Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Offering its visitors wild and untouched beauty, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a true Canadian gem. This provincial park is the only one located on the southerly fjord in North America. The park has views of the towering mountains across Howe Sound. Waterside campsites appeal to the outdoor enthusiast who wants to spend a day, or more, exploring the park. As a result the park has become popular with the Squamish community.

Photo by Ivan Andreevich (Wikimedia Commons)

Activities at Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Spanning over 56 hectares, outdoor lovers are in for a treat at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Due to the amount of space, the park offers various activities.  Activities include boating, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming and wildlife viewing.

Located in the park are two boat launches which have been constructed double width. Due to its size, each boat docks can accommodate large boats. However, at low tide it becomes almost impossible to launch a boat. During the winter months, a natural abundance of driftwood that gathers at the boat docks. Because of this, extra precaution should be taken to safely and successfully launch boats.

Scuba divers flock to the park for the rare chance to do a wreck dive. An old ship was sunk in the park to provide a home for aquatic life. It now offers divers an interesting place to observe the park’s diverse underwater life. Due to the popularity of the shipwreck, several other manmade reefs have been created for scuba diving. Divers are not allowed to dive from the boat launches. However steps are conveniently located by the main parking lot that lead to the water’s edge. 

Fishings and shellfish harvesting is not allowed. But, many fishermen launch their boats from Porteau Cove. These fishermen head out to the ocean from the park to go fishing. However, fishermen need to check local fishing regulations.

Photo by Joe Mabel (Wikimedia Commons)

Camping at Porteau Cove Provincial Park

There are 44 reservable campsites and 16 walk-in sites available within the park’s boundaries. These sites offer camping all-year-round. From March 24 to October 9, reservations for any of the campsites are mandatory.

In 2010, cabins were constructed by Pioneer Log Homes within the boundaries of the park. Featuring a bedroom, loft, kitchen and bathroom, each cabin sleeps a maximum of four people. Due to heavy snowfall in the winter months, some campsite are inaccessible even though the park remains open. 

Pets are allowed in the park, but needs to be kept on a leash at all times.

Photo by Kyla Duhamel (Wikimedia Commons)

Getting there

Porteau Cove is perfect for a wilderness getaway for a day or a weekend. The park is conveniently located 20km south of Squamish and 38 km from Vancouver off Hwy 99. Other nearby communities include Brackendale, Britannia Beach and Lions Bay.

Whether you live in Squamish or beyond, Porteau Cove is the perfect place to reconnect to nature. This family and pet-friendly park offers camping and other activities for the entire family. The park also offers scuba dive and boating for those who have licenses to do so. If you’re looking for a place to rejuvenate and relax, then this park is for you.