Golden Ears

British Columbia provincial park east of Vancouver, named for the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard.

Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in British Columbia, about an hour's drive east of Vancouver. The park takes its name from the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard, which catch the sunlight and glow gold in the right conditions.

The park offers everything from easy lakeside walks to serious mountaineering. Alouette Lake is the main draw in summer — the water is surprisingly warm for the region and the swimming is excellent. The Golden Ears trail climbs to the summit ridge and rewards with panoramic views of the Coast Mountains. Gold Creek Falls is an easy walk suitable for families. There are good campgrounds, and the park is popular enough on summer weekends that arriving early is wise.

Guide

Getting There

Golden Ears Provincial Park is about an hour's drive east of Vancouver. From the city, take Highway 1 east to Abbotsford and then Highway 7 (Lougheed Highway) west, or more directly, take Highway 7 east through Maple Ridge. The park entrance is at 23020 Fern Crescent in Maple Ridge, well signed from the main road.

There is no public transit to the park. Parking fees apply at the day-use areas and campgrounds; the main parking lots fill early on summer weekends, so arriving before 9am is wise. Golden Ears Bridge (part of the South Fraser Perimeter Road system) provides access from Surrey and the south if you are coming from that direction.

Guide

Things to Do

Golden Ears Provincial Park is built for outdoor activity. Summer revolves around Alouette Lake — swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the warm water. The network of hiking trails ranges from the gentle lakeside loop to the serious summit push up Golden Ears itself. In quieter seasons the park thins out and the old-growth forest trails become genuinely peaceful.