Golden Ears is by far one of B.C.’s most popular (and largest) outdoor destinations, especially when it comes to lake days and overnight camping. Alouette Lake is a beacon of summer fun, offering plenty of beach and grass to sprawl out on, enjoy a barbecue, and relatively warm waters for swimming or paddling. But did you know that there’s a hidden swimming hole by a waterfall that’s a short hike away from the parking lot?
How to get to the falls
Situated near the Gold Creek Day Use Area and accessible via the Gold Creek Parking Lot, Gold Creek Falls is a must-visit the next time you’re heading to Golden Ears.
From the parking lot, swimming hopefuls can head towards the trail and begin following the wide path up a “gradual hill,” according to Vancouver Trails.
From there, you’ll encounter lush layers of moss blanketing the forest floor as you hike through B.C.’s coastal western hemlock forest. After about 15 minutes, you’ll catch a glimpse of the shimmering Gold Creek on your left, where you’ll continue to walk until you reach a clearing.
Here, there are sweeping views of Alouette, Edge, and Blanchard Mountains.
As you make your way uphill, you’ll start to hear the rushing water of Gold Creek Falls. While spring is the best time of year to enjoy the falls, you can still enjoy the surrounding scenery and views year-round.
After you enjoy the next viewpoint at the top of the falls, you can make your way back down past the falls, heading towards the parking lot and campsite.
The swimming hole that’s making its rounds on Instagram is located at Gold Creek Lower Falls, where the clear, blue-green water beckons people in for a refreshing dip.
To think that this gem is just an hour away from Vancouver makes it all the more rewarding!
Camping opportunities
If you’re looking for camping opportunities, there are three large front-country campgrounds to choose from, as well as reservable backcountry sites, some of which are only accessible by boat.
Viewpoint Beach, Hiker’s Beach, Alder Flats, Halfmoon Beach, and Panorama Ridge are the handful of backcountry sites that you can access on foot.
Know before you go
Golden Ears Provincial Park is open year-round, though access is restricted during the winter months (starting mid-October).
The park gate is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. from April to mid-October, and until 7 p.m. from then until March.
Note that if you’re visiting the park between May 15 and Sept. 7, you’ll need to reserve a free day pass ahead of your visit.
Before you start planning any travel within B.C., make sure you check the B.C. Wildfire Service Map for up-to-date information regarding active fires and any possible road closures.
How to get there: Drive 56 minutes from Vancouver to Golden Ears Provincial Park via
Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E.
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