8 Campgrounds To Visit In The Sea to Sky

From Vancouver to Whistler, runs one of the most picturesque byways in North America: the Sea to Sky highway. Along with its expansive length are monolith mountains rising up to touch the clouds, ocean vistas, breathtaking waterfalls, and what seems like unlimited outdoor activities. The entire area is a camper’s mecca in the Spring and Summer. Camping in the region puts you in touch with nature and lets you stay close to all the beauty that the place has to offer. We created this list of 8 Campgrounds to visit in the Sea to Sky,  to  put you in touch with nature and lets you stay close to all the beauty that the place has to offer.

Cypress Provincial Park

Perched high above the Vancouver area is the breathtaking Cypress Provincial Park. On one side is the Howe Sound, located along the east and north of the park both Mount Strachan and Hollyburn rise up, and along the park’s western region are expansive views of West Vancouver. Walk-In/Wilderness camping is allowed along the Howe Sound Crest Trail beyond the Alpine and Nordic areas. No facilities are provided.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/meironke/3533407079/

More information: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cypress/

Halkett Bay Marine Provincial Park

Halkett Bay Marine Provincial Park is located in Howe Sound. The park is a favorite for boating enthusiasts. The campground is available for camping year round, however, full facilities are not always available. From May 25th to September 25th, campsites with full facilities are available. There are also three walk-in campsites.

http://seatoskyparks.com/parks/halkett-bay/

More Info: http://seatoskyparks.com/parks/halkett-bay/

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Porteau Cove Provincial Park has the distinction of being the most southerly fjord in North America. Park campers love the waterside campsites that places them right beside the crystal blue waters. Camping is available year round but not all services are provided. Usually, from March 1st to November 13 all services are available to campers. Campsites can be reserved, and we highly suggest booking ahead as this one tends to book up fast!

By IvanAndreevich – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46531142 IvanAndreevich

Check out our Guide: https://squamishadventure.com/porteau-cove-provincial-park/

More Info: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/porteau/

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is home to 700-metre towering cliffs that are a favourite climbing location for international rock climbers. Campsites are available from April 8th to October 15th. There is a total of 74 campsites available: 58 are walk-in and 16 vehicle accessible. This zone will fill up fast in the Summer with climbers taking advantage of the proximity to world class routes, downtown Squamish and Mags 99.

More Info: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/stawamus/

Tantalus Provincial Park & Lake Lovely Water

Hiking, backcountry skiing, fishing and mountaineering opportunities are abound at the Tantalus Provincial Park. This is a remote park, but the challenge of getting their makes the experience that much more rewarding. Bring in and take out what you need as there are no facilities. Campers can utilize backcountry campsites/walk-in sites. There is one cabin available for public use (available in the late spring, summer and fall) located on the east end (outflow) of Lake Lovely Water in the Tantalus Range of the B.C. Coast Mountains.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21332504@N03/4818534137

More Info: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/tantalus/

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Located in the heart of the Coast Mountains, the Garibaldi Provincial Park offers 90 kilometers of hiking trails. There are numerous walk-in campgrounds throughout the park. Reservations are accepted year round. All campsites have pits or flush toilets (bring your own toilet paper!), but in general, facilities are sparse. There are no garbage services so you have to pack out everything you bring in, which we encourage you to do anytime you are enjoying the mountains around Squamish. There are several picnic areas in the park as well, but they’re not part of the camping areas, so you may have to walk a bit to get to them.

More Details in Our Guide: https://squamishadventure.com/garibaldi-provincial-park/

Or check out: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/

MTN Fun Basecamp

Bordering Alice Lake and with access to great hiking and biking trails, sits the MTN Fun Basecamp. The location is ideal because it feels like you are camping deep in the heart of the forest but in reality, you are only minutes away from shopping and dining. Campers can choose between RV or tent campsites. The campground is also expanding their adventure options with mountain bike shuttles for guests and whitewater rafting now located at their base.

More info:  https://www.mtnfunbasecamp.com/

Alice Lake

Located only 12 kilometers north of Squamish sits Alice Lake. The freshwater lake is a favourite for fishermen and swimmers. Advance campsite reservations are strongly suggested. This is a popular spot for locals stay-caitioning with their families on the weekends and locals enjoying the great swimming and hiking. Our tip: Book ahead and aim for mid week if you are looking for a quieter camping experience.

Info on 4 lakes hiking: https://squamishadventure.com/hiking-trail-spotlight-4-lakes-in-alice-lake/

More info: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/alice_lk/

The Sea to Sky highway is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also offers a campground to fit anyone’s distinct taste and interests. If you decide to camp outside of one of the many designated campgrounds in Squamish, be sure to check if your spot is legal and please do not destroy the nature that attracted you to camp in the first place. For out guide to adventuring responsibly click here