A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
As of December 16, 2009:
Please note: An unsafe bridge over a creek at the 5.4 km point of the Golden Ears Trail (just before the Alder Flats Wilderness Campsite) has been removed. Although the flow of the creek is currently low enough to permit hikers to cross on the exposed rocks, Spring rains and run-off will continue to increase the flow in the creek and crossing may become more difficult without wading. Currently, there is no timeframe for replacing this bridge.
The hanging ladder and rope (in the ravine at the 4.6 km point of the Golden Ears Trail just before Alder Flats Wilderness Campsite) have been removed due to unsafe conditions. Hikers should look for new signs that will direct them to the re-route that was put in place on August 8, 2009. The re-route will be permanent.
Park Info
As one of the largest parks in the province, Golden Ears Provincial Park is prized for its recreational opportunities. The extensive system of trails within the park provides an excellent opportunity for hiking and horseback riding. Alouette Lake is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating and fishing. The park also has three large campgrounds. Natural Features Vegetation is typical of the coastal western Hemlock forest of BC and the mountainous backcountry is extremely rugged.
Park Size: 62,540 hectares
Special Notes:
Park hosts and a security patrol are available during the summer months.
Canoes/Kayaks/Pedal boats are available for rent in the park
from May through Labour Day
Stay Safe:
In the backcountry hiking area of the park, there is a small
hut on Panorama Ridge, available for emergency use situations only;
no overnight use.
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.)
– Alouette campground
Open June 19 – September 7, 2009 (only available as overflow during Spring and Fall seasons)
– Gold Creek campground
Open all year
– North Beach campground
June 26 – September 7, 2009 (not available as overflow during Spring 2009)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
– Alouette campground
June 19 - September 7, 2009
– Gold Creek campground
April 1 - October 12, 2009 (Winter fee from October 12 to March 31; reduced services)
– North Beach campground
June 26 - September 7, 2009
Campground Reservable Dates:
– Alouette campground
June 19 - September 6, 2009
– Gold Creek campground
May 15 - September 6, 2009
– North Beach campground
June 26 - September 6, 2009
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
Alouette = 205
Gold Creek = 148
North Beach = 55
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
Alouette = 83
Gold Creek = 74
North Beach = 25
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.
Golden Ears Provincial Park lies in the Coast Mountains 11 km north of Maple Ridge on the north side of the Fraser River. Access to the park is by vehicle via Highway 7 or Dewdney Trunk Road through the Municipality of Maple Ridge. If heading west, turn right onto 232nd and if heading east, turn left onto 232nd; then turn right onto Fern Crescent and follow road into park. The closest communities, towns and cities are Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows.
Nature & Culture
History - The park was named after the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard near the peak's western boundary. Originally part of Garibaldi Provincial Park, the establishment of Golden Ears Park in 1927 recognized the almost impenetrable mountain barrier between the two areas.
Cultural Heritage - Human activity in Golden Ears, both past and present, has been confined to the accessible Alouette Valley in the south of the park. In the 1920s, the forested slopes of the valley became the site of BC's greatest railroad logging operation until a disastrous fire swept through the valley in 1931. The lake and its forested surroundings were also the traditional hunting and fishing grounds for the Douglas-Lillooet (Interior Salish) and Katzie (Coast Salish) First Nations peoples.
Conservation - The park represents the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone and is characterized by a second-growth forest of western hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas fir. There are a series of sphagnum bogs at the south end of Alouette Lake.
Wildlife - The park's lush plant growth, numerous waterways, and mountainous terrain provide habitat to a variety of animals including beaver, deer, black bear, and mountain goat.
All reserveable, vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover
Camping.
Campsite Reservations: Campsite reservations are
accepted at this park
and must be made through Discover Camping at their website, www.discovercamping.ca,
or by phone at (604) 689-9025. First-come, first-served camp sites are also available.
Group Camp/Picnic Reservations: Group campsite and/or
group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park
(minimum 20 adults). Picnic/Day Use area is available on a first-come,
first-served basis only and is not reservable at this park.
Contact Info
For information on campgrounds and day-use/picnicking areas of the park
only:
Canoeing is very popular on Alouette Lake. Canoe/kayak/pedal boat rentals
are available for rent in the Alouette day-use area from May through
September. The park also offers boat accessible camping along
the Lake; see the rustic
marine campsites information.
Climbing
There are no recommended
technical climbing opportunities in Golden Ears Park. There are two mountains
accessible by official trails that require intermediate skills to reach
the peaks. Both require long strenuous hikes requiring proper equipment
and experience. Alouette Mountain is accessed on 11 kilometers of trail
from Mike Lake using the Incline and Alouette Mountain Fire Access Trails.
A return trip will take 9 or 10 hours. Be sure to take water and expect
snow well into June. The Golden Ears are accessed from the West Canyon parking
lot via the West Canyon/Golden Ears Trail. This 12 kilometer trail has
an elevation change of 1500 meters. Suggested one way time is 7 hours. The
round trip is an overnight expedition for all but the fittest. There are
camping sites at Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge,
see the wilderness/walk-in camping information. Ascent of the North Ear is made
from the left (east) side across a permanent snowfield. Extreme caution is
advised and proper equipment is recommended. Water may be scarce beyond Alder
Flats. Expect snow on Panorama Ridge well into July.
Cycling
Cycling is permitted. Please keep to roadways and marked trails. Check the park map for bike specific trails. There are over 20 kilometres of biking trails in the park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are many trails in Golden Ears Provincial Park that range from easy to extremely difficult. The Spirea Universal Access Trail is designed for a wide range of physical disabilities. Here is additional detailed trail information. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Horseback Riding
There is an extensive network of horse trails. Check the park map for
horse specific trails. There are over 20 kilometres of gravel/dirt horse trails in the park. A permit is only required for commercial use of the horse trails.
No camping with horses is allowed in park frontcountry (parking lots, day-use areas, or any area less than 1km from a park road). Day-use stopover is permitted at the South Beach corral area, but horses must remain within the corral or on a designated horse trail.
Camping with horses is permitted in the designated camping area on the East Canyon Trail, approximately 5km north of Gold Creek parking lot. This park provides trails only; horseback riding lesson/rentals, stables etc. are not available within the park.
Pets on Leash
Dogs must be on a leash, no longer than 2 meters long, and under control
at all times, including in campgrounds and on trails within 1km of
the Parkway Road. Trails beyond 1km of the Parkway Road are considered
backcountry and dogs may be off a leash but must be under control at
all times.
Dogs are permitted off-leash in only two swimming areas: at the North Beach day-use area near the outflow area of Gold Creek into Alouette Lake and at the Alouette day-use area between the boat launch and the canoe rental shop. Dogs are strictly prohibited at south Beach Parking Lot #2 and Campers Beach.
Pets/domestic animals are not allowed in the picnic areas, beaches, marked
off swimming areas or park buildings.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
There is swimming available at all campgrounds and day-use areas. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
There are waterskiing opportunities on Alouette Lake.
Windsurfing
There are windsurfing opportunities on Alouette Lake.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There is one four-lane cement surface boat launch at the south end of Alouette Lake. There is overnight parking available for vehicles and trailers. There is no nearby marina to moor boats overnight. Waterskiing is permitted. It is not recommended to leave your boat overnight in the water due to theft. The park also offers boat accessible camping along the Lake; see the rustic marine campsites information.
Campfires
Campfires permitted
in the provided fire rings only. While campfires are allowed and campfire
rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve
wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using
camp stoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may
bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary
from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from
the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable
offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for
many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located throughout the park.
Drinking water from taps is tested on a regular basis. Water
taps are shut off in the winter season
Group Camping
There are two group
campgrounds available for reservations, by any group booking a minimum
of 20 adults (5 parties), with a maximum of 50 adults (13 parties). A minimum
booking fee applies and additional fees apply for extra parties. There
is a covered shelter available at the Golden Ears group site only. The Alouette
group site is located near the lake. Click here for reservation information.
Group Camping Fee: $24.00 per party / night
Youth
Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night
Picnic Areas
There are 3 day-use
beach areas. There are no fire pits available. Stores are available near
Maple Ridge.
Day-use Area Vehicle Parking Fee: $1.00 per vehicle
/ hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about
yearly parking passes, or further information about parking fees, click
here.
Alouette (South Beach) Day-use Area: Vehicle accessible area. There
is a sandy beach with roped off swimming area; canoe/kayak/pedal
boat rentals available. Change house available and flush and pit
toilets are available during summer season. There are barbeque attachments
available on the picnic tables. Bring briquettes and barbeques, open
fires not permitted. There is a beach area for dogs between the boat
launch and the canoe rental shop. Open from April 1 - October 13,
2008 with full services (opening date subject to change depending on
storm clean-up)
Open for winter season October 13, 2008 – March 31, 2009
with reduced services.
Campers Beach Day-use Area: Campers Beach is a hike-in
area adjacent to Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds. Campers
Beach has a sandy beach with a roped off swimming area (no dogs allowed).
Only pit toilets available.
North Beach Day-use Area: North Beach is adjacent
to the North Beach campground accessible on foot from the East Canyon
Parking Lot via the North Beach Trail. The beach is sandy and there are
only pit toilets available. There is a beach area for dogs at this day-use.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit and flush toilets
are located at Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds and the day-use area of
the park. There are only pit toilets at North Beach campground.
During winter season all flush toilet facilities are closed, pit toilets only.
Playground
This park has an adventure playground at the Alouette campground.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is available during the summer season. The sani-station/dump is located off the main roadway leading into the park before you arrive at the information shelter and campgrounds.
Sani-station Use Fee: $2.00 per discharge
Showers
There are hot shower
buildings located in the Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds. There are
no showers at North Beach campground.
During the winter season, all shower buildings are closed.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
There
are three vehicle accessible campgrounds in this park - Gold Creek, Alouette
and North Beach. There are 6 pull through sites in the North Beach campground
only. Most sites are located in the trees and are equipped with tent
pads. There is no parking for extra vehicles, maximum two vehicles per
site. Visitors parking lots available for day use at all campgrounds.
There is no locked gate during the camping season. Alouette and North Beach
campgrounds gated and locked in winter season. Golden Ears Park main gate
locked 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the winter season. If the ticket booth is
closed and there is no staff to help you locate a site, find a campsite with
no ticket number on the post. Park staff will come by to collect camping
fees. Use the self registration at the ticket booth for the open campground
during winter season. The closest store is in Maple Ridge approximately 14
kilometres away. There is a pay phone located at the park entrance at the
main gate. Campsite
reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also
available.
Gold Creek and Alouette sites:
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $24.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $12.00 per senior's couple/night
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00
per party / night
North Beach sites:
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness/walk-in camping is allowed at Alder Flats on the West Canyon Trail and Panorama Ridge on the Golden Ears trail, but no facilities are provided. Parking from the walk-in sites at Alder Flats is approximately 5 kilometres; and from Panorama Ridge is approximately 9 kilometres. Camping is on individual gravel pads in wooded area at Alder Flats and in an undeveloped wooded area on Panorama Ridge. No
campfires allowed. Cooking allowed with camp stoves only.
Rustic marine campsites are located on Alouette Lake at
Moyer Creek, The Narrows and Alouette River (north end of the Lake).
On the east shore of Pitt Lake the marine campsites are located at Raven
Creek, Osprey Creek South and Osprey Creek North. Across from Pitt Lake on
the east side is Pinecone Burke Provincial
Park on
the west shore. All of these marine campsites are only accessible
by boat,
have tent pads, a pit toilet, some have picnic tables but there are no
campfire rings and no campfires allowed.
No campfires allowed. Cooking
allowed with camp stoves only.
Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage removal services.
Wheelchair Access
There are wheelchair
accessible toilets at all campgrounds and in the Alouette South Beach day-use
area. Four campsites at the Gold Creek campground are paved. The Spirea Universal
Access Trail is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair access is also available
to the beach from the south parking lot.
Winter Camping
Alouette and North
Beach campgrounds are gated and locked in winter season. Golden Ears
Park main gate locked 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the off season. Use
the self registration at the ticket booth for Gold Creek campground
during winter season.
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00
per party / night
