Golden Ears Provincial Park
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As of September 2, 2008:
- Gold Creek Campground closed Sept 2, 2008, until further notice due to construction.
- North Beach Campground closed Sept 2, 2008, open next year June 26 to Sept 8, 2009.
- Alouette Campground open with full services until Oct 13, 2008.
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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.
- For your convenience, during the summer season the park has a concession managed by the Park Facility Operator.
- Kayaks and peddle boats are available for renting in the park.
Stay Safe:
- In the backcountry hiking area of the park, there is a small hut available only for emergency situations; no overnight use.
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
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| – Alouette campground | May 18 – October 8 (campground gate closed during off-season) |
| – Gold Creek campground | October 9 2007 – March 31 2008 |
| – North Beach campground | June 29 – September 3 (campground gate is closed during off-season) |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | |
| – Alouette campground | May 18 – October 8 |
| – Gold Creek campground | April 1 – October 8 Winter fee from October 9 to March 31; reduced services |
| – North Beach campground | June 29 – September 3 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | |
| – Alouette campground | May 18 – September 2 |
| – Gold Creek campground | June 15 – September 2 |
| – North Beach campground | June 29 – September 2 |
| 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 = 34 |
| 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. | |
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Location
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.
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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.
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Management Planning
Management Planning Information
Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
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Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map (PDF - updated June 2008)
- Gold Creek Campground Map (PDF)
- North Beach Campground Map (PDF)
- Alouette Campground Map (PDF)
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Reservations
For parks that accept reservations, all 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 first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park.
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Contact Info
For campground and day-use/picnicking areas of the park only:
SSG Holdings Ltd
Email address: ssgparks@telus.net
Ph: 1-604-466-8325
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
Canoeing is very popular on Alouette Lake. Canoe/kayak rentals are available in the Alouette day-use area. The park also offers boat accessible camping along the Lake; see the rustic marine campsites information.
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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. 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.
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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.
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Fishing | |
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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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.
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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 or stopover in day-use allowed with horses except at the south beach corral area.
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Interpretive Programs | |
There are scheduled interpretive programs offered at this park. Click here to view a schedule of programs (PDF).
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Pets on Leash | |
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.
Dogs must be on a leash on trails within 1km of the Parkway Road. Trails beyond 1km of the Parkway are considered backcountry and may be off a leash but under control at all times.
Pets/domestic animals are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Dogs must be on a leash on trails within 1km of the Parkway Road. Trails beyond 1km of the Parkway are considered backcountry and may be off a leash but under control at all times.
Pets/domestic animals are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
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Swimming | |
There is swimming available at all campgrounds and day-use areas. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
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Waterskiing | |
There are waterskiing opportunities on Alouette Lake.
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Windsurfing | |
There are windsurfing opportunities on Alouette Lake.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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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.
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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 campstoves 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.
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Drinking Water | |
Cold water taps are located throughout the park.
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Group Camping | |
There are two group campgrounds available for reserving, by any group of 15 to 30 or more people. 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. The food service concession is open during the summer season.
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 rentals available. Change house available. Flush and pit toilets available. 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 8 with full services (opening date subject to change depending on storm clean-up) Open with limited services from October 9 2007 - March 31 2008
- 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.
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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.
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Playground | |
This park has an adventure playground at the Alouette campground.
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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
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Showers | |
There are hot shower buildings located in the Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds. There are no showers at North Beach campground.
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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 off season. Golden Ears Park main gate locked 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the off season. If 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 Gold Creek 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. 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
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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 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, cooking with camp stoves only. Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage removal services.
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, cooking with camp stoves only. Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage removal services.
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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.
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Winter Camping | |
Alouette and North
Beach campgrounds gated and locked in off 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
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