With current restrictions on non-essential travel outside of local health authority areas, many British Columbians are looking to spend more time in the outdoors a little closer to home. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 places – one in each B.C. health authority – for British Columbians to visit this summer.
Keeping with these current restrictions, we advise that travelers only visit places located within their own local health authority. Keep in mind that some of the locations featured in this article may be subject to restrictions and/or closures due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Golden Ears Provincial Park (Fraser Health Authority)
One of the largest provincial parks in B.C., Golden Ears Provincial Park is prized for its beauty, recreation opportunities and rugged landscapes. Located just an hour east of Vancouver, Golden Ears features three campgrounds that are all accessible by road and spread out along Alouette Lake. The proximity of Alouette Lake to these campgrounds makes them a great destination for those who enjoy boating, swimming and fishing. Golden Ears Provincial Park also provides a variety of opportunities for walking and hiking amongst a setting of lakes, streams, mountain peaks and valleys. Cyclists have plenty of opportunities as well with over 20km of biking trails in the park.
With its enviable combination of access, beauty, recreation opportunities Golden Ears Provincial Park is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway for those living in the Lower Mainland. With limited camping spots and high demand, we highly recommend that travelers book their spot well in advance to ensure the best possible trip.
2. Gladstone provincial Park (Interior health Authority)
Featuring the popular Christina Lake and surrounded by the breathtaking Monashee Mountain range, Gladstone Provincial Park offers fantastic family camping, swimming and boating opportunities. The park boasts 48km of self-guided hiking trails as well as backcountry horseback trails. Day-use and picnicking can be found at the nearby Christina Lake Provincial Park day-use and beach area. Gladstone Provincial Park is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from amenities and shopping at the popular summer tourism town of Christina Lake. The park has 62 campsites, including both road-accessible and backcountry sites, making it an ideal location to head to for a weekend trip with the family.
Christina Lake is the warmest tree-lined lake in Western Canada, and naturally is a destination for many swimmers and boaters in the summer months. With easy accessibility to both the town of Christina Lake and Gladstone Provincial Park, the area is the perfect destination for those seeking to soak in the warm waters and sunshine that make this corner of southern B.C. a favourite for travelers.
3. Purden Lake Provincial Park (Northern Health)
Situated about an hour east of the northern city of Prince George along the Yellowhead Highway, the scenery of Purden Lake Provincial Park is dominated by the Cariboo Mountains to the south and the McGregor range of the Rockies to the north. The park features dense forest with open areas near the lakefront. These provide pleasant surroundings for a shoreline stroll, swimming or angling for the lake’s plentiful resident rainbow trout and burbot. Purden Lake also provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, but visitors should be aware that motorized boating is not permitted within the provincial park.
Purden Lake Provincial Park also contains 78 camping sites, open to visitors from May 6 until Sept. 19. With Purden Lake Provincial Park being a popular destination for residents of Prince George and the surrounding area, we recommend that all campers book their spots if they intend on staying over the weekend.
4. Alice Lake Provincial Park (Vancouver Coastal Health)
Located just 15 minutes north of Squamish on the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, Alice Lakes Provincial Park is a locals favourite that features four lakes ideal for fishing and swimming. Known for being a family-friendly park, Alice Lakes has 96 vehicle-accessible campsites and a number of easy to moderate walking and hiking trails. With the town of Squamish just a short drive away, Alice Lakes is conveniently close to all services but feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Alice Lakes has a longer season than many other provincial parks in B.C. with it being open from March 12 to October 30, although the park is best enjoyed during the warmer summer months. All four of the lakes at Alice Lakes Provincial Park contain rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and some cutthroat trout and are open to fishing to those with the appropriate licence(s).
Given the proximity of Alice Lakes Provincial Park to Squamish and its reputation as a family-friendly destination, we strongly recommend that all prospective campers book their sites well in advance, especially if you plan on staying during the weekend.
5. Grant Bay (Vancouver Island Health Authority)
More remote than the other places featured in this article, Grant Bay makes up for its isolation with beautiful scenery and untamed landscapes. Located on the rugged northwest coast of Vancouver Island, Grant Bay is a hidden gem that features picturesque beaches, primeval forest in an almost untouched natural landscape. Until recently, Grant Bay was accessible only by boat, seaplane or a three hour hike through challenging terrain. Now it is accessible via logging roads from the northern Vancouver Island town of Port Hardy, save for a short walk from the road down to the bay. Wildlife abounds in this remote corner of the island, and Grant Bay is home to seals, sea lions, bald eagles and countless seabirds to name a few. Lucky visitors may also sight sea otters, orcas and migrating whales as they travel along the coast. Visitors should take precautions against black bears and cougars as they are common in this remote part of Vancouver Island.
While not the easiest nor quickest spot for many to reach, Grant Bay rewards adventurous visitors with unparalleled views and beaches with uncommonly white sand. Although the access roads to Grant Bay are not paved, most cars should be up to the task of the journey. However, we highly recommend checking the condition of your tires before you make the trip, and be sure to pack a spare – Grant Bay is a long way from the nearest tow truck.
British Columbia is a province with almost limitless opportunities for exploration, and there are few better ways to explore than with your own Rooftop Tent. Combining the go-anywhere nature of tent camping with the convenience of an RV, Rooftop Tents allow campers to set up their accommodation almost instantly, and provide a more natural and affordable option than driving a RV or towing a trailer. Visit our product page to find out how you can get your very own Rooftop Tent today.
