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Golden Ears
Overview
Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s largest and most cherished natural escapes. Located just north of Maple Ridge, this park offers a striking mountain backdrop that defines the horizon. It serves as a sanctuary for those looking to immerse themselves in a rugged wilderness environment while staying within driving distance of the Greater Vancouver area. The park is characterized by its extensive second-growth forest and the sprawling waters of Alouette Lake, providing a scenic setting for RV travelers who appreciate the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled within the Coast Mountains, the park’s geography is dominated by the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard, commonly known as the Golden Ears. The surrounding landscape features lush coastal rainforests filled with Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar. Situated only 11 kilometers north of Maple Ridge, BC, the location feels remarkably secluded despite its accessibility. The park’s centerpiece, Alouette Lake, is a massive reservoir that stretches through the valley, offering pristine vistas and refreshing mountain air for every visitor.
Amenities & Park Features
Camping here is a rustic, off-grid experience as there are no electrical or water hookups available at the sites. The park features three main campgrounds—Gold Creek, Alouette, and North Beach—that accommodate various RV sizes. Essential facilities include the following:
- Flush toilets and hot showers available during the peak summer season.
- Multiple pit toilets located throughout the campground loops.
- A high-use sani-station for RV waste management near the park entrance.
While the sites are unserviced, they provide large, forested pads that offer a sense of privacy and direct access to the natural surroundings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this region. Alouette Lake is a hub for swimming, canoeing, and powerboating, with a dedicated boat launch available for guests. Hikers can explore a vast network of trails ranging from the accessible Lower Falls Trail to the challenging trek up to the Golden Ears summit. For those traveling with horses, the park includes extensive equestrian trails and a designated horse camping area. Nearby, the city of Maple Ridge offers local breweries and charming shops for a quick excursion out of the woods.
Who This Park Is Best For
Golden Ears is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize scenery and outdoor activity over luxury amenities. It is a fantastic destination for families seeking a traditional camping experience where the focus is on campfire stories and lakeside play. Because of its diverse trail system, it is also a top choice for avid hikers, mountain bikers, and photography enthusiasts. If you enjoy the tranquility of a forest setting and do not mind dry camping for a few days, this park provides the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
is it who
Nice to visit here!!! But you definitely need to bring your own car here!!! 🚗🚙🚘🚖 (If you want to hike this mountain!!!) and please do not visit there till autumn - early summer!!! It is pretty snowy and cold in the top part of the mountain!!! (You can also die sir… if you disobey my advices and quotes..) (Because I experienced it…)
Arvind Meena
Golden Ears Park, Maple Ridge Golden Ears Park is a true gem in Maple Ridge! The park offers an incredible variety of outdoor experiences, making it perfect for nature lovers. The trails are well-maintained, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, with stunning views throughout. The highlight for me was the waterfall—absolutely breathtaking and worth the short hike to see it up close. Golden Ears Park offers two stunning waterfalls: the **Lower Waterfall** and the **Upper Waterfall**. The Lower Waterfall is easy to reach, with a short, scenic trail through the forest, making it perfect for families or casual hikers. The Upper Waterfall, accessible via a more challenging trail, is larger and more dramatic, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views. The park has a variety of trails for all skill levels. The **Lower Falls Trail** is great for beginners, while the **Upper Falls Trail** provides a more strenuous hike. With beautiful views of forests, ridges, and the lake, Golden Ears Park is a fantastic destination for hikers and nature lovers. For campers, the park has excellent facilities, with spacious, clean sites that are well-suited for both tent camping and RVs. The dog-friendly policy is fantastic, and my furry friend had a blast exploring the trails and even taking a dip in the lake. Speaking of the lake, the views are simply amazing. Whether you're kayaking, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water, the scenery is breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere is hard to beat. Highly recommend Golden Ears Park for anyone looking to enjoy nature, relax, and have a memorable outdoor experience!
Tanya Taneja
Golden Ears Park is a gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, this park offers stunning vistas, diverse trails, and a serene atmosphere. Whether you're into hiking, picnicking, or just soaking in the natural beauty, Golden Ears has something for everyone. The trails vary from easy walks to challenging hikes, all with breathtaking views of mountains and lakes. The park is well-maintained, with clean facilities and friendly staff. It’s a fantastic spot for families, groups, or solo adventurers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. 🌻 Highly recommended!
لجين علي عبدالله
Great place for a quick hike and great trails too! It is very beautiful place, quite occupied, family friendly and fun trails to the creek. It will take all about 3 hours to explore the trail to the creek and back, especially if you stopped here and there to admire views and side locations to sit. But be careful cause your phone signal will be off if you are at the north beach or go up the trail. You can find camping sites, bathrooms are well distributed,
Justin Stauffer
Beautiful provincial park however it is extremely busy. During camping seasons you must buy a camping spot within the literal second the tickets go online or you are screwed. Not to mention you need day passes for certain days during the summer and winter which I find ridiculous. It is also an extremely busy park in general and you will have a hard time finding a nice secluded spot with no people unless you really hike. That being said this park is truly beautiful with amazing waterfalls and lakes with gorgeous surrounding by mountains and forests.