The main gathering point of Golden Ears Provincial Park is Alouette Lake, a long, narrow reservoir backed by forested mountains. The water is surprisingly warm for a BC lake — warm enough that swimming here is genuinely pleasant in July and August rather than merely bracing — and the Day Use Area at the south end has a sandy beach, picnic tables, and boat launches.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented from operators near the park entrance. The lake stretches several kilometres north into the park, and paddling the upper reaches gives a sense of genuine wilderness without requiring an overnight trip. Waterskiing is allowed on the southern section.