Porteau Cove Provincial Park
A stunning coastal park on Howe Sound, offering waterfront camping, scuba diving, and breathtaking sunset views along the Sea to Sky Highway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Breathtaking colors over Howe Sound
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Best Time
Breathtaking colors over Howe Sound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal park on Howe Sound, offering waterfront camping, scuba diving, and breathtaking sunset views along the Sea to Sky Highway.
"Breathtaking views of the sea and snow-capped mountains make this a must-stop on the Sea to Sky Highway."
🎯 Book Camping Early
Porteau Cove camping is popular! Reserve your spot months in advance, especially for waterfront sites. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Fills Fast
On sunny days, the parking lot and picnic areas can get packed. Arrive early for the best chance. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Over Howe Sound
Pier and waterfront viewpoints
Witness the sky ablaze with color over the tranquil waters of Howe Sound. A truly magical experience.
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Scuba Diving & Marine Life
Underwater artificial reefs
Explore sunken vessels and artificial reefs, a haven for marine life. Keep an eye out for seals!
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Waterfront Camping
Campground
Wake up to the sound of waves and stunning ocean views right from your campsite.
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Scenic Pier Views
Pier
Stroll along the pier for panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and water. Accessible and offers great photo ops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Best Time for Stunning Views
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Camping Early
Porteau Cove camping is popular! Reserve your spot months in advance, especially for waterfront sites. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Fills Fast
On sunny days, the parking lot and picnic areas can get packed. Arrive early for the best chance. :car:
🤿 Dive into Adventure
A popular spot for scuba divers with artificial reefs and sunken vessels. Gear up for an underwater exploration!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the water, mountains, and wildlife. The pier offers fantastic vantage points.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Camping Early
Porteau Cove camping is popular! Reserve your spot months in advance, especially for waterfront sites. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Fills Fast
On sunny days, the parking lot and picnic areas can get packed. Arrive early for the best chance. :car:
🤿 Dive into Adventure
A popular spot for scuba divers with artificial reefs and sunken vessels. Gear up for an underwater exploration!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the water, mountains, and wildlife. The pier offers fantastic vantage points.
🦭 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for seals playing in the water or sea lions lounging on structures. :seal:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is widely praised for its stunning waterfront location, breathtaking sunset views, and opportunities for marine exploration like scuba diving. Visitors appreciate the accessible pier, ample picnic areas, and the chance to spot local wildlife. While generally well-maintained, parking and campsites can fill up quickly during peak times, and some sites may offer limited privacy.
"Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a scenic waterfront park located along the eastern shore of Howe Sound in British Columbia, Canada. It's known for its stunning ocean and mountain views, pebbled beaches, and opportunities for outdoor activities like camping, picnicking, scuba diving, and kayaking. The park features a popular diving site with artificial reefs and sunken shipwrecks, making it a great spot for marine exploration. It's also a favored location for stargazing and spotting marine wildlife. Accessible from Vancouver, the park is a popular day trip and weekend getaway destination."
Mohammad Kawser
"This beachside park offers great views, boat launch, free parking, beach, pier with viewing areas. I have enjoyed having family and friends there to BBQ and sit at one of the many picnic tables. Great place to enjoy wildlife and nature while relaxing after a long drive. I can say the restrooms were ok but the parking and picnic areas fill up on nice days."
A.J. Canadian
"This is a really beautiful spot with scenic views of the water and mountains. There are many parking spots to stop and look at the views. Although it was a rainy and windy day and some fog covered the mountains, the views were still stunning. This is a great spot to visit. We stopped by on the way to Whistler because it was on the way."
Forest Bai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is easily accessible from Vancouver via the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99 North). The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes. There are no public transit options directly to the park, so a car is recommended. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot connected to the pier. However, it fills up quickly on nice days and weekends. Arriving early is advised, especially if you plan to picnic or enjoy the beach.
Overnight parking is generally permitted for registered campers. Day-use parking is available during park hours. It's always best to check the official BC Parks website for the most current parking regulations.
From Vancouver, take Highway 99 North towards Whistler. Porteau Cove Provincial Park will be on your right-hand side, clearly marked. It's a popular stop along the Sea to Sky Highway.
The pier at Porteau Cove Provincial Park is wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful views and access to some viewing areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is generally free to enter for day use. However, camping requires a reservation and associated fees.
Campsite reservations for Porteau Cove Provincial Park can be made through the Discover Camping website. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, as sites, especially waterfront ones, are very popular. +1
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is typically open year-round for day use. Campground operating hours and seasonal availability can be found on the BC Parks website.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park does offer walk-in campsites. These are often smaller and may have less privacy compared to drive-in sites.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions when booking through Discover Camping or contact BC Parks directly for the most accurate information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Porteau Cove offers a variety of activities including camping, picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and scuba diving. The park is also a great spot for wildlife viewing and enjoying scenic views.
While Porteau Cove itself is more focused on waterfront activities, there are hiking opportunities nearby along the Sea to Sky Highway. Some popular hikes in the Squamish area include the Sea to Summit Trail and trails around Shannon Falls. +2
Yes, swimming is permitted at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. The water can be chilly, but it's a refreshing option on warmer days.
Absolutely! Porteau Cove has numerous picnic tables available, making it a perfect spot for a scenic lunch or BBQ.
Visitors often spot seals playing in Howe Sound, and occasionally sea lions. The park is also a good place for birdwatching.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Porteau Cove Provincial Park. However, there are food options available in nearby Squamish or Horseshoe Bay. Some food trucks and cafes may operate seasonally near the park.
Yes, Porteau Cove has picnic areas with tables, and BBQs are permitted in designated areas. It's a popular spot for outdoor cooking.
The closest dining options are in Squamish, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Horseshoe Bay also has several eateries. +1
The nearest full-service grocery stores are located in Squamish or Horseshoe Bay. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before heading to the park.
The Hong Kong Bakery & Outdoor Cafe, located near Klahanie Campground off the Sea to Sky Highway, is known for its dumplings and unique offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier offers fantastic panoramic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset. The waterfront campsites and beach areas also provide beautiful backdrops.
Sunset is incredibly popular for photography due to the dramatic colors. Sunrise can also be stunning, offering softer light. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views of the landscape.
Yes, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a popular location for engagement and wedding photography due to its scenic beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is recommended for sunset and sunrise shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always check with BC Parks if you plan on professional shoots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in camping, the waterfront campsites offer a memorable experience, though booking well in advance is crucial.
+1 If camping isn't an option, it's still a perfect spot for a day trip. The easy access from Vancouver and the variety of activities ensure a fun-filled outing for all ages. Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for a comfortable family adventure. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+2For an even more special experience, consider booking one of the coveted waterfront campsites. Waking up to the serene ocean views and the sound of waves creates a romantic ambiance.
+1 The park's tranquil atmosphere, especially during the quieter hours, allows for quality time and connection amidst beautiful natural surroundings. It's a perfect stop for a scenic drive or a peaceful overnight stay. 🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers
Don't miss the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunset here, which is a highlight for many visitors.
+1 Even if you only have a short time, a brief stop at Porteau Cove provides a refreshing dose of natural beauty and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing your journey. It's a perfect place to capture some stunning photos and experience the essence of British Columbia's coastal landscape. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Porteau Cove
+1 The park also offers walk-in sites, which can be a good alternative if drive-in sites are unavailable. Beyond the camping experience, Porteau Cove is a popular destination for scuba diving. The park features a series of artificial reefs, including two sunken vessels, which have created a thriving underwater ecosystem. Divers can explore this unique marine environment, often encountering various fish species and other marine life.
The park also provides a boat launch, making it convenient for boaters and kayakers to access Howe Sound. The combination of camping, diving, and water activities makes Porteau Cove a comprehensive outdoor adventure hub.Planning your camping trip involves understanding the booking process and the popularity of the park. The Porteau Cove camping map on the Discover Camping website is crucial for selecting your preferred site.
Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway
Along the Sea to Sky Highway, you'll find other notable attractions like Shannon Falls Provincial Park, home to one of British Columbia's tallest waterfalls, and the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, which offers panoramic views from its summit.
The region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring charming towns like Squamish, known for its outdoor adventure culture. When planning your journey along the Sea to Sky Highway, consider making Porteau Cove a key stop. It offers a unique blend of marine beauty and accessibility, complementing the more adventurous activities found further up the highway. The park's serene atmosphere provides a welcome contrast to the more bustling destinations, making it a memorable part of any Sea to Sky adventure.
+1Wildlife Encounters at Porteau Cove
Beyond marine mammals, the park is also a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for various seabirds that frequent the area. While less common, the surrounding forests and mountains can also be home to terrestrial wildlife. The best times for wildlife spotting are often during the quieter hours of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, when animals are more active.
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Avoid feeding animals, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors and pose risks to their health. Simply enjoying their presence from afar contributes to their conservation and ensures a more authentic experience for everyone.
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