Aug
9
2009
Golden Ears Provincial Park, nr Vancouver
Author: Rocky
As one of the largest parks in the province of British Columbia, Golden Ears Provincial Park is prized for its recreational opportunities. The extensive system of trails within the park provides an excellent opportunity for hiking and horseback riding. Alouette Lake is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating and fishing. The park also has three large campgrounds. Natural Features Vegetation is typical of the coastal western Hemlock forest of BC and the mountainous backcountry is extremely rugged.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
The park was named after the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard near the peak’s western boundary. Originally part of Garibaldi Provincial Park, the establishment of Golden Ears Park in 1927 recognized the almost impenetrable mountain barrier between the two areas.
Human activity in Golden Ears, both past and present, has been confined to the accessible Alouette Valley in the south of the park. In the 1920s, the forested slopes of the valley became the site of BC’s greatest railroad logging operation until a disastrous fire swept through the valley in 1931. The lake and its forested surroundings were also the traditional hunting and fishing grounds for the Douglas-Lillooet (Interior Salish) and Katzie (Coast Salish) First Nations peoples.
Forest in Golden Ears Provincial Park
As for Wildlife – The park’s lush plant growth, numerous waterways, and mountainous terrain provide habitat to a variety of animals including beaver, deer, black bear, and mountain goat.
The park is located about an Hour’s drive from Vancouver – so getting there wouldnt take long, letting you go from large metrapolitan city to vast open expanses of beautiful countryside.
Another photo of Golden Ears Provincial Park
Really if we had to sum this place up – would simply be “This Is Canada”. A definately must for anyone who intends on seeing the real wilderness Canada has to offer while in Vancouver!
How to get there:
Golden Ears Provincial Park lies in the Coast Mountains 11 km north of Maple Ridge on the north side of the Fraser River. Access to the park is by vehicle via Highway 7 or Dewdney Trunk Road through the Municipality of Maple Ridge. If heading west, turn right onto 232nd and if heading east, turn left onto 232nd; then turn right onto Fern Crescent and follow road into park. The closest communities, towns and cities are Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows.
