Porteau Cove Provincial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Porteau Cove Provincial Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Location | Squamish-Lillooet RD, British Columbia |
| Created | 1981 |
| Visitors | 611,783 (in 2017-18) |
| Governing body | BC Parks |
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a beautiful provincial park found on the eastern side of Howe Sound in British Columbia, Canada. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures!
This park is right along the famous Sea to Sky Highway. It covers 50 hectares (that's about 123 acres!) and offers lots of fun activities. You can enjoy picnics, camping, swimming, and even windsurfing. There's also a place to launch your boat. Porteau Cove is especially popular for scuba diving. Divers love exploring the special underwater areas, which include two sunken ships! The park has 44 campsites where you can park your car, plus 16 sites you can walk into. You can often reserve a spot online from April to September.
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What to Do at Porteau Cove
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is packed with exciting things to do for visitors of all ages.
Camping and Picnics
The park is a fantastic place to spend a night or two under the stars. There are many campsites available for both cars and walk-in campers. It's a good idea to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during busy seasons. If you're just visiting for the day, there are also perfect spots for a picnic with friends and family.
Water Activities
The clear waters of Howe Sound offer plenty of fun. You can go swimming on a warm day or try windsurfing when the breeze is just right. For those who love exploring underwater, Porteau Cove is famous for scuba diving. There are special artificial reefs and even two sunken ships that divers can explore. It's like an underwater museum!
The Pier
There's a long pier at the park that's open to everyone. It's a great place to take a walk, enjoy the views of Howe Sound, and watch the boats. Sometimes, this pier can be used by ferries in emergencies, like if a rockslide blocks the highway. But most of the time, it's just a lovely spot for a stroll.
Important Rules for Visitors
To keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone, there are a few important rules to follow.
Protecting Nature
- You are not allowed to fish, collect shellfish, or take any other marine life from the water. This helps protect the ocean's creatures.
- Collecting and burning driftwood or other woody debris like leaves and branches is not allowed. These natural items are important for the beach environment.
- Beach fires are also not permitted.
Pets and Campfires
- If you bring your pets, they must always be on a leash. They are not allowed in beach areas or inside park buildings.
- Campfires are only allowed in special fire rings. You can buy firewood at the park, or bring your own.
Other Rules
- For safety, scuba diving from the pier is not allowed.
- Washing dishes at the park is also prohibited.
About the Rockslide
On July 29, 2008, a large rockslide happened just north of Porteau Cove. Luckily, no one was hurt. This slide temporarily blocked the highway and train tracks, making it harder to get to places like Whistler. The area where the slide happened has steep cliffs, and sometimes rocks can fall. The government has worked to make the area safer. If the main highway is ever blocked, there's a "back door" route through Lillooet and the Fraser Canyon.
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
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Porteau Cove Provincial Park
