Meagen SetterLet it snow, let it snow, let it snow…but wait! Before you channel your inner Elsa and completely shut yourself off from the world this winter, hear me out!
Vancouver may be beautiful in the colder months, but a whole world of snowy adventures is waiting to be explored beyond the city limits. This article is your guide to unlocking the magic of national parks, which are all perfect for a winter wonderland escape.
So, bundle up in your warmest gear and explore the beauty of winter in these incredible national parks. Trust me, it will be an experience you won’t forget!
- 1. Kootenay National Park
- 2. La Mauricie National Park
- 3. Kouchibouguac National Park
- 4. Riding Mountain National Park
- 5. Kluane National Park and Reserve
- 6. Pacific Rim National Park
- 7. Glacier National Park
- 8. Stanley Park
- 9. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
- 10. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
- 11. Queen Elizabeth Park
- 12. Lighthouse Park
- 13. Deer Lake Park
- 14. Green Timbers Urban Forest
- 15. Kanaka Creek Regional Park
1. Kootenay National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/
Address: British Columbia, Canada
Contact details: +12503479505
Kootenay National Park is a majestic tapestry of towering mountains, deep canyons, rushing rivers, and emerald forests. Encompassing over 543 square kilometers of the Canadian Rockies, it boasts a diverse, dramatic, and beautiful landscape.
Another aspect that sets Kootenay National Park apart is the presence of the Burgess Shale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fossil-bearing rock formation is home to some of the most exquisitely preserved fossils from the Cambrian period.
Pro tip:
One of the must-do activities in Kootenay National Park during winter is a soak in the soothing hot springs at Radium Hot Springs. Located just outside the park’s west entrance, these natural hot springs offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate.
2. La Mauricie National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/qc/mauricie/
Address: Chem. de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan, QC G0X 2V0, Canada
Contact details: +18887738888
Established in 1970, La Mauricie National Park boasts over 536 square kilometers of stunning scenery, including 150 lakes and countless ponds.
The Canadian Shield landscape includes rolling hills and rocky outcrops, all covered in a beautiful boreal forest. Wildlife watching is popular here, and moose, deer, beaver, and black bears call the park home.
Pro tip:
Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the park’s many lakes and waterways. This is a fantastic way to see the park from a different perspective and get up close with the wildlife.
3. Kouchibouguac National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/kouchibouguac
Address: National 186, NB-117, Kouchibouguac, NB E4X 1V2, Canada
Contact details: +15068762443
Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Kouchibouguac National Park encompasses various ecosystems, including sandy beaches, barrier islands, salt marshes, forests, and lagoons. It’s home to myriad wildlife, including the second-largest tern colony in North America.
The park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning it has little light pollution and is an excellent place for stargazing. It’s also located on unceded Mi’gmaq territory, and its history and culture are essential to the park’s story.
Pro tip:
Take a boat tour of the lagoons. This is a great way to see the park’s wildlife and learn about the area’s ecology.
4. Riding Mountain National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/riding
Address: 135 Wasagaming Dr, Onanole, MB R0J 1N0, Canada
Contact details: +12048487275
Operating hours: 24/7
Riding Mountain National Park is an island of wilderness surrounded by prairies, protecting over 2,900 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems. Lush forests meet windswept grasslands, while sparkling lakes and wetlands provide habitat for wildlife.
One of the most special things about Riding Mountain National Park is the charming resort town of Wasagaming, nestled along the shores of Clear Lake. In the winter, the lake transforms into a wonderland for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Pro tip:
Pack insect repellent, as mosquitos can be abundant. During the warmer months, take a boat tour on Clear Lake, and you might spot some pelicans, loons, or beavers as you explore the scenic waterways.
5. Kluane National Park and Reserve
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/yt/kluane
Address: Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0, Canada
Contact details: +18676347207
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Encompassing over 22,000 square kilometers, Kluane National Park and Reserve boasts the highest concentration of non-polar icefields worldwide. Towering mountains pierce the sky, with Mount Logan, the second-highest peak in North America.
Hikers can choose from various trails, including the scenic King’s Throne, which has breathtaking views of Kathleen Lake. The glacier-fed Alsek River carves a path through the park, offering opportunities for multi-day rafting expeditions amidst stunning scenery.
Pro tip:
Parks Canada offers extensive resources for visitors, including detailed information on trails, camping, and wildlife safety. Consider joining a guided hiking or rafting expedition for an unforgettable and safe exploration of Kluane’s wonders.
6. Pacific Rim National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit
Address: British Columbia, Canada
Contact details: +12507263500
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve transforms into a dramatic wonderland during the winter, showcasing the untamed power of the Pacific Ocean. The park is a mosaic of three distinct regions: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail.
Long Beach boasts endless stretches of sandy shores, perfect for long walks or dramatic storm-watching. The Broken Group Islands offer a secluded escape. Finally, the West Coast Trail is a challenging 75-km backpacking adventure.
Pro tip:
The temperate rainforests blanketing the park take on a mystical air in the winter. Wildlife viewing is also good during winter, with bald eagles soaring on the thermals and sea otters bobbing in the kelp beds.
7. Glacier National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/glacier
Address: Columbia-Shuswap, BC V0X 1R0, Canada
Contact details: +12508377500
Glacier National Park, a crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains, boasts dramatic scenery carved by glaciers. Over a thousand species of plants and animals thrive in the park, including iconic fauna like grizzly bears and mountain goats.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic route traversing the park, offers incredible vistas without sweat. History buffs will love the charming historic lodges and chalets throughout the park.
Pro tip:
You can also visit the Glacier National Park in the summer, typically from late June to September. This is when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, trails are clear, and the full range of activities are available.
8. Stanley Park
Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +16046816728
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Spanning over 400 hectares, Stanley Park has towering trees, beautiful beaches, and scenic walking trails. Its forested trails wind through a remnant of coastal rainforest, with towering cedars, firs, and hemlocks creating a canopy overhead.
The Brockton Point Lighthouse, built in 1878, is the oldest standing building in Vancouver. Scattered throughout the park are impressive First Nations totem poles, which share stories and the history of the indigenous people.
Pro tip:
Rent a bike and cruise the Seawall. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the Lions Gate Bridge, English Bay, and the North Shore Mountains.
9. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf
Address: 195-203 Narvaez Bay Rd, Saturna, BC V0N 2Y0, Canada
Contact details: +18669441744
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve protects a chain of 16 islands and over 30 islets, reefs, and surrounding waters. The park covers only 36 square kilometers, making it the sixth-smallest national park in Canada.
One of the things that makes the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve special is its Mediterranean-like climate. Sheltered by the mountains of Vancouver Island, the park enjoys dry, sunny summers and mild, wet winters.
Pro tip:
Take a guided boat tour to see the park’s wildlife up close. Many companies offer winter whale-watching tours, a great way to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
10. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/pacific-spirit-regional-park
Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
Contact details: +16042245739
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Spanning over 874 hectares, Pacific Spirit boasts a diverse landscape with towering Douglas firs, serene beaches, and several creeks. The park’s rich ecosystem provides a habitat for various flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Over 75 kilometers of trails wind through the park, offering options for all levels of hikers and cyclists. Several entrances scattered around the perimeter make public transportation or car access easy.
Pro tip:
While Pacific Spirit offers a variety of trails, some areas can get muddy or slippery during the winter. Wear proper footwear with good traction, especially if venturing off the main paths.
11. Queen Elizabeth Park
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Contact details: +16048737000
Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Queen Elizabeth Park is a 130-acre park on Little Mountain, Vancouver’s highest point. From the park, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city, the North Shore mountains, and the ocean.
The park is a horticultural jewel featuring a variety of stunning flower gardens, including the Rose Garden with over 3,000 roses, the Rhododendron Garden, and the seasonally changing display gardens. There’s also a quarry garden set in a former basalt quarry.
Pro tip:
Be sure to walk to the park’s top for the panoramic views. From there, you can see Vancouver, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains.
12. Lighthouse Park
Website: https://westvancouver.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/lighthouse-park
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5, Canada
Contact details: +16049257275
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Lighthouse Park boasts the largest uncut rainforest remaining in the Lower Mainland—towering Douglas firs and Western Red Cedars carpet the 75-hectare park, creating a magical atmosphere.
The show’s star is the Point Atkinson Lighthouse, a National Historic Site of Canada. Built in 1912, this white lighthouse with its red roof stands proudly at the park’s southern tip, guiding ships through the Burrard Inlet.
Pro tip:
Public parking at Lighthouse Park is limited, especially during weekends and in good weather. Hike to Point Atkinson Lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the city of Vancouver.
13. Deer Lake Park
Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/deer-lake-park
Address: 5435 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC V5E 2L8, Canada
Contact details: +16042947450
The centerpiece of the park is Deer Lake, a 67-hectare lake that provides a scenic backdrop for walks, jogs, and bike rides. A walking path circles the entire lake, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding forest.
The park is home to various plant and animal life, including ducks, geese, turtles, and even the occasional coyote or eagle. The wetlands around the lake provide nesting grounds for many birds, making it an excellent place for birdwatching.
Pro tip:
Take a walk or bike around the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Be sure to stop at the viewing platform for stunning views of the lake and the city skyline.
14. Green Timbers Urban Forest
Website: https://www.surrey.ca/activities-parks-recreation/parks/green-timbers-urban-forest
Address: 14600 Block of 100 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 7Z2, Canada
Contact details: +16045015050
Green Timbers Urban Forest is known as the “Birthplace of Reforestation in British Columbia.” The park was once a towering forest covering 5,000 acres.
Today, the Green Timbers Urban Forest encompasses over 452 acres of wetlands, glassy lakes, meadows, and nature trails, offering a second-growth forest teeming with life.
Pro tip:
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, and more. The park is also home to various wildlife, including bald eagles, ducks, salamanders, woodpeckers, and native Douglas squirrels.
15. Kanaka Creek Regional Park
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/kanaka-creek-regional-park
Address: 11484 256 St, Maple Ridge, BC V2W 1H1, Canada
Contact details: +16045304983
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Kanaka Creek Park offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, even during winter. The park also provides crucial habitat for wildlife, including birds like eagles and owls, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of Kanaka Creek Park in winter is the chance to witness the captivating Cliff Falls. Cascading down moss-covered rocks, the falls are even more dramatic with the added flow of winter rains.
Pro tip:
Explore the Cliff Falls Trail. This moderately challenging loop trail offers stunning views of the cascading falls and the surrounding forest.
