Camping 101 in British Columbia
So, I’m a newbie camper in British Columbia. I have camped extensively in Mexico, and I’m not really afraid of camping (although, for me, camping means hot shower, warm bed and wifi… but I digress). The truth is, I always wanted to explore camping in British Columbia, and I don’t know much about what I should bring, etc. Obviously a tent and a good, warm sleeping bag would be good ideas, plus food and water. I’ve got my eyes set on Squamish (The Chief) though I’ve heard some good suggestions about Golden Ears Provincial Park. I know, it’s the long weekend, and there will be some camping grounds that will be full. So, I’m prepared to just go up for the day (unless we find space and can pitch the tent).
What other obvious points I might be missing? Food, of course. Bug spray? Have at it on the comments section!
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Golden Ears is awesome – so close yet so far. Bug spray good. Also bring water, a tarp in case it rains, ziplock bags, garbage bags, and something soft to sleep on.
Assuming you’re going hiking in the backcountry. If you’re just going to a camp ground then you might be able to get away without a few of these
Clothes
1 set of non-cotton clothes (the one on your back)
1 additional warm thing (fleece / down jacket)
water proof pants and jacket (even if the weather is supposed to be good)
toque, gloves, boots, sun hat
gaiters (if you’re going to hit snow or mud)
Shelter
Tent (or be friendly with someone who has one)
sleeping bag (a summer bag is probably good, depending how warm you think you sleep. 0C or warmer)
sleeping pad
Miscellaneous
Burly container / outer bag for carrying poo bags (smell resistance recommended)
Sunscreen
Headlamp
lip balm
sunglasses
camera
bug net (works way better than bug juice, plus it doesn’t wreck the environment or your stuff)
Toilet Paper
Toothbrush
Lighter
Food
stove + pot + fuel + lighter
Plastic thing to eat out of (old yogurt container? Or something fancier)
spoon
At least 2L of water per day
Water purifier drops (if you’re into that)
Golden Ears is one of those things where if you’re not there really EARLY or reserve chances are you won’t get a spot for the long weekend. People camp out or get dropped off before the park opens so they can try and get a spot (they take a day off of work to do so too) if there are any available.
There are 3 camp grounds there though; Alouette, Gold Creek and whatever the other is called
There are some nice little day walks around there too. You can event get up to Alder Flats ~6hrs round trip. Don’t do the peak unless you’re ready to camp overnight though.
The Lower Falls of Gold Creek are nice to see too, takes 4 hours round trip or so and is on a nice wide groomed trail. Nice photo ops of the surrounded area, the water is crystal clear.
Being a provincial park, paid parking in effect. Double check, but Golden Ears is at least $5 for the day. Don’t think you can buy by the hour either.
If you do go for the day, head to Gold Creek area. It’s much nicer and away from more of the family area of the Alouette Day area. Though more teens etc hang out at Gold Creek.
Looking forward to seeing where you go though!
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I won’t discuss my technique for starting and maintaining a campfire with a single match due to the province-wide campfire ban.
Since this is the “Wet Coast” of BC,I will encourage you to purchase several plastic tarps of various dimensions. These are vital in order to make your camping experience a pleasant one. They can be used to keep precipitation off of your tent, picnic table and sitting area. They can also be used as ground sheets and wind breaks. You will also need to bring approximately 50-100m of nylon twine to secure your tarps.
You’re all making me want to go. I would love to camp in BC (in the summertime).