Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is a 56-hectare oceanfront haven for scuba divers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, beachcombers and those just looking for a place to relax by the shore. It's a little bit of oceanfront paradise just a short drive from downtown Squamish.
By day, the park offers plenty of exploring through its driftwood beaches, tidal and intertidal marine life, sunken ships, artificial reefs, picnic areas and pebble beaches. Climb the stairs on the viewing deck and try to spot seals roaming the waters below or walk down to the sandy beach to go for a swim. Paddlers can enjoy endless views staring out at Anvil Island. The park is also home to a sunken marine park which is a popular spot for scuba divers to explore.
By night, the area is cloaked under some of the darkest skies in the Sea to Sky Corridor with endless stargazing potential. Reserve one of the cozy Olympic Cabins or book into one of the 44 drive-in and 16 walk-in campsites. Porteau Cove Campground is open year-round with reduced fees in the winter.
How to get here
Porteau Cove Provincial Park is situated on the eastern shore of Howe Sound, approximately 38 kilometres north of Vancouver and 20 kilometres south of Squamish. To get there, follow the Sea to Sky Highway north from West Vancouver until you reach the sign for Porteau Cove Provincial Park (not Porteau Road which is 2km south of the park). Turn left off the highway into the park.
Things to do
Sightseeing
Porteau Cove is equipped with a multi-tiered pier that overlooks Howe Sound and provides clear views of Anvil Island and the Sunshine Coast. The dock is open to the public and is a beautiful spot for stargazing, wildlife viewing and general sightseeing.
Swimming
There is a large rock beach on the north side of the pier. Due to the proximity to the Squamish Estuary, the waters of Howe Sound are less salty than usual ocean swimming. It is also possible to comb the beach for tidal pools, where small pockets of sea life can be viewed.
Paddling
Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities at Porteau Cove. Possible trips include a paddle to Anvil Island, Britannia Beach or the Defense Islands. See below for rental equipment information.
Diving and Snorkeling
Discover marine life, man-made reefs, sunken ships and other underwater treasures when you dive deep into the waters of Howe Sound. Scuba divers and snorkelers of all levels can easily access the beauty that lies beneath our shores and see more than 100 marine species including eel, octopus, urchins, anemones and seals as well as a number of varieties of fish. An outdoor shower is available from March to November.
