Sleeping Under The Stars - Canadian Provincial Parks in the Thompson Okanagan
There is no better feeling than falling asleep under the stars after a long day of hiking wilderness trails and enjoying panoramic views of BC’s outback that are unlike any you have seen. While some may prefer to sleep off the ground in a bed found in a trailer or cabin, others may enjoy the rustic experience of sleeping on a camping mat that provides a thin layer between you and the rocky ground in a brightly coloured tent. Both campers are in luck, as many of British Columbia’s Provincial Parks located in the Thompson Okanagan are surrounded by endless hiking trails, lakes, and even waterfalls and are accommodating to all campers. Here are a few that promise an unforgettable trip away from the city and under the glimmering stars.
E.C. Manning Provincial Park
E.C. Manning Park is home to Manning Park Resort, where you can find year-round outdoor adventure from endless hiking trails in the warmer months to downhill and cross-country skiing in the cold months. This 80,000 hectare park sits right in between the coastal rainforest and the semi-arid Okanagan, representing a transition zone. It is 2 hours and 30 minutes (218 km) from Vancouver, British Columbia, 2 hours and 45 minutes (230 km) from Kelowna, British Columbia, and 9 hours and 40 minutes from Calgary, Alberta (876 km).
Photo by Tim Barker
Here, you can choose between staying in the resort’s lodge, tenting, or RVing in one of their many campsites. Choose from many options, including lakeside campsites, wilderness camping, group camping, and more. They even have a year-round campground, Lightning Lake, that allows you to explore the park during the winter months.
Photo by @daydreaming24x7
E.C. Manning Park is composed of a complex trail network that has been used for hundreds of years, taking hikers along rushing rivers, glass-like lakes, sweeping valleys, and the tallest mountains in the Cascades. Disconnect from your busy life while exploring the park and choose from trails of all difficulty levels based on how you are feeling that day. Then, after a day of hiking, relaxing by a lake, or reading book at your campsite, end the day star gazing.
Mule Deer Campground - Photo by Connect Media
Cathedral Provincial Park
Cathedral Lakes consists of a wide variety of terrain, flora, and fauna surrounded by jagged mountain tops, endless meadows, crystal clear lakes, and, as the name suggests, towering old growth forests. It is truly a dream for any wilderness explorer, experienced or not. Hiking the trails of this park allows you to be present in the moment and embrace the feeling of being on top of the world as you admire the incredible views from the many mountain tops that act as the reward for your efforts of conquering the hiking trail. Cathedral Park is 5 hours and 10 minutes from Vancouver, British Columbia (379 km), 2 hours and 20 minutes from Kelowna, British Columbia (145 km), and 9 hours and 5 minutes from Calgary, Alberta (748 km).
Photo by @_jordanmcgrath_
Unlike most provincial parks, you have the option to hike into the park, which is 16 km (10 mi) with a 1300 m (4265 ft) incline or take a Unimog, an off-roading vehicle that can drive you to the heart of the park (Need to reserve your seats). Once you arrive at Quiniscoe Lake, at 2072 m (6800 ft), you can camp or stay at the Cathedral Lakes Lodge. With the lake as your base camp, explore the many trails around the area, and don’t forget to bring your fishing gear, as the lakes in the park are known to house healthy populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license.
Camping under the stars in this park offers a front row seat to the greatest light show in BC. As it is a class ‘A’ provincial park, visitors must prioritize leaving no trace on the land as they camp and hike throughout.
Photo by Destination BC/Stirl and Rae Photo
Wells Gray Provincial Park
This provincial park has a dynamic trail system that offers walks along level trails for only a few minutes or backcountry trails that can take up to a few days to complete. Each provides a look into the expansive forest that composes Wells Gray Provincial Park and the 41 named waterfalls and pristine glacier fed lakes that lie within. Wells Gray Provincial Park is 6 hours and 50 minutes from Vancouver, British Columbia (545 km), 3 hours and 30 minutes from Kelowna, British Columbia (295 km), and 8 hours from Calgary, Alberta (728 km)
Photo by @chemicalexa
Along with the stunning waterfalls, this provincial park is recognized for it’s stunning lake chain which includes Murtle Lake, the largest canoe-only lake in North America. Here, you can kayak, canoe, or paddle board peacefully without worrying about the waves from motorized boats. This lake has over 100 km of shoreline to explore, split between a West and North arm. The West arm is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, while the North arm is a great place to admire the mountains and observe wildlife. If you don’t have a canoe, rent one from Murtle Lake Canoe Rentals.
Photo by @axelbodyspray
Camping in the park is a great way to give yourself a few days to explore its diverse areas. Group camping, RV camping, tenting, and lodging are all available within and around the park. Wells Gray also offers the opportunity for backcountry hiking and camping.
Guided hiking, horseback riding and various guided tours are also available to see the park.
Photo by @shelbyneufeld
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park is the second oldest park in British Columbia and was designated as a Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. This crown jewel is home to incredible animals like Whitetail Deer, Moose, Elk and Black Bear in the lower elevations and, in the higher elevations, Mountain Goats, Grizzly Bear, and Caribou. Along with these animals, the park consists of road-accessible trails and campgrounds along with backcountry trails through untouched forest. It is located 8 hours from Vancouver British Columbia (705 km),6 hours from Kelowna, British Columbia (516 km), and 5 hours from Calgary, Alberta (437 km).
Although the park’s Berg Lake trail, which brings you to the foot of the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, is closed for the 2022/2023 season due to flooding damage, there are three other popular trails that offer overnight camping under the stars and breathtaking views.
Photo by Kelly Funk Photography
The Overlander Falls Trail offers a longer and shorter trail. The shorter trail starts at the Parking Lot off the Yellowhead Highway. The longer trail, (which is a loop back to the Visitor Centre) begins at the Mt Robson Visitor Centre and follows the Fraser River to give way to several beautiful views of the canyon below. The Overlander Falls longer trail also has a junction that can be taken up to a viewpoint.
The second hike worth noting, located close to Mt Robson is Rearguard Falls. This short hike takes you along the uppermost part of the salmon run along the Fraser River. Here, you can observe salmon leaping out of the water during the months of the Salmon Run, generally from September to October.
Sleep under the starry sky at the Robson Meadows and Lucerne campgrounds which are open in the Mt Robson Provincial Park.
Photo by Allen Jones
Before venturing out to any BC Provincial Park, check the BC Parks website to stay informed of any closures or important notices. These parks are home to wildlife and vegetation that rely on all of us to keep them protected. What we do today can have a lasting impact for many generations to come. Sign the 7 Affirmations Pledge to show your commitment to keeping these incredible parks safe.
Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. She hopes to be able to showcase the Thompson Okanagan’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy them as much as she does.
