BIRKENHEAD LAKE
Birkenhead Lake - August 2018
OVERVIEW
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful natural escape from the lower mainland. The lake is glacier fed, so the water is very refreshing on a hot summer day - we visited this park in late-August and we spent everyday swimming and paddleboarding on the lake. During our visit, a small family of black bears frequented the campground on a daily basis, so being bear-aware is a must at this park. Although we never felt in danger, we recommend carrying bear spray if you decide to venture out on the many trails in the park. The park amenities are rustic with running water, sani-dump, and pit toilets but no showers or cell phone reception.
LOCATION
The park is located 90 km North of Whistler. Take Highway 99 from Vancouver to Mt. Currie, turn off Highway 99 to D’Arcy. Once you pass D'Arcy, it is a 17 km drive on a gravel road. The trip took us approximately 3 hours from Vancouver.
CAMPSITES
This campground offers large private sites which include a firepit and picnic table. We prefer the perimeter sites especially the ones along the river but the bears do too, so make sure you have bear spray or an air horn with you. Some sites are better than others but we truly believe you can't go wrong with any of the main sites at this park. However, the high-density area is really just a parking lot.
FACILITIES
This park offers minimal facilities but they do have the necessities such as running water, pit toilets, firewood sales, and a sani-dump. The rangers also provide canoe rentals at the lake for a fee.
ACTIVITIES
Birkenhead Lake is the perfect spot for water-sport enthusiasts. The lake can be used for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and motorboat activities. There are a few hiking trails in the park but depending on the bear activity, the trails could be closed. Given the distance to nearby towns, this park is isolated, so you have to make your own fun but it really isn't hard!
RESERVATION INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SNAPSHOT
LOCATION
SITES
FACILITIES
ACTIVITIES
THE GOOD
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Quintessential BC camping in a gorgeous natural setting away from it all
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Most campsites are private with large old-growth trees
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Sani-dump and running water are available
THE BAD
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No showers or flush toilets
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Significant bear activity at times
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No cell phone coverage (this could be good or bad...)
