Your top 5 places to camp in BC

Destination BC

BC was made for camping. The province is home to seven national parks, around 1,000 provincial parks and protected areas, more than 1,200 recreation sites, and hundreds of private campgrounds are RV parks. And what’s more, camping in BC means sleeping under the stars surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural scenery on the planet. Whether you want to wake up in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, start (or end) your day with a refreshing dip in a sun-drenched lake, or enjoy a restful sleep listening to the waves of the Pacific Ocean as they hit the shoreline, BC has you covered.

We recently asked our Facebook fans to name their top places in the province to pitch a tent, and here are their top five picks:

5. Haida Gwaii

Coming in at number five, this magical archipelago off the north coast of BC is a favourite place to camp for a variety of reasons. Haida Gwaii offers a stunning landscape of lush temperate rainforest surrounded by soft, sandy beaches, and the islands are also home to some incomparable cultural treasures. The Haida have called this part of the world home for more than 10,000 years, and their rich traditions are alive and well. Among the campgrounds available on Haida Gwaii, our Facebook fans mentioned Agate Bay and Misty Meadows as being among their favourites.

4. Tofino

In the number four spot is the very popular town of Tofino, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Whichever campground you choose, you are never far from the open Pacific Ocean or the thick rainforest for which this area is so well known. Take surfing lessons on the beach, enjoy a whale watching or bear watching excursion, check out the very cool – and very hands-on – Ucluelet Aquarium, hike past amazing coastal scenery, travel by boat or seaplane to a natural hotspring on the beach, or just stroll through the village and enjoy a freshly caught seafood meal.

3. E.C. Manning Provincial Park

Our fans’ number three choice, E.C. Manning Provincial Park, is conveniently located about three hours east of Vancouver in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. This four-season destination is popular with families, and it offers some spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities. Don’t miss hiking trails that lead to breathtaking mountain vistas and colourful wildflower meadows; rent a canoe and spend an afternoon paddling on Lightning Lake; bring your mountain bike (or even your horse!) to explore; or take part in one of the park’s interpretive programs. Lightning Lake Campground was singled out by our fans as a favourite in this amazing park.

2. Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area, located just north of Campbell River on the east coast of Vancouver Island, came in at number two. Campbell River is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, and it’s easy to see why. The area offers some of the best year-round salmon fishing on earth, and a nearby salmon hatchery where you can learn more about these remarkable fish. The park gets its name from a thundering 25-metre (82-foot) waterfall, which is surrounded by hiking and walking trails, as well as some swimming holes for anyone looking for a way to cool off.

1. Shuswap Lake Provincial Park

And our fans’ number one recommended place to camp in BC is located in the sunny Okanagan, a beloved summertime mecca. Shuswap Lake Provincial Park boasts gorgeous sand and pebble beaches perfect for soaking up the sun. Swim in the lake, enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, or rent a canoe or kayak and paddle out to Copper Island, a little more than a kilometre (0.62 mi) offshore. Businesses in the area offer fun activities like bumper boats, go carts, mini golf, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Everything you need for a memorable camping vacation, right at your fingertips!

Originally published here.