Amelia HallFamily vacation, trips with friends, or flying solo on a soul-searching journey? Whichever way you roll, hitting up one of the national parks in or near Vancouver might just be the ticket!
But before you go charging into the great outdoors, you gotta know the drill! This means knowing the must-see highlights, how far you’ll be trekking, and even if you can pitch a tent for the night!
So let’s dive into the lineup of national parks that’ll have you prepped and pumped for some epic adventures and deep explorations!
Glacier National Park
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/glacier
Contact number: 250-837-7500
Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 5-6 hours drive.
Accessibility: Accessible by car via Trans-Canada Highway 1
Entrance Fees: Yes, for day use and camping
- Adult admission costs $11.00
- Senior admission costs $9.50
- Youth admission is free
- Family or group admission costs $22.00
- For commercial groups, the cost is $9.35 per person
Camping Options: Yes, with campgrounds available
Glacier National Park has rugged mountain landscapes, towering peaks, and pristine alpine environments that’ll make your jaw drop.
You can hike through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints for some seriously Instagram-worthy shots.
This terrain was made for adventurers, thanks to historic transportation routes like the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway. So get ready for heavy snowfalls, massive cave systems, and active glaciers.
And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Bears, mountain goats, and elk might just photobomb your selfie!
From sky-high Alpine trees to lichen-covered boulders, there’s something here that draws people from all over the world.
And when you need a break from all that exploring, kick back by the glacier, soak in the views, and enjoy a cozy fire with a cool breeze. Ahh, pure bliss!
If you think it’s time to rest your weary legs after all that work, you can pitch your tent at Illecillewaet or Loop Brook Campground. Just keep your camera handy for any surprise wildlife visitors!
| Pro Tip: Make sure to see the main attraction: the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. For the top trails, visit Balu Pass, Abbott Ridge, and Asulkan Valley. |
Pacific Rim National Park
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim
Contact number: 877-852-3100, 250-726-3604
Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 4-5 hours drive
Accessibility: Accessible by car via Highway 4
Entrance Fees: Yes, for day use and camping
- Adult admission costs $11.00
- Senior admission costs $9.50
- Youth admission is free
- Family or group admission costs $22.00
- For commercial groups, the cost is $9.35 per person
Camping Options: Yes, with various campgrounds available
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is the West Coast’s best-kept secret, with diverse ecosystems along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. From temperate rainforests to expansive beaches, this park has it all.
The best part? You can hike, spot wildlife, kayak, and immerse yourself in Indigenous culture. Talk about a dream vacation!
It’s made up of three units: Long Beach, Broken Group Islands, and West Coast Trail, and there’s something here for everyone.
Just sink your toes into the sand along the 16 kilometers of Long Beach, or hop on a kayak to explore the sheltered waters of the Broken Group Islands.
Feeling adventurous? Take on the 75-kilometer West Coast Trail for a coastal hiking experience like no other.
Plus, don’t miss out on cultural experiences with Indigenous peoples. It’s a chance to connect with the land and its people in a meaningful way.
Legs itching to hike? Recommended trails include the West Coast Trail, Rainforest Trail, and Schooner Cove Trail.
And when you’re out of steam, you can set up camp at Green Point or Long Beach Campground, or head to Florencia Bay or Wickaninnish Beach for some prime wildlife viewing spots.
| Pro Tip: For family-friendly fun, don’t forget to go beachcombing, tide pooling, and join in on interpretive programs. |
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf
Contact number: 866-944-1744, 250-654-4000
Distance from Vancouver: Accessible by ferry from Vancouver or Victoria
Accessibility: Accessible by ferry and private boat
Entrance Fees: Yes, varies depending on location and activities
- For one night at SMONEĆTEN, the cost per party per vehicle is $19.75. An additional vehicle costs $7.75.
- For one night at Prior Centennial (North Pender Island), the cost per party per vehicle is $19.75. An additional vehicle costs $7.75.
- For one night at Sidney Spit, the cost per party is $19.75.
- Group camping at Sidney Spit costs $5.50 per person for groups of 15 to 30 people, or $54.50 for youth groups with a maximum of 25 people.
- The fee for backcountry camping is $13.50 per person per night.
- Online reservation, modification, or cancellation costs $11.50.
- Reservation, modification, or cancellation by phone costs $13.50.
Camping Options: Yes, with options for both front-country and back-country camping
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is that hidden treasure trove scattered throughout the Strait of Georgia, just waiting for you to discover its picturesque islands and diverse landscapes.
From rocky shores to forested hillsides, there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or just soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Sure, the park shares space with bustling island communities like Mayne, Saturna, and the Penders, where you’ll find all the tourist amenities you could ask for.
But the real magic happens in the quieter corners accessible only by powerboat, sailboat, or kayak. Talk about a secluded sea adventure!
Highlights include kayaking, boating, hiking, birdwatching, and marine wildlife viewing such as seals, otters, and eagles galore. And trust us, you won’t want to miss out on these must-do activities.
For the best trails, check out Mount Norman Trail on Mayne Island or Bodega Ridge Trail on Galiano Island.
And when it’s time to pitch your tent, Narvaez Bay Campground on Saturna Island or Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park on Galiano Island have got you covered.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife hotspots like seal colonies and the Bird Sanctuary on Sidney Spit. You never know what you might spot, so keep those binoculars handy! |
Mount Revelstoke National Park
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/revelstoke
Contact number: 250-837-7500
Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 5-6 hours drive
Accessibility: Accessible by car via Highway 1
Entrance Fees: Yes, for day use and camping
- Adult admission costs $11.00
- Senior admission costs $9.50
- Youth admission is free
- Family or group admission costs $22.00
- For commercial groups, the cost is $9.35 per person
Camping Options: Yes, with a campground available
Mount Revelstoke National Park is nature’s playground, offering a mix of alpine and subalpine landscapes that’ll leave you speechless. You can take a scenic drive, go for a hike through wildflower-filled meadows, or keep an eye out for wildlife!
Founded in 1914, this park is a safe haven for woodland caribou, bears, moose, mountain goats, and more.
Sure, there’s only a brief snow-free season, but in the summer, you’ll find meadows bursting with wildflowers and lush rainforests just waiting to be explored.
Even during the off-season, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway is your ticket to stunning vistas that’ll make your jaw drop.
And those hiking trails? They lead to hidden lakes and panoramic viewpoints that are worth every step.
Aside from the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, look for epic hiking trails and wildflower displays that’ll make your heart skip a beat, and scenic drives that’ll take your breath away.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife viewing spots along the lookout points along Meadows in the Sky Parkway. You never know what you might see!
| Pro Tip: For the best trails, check out the Summit Trail, Eva Lake Trail, and Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk. When it’s time to set up camp, head to the Mount Revelstoke Campground for a cozy night under the stars. |
Kootenay National Park
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay
Contact number: 1-888-773-8888 toll free
Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 6-7 hours drive
Accessibility: Accessible by car via Highway 1
Entrance Fees: Yes, for day use and camping
- Adult admission costs $11.00
- Senior admission costs $9.50
- Youth admission is free
- Family or group admission costs $22.00
- For commercial groups, the cost is $9.35 per person
Camping Options: Yes, with campgrounds available
Let’s say hello to Kootenay National Park, where rugged mountain scenery, deep river valleys, and unique geological wonders await. It’s like nature decided to show off, and boy, does it do a good job!
Ready for an adventure? Strap on your snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit the alpine trails near the Alberta border.
With glacier peaks, steamy hot springs, and even some dry terrain in the Columbia Valley, there’s no shortage of excitement here.
Just keep those eyes peeled for wildlife. You never know who might pop up to say hello!
Now, onto what to expect: first up, Radium Hot Springs. Just picture yourself soaking in warm, soothing waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Relaxation goals, anyone?
Then, check out Marble Canyon and its jaw-dropping colors, followed by a visit to the Paint Pots, where iron-rich mineral springs turn the soil a striking red-orange.
For wildlife viewing, head to spots like Vermilion River or Sinclair Canyon. You never know what critters you might spot!
And if scenic drives are your thing, buckle up and hit the Banff-Windermere Highway for some seriously stunning views. Your adventure awaits!
| Pro Tip: Hit the trails like Stanley Glacier, Marble Canyon, or Floe Lake for some epic hiking. And when it’s time to pitch your tent, you can’t go wrong with Redstreak or Marble Canyon Campground, and don’t forget your marshmallows for roasting! |
Yoho National Park
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho
Contact number: 800-343-3006
Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 7-8 hours drive
Accessibility: Accessible by car via Trans-Canada Highway 1
Entrance Fees: Yes, for day use and camping
- Adult admission costs $11.00
- Senior admission costs $9.50
- Youth admission is free
- Family or group admission costs $22.00
- For commercial groups, the cost is $9.35 per person
Camping Options: Yes, with campgrounds available
Yoho National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor adventures await you at every turn, with towering waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and majestic peaks that’ll leave you speechless.
Just brace yourself to be awestruck by Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls thundering down from dizzying heights.
Then there’s Emerald Lake, a true gem with its vivid teal-green waters set against a backdrop of rugged mountains.
With a network of scenic trails crisscrossing the park, including the epic Iceline Trail and the breathtaking Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had.
If overnight stays are your thing, then you can pitch your tent at Kicking Horse Campground or Monarch Campground and fall asleep under a blanket of stars, with the sounds of nature as your lullaby!
| Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled in Yoho Valley for bears and other critters, or spend a leisurely afternoon birdwatching around Emerald Lake. |
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gwaiihaanas
Contact number: 250-559-8818
Distance from Vancouver: Accessible by air or ferry from mainland British Columbia to Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands), then by boat or floatplane to the park
Accessibility: Limited road access; primarily accessed by boat, kayak, or guided tours
Entrance Fees: Yes, for guided tours and some activities
- Adult admission is $26.00
- Senior admission is $22.00
- Youth admission is free
Camping Options: Limited, with backcountry camping permitted with permits
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is your ultimate off-the-grid wilderness escape tucked away in the southern part of Haida Gwaii.
Here, ancient village sites, towering totem poles, and lush coastal rainforests await your discovery.
But hold onto your hat! There are no highways leading here.
Gwaii Haanas is strictly accessible by boat, kayak, or floatplane. But trust us, the journey is all part of the adventure.
Once you arrive, get ready for an unforgettable experience. You can go paddling through serene coves, hiking ancient trails, and rubbing elbows with the marine life that calls these waters home.
From uncovering ancient Haida cultural sites to soaking in natural hot springs, every moment here is pure magic. And don’t even think about skipping the chance to spot majestic whales or playful sea lions!
| Pro Tip: For the best experience, hit the trails like the Skedans Interpretive Trail at SGang Gwaay, the Windy Bay Trail on Hotspring Island, or the Sleeping Beauty Trail at Burnaby Narrows. |
