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Camping in Canada
 
 

Camping in Alberta

Provincial and National Parks

Alberta has 78 front country campgrounds in its Provincial and National Parks, with a total of over 4000 front country campsites.

 

Camping in British Columbia

Provincial and National Parks

British Columbia has a seamingly endless number of campsites, both public and private. If you're going to explore some of the parks surrounding Vancouver make a point of taking advantage of the reservation system, since they are extremely popular in season (be aware that not all Provincial Park campgrounds accept reservations, and by no means do they all have sites accessible by car).

Some parks have walk-in camping, which generally involves carrying your gear into the site on foot. Distances to walk in sites may be only a few metres but they do vary significanlty and we try ("try", that's the operative word) to distinguish between walk-in sites and back country sites. Our distinction is that backcountry sites require some "real backpacking" to reach the tent site. Check with the park to ensure that the sites are what you expect in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

As should be obvious British Columbia camping is generally more rustic than what you'll find in eastern Canada and RVs, motorhomes and campers may have problems finding fully serviced sites.

Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Alice Lake - Reservations, front country camping, hiking, swimming The park has 88 front country campsites. The park has its own trail network and with a short drive you can easily get access to the backcountry trails which will take you to the Black Tusk and Diamond Head areas of Garibaldi Provincial Park. The park is fften used by campers intending to visit Whistler, which is less than and hour by car. Make sure you have reservations in the high season. From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west towards Whistler. The park is just off Hwy 99, approximately 13km north of Squamish.

Birkenhead - Sea to Sky, Off Hwy 99 north of Whistler and Pemberton. There are 85 front country sites as well as 6 walk-ins.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park - Reservations, Front country camping, hiking trails, waterfall The park is located just 11km south of the town of Whistler on Highway 99 from Vancouver. The waterfalls are spectacular and well worth a visit. The park is perhaps the best base base camp you'll find for exploring Whistler, Garibaldi and the surrounding areas. Reservations are a must in high season. From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west towards Whistler.

Chilliwack Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, Hwy 1 in the Fraser Valley. The park has 100 front country sites.

Cultus Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, Hwy 1 in the Fraser Valley south of Chilliwack. this is a popular park within an hour of Vancouver, there are 296 front country camp sites in the park.This is a very popular spot for campers.

Golden Ears Provincial Park - Reservations, front country camping, backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horse packing, canoe camping, sea kayaking, swimming A spectacular park 48km east of Vancouver off highway 7, you'll find 343 front county campsites and 50 walk-ins.. The park has easy car access with trails into the backcountry and several significant peaks to scale. The park butts up against Mount Garibaldi Park at its north boundary providing a seamless corridor of untouched wilderness essentially surrounding the populous lower mainland... more

Kilby - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, Kilby has 38 front country campsites.

Manning - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, on Hwy 3, in the Fraser Valley south east of Hope. There are 355 front counrtry campsites along with 70 walk-ins. This is a spectacular park, very much representative of British Columbia's awesome natural splendor. The park has an excellent trail system... more

Nairn Falls Provincial Park - Front country camping, hiking, swimming, waterfall The park has over 80 front country campsites available. The Nairn Falls after which the park is named are a spectacular site at 60m in height. The park along with Brandywine Falls and Alice Lake are often used by campers who need a base station from which to explore Garibaldi Park or Whistler. Reservations are a must in high season. The park is located just off Highway 99 approximately 32km north of Whistler. From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west passed Whistler.

Nicolum River - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, the park has 9 front country campsites

Porpoise Bay - Sunshine Coast. There are 84 front country sites along with some walk-ins.

Porteau Cove - Reservations, front country camping, scuba diving, sea kayaking There are 44 Front Country and 15 Walk-in. A lot of the parks campsites are situated right on the water. The park and the surrounding area are well know to have great scuba diving. The park is locate on the shores of Howe Sound on Hwy 99 south of Squamish about 9km from Britannia Beach. From Vancouver take the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver then head up Taylor Way to the Upper Levels Highway and head west towards Whistler.

Roberts Creek - Sunshine Coast. The park has 25 front country sites.

Rolley Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, there are 64 front country campsites in the park.

Saltery Bay - Sunshine Coast, the park has 42 front country sites as well as some walk-ins.

Sasquatch - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, a total of 177 front country campsites.

Silver Lake - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, there are 30 front country campsites.

Skagit Valley - Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley. Silver Tip is the closest campground to the park entrance and has 43 sites. Ross Lake Reservoir has an additional 88 front country sites in the south of the park. Sites are available along the Skyline II Trail (Manning) and the Skagit River Trail for backcountry enthusiasts. There is also group camping in the park... more

Smelt Bay - Sunshine Coast, their are 22 front country sites in the park.

Stawamus Chief - Sea to Sky, Hwy 99, Just South of Squamish. The park has 40 walk-in campsites as well as 15 front country sites. If you ever though about climbing the walls this is the place to do it.

North Vancouver Island

Elk Falls Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 122 Campsites, Flush Toilets, Sani Station, Hiking. The campground has sites along the river. From Campbell River follow the 28 towards Gold River. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Loveland Bay Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 31 Campsites, Group Camping, Lake Canoeing, Swimming. From Campbell River take Highway 28 4km to the west of Campbell River and follow the turnoff to Elk Falls then turn left right after the dam and drive about 12km to the park. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Miracle Beach Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 200 Campsites, 4 Walk-In Campsites, Group Camping, Showers, Flush Toilets, Sani-Station, Wheel Chair Access From Courtenay follow the old island highway along the coast towards Campbell River. The park is approximately half way between the two towns. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Morton Lake Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 24 Campsites, Swimming, Canoe Tripping, Hiking, Wheel Chair Access From Highway 19 north of Campbell River head west on the Menzies Main to Morton Lake Road which will take you into the park. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Schoen Lake Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 9 Campsites, Backcountry Camping, Hiking, Lake Canoeing The park is located off of Highway 19 north of Campbell River between Sayward and Woss. For the most current information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks No Reservations

Strathcona Provincial Park - North Vancouver Island - 160 Campsites (Butte Lake & Ralph River), Group Camping, Hiking, Canoeing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Wilderness Camping From Campbell River follow Highway 18 west from Campbell River towards Gold River. The highway cuts through the northern section of the park. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Central Vancouver Island

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 105 Campsites, Hiking, Swimming (but it's cold) The park has a short hiking trail which takes you around the falls. Follow Highway 4 just north of Nanaimo towards Port Alberni and watch for Errington Road on your left which will take you into the park. Reservations For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 94 Campsites, Swimming, Lake Canoeing The park is about half way to Port Alberni from the cut off to Highway 4 north of Nanaimo. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 175 Campsites, 25 Walk-in Sites, Hiking, Swimming, Flush Toilets, Showers, Sani-Station, Group Camping, Picnic Shelters, Nature House, Gift Shop, Concession Well know for it's sandy beaches the park is amongst the most popular on the island so reservations are highly recommended. The park is located just north of Nanaimo off Highway 1. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Sproat Lake Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 58 Campsites, Group Camping, Showers, Lake Canoeing, Swimming, Boat Launch The park has ancient petroglyphs. From Nanaimo head north to pick up the 4 west. The park is just a short distance passed Port Alberni. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Stamp River Provincial Park - Central Vancouver Island - 23 Campsites, Hiking From Nanaimo head north to pick up the 4 west. At Port Alberni follow Beaver Creek Road north into the park. The park is an excellent area to view spawning salmon in the fall. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

South Vancouver Island

Bamberton Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 50 Campsites, Wheel chair Accessible, Reservations From Victoria follow Highway 1 north towards NanaiFor the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Cowichan River Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 72 Campsites, 2 Campgrounds, 4 Walk-in Campsites (Stoltz Pool), Group Camping, Hiking, Swimming, Kayaking, Cycling, Horseback Riding The park is well known for it's water sports and activities including tubing (consult with the park regarding cautions). Cyclists and horse riders can take advantage of the Trans Canada Trail section which is accessible from the park. From Victoria head north on Highway 1 and then west at Duncan on the 18. There are three access points for the park. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

French Beach Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 69 Campsites, Group Camping, Sani-station, Hiking, Swimming (it's very cold) From Victoria head towards Nanaimo on Highway 1 then head southeast towards Sooke on the 14. The park lies beyond Sooke just off Highway 14. BC Parks Reservations

Goldstream Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 173 Campsites, Group Camping, Flush Toilets (day use area only) Showers, Hiking, Swimming, Yurts The day use area and the camping area have seperate entrances along the highway into the park. From Victoria head towards Nanaimo on Highway 1, the park lies along the highway just passed Langford. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Gordon Bay Provincial Park - South Vancouver Island - 134 Campsites, Group Camping, Showers, Flush Toilets, Swimming, Lake Canoeing From Victoria head north on Highway 1 and then west at Duncan on the 18 to Lake Cowichan. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

Juan De Fuca Provincial Park (China Beach) - South Vancouver Island - 75 Campsites, Wilderness Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Yurts The park lies along the spectacular 47km Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Wilderness camping areas are available to backpackers along the trail. From Victoria head towards Nanaimo on Highway 1 then head southeast towards Sooke on the 14. The park lies between Jordan River and Port Renfrew just off Highway 14. For the most up to date information on the park as well as maps and photos (where available) see the official park site at BC Parks Reservations

 

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve - Vancouver Island

McDonald Campground - Saanich Peninsula - Front Country Camping, Sea Kayaking (nearby). Located on the edge of Vancouver Island just above Sidney, the campground is used by kayakers and travelers who are waiting of the next day's ferry sailing. The park is also nicely positioned as a jump off point for exploring the Saanich Peninsula and Victoria.

For information on kayak camping at the regions marine parks, see our Sea Kayaking section. For information on wilderness camping see our Hiking and Backpacking section.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve - Gulf Islands

Prior Centennial Park - Front Country Camping, Walk-in Camping, Hiking, Sea Kayaking. Front country camping is found on the north island at Prior Centennial, which also has a short hiking trail. The walk-in camping area is located on South Pender Island at Beaumont/Mount Norman. An excellent, but challenging hike is to be had to the top of Mount Norman (244m elevation gain), which will reward you with excellent views of the Gulf Islands. The Roesland/Roe Lake area has hiking (but no camping) as well as a small fresh water lake. The Pender Islands consist of South Pender Island and North Pender Island, which are separated by a narrow man made channel, with a short bridge connecting the two. Pender Islands

Gulf Islands - Provincial Parks

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park - 40 Front Country Campsites, 15 Walk-in Campsites, Drinking Water, Hiking Trails, Picnic Area, Beach, Boat Moorage - From the ferry terminal follow Sturdies Bay Road and bare right on Montague Road which will take you into the park. BC Parks Montague Harbour, Galiano Island

Ruckle Provincial Park - Salt Spring Island - 8 Front Country Campsites, 78 walk-in Campsites, hiking, sea kayaking. There are 78 walk-in campsites in the park overlooking the ocean and running along the forests edge. The park also has 8 front country sites which are accessible by car. The campsites have picnic tables, access to water and pit toilets. Reservations are not accepted for the camping sites.From the Fulford ferry terminal take Fulford Ganges Road a short distance, then turn right on Beaver Point Road (there are signs) which will take you into the park. BC Parks

Gulf Islands - Regional Parks

Descanso Bay Regional Park - Gabriola Island - 32 Front County Campsites, 595 Taylor Bay Road, All Year From the Ferry the turn off for Taylor Bay Road is less than a kilometre on your left as you drive onto the island.

  • Beaumont Provincial Park - Pender Islands
  • Prior Centennial Park - Gulf Islands National Park, Pender Islands

    Forest Service Campgrounds

    BC Forest Service Recreation from the BC Forest Service

    BC Forests have over eleven hundred camping sites scattered throughout the province. Some are managed and some are user managed, with some of the managed sites charging a fee for camping. Many of these sites are located in spectacular natural surroundings. In addition the Forest Service has a large network of trails it oversees, which include some of the finest hiking in the province.

    Note: Forest Service sites can be isolated and access may require a 4x4, chains and the use of active logging roads (definately not recommended), which may be restricted (access may change overnight because of policy and/or road conditions). In addition austerity programs have trimmed the number of sites available and/or the type of management of the sites. Definately contact the Forest Service before you go!

RVs & Private Campgrounds

Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Gulf Islands

 

Camping in New Brunswick

Provincial and National Parks

New Brunswick has a a wide variety of camping opportunities for visits to the province. From forested uplands, to wide open valleys, to ocean side sites overlooking the beach. With much of the province surrounded by water it should come as no surprise that the beaches are a major attraction for campers.

Northumberland Straight on the Atlantic coast has several Provincial Parks as well as Kouchibouguac National Park to choose from. Sandy beaches, warm waters and comfortable campgrounds abound. On the Fundy shore you'll also find innumerable parks including another National park, this one named after the bay itself. Further up the coast on the edge of Maine, there are two very interesting parks on the Fundy Isles, Anchorage on Grande Manan and Herring Cove on Campobello Island.

  • Anchorage - Anchorage Provincial Park, Grand Manan, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southwest
  • Armstrong Brook - Mount Carleton Provincial Park, Appalachian Range Route, Central Northern
  • Chignecto - Fundy National Park, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southeastern
  • Cote-a-Fabien - Kouchibouguac National Park, Richibucto, Central Eastern, Acadian Coastal Drive
  • Headquarters - Fundy National Park, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southeastern
  • Herring Cove - Herring Cove Provincial Park, Campobello Island, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southwest
  • Les Jardin de la Republique - Les Jardin de al Republic Provincial Park, Edmunston, River Valley Scenic Drive, Northwestern
  • Mactaquac - Mactuac Provincial Park, Fredericton, River Valley Scenic Drive, Central
  • Murray Beach - Murray Beach Provincial Park, , Shediac, Acadian Coastal Drive, Southeastern
  • New River - New River Beach Provincial Park, St. George, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southwestern
  • Parlee Beach - Parlee Beach Provincial Park, Shediac, Acadian Coastal Drive, Southeastern
  • Point Wolfe - Fundy National Park, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southeastern
  • South Kouchibouguac Campground - Kouchibouguac National Park, Richibucto, Central Eastern, Acadian Coastal Drive
  • Sugarloaf - Sugarloaf Provincial Park, Campbellton, Acadian Coastal Drive, North Northern
  • Wolfe Lake - Fundy National Park, Fundy Coastal Drive, Southeastern

 

Camping in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has two National and several dozen Provincial Parks, the majority of which offer camping. The front country campgrounds vary from neighbourly open spaces to heavily wooded sites such as those in Kejimkujic. A large number of the Provincial parks are located along the Province's shores.

This of course hints at the vast number of sandy beaches in the Province. The parks along the Northumberland Straight (Sunrise Trail, Northeastern) take advantage of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. Mountain bikers will love the trails in Cape Breton Highlands and Kejimkujic National Park. Paddlers have probably picked up on Kejimkujic's reputation for canoe camping. Kejimkujic along with Cape Chignecto are probably the best destinations for serious backpackers, while hikers will be pleased to find trails in almost every park in the Province. Expert sea kayakers can take advantage of the waters of Cape Chignecto, Five Islands and Cape Breton.

  • Amherst Shore - Amherst Shore Provincial Park, Sunrise Trail (Northeaster)
  • Battery - Battery Provincial Park, Cape Breton
  • Big Intervale - Cape Breton Highlands National Park
  • Blomidon - Blomidon Provincial Park, Evangeline Trail, Northwestern
  • Boylston - Boylston Provincial Park, Marine Drive, Southeastern
  • Broad Cove - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, , Cape Breton
  • Cape Chignecto - Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Glooscap, North Central
  • Caribou - Caribou Provincial Park, Sunrise Trail, North Eastern
  • Cheticamp Campground - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton (Far Eastern)
  • Corney Brook Campground - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton
  • Dollar Lake - Dollar Lake Provincial Park, Marine Drive, Southeastern
  • Ellenwood Lake - Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park, Lighthouse Route, Southwestern
  • Five Islands - Five Islands Provincial Park, Glooscap, North Central
  • Graves Island - Graves Island Provincial Park, Lighthouse Route, Southwestern
  • Ingonish - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton
  • The Islands - The Islands Provincial Park, Lighthouse Route, Southwestern
  • Jeremy's Bay - Kejimkujic, Evangeline Trail, Northwestern
  • MacIntosh Brook - Cape Breton Highlands National Park
  • Mira River - Mira River Provincial Park, Cape Breton
  • Rissers Beach - Rissers Beach Provincial Park, Lighthouse Route, Southwestern
  • Salsman - Salsman Provincial Park, Marine Drive, Southeastern
  • Saltsprings - Saltsprings Provincial Park, Sunrise Trail, Northeastern
  • Smileys - Smileys Provincial Park, Glooscap, North Central
  • Thomas Raddall - Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, Lighthouse Route, Southwestern
  • Valleyview - Valleyview Provincial Park, Evangeline, Northwestern
  • Whycocomagh - Whycocomagh Provincial Park, Cape Breton

 

Camping in Ontario

Conservation Areas, Provincial and National Parks

Ontario has 107 front country campgrounds in its Provincial and National Parks, with a total of over 5000 front country campsites.

 

Eastern Ontario

 

Camping in Quebec

Provincial and National Parks

Quebec has 68 front country campgrounds in its Provincial and National Parks, with a total of over 4000 front country campsites. This large amount of camping spots indicates the need that Canadians have for getting into the wilderness.

Eastern Townships

  • Caravans 55 - (819) 846-6055, Boomtown, Eastern Townships
  • Roulettes Evasion - Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships

 

Camping in Saskatchewan

Provincial and National Parks

Provincial Parks

 

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