Camping & Hiking · Scenic Views · British Columbia
A large provincial park above Maple Ridge, BC, with Alouette Lake, waterfalls, three campgrounds and trails for every level. Expect crowds, day-pass rules in peak season and fast-selling campsites.
Golden Ears Provincial Park is big, and visitors keep coming back to the same three things: Alouette Lake, the waterfalls and the forest trails with mountains all around. Several reviewers point out that the park has multiple entrances and more to see than one day allows, from the main lake to smaller quiet spots along the river.
Hiking is the main draw. The Lower Falls trail is short and easy enough for families and beginners, while the route to the upper falls is longer and more demanding. One visitor estimated about three hours for the walk to the creek and back with stops. Campers say the sites are spacious and suit both tents and RVs, and one Gold Creek camper saw rangers cleaning the washrooms two or three times a day.
It suits families, dog owners and day-trippers as much as campers. There are picnic areas with barbecues, a playground, and a lake for swimming or kayaking, though the water is cold. Dogs are allowed, and one reviewer's dog enjoyed the trails and a swim. You'll need a car to get to the trailheads.
The park's popularity is its main drawback. Reviewers describe summer campsites selling out the moment reservations open, day passes required on certain days, and parking filling by the afternoon, so arrive early. One camper was bothered by generator noise and exhaust in the campground, and toilets out of order during peak season. Phone signal drops at the north beach and up the trails, and one hiker warns that the upper mountain stays snowy and cold well into the year.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 4,622 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Golden Ears Provincial Park directly.
