Wild Things
In the great outdoors imaginations can run wild, so set them free by planning a camping trip this summer. There are plenty of gorgeous spots to pitch your tent near Vancouver, but these are our top three local campgrounds for your family.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
It’s worth the trek over to Maple Ridge for the spoils of Alouette Lake and the variety of campgrounds to choose from. Good to know: for true outdoor thrills, be sure to visit nearby Wildplay Park, an old campsite that has been converted into a ropes course with zip lines and activities for all ages.
Sasquatch Provincial Park
This park is just past Harrison Hot Springs, and will be crawling with critters of all sizes—but mostly of the friend variety for your little ones (it’s packed with children). There are three campsites to choose from, but Hicks Lake is our favourite for easy lake access. Good to know: bring bug spray to combat mosquitos.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
This one’s admittedly a longer hike from Vancouver—about a three hour drive—but it’s a truly spectacular getaway. If flush toilets and showers are your thing, book a spot at Lightning Lake, where you can also rent a canoe or a rowboat. They offer an interpretive session most summer nights about the devastation of the pine beetle, and the wildflowers in August are picture perfect.
The downside of fantastic family camping spots is that they tend to be popular, so we recommend booking your campsite before you go to avoid disappointment.
If you love the great outdoors, but prefer sleeping in your own bed, we’ve got 6 Ways to Appreciate Nature in Vancouver just for you. They don’t call it ‘beautiful British Columbia’ for nothing.
