Top Provincial Parks to Visit in and Around Squamish

Squamish is without a doubt an outdoor lovers paradise. The breathtaking location is surrounded by boundless wilderness, glaciers, and diverse water features. If you are seeking places to explore then here is a list of the top provincial parks to visit that are located in and around Squamish.

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Every year, campers flock to Alice Lake Provincial Park to soak up the mountain views, explore the dense forests, and dazzle at the four freshwater lakes within the park’s boundaries (Alice, Edith, Stump, and Fawn Lakes).

If you want to swim, picnic, canoe SUP, or fish, then this you are going to want to explore Alice Lake Provincial Park. It is located only 13 km north of Squamish so you can take a day trip or opt to camp. There are mountain bike trails and hiking that crisscross its expanse.

There are 108 reservable campsites. Only 55 of the campsites feature electrical hook-ups. You will also like the fact that there are two shower houses and washroom buildings. Children adore the playground. If you don’t feel like cooking or picnicking then you can grab a bite to eat at the Beachside Cafe. Also, there is an amphitheater in the park.

Camping season runs from March through October. Reservations are available from May through September. This is a very popular location and the campsites do fill up so it is imperative that you make reservations well in advance, especially during the peak months of July, August, and September.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

The lovely oceanfront Porteau Cove Provincial Park attracts kayakers, scuba divers, beach lovers, and SUP enthusiasts. The wonderful think about this park is it is located only 20 kilometers south of Squamish and is a fantastic day adventure site or you can spend the night at one of the 16 walk-ins or 44 drive-in campsites. You’ll love the sunken ships, artificial reefs, pebble beaches, and diverse marine life.

The park is open year round.

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Garibaldi Provincial Park is the crowning jewel of parks around Squamish. The park encompasses an impressive 194,650-hectare. The Diamond Head area of the park is easily accessible from the north end of Squamish. During the summer months, you can explore the many hiking trails and when the snow blankets the ground its time for the ski-mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and snowshoers to descend on the magical place.

If you would like to camp at Garibaldi then you can camp at the Elfin Lakes Campground or the Elfin Lakes Shelter which has an eating area, propane stove, and can accommodate up to 33 individuals. Please be advised that the shelter fills up quickly each night. If you have a tent then you can stay outdoors by the shelter in your tent.

Murrin Provincial Park

At Murrin Provincial Park you can enjoy brisk lake swimming, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and picnicking. There is also a walking trail. The Browning Lake is kept stocked with a wealth of rainbow trout every fall and spring.

You can reach Murrin Provincial Park by traveling south of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway. The entrance is on the west side of the highway.

Whether you want a day adventure or an overnight excursion, any of these provincial parks in and around Squamish are fantastic choices.