5 Amazing National Parks Near Vancouver, British Columbia

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, you’re in luck! There are several amazing national parks located just a couple of hours’ drive away that offer stunning natural beauty and endless outdoor activities.

British Columbia is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, and the national parks in the area are no exception. From the towering peaks of Mount Rainier National Park to the charming islands of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or a beachcomber looking for a quiet escape from the city, these five national parks near Vancouver are sure to leave you in awe of their natural beauty.

Don’t miss the second half of this post, where you can discover other state parks and provincial parks that are equally as stunning and within a stone’s throw away from Vancouver, BC!

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5 National Parks Near Vancouver, British Columbia

North Cascades National Park

  • Distance from Vancouver: 130 km (80 miles)
  • Drive time: 1.5 hours
North Cascades National Park - National Parks In Washington

North Cascades National Park is a national park in Washington that’s pretty darn close to Vancouver too.

This national park is located in the north-central part of Washington state, and it is known for its dramatic alpine scenery. It’s very reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. In fact, it’s often called “The American Alps”!

It’s easy to see why it got that name–the park is home to rugged mountains, glacier peaks, and evergreen forests surrounding clear blue lakes. And by blue, I mean really blue!

Among the most notable views in North Cascades is Diablo Lake. You absolutely cannot miss this large turquoise lake even if you tried–you’ll see it peeking up at you along Highway 20, the only highway through the park. Be sure to stop at one of the many viewpoints along the way to grab some photos of it!

Once in the park, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also offers opportunities for winter recreation, such as skiing and snowshoeing.

If you only have one day to spend in the North Cascades, the Maple Pass Loop Hike is the ultimate hike to do. While the 7.2-mile hike is a bit more challenging, with a 2000-foot elevation gain, it is well worth the experience.

For a more family-friendly trail, opt for the much shorter quarter-mile Washington Pass Overlook Trail!

For adventurers looking for more of a challenge, a couple of other hikes worth checking out include the Cascade Pass Trail (moderate difficulty) and the Sahale Arm Trail (challenging difficulty).

Where To Stay Near North Cascades National Park:

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

  • Drive time from Vancouver: 3-hour drive to the ferry terminal at Nanaimo, or a one-hour flight from Vancouver
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - National Parks By Vancouver

Another must-visit park is Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, located on Vancouver Island about a three-hour drive and ferry ride from Vancouver. This park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada, as well as old-growth rainforests and abundant wildlife!

Get ready to be blown away by the stunning natural beauty of the park! As you explore the park, you’ll be surrounded by towering old-growth forests, rugged coastline, and pristine beaches. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, gray whales, and bald eagles, so keep your eyes peeled for creatures as you explore.

One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.

For an easy hike that can be enjoyed by the whole family, the Rainforest Trail is a 2-mile (3.2 km) loop trail that takes you through a gorgeous lush rainforest.

For something a lot more challenging, the West Coast Trail is a 46-mile (75 km) trail that takes you along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island! It’s a challenging hike that requires advanced planning and preparation, but is so worth the effort!

Another popular activity is surfing. The park is home to some of the best surfing in Canada, with waves that are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. If you’re new to surfing, there are plenty of surf schools in the area that offer lessons and equipment rentals.

Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the park’s beaches! Long Beach is a must-visit destination, with miles of sandy beach and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Wickaninnish Beach and Florencia Bay are also popular destinations, offering a more secluded and peaceful beach experience.

Mount Rainier National Park

  • Distance from Vancouver: 370 km (230 miles)
  • Drive time: 4 hours
Mount Rainier National Park

One of the best and most epic road trips from Vancouver is a trip to Mount Rainier National Park.

Discover the beautiful Mount Rainier National Park, which received its national park status in 1899. The Longmire and Paradise regions may be accessed from the park’s four entrances, although the Nisqually entry at the southwest corner is the busiest.

Since this is a national park that’s 4 hours away, you’re likely going to want to extend your trip by camping overnight or staying a couple of nights at the Paradise Inn up the summit. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed or bored.

There’s too much to see within Mount Rainier National Park! From wandering the wildflower meadows (when they are in bloom) to discovering the temperate rainforest at Carbon River, and you can’t forget about hiking to Silver Falls at Ohanapecosh.

18 Best Things To Do At Mount Rainier National Park For First Timers - Silver Falls

If you’re looking for the best time to visit, I’d recommend spring or summer when everything is open and accessible and the roads are clear of snow and road closures.

Planning a road trip during the colder months of the year? Even in the winter, the park is worth visiting! Snow sports enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy free snowshoe tours, for example.

Where To Stay Near Mount Rainier NP:  Mountain Meadows Inn and Alexander’s Lodge (both in Ashford, WA)

Read Next: Mount Rainier National Park Weekend Trip Adventure: 2-Day Itinerary

Olympic National Park

  • Distance from Vancouver: 410 km (255 miles)
  • Drive time: 4 hour 20 minutes
Olympic National Park - West Coast National Park Road Trip

Olympic National Park is Washington state’s westernmost national park not too far away from Vancouver. It covers an area of nearly one million acres and includes several different ecosystems, such as the rainforest, coastline, and mountains.

Olympic National Park is best known for its stunningly diverse ecosystems. From the rugged pacific coastline to massive peaks and glaciers to even a temperate rainforest, Olympic is truly a gem to explore.

There are so many things to do in this park, from hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking. And, of course, you can’t forget about making time just to sit there and soak in the stunning scenery. Here are just a few of the things you can do in Olympic National Park:

  • Hiking: There are over 900 miles of trails in Olympic National Park, so there’s plenty of room to explore. Some of the most popular hikes include the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains; the Hoh Rainforest Trail, which takes you through one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests; and the Seven Lakes Basin Loop, which is a great option for those who want to explore some of the park’s beautiful lakes.
  • See the beaches and waterfalls: Sol Duc Falls, Mora Beach, and Rialto Beach are not to be missed!
  • Camping: Camping is a great way to experience all that Olympic National Park has to offer. There are several campgrounds located throughout the park, so you can find one that’s perfect for your needs.
  • Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in Olympic National Park. There are many rivers and lakes to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect spot to cast your line.
  • Kayaking: Kayaking is another great way to explore the park. There are plenty of waterways to choose from, so you can paddle your way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

  • Distance from Vancouver: 80 km (255 miles)
  • Drive time: ~2 to 3 hours depending on the island you visit
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Who knew Canada had so many national reserves beckoning for visitors to experience its epic coastlines?

Located in the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, Canada, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is known for its beautiful islands and marine wildlife. This park is a collection of 15 islands and numerous islets and reefs, each with its own unique character.

When you visit the islands, you can’t miss the opportunity to hike! The Mount Norman Trail (moderate in difficulty but short and sweet in length) is a local favorite.

Another popular activity is kayaking! The park’s sheltered bays and coves are perfect for exploring by kayak, and there are plenty of rental shops in the area that offer equipment and guided tours.

Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the park’s beaches. You’re in a national reserve, after all! Shell Beach on Sidney Island is a must-visit destination, with its unique shell-covered beach and stunning views of the ocean.

The park is located on a collection of islands, so the exact route from Vancouver will depend on which island you plan to visit.

One option is to take a ferry from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is located south of Vancouver. BC Ferries offers regular service to several of the Gulf Islands, including Pender Island, Galiano Island, and Mayne Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your destination.

Another option is to take a seaplane from Vancouver Harbour to one of the Gulf Islands. Several companies offer seaplane service to the islands, so this option is doable as well. The flights are quick and offer stunning views of the coast and islands.

Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the park and surrounding areas by car, bike, or foot. Many of the islands have rental shops that offer bikes and other equipment, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace!


Other State / Provincial Parks Near Vancouver

Stanley Park

  • Drive time: 5 minutes
Stanley Park Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Stanley Park is a 1,000-acre public park located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. You can’t get more local than this!

Not only is it one of the largest urban parks in North America, but it also effortlessly attracts millions of visitors every year.

A visit to Stanley Park is no real visit without a stroll or bike ride along The Seawall, a 5.5-mile paved pathway that encircles Stanley Park and offers stunning views of the city skyline, mountains, and ocean. The entire loop takes about 2-3 hours to complete, but there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery along the way.

While you’re walking, keep your eyes peeled for the Brockton Point Lighthouse, a historic landmark located at the eastern end of Stanley Park. It was built in 1914 and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Vancouver. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the park and the city.

But by far my favorite thing to see within the park are the Totem Poles! There are nine totem poles in total, each with its own unique design and meaning. They were carved by First Nations artists and represent the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.

Stanley Park Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Garibaldi Provincial Park

  • Distance from Vancouver: 100 km (62 miles)
  • Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Garibaldi Provincial Park - Parks Near Vancouver

One of the most popular parks near Vancouver is Garibaldi Provincial Park, located just over an hour’s drive north of the city. This park is known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and challenging hiking trails.

While there’s a lot you could busy yourself with, here are a few not-to-be-missed sights!

A super popular destination to hike to within the park is Elfin Lakes, two small lakes next to each other backdropped by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The hike to the lakes is moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 5-6 hours round trip. Perfect for a full-day hike!

Another popular destination is Garibaldi Lake, the crown jewel of this park! This lake is a turquoise-colored lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The hike to the lake is relatively long and takes approximately 6-7 hours to complete roundtrip.

If you’re up for a real challenge, the hike to Panorama Ridge (the most epic hike in the park, in my opinion) offers some of the most stunning views in the park.

Golden Ears Provincial Park

  • Distance from Vancouver: 55 km (35 miles)
  • Drive time: 1 hour
Golden Ears Provincial Park British Columbia

Golden Ears Provincial Park is a stunning wilderness park located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. The park is named after the prominent peak, Golden Ears, which dominates the skyline.

Alouette Lake is a beautiful lake located within the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also several hiking trails that start from the lake, including the easy Alouette Lake Trail which is a 4 km loop around the lake.

And of course, there’s Golden Ears Peak, the highest peak in the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to the peak is challenging and requires a full day, but the views are well worth the effort!

Cypress Provincial Park

  • Distance from Vancouver: 28 km (17 miles)
  • Drive time: 30 minutes
Cypress Provincial Park - British Columbia Canada

Cypress Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks near Vancouver, attracting visitors from all over the world. The park is located just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver which is the perfect amount of distance for a day trip.

Bounded on the west by Howe Sound, on the north and east by Mount Strachan and Hollyburn Mountain, and to the south by West Vancouver, you best believe the views here are incredible.

On a clear day, not only will you get expansive views of the metropolitan area of Vancouver, but you’ll also be blessed with views of Mount Baker in the Cascade Mountain chain. To the west and southwest lie the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island with Georgia Strait in the foreground.

Depending on what part of the year you visit, you can enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and mountain biking in the park. But like most of the parks here, you’ve gotta get a hike in while you’re at Cypress Park!

The Black Mountain Trail is an easy hike that offers stunning views of the city of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete, so you’ll still be able to picnic and explore additional park highlights during your visit.

The Howe Sound Crest Trail is a challenging beast worth mentioning for backpacking adventurers. This long and challenging hike offers spectacular views of the Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 16 miles (26 km) long and takes about 8-10 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked but requires some hiking experience and physical fitness!

If you’re looking for a scenic and challenging hike, the Howe Sound Crest Trail is definitely worth checking out.


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AUTHOR

Elle Leung

My name is Elle and I'm a travel blogger and adventurer based in California. I love helping people plan trips and create unique itineraries based on their interests and their budgets. I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures and doing off-the-beaten-path things in my state (and all around the world too)!

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