Photo credit: krwoll | Flickr
Now that fall is here, make the most of dry days with a daytrip out of Vancouver. We all know the rain will soon be here in full force, so get outside for the last few sunny days.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is an ideal place to spend the day outside of the city. Just a couple hours drive from Vancouver, Porteau Cove is a beautiful spot on the water where you can explore, walk around, and enjoy sunsets and stunning views of Howe Sound.
Photo credit: Rob Pongsajapan | Flickr
Photo credit: Gord McKenna | Flickr
Porteau Cove is situated on the eastern shore of Howe Sound, on the most southerly fjord in North America. To reach Porteau Cove, you simply take Hwy 99 north from West Vancouver, watch for the signs for Porteau Cove Provincial Park, then turn left off the highway into the park. The route takes less than two hours, which means you could even spend an afternoon there if you’re short on time.
The park features a beach and waterfront campsites and is an excellent place for water activities. With two paved boat launches, canoeing, windsurfing, and boating are all popular at Porteau Cove. Swimming at the beach is also possible, though please mind that there are no lifeguards on duty. As well, two old sunken vessels and a series of artificial reefs make an excellent site for scuba-diving. A diverse and fascinating variety of sub-tidal marine life can be found among the ships and reefs.
However, even if you aren’t able to spend the night at the campsites, or aren’t keen to brave the water, Porteau Cove is still a beautiful place to visit for the day. The park boasts spectacular views of the mountains and of Howe Sound, and with both a rocky beach and a pier hovering high above the water, it’s a perfect spot for exploring or just relaxing. Its western facing landscape also makes Porteau Cove prime for sunset watching. Pack a picnic, kick back on the beach, and soak in the nature of the west coast.
