About
Experience the ultimate West Coast wilderness at one of BC's largest provincial parks. Enjoy pristine lakes, extensive hiking trails, and the breathtaking scenery of Alouette Lake.
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Alouette Lakeswimmable lake with sandy beach, boat launch, and kayak/canoe rentals
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Golden Ears Summit24 km round-trip, 1,697 m elevation gain, panoramic alpine views
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Lower Gold Creek Fallsfamily-friendly 5.3 km waterfall hike
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Evans Peak8.9 km hard hike with 968 m elevation gain
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Three campgroundsAlouette, Gold Creek, and North Beach with hot showers
Water & Swimming
Water Type
Lake
Beach Type
Sand Gravel
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🔹Outdoor Adventurers
- 👨👩👧Families
- 🥾Hikers
- 🔹Camping Enthusiasts
The Occasion
- 🔹Rugged Hike
- 🔹Lake Day
- 🌿Nature Immersion
Beach Info
Park Type
Provincial
Managed By
BC Parks
Size
62539 hectares
Admission
Free
Amenities
Beach Rules
What to Bring & Insider Tips
Insider Tips
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Reserve your free day-use pass early — passes are required Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon/holidays from mid-May to Labour Day and open 2 days in advance at 7:00 AM; they go fast.
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Arrive before 9 AM in summer — the park entrance road backs up with long car lineups by mid-morning on weekends; rangers restrict entry when lots fill.
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No cell service inside the park — plan your route and download offline maps before entering.
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Expect snow on summit trails well into June — the Golden Ears summit can hold snow patches through early July; bring microspikes for early-season attempts.
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Skip the day-use pass after 3:30 PM — passes are not required after 3:30 PM, so afternoon visits are hassle-free.
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Visit Gold Creek Falls in spring — the waterfall is at peak flow during spring snowmelt (April–May), far more dramatic than summer.
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Dogs only allowed between boat launch and canoe rental at South Beach — the main day-use beach area prohibits dogs, so plan accordingly.
What to Bring
Best Seasons
Location
Getting Here
24480 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 7E7
🚇 Transit
Public transit is not a practical option; the nearest bus stop is a long, un-walkable distance from the park entrance. Driving is essentially mandatory for visiting Golden Ears.
🚗 Parking
Multiple day-use parking lots are available, but they fill to capacity with shocking speed on any nice day. You must book a free vehicle day-pass online in advance and arrive early to snag a spot, especially for Alouette Lake.