A-frame cabins near Maple Ridge

Tucked between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains in a northeastern wedge of BC’s largest metropolis, Maple Ridge’s backyard includes the lakes, waterfalls, and pristine coastal rainforest of Golden Ears Provincial Park. More nature beckons in other regional parks with hundreds of kilometres of trails, from Kanaka Creek (with trails for hiking, biking, and horse-riding) to Whonnock Lake (swimming, canoeing, and tadpole seeking), while the urban centre has public art and heritage neighbourhoods to explore.

North Shore

A string of bodies of water—Pitt Lake, Coquitlam Lake, and Indian Arm—await to the west, each tucked between the folds of ridges and ranges that continue on the other side of Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver. Here, the peaks of Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Mountain have recreational resorts that offer skiing and boarding in the winter and more hiking and mountain biking year-round.

East into Fraser Valley

Farther east into agricultural country along the Fraser River are more farms, including hazelnut orchards. Flanking this valley, southwestern BC’s mountains offer plenty of day and overnight hiking and camping. Continue eastward another half hour along the Trans-Canada Highway—or take longer, more scenic Highway 7 on the north side of the river—for water adventures at Harrison Lake and the village of Harrison Hot Springs, long said to be the roaming grounds of the legendary Sasquatch. 

When to go

Most provincial park camping sites close in winter, but it’s possible to explore this area year-round. You’ll find mild-but-wet weather from November to February, while summer is the busy season, when locals and tourists take advantage of swimming and camping. In winter, go skiing in the mountains and watch storms on the coast.

Most provincial park camping sites close in winter, but it’s possible to explore this area year-round. You’ll find mild-but-wet weather from November to February, while summer is the busy season, when locals and tourists take advantage of swimming and camping. In winter, go skiing in the mountains and watch storms on the coast.

• Most provincial parks take site reservations in advance and online (recommended throughout the high season of summer) and give an early priority booking window to BC residents.

• The Trans-Canada Highway, which runs through Maple Ridge and neighbouring municipalities and across the Second Narrows bridge over Burrard Inlet, gets very busy during weekday rush-hours and holiday weekends. Avoid these peak commuting times when possible.
• Although the North Shore and Coast Mountains fall within Greater Vancouver city limits, the area is no urban walk in the park. Be prepared when venturing into the backcountry, even within park boundaries, with extra food, water, and emergency shelter supplies—especially in winter.