Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Only a few miles outside of Vancouver, Porpoise Bay Provincial Park stretches along the scenic Sunshine Coast. Campers can reach the Sechelt Inlet, a stretch of water that is popular with paddlers. The calm waters are protected from the sea, and you’ll have beautiful views of the evergreen covered mountains along the shore. You may also catch a wide variety of saltwater fish in the bay, including salmon and lingcod, or take a boat further out to go deep-sea fishing.
A number of trails lead through the areas outside of the park, taking you along the coast and across Angus Creek estuary, where you can see harbor seals and bald eagles. If you manage to time your visit during the spring, you can catch the annual salmon spawn. Cyclists can enjoy long rides along the Sunshine Coast and out to Sechelt, with routes of different difficulty levels.
The onsite RV campground has over 80 sites to choose from. The rustic campground sits amid cedar, maple, and hemlock trees, giving you ample shade and privacy. You’ll be just minutes from the water and can also access a number of trails leading out from the campground.
RV Rentals in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park sits just a few miles north of Vancouver. Although not far from the city, the drive can take a while, as you have to work your way along the coast and then take a ferry to reach the campground.
Coming from Vancouver, take BC-101 out of the city to the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale Ferry. The trip should take around two hours, depending on the ferry schedule.
Although the park is fairly easy to reach via RV, the ferry charges an extra fee for vehicles over 20 feet. Once you get off the ferry, the roads leading to the campground have few narrow turns, so you should have few issues getting to your site.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Campsites in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Porpoise Bay Campground
The campground located onsite has 84 sites to choose from for your RV. None of the sites have electrical hookups, nor do they have fire pits. All sites have a picnic table, and you can use the three communal fire pits throughout the campground. You’ll find hot showers and flush toilets, as well as drinking water taps. There is also a playground located near the campground, as well as a beach area.
The sites are located right next to the water, giving you quick access to the Sechelt Inlet. The area is a mecca for paddlers, and you can also catch a variety of saltwater fish along the coast. Several hiking trails lead out from the campground to Angus Creek, where you can spot harbor seals and bald eagles, in addition to more than 100 bird species. Most of the roads outside of the park are open for cyclists, with routes of all difficulty levels.
Most of the sites in the campground can be reserved in advance, although some are available first-come, first-served. If you visit during peak season in late spring and running through early fall, you should book a spot, as the campground fills up quickly.
Seasonal activities in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
In-Season
Boating
The park is a favorite destination for kayakers and canoers, with miles of scenic paddling along the Sunshine Coast. The park is located just next to the Sechelt Inlet, a scenic stretch of water that is a favorite of local paddlers. You can use the park as a base camp as you explore the inlet and the coast. Conditions are calmest in the morning and afternoon. You can find boat rentals near the park in Tuwanek.
Fishing
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park has an excellent variety of saltwater fish, making it a popular destination for anglers. Salmon is the most common catch, and you’ll also reel in lingcod and rockfish. Although you can fish from the shore, the water is fairly shallow, so you’ll have better luck taking a boat out onto the water.
You’ll need a British Columbia fishing license if you plan on fishing anywhere in the park. Boat rentals can be found in Tuwanek, just outside the park.
Swimming
With the understanding that there are no lifeguards on duty at the park, you’re welcome to swim anywhere along the coast near the campground. There is a beach area not far from the campground where you can enjoy the sun and take a dip. Just make sure you’re prepared for cold water.
Although most of the waters near the campground are safe, check for any signs marking dangerous currents or riptides.
Off-Season
Hiking
The long stretches of scenic coast give you miles of hiking, with beautiful views of the water and forests. You can also hike along Angus Creek, with a bridge that crosses over into the mudflats near the shore. The creek is home to a mix of waterfowl species, and you’ll also often see bald eagles and harbor seals throughout the year. If you want a longer hike, you can connect to a number of trails that lead outside of the park and along the coast.
Cycling
There are a number of scenic roads in the area around Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, most of which are open to cyclists. Enjoy miles of the Sunshine Coast by bike with routes for cyclists of all experience levels. If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can find a number of steep routes leading into the mountains around the coast. British Columbia law requires that cyclists wear a helmet at all times. There are no rentals offered by the park, so make sure to bring your own bike.
Birdwatching
The area around Vancouver is home to a diverse range of bird life, making it a popular area for bird enthusiasts. You’ll see all kinds of species around the bay, including gulls, jays, sandpipers, snow geese, herons, and bald eagles. Species vary throughout the year, and you can catch large migrations if you visit during the spring and fall.
If you want to find more information on the birds in the area, check out the websites of local birdwatching groups, many of which provide checklists and field guides of the birds near the park.
