis court maintained by the Hornby Island Tennis Association. Downtown Hornby Island is a short walk away, offering shops and services. Many visitors to the area enjoy walking along the bluffs in nearby Helliwell Park and cycling in nearby Moun…

Weaver Lake Rec Site has implemented a $10 Visitor Fee. The Visitor Fee must be paid in CASH and will apply to ANY vehicle on the Weaver Lake Rec Site for a MAX 4 Hour visit per vehicle (excluding paid overnight campers). The gate will be closed when the day use area is full and there will be no access for additional vehicles. This site is a medium sized campsite on a stocked fishing lake. This site is popular with anglers and families. A boat launch is available along with a dock for use by boaters with small boats with a maximum of 7.5 kw or 10 hp motor restriction. South Weaver Group sit…

Saltery Bay Park was established in 1962 to provide ocean access on the Sunshine Coast of Georgia Strait. The park is divided into two separate sites: the campground and the day-use area. The day-use area with its rocky beaches is a popular swimming and picnic site. Lush forests with large, old trees create a quiet setting for the campground at Mermaid Cove. At low tide, the rocky shoreline often has tidal pools with starfish, sea urchins, small fish and crabs. Scuba diving provides a close-up look at the abundant marine life and a 3 m bronze mermaid statue. The Emerald Princess statue and wheelchair access ramp were placed in the park through efforts of local scuba enthusiasts. From the shore, killer whales and sea lions can sometimes be seen. Mounds of seashells called “middens” indic…

ACCESS TO SKWELLEPIL CREEK REC SITE IS HIGH CLEARANCE 4X4 ONLY. THREE LARGE WATERBARS HAVE BEEN DUG INTO THE ENTRANCE AS OF SUMMER 2022. Skwellepil Creek campsite has changed status to a wilderness site only. This designation means it is still open to the public but no maintenance services will be provided. Available campsite locations will also be reduced. Sites are first come first serve, no reservation system is in place. Please be respectful and pack it in, pack it out. The access road to this site will also receive minimal maintenance and access will be high clearance 4x4 only.

Golden Gate/X̱áat Yádi Aani Conservancy was established as a result of the Wóoshtin Wudidaa Atlin Taku Land Use Plan and Taku River Tlingit First Nation Strategic Engagement Agreement. The conservancy is a high value Tlingit landscape that includes important cultural and recreational features in the islands, bays and shoreline at the junction of Tagish Lake and Graham Inlet. The Tlingit name (X̱áat Yádi Aani) refers to a village located close to the place where humpback whitefish congregated. The conservancy is located approximately 35 kilometres northwest from Atlin in the asserted traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit and Carcross/Tagish First Nations.

Golden Ears Park is one of B.C.’s largest parks and one of the province’s most popular camping destinations. With recreation opportunities just over an hour east of Vancouver, the park draws visitors from across the Lower Mainland, and beyond. The park offers these visitors three large campgrounds and an extensive system of hiking and horseback-riding trails. Alouette Lake, meanwhile, is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating, and fishing. The landscape of Golden Ears Park offers an excellent example of B.C.’s coastal western hemlock forest. The park’s extensive backcountry is mountainous and extremely rugged. Brochures Golden Ears Park information guide (for reading on your computer or phone) [PDF] Golden Ears Park information guide (for printing) [PDF]

If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River Park on southern Vancouver Island is the place to go. Whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, or just want to take it easy in the sun, you’re bound to find something to do in this “recreation corridor” south of Duncan. This spectacular park protects significant stretches of the Cowichan River, which is designated as both a BC Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River , and is internationally renowned for its wild salmon and steelhead fishery. The park is adjacent to an abandoned rail right-of-way, which provides recreation opportunities for cyclists, hikers and horseback riders. While staying at the park, visitors can enjoy other features of Cowichan River Park. These include th…

A mid sized campsite-somewhat open on the large jade coloured Lillooet lake, with 2 small grassy areas. Two or three sites can accommodate an RV. two entrances, the first one is steep, the second one is less steep. Small unimproved boat launch on site-beware when boating there is a lot of large woody debris in the lake. Twin One Creek nearby. Berry bushes on site-watch for bears. Tables, fire rings, garbage pick up and outhouses on site. <BR><BR> Please self register and pay the camping fees using the yellow collection box. A site operator will be by periodically to check the sites.

This marine park is a snug anchorage on the northwest side of Keats Island. Plumper Cove Marine Park is accessible by passenger ferry from Langdale to Keats Landing followed by a 2 km walk to the park. A developed area with forested walk-in campsites, fire rings, water and a trail system. Marine facilities include a wharf and mooring buoys. Small boats may be pulled up on the shore. The pebble beach is great for swimming and picnicking. Observatory Point provides views of Howe Sound and the town of Gibsons.

A large semi-open site with three separated camping areas, one on each side of the lake, and one tucked behind the south end sites. Wood Lake is a great fishing lake, however no power boats are allowed. <BR><BR>The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, however up to 60% are available for reservations. Reservations will not be taken further than 30 days in advance. For complete reservation, payment and site information visit <a href="http://www.westharrisonreservations.com" target="_blank">www.westharrisonreservations.com</a> for more information. This is a CASH ONLY s…

Alice Lake is a popular family park surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests, and grassy areas. Four freshwater lakes dominate the landscape, making this a great park for swimming and fishing. The trail around Alice Lake is a popular spot for evening strolls while more adventurous hikers, will enjoy the Four Lakes Trail . The DeBeck’s Hill Trail , meanwhile, offers excellent views of the Squamish River and the Tantalus Range.

As one of the most popular destination areas in the Lower Mainland, Cultus Lake Park is characterized by a large, warm freshwater lake and scenic forest-clad mountains. The park is almost evenly divided between the northwest and southeast sides of Cultus Lake. The northwest portion is mostly undeveloped with the visitor-oriented facilities confined to the southeast portion. Just an hour and a half drive away from Vancouver, Cultus Lake Park has four campgrounds, a large day-use area for picnicking and boating, and ample opportunity for fishing, water skiing, wind surfing, and hiking. The park is near the small community of Cultus Lake. This community offers waterslides, two golf courses, bumper boats, go-karts, as well as canoe, boat, and jet ski rentals. There is also a marina, miniatu…

Dionisio Point Park on quaint Galiano Island features rocky headlands flanked by sandy beaches and picturesque bays. Overlooking Porlier Pass, this park is accessible by boat only and provides opportunities for walk-in camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scuba diving. The forested uplands at Dionisio Point are rimmed by a varied and unique shoreline that includes sculpted sandstone shelves, pebble and sand beaches, and colorful wildflower meadows. Fast flowing tidal currents have created a rich intertidal life. Sea-stars, nudibranchs, and chitons can be seen in the tide pools, and at times large quantities of swimming scallop shells can be found on the beaches. This Gulf Island park has a rich human history. Large mounds along the shores mark the shell middens (ref…

Desolation Sound Marine Park has more than 60 km of shoreline, several islands, numerous small bays, and snug coves. The warm waters of the park are ideal for swimming and scuba diving. The forested upland offers a shady refuge of trails. This park is a very popular boating and kayaking destination, located at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel. Yachters have been enjoying the spectacular vistas and calm waters for generations. Kayakers enjoy exploring the islands and coves that make up the unique shoreline. This park can be split up into three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay, and Grace Harbour. Prideaux Haven: A very popular anchorage, strategically located as a base for exploring the Sound. This anchorage is an elongated bay dotted with is…

Skihist Ecological Reserve was established for conservation of undisturbed ponderosa pine and grassland vegetation. Ecological reserves protect special natural ecosystems, and support research and education. They are not intended for outdoor recreation. However, this ecological reserve is open to the public for non-destructive activities like hiking, nature observation and photography. Consumptive activities like hunting, fishing, camping, or foraging are prohibited. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.

Porpoise Bay Park on the Sunshine Coast offers many opportunities for coastal fun and is a favourite family park. The park is separated from the Strait of Georgia by the isthmus at Sechelt. It is characterized by second-growth forest, open grassy areas, and sandy beaches. Porpoise Bay Park also makes an excellent basecamp for paddlers exploring the Sechelt Inlet.

Also known as Fountain Lake, Kwotlenemo Lake hosts four separate recreation site areas with fees surrounding the lake that are popular to fishermen and campers. The 4 sites can accommodate all sizes of rigs with the larger sites being on the north and south ends of the lake while the east and west sites are more suitable for truck campers and tenters. The area is also popular for nature viewing and hiking. A good boat launch is located on the northern end of the lake. The fees for services are determined based on a detailed analysis of historical seasonal weather patterns. Site operators po…

Situated on the most southerly fjord in North America, Porteau Cove Provincial Park features waterfront campsites with a view over Howe Sound to the mountains beyond. An old ship has been sunk to provide interest for scuba divers and to attract marine life. There are special facilities for divers. Adjacent train tracks are active and occasional noise disturbance may occur. Take a virtual tour of Porteau Cove Park

Nahatlatch Park is characterized by scenic mountain peaks and glaciers, old growth forests, and a unique lake and river system. This park protects one of the largest intact wetlands remaining in the Lower Mainland. A series of small streams flow into, out of, and between the three lakes in the park named Frances, Hannah, and Nahatlatch. Their waters drain into the Nahatlatch River, which is 20 km upstream from its confluence with the Fraser. The powerful Nahatlatch River features a spectacular series of rapids, ideal for river rafting and kayaking. Those seeking a more tranquil experience will enjoy canoeing around and between the placid lakes, swimming in the backwater pools, and fishing along the lakeshores. Other activities for summer recreationists include backcountry hiking, and bi…

Klein Lake is a beautiful and quiet lake, ideal for fishing and canoeing. The campsites are located all around the lake, and are all drive-in sites. There is on-site supervision. Cell phone reception is hit and miss in most of the campsite. <BR> <BR> This lake is home to the rare and endangered Western Painted Turtle, please keep your dog on a leash. There are docks around the lake to prevent degradation of the lakeshore, where the turtles nest. <BR><BR> The site is open over the off-season, fees are in effect from April to October. <BR><BR> This is a CASH ONLY site. For additional informat…

This site stretches along a beautiful gravel beach and offers a more rustic camping experience on Harrison Lake. Ample room exists along the waterfront for numerous camping spots and a limited number of camp pads are located in a treed area accessible by foot along short trails from the road. Site is popular for swimming, fishing and boating. <BR><BR>This is a CASH ONLY site and has on-site supervision. For reservations, additional information and updates, please visit <a href="http://www.harrisoneastcamping.com" target="_blank">www.harrisoneastcamping.com</a>. <BR><BR> Payment for camping …

A pretty lake with mountain views. There are 15 sites located here with 1 good boat launch at the notherm end of the lake. Activities include canoeing,swimming and fishing. A 3.2 km trail (one way) on the north end of the lake leads past the walk in Noel Lake campsite and to Lost Lake campsite that is a nice, intermediate difficulty rated hike.

Little Qualicum Falls Park, in the central Vancouver Island area, straddles the Little Qualicum River and incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake. Impressive waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forest setting bordered by steep mountain peaks, making this one of the area’s most beautiful parks. The falls, lake swimming, shaded riverside trails, and picnic facilities make Little Qualicum Falls a very popular family destination. A number of walking trails are available in and around the park. These offer picturesque views of the river and provide access to the upper and lower falls. Cameron Lake is a great spot for swimming and fishing. It is also ideal for sailboarding, due to a wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains. Cameron Lake and Beaufort day…

Prior to 1997, this park was a Forest Service Recreation area. Inland Lake Park was established as a provincial park in 1997. There are drive-in and walk-in campsites available at this park, as well as opportunities for swimming, cycling, fishing, canoeing and boating (less than 10 hp). The park includes a low barrier, although not entirely wheelchair accessible, 13 km loop trail around the lake.

The In-Shuck Forest Service Road is the main form of access. Access via the West Harrison FSR is limited. <b>PLEASE NOTE: In-Shuck FSR is RARELY cleared in the winter and access is difficult. 4x4 WITH CHAINS necessary. Access via West Harrison FSR is NOT recommended in winter.</b> Logging roads may be active, please be prepared and drive with caution. <BR><BR> This is a rustic campsite with a small natural hot spring. The area is the traditional territory of Xa'xtsa or Douglas First Nation. The hot springs have been used since before settlement. The Xa'xtsa people still use the hot springs …

A small site along the banks of the Chilliwack River; accessed off the Chilliwack Lake Road. This site is not suitable for large RVs due to the gravel road access. The site is popular with anglers and has access to the Trans Canada Trail. The site is designed as a group site and can be reserved during camping season. Payment for camping permits are Cash Only. For reservations, visit <a href="https://campchilliwackvalley.ca" target="_blank">https://campchilliwackvalley.ca</a>.

For a great family camping vacation, head to Gordon Bay Park. Located on the shores of Lake Cowichan, north of Duncan on Vancouver Island. In the summer the lake is warm and the sandy beach makes for great family swimming. History buffs find plenty to interest them in the park and the surrounding area, which is home to a second-growth Douglas-fir forest. Set in one of Vancouver Island’s sunniest valleys, this area boasts the highest average annual temperature in Canada. The lake is known for its spectacular freshwater fishing in the spring, fall and winter, when anglers can be challenged by rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout. Waterskiing and windsurfing are also popular activities on the lake. This small wilderness area features a number of walking and hiking trails with unparall…

This site is user maintained and the starting point for the Powell Forest Canoe Route. There are 12 sites for vehicle camping and 4 for walk-in camping.

Enjoy this beautiful reconstructed site on Sayres Lake, located within Mission TFL. This site is unique as remnants of historical harvesting exist shown by the massive Western Red Cedar stumps that add to the character of the site. It is illegal to damage the environment; therefore cutting the stumps or any Crown timber within a recreation site is prohibited by law in BC. <BR><BR>This site was primarily designed for smaller vehicles such as truck and camper units, or tent camping. There are 28 campsites, including several group sites to accommodate larger gatherings, as well 12 walk-in tent…

**NOTICE** This site is currently on Evacuation Alert due to the Bonanza Creek Wildfire K71082. The site currently remains open, but campers may be expected to evacuate on short notice depending on fire activity. <BR>The recreation site supports a wide variety of recreational activities. Camping, fishing, boating, horseback riding, XC-skiing, and snowmobiling are just a few. Scenic views also complement the recreation site.