Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
Yes
Potable water
Yes
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Located almost exactly between Vancouver and Squamish and nestled at the very bottom of Brunswick Mountain in the Howe Sound, Porteau Cove is in the heart of Canada's outdoor adventure playground. Porteau Cove was originally established in 1908 as a resource for Vancouver's growing need for sand and gravel. A small group of employees lived there and built a schoolhouse, tennis courts, and a ferry dock for service between Squamish and Vancouver before the introduction of the rail lines.

A campground since 1981, Porteau Cove attracts adventurers and divers from around the world for its top-notch diving and fishing. The water here is very clear and has high visibility due to cold temperatures and a lack of bacteria. Some ships have been sunk just offshore to create artificial reefs for marine life to grow and for divers to explore.

Most of the campsites are along a small, crescent-shaped pebbly beach lined with large timbers and driftwood. There are 44 car/tent campsites with fire pits and electricity; 16 walk-in campsites share communal fire pits, a communal eating and cooking pavilion, water services, and outhouses. There are two log cabins with full amenities that sleep four, and these are available for rent year round.

Campsites 1 through 11, excluding 6 and 8, have northwest facing beach access, and sites 13 through 22 have southwest facing beach access. Sites 32 through 43 have beach access as well, these are a closer to the road. Most of the walk-in campsites also have beach access that faces northwest. 

The park is located at the end of the campground along with the lagoon, amphitheater, and lookout point. A wooden walkway and stairs take you up to one of Howe Sound's most beautiful views, which is a great place to watch the sunset. Just behind the lookout point is an area for cliff jumping into the cove. The cove has a mooring dock for small boats, and this can be a great place for swimming and laying in the sun.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Most sites have private beach access. Beautiful views. Year-round camping.

Cons

Train runs behind the campground. Spots are reserved very early.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

BC provincial Parks

Reservation phone number

1 (800) 689-9025

Features

ADA accessible
Historically significant
Flushing toilets
Vault toilet
Showers
Boat ramp(s)
Swimming holes
Potable water
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Amphitheater

Recommended Campsites Without Photos

13, 17, 18-19, 21, 22, 32, 41-42

Location

Nearby Adventures

Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia
Cypress Provincial Park
Vancouver Metro Area, British Columbia

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