Official availability source · BC Parks

Golden Ears Backcountry

Lower Mainland & Sea-to-Sky · about 1 h from Vancouver · 6 reservable sites

Current park notice · Trails are impacted due to recent storm event

Day access

No day pass needed this week (Wed 21–Tue 27 Oct). Campers with a reservation need no pass; day visitors do. Vehicle passes for the four parking lots past the Spirea trailhead on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and holidays, 15 May to 7 September 2026. Not required after 3:30 pm.

All four pass parks this week →

No observation availableavailability unverified this weekend (Fri 23–Sun 25)Fresh complete observations are not available; check the official reservation service

Lower Mainland & Sea-to-Sky · 6 reservable sites · about 1 h from Vancouver

◎ Watch this park

Trails are impacted due to recent storm event

Trails continue to be assessed for damage and signed for hazards where present. Some trails have been closed. Check the latest trail conditions report for more information. Please use extra caution during this time. While assessments are ongoing, unmarked hazards may exist in the park. Please avoid streams, stream banks and steep slopes that may be particularly unstable due to the November 2024…

Source: BC Parks advisories · verify before you travel

Check availability with the park

We don’t have availability observations for this campground. Check the official source, or set an alert for an opening we detect.

Weather · Pitt Meadows8° nowAQHI 2

Wed

Oct 21

14°

7°

Thu

Oct 22

13°

5°

Fri

Oct 23

13°

8°

Sat

Oct 24

10°

5°

Sun

Oct 25

11°

5°

Mon

Oct 26

12°

Mainly sunny today. Highlighted = the upcoming weekend. Source: Environment Canada · updated 2h ago.

Golden Ears is prime black bear habitat. Proper management of food, garbage and all scented items (attractants) is essential to protect visitors, staff, and wildlife. Unsecured attractants can quickly lead to human–bear conflict, putting both people and bears at risk. Visitors are required to keep a clean campsite at all times, ensure attractants are securely stored whenever they’re not in immediate use, whenever you’re away from your site or sleeping. Visitors should review the Bear Safety page before arrival.

As one of the most popular provincial parks in British Columbia, Golden Ears is prized for its recreational opportunities. The extensive trail system offers excellent hiking and horseback riding, while Alouette Lake is a popular destination for swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing.

The park also features three large campgrounds. Vegetation is typical of the coastal western hemlock forest of B.C., and the mountainous backcountry is extremely rugged.

Questions campers ask

Is Golden Ears Backcountry sold out this weekend?

Availability is unverified. Missing or stale observations do not mean sold out. Check the official reservation service.

Do I need a day pass if I am camping at Golden Ears Backcountry?

No. A valid camping reservation or backcountry permit is your pass; carry the details with you. Day visitors need one on pass days: see which days on the BC Parks day passes page.

When do Golden Ears Backcountry reservations open?

New dates open 3 months ahead at 7 a.m. PT. Online bookings close 2 days before arrival.

Does Golden Ears Backcountry have electrical sites?

No electrical sites are listed at Golden Ears Backcountry in the BC Parks site attributes.

Can I book Golden Ears Backcountry same-day?

Not online — BC Parks takes reservations 2+ days ahead; some parks keep first-come, first-served sites for walk-ups.

How far is Golden Ears Backcountry from Vancouver?

about 1 h from Vancouver, about 1 h 20 min from Whistler — a straight-line estimate, not a routed drive time.

Golden Ears Backcountry on BC Parks · Official reservations · BC Wildfire map · See all sites on BC Parks →

New dates open 3 months ahead at 7 a.m. PT. Set an alert to hear about openings.