Four Itchy Feet

July 3, 2025. Hope, Canada. Day 43 of 170

Today, we spent the day at Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia. As one of B.C.’s largest parks and most popular camping destinations, a single day hardly does justice to the vast number of activities it offers. From fishing, swimming, and windsurfing to water-skiing, canoeing, and boating, the opportunities are abundant. That said, camping appears to be the most popular and optimal way to experience the park fully. Its location, just over an hour east of Vancouver, makes it easily accessible for Vancouver residents, many others from the Lower Mainland, and beyond.

We chose to hike of the Mike Lake Loop Trail near the entrance to Mike Lake. The trail was in perfect condition and wound through a lush hemlock forest. The vegetation was thick, showcasing some of the most beautiful greens we’ve experienced on our visit to Canada. This 3-mile hike, with only 500 feet of elevation change, was relatively easy for beginners but offered a close encounter with a waterfall and views of nearby mountains. There are a number of trails that have been closed or partially closed due to water erosion and landslides, prior to your visit carefully review the trail report for the park to see what trails are open. After our hike, we drove to Mike’s Lake, a small lake mainly attracting anglers. To reach the lake, you must drive on a one-vehicle-wide gravel road to a parking lot nearby.

After Mike’s Lake, we headed to Alouette Lake for a picnic lunch. There were excellent facilities and many available picnic tables by the beach. After lunch, we took in the scenery and enjoyed a quick nap by the water. We only scratched the surface of what Golden Ears Park has to offer. We encourage you to plan your visit to take full advantage of all the park provides. Don’t forget to secure a day-use pass online prior to your visit, and enjoy!