Paddle Golden Ears Park's Alouette Lake

About one hour outside of Vancouver, Golden Ears Provincial Park is a great escape for hiking and paddling opportunities. The massive drive-in campgrounds are usually full for most of the summer, but deep into the lake's wilderness are marine spots for backcountry camping. Get your backcountry permit here.

Set off from the main parking lot at the south end of the lake and follow the western shoreline north for 9km just past Moyer Creek to reach the rustic marine camp ground. There are about a dozen camp spots with some being beach front and some being in the mossy forests.

Watch for speed boats in summer and for the gusting wind all year long that can make this paddle a challenge.