Golden Ears Provincial Park, British Columbia. BC Provincial Parks

Golden Ears Provincial Park is situated in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, approximately 48 kilometres east of Vancouver. The most popular and accessible area of the park is the Alouette Valley which was once the traditional hunting and fishing grounds for the Douglas-Lillooet and Katzie Coast Salish Indians.

During the 1920's this area was the site of BC railroads largest logging operation. Trees of up to four metres in diameter were logged and by the 1930's this prime timber was scarce.

Today, in the forest of western hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas fir, evidence of this logging operation is still present. Steam donkey sleds, railroad ties and steel cables from past days can be spotted from the trails.

Also near the forests edge the observant visitor will spot any number of wild animals feeding on the lush undergrowth. It is not uncommon to see deer, beaver, mountain goats and occasionally, the black bear.

LOCATION

Golden Ears Provincial Park is situated near Maple Ridge, 41 km east of Vancouver, BC, north on Highway 7 at Haney or Albion.

PARK FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Camping - There are two campgrounds located near Alouette Lake which provide water, toilets, showers and firewood: Alouette (205 sites) and Gold Creek (138 sites). Group campgrounds are available. At the south end of Allouette Lake a picnicking and day-use area with wheelchair access is available. Changehouses are provided near the beach. A sani-station is located on the main access road.

Fishing and Boating - The lake is the recreational focus of the park. A boat launching ramp is provided for those interested in waterskiing, fishing or sightseeing. Anglers may try their luck for rainbow, lake and coastal cutthroat trout, kokanee and Dolly Varden in most of the parks waterways including the Alouette, River, Pitt and Mile Lakes and in Gold Creek.

Hiking and Trails - Many extensive trails for hikers and horseback riders lead to the parks vantage points and scenic attractions. A self-guided nature trails leads the visitor through a bog via a series of boardwalks. Bicycles are restricted to certain areas only.

A park interpreter is available during the summer months.

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