Campground Vacancy: Thanksgiving Weekend (October 6-9)

For most, Thanksgiving weekend means feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie, followed by a snooze on the couch. But for those that love the outdoors, what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than enjoying all your favourite holiday treats outdoors?

Here’s your vacancy report for the holiday weekend (October 6-9). You’ll find a handful of campgrounds you can reserve in advance, in addition to first-come, first-serve sites. Note: there is a minimum three-night stay over holiday weekends. (Campground vacancy as of 3pm on Oct 3, 2017.)

Reserve your spot, or find other provincial park vacancies, at DiscoverCamping.ca.

The Coast

(Porteau Cove by Gregory Simpson)

A popular summertime campground, Alice Lake thins out after the Labour Day weekend. Close proximity to Squamish means you can easily stock up on goodies, and the relaxing atmosphere of the lake makes for a perfect (albeit chillier) post-dinner snooze.

For an easy overnight trip from Vancouver, book a site at Porteau Cove. This park is known for its scuba diving opportunities; bring your scuba gear and work up an appetite before dinner (or simply watch intrepid divers). For families, the 45-minute drive from the city and an abundance of marine life to watch make this a popular choice.

Island bound or located? Hop on a passenger ferry or bring your own boat, and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in company of the local residents (namely, seals and seagulls) at Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park.

Looking for other options? Try Sasquatch Provincial Park or Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.

Southern Interior

(Kokanee Creek by Ian Robert Reid)

Autumn in the West Kootenays is particularly scenic.  Book a site at Kokanee Creek campground to enjoy campfire turkey and pumpkin pie-themed s’mores for dessert, all while taking in the brilliant fall colours. We’re pretty sure it’s proven that tastes better outdoors.

First-Come, First-Serve Campgrounds

(Mabel Lake by Ian Robert Reid)

You’ll find a choice of first-come, first-serve sites across the province. Options include Mabel Lake in the Okanagan; Ruckle on Salt Spring Island (abundant farms on the Gulf Islands mean fresh farm-to-table ingredients are just a stroll or ride away); and Liard River Hot Springs. Who can resist a post-dinner hot spring dip?

Wherever you camp this weekend, don’t forget to share your Thanksgiving photos with us by tagging #BCParks on social media!