Okanagan. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
For your own safety, please obey signs and keep to designated trails when hiking or walking in E.C. Manning Park.
- Trail conditions report [PDF] (March 21, 2025)
Special notes
- The plants in E.C. Manning park are susceptible to winds, rain, extended periods of dry weather, heavy snowfall, and a very short growing season.
Please ensure everyone in your party, including pets, stays on the designated trails. Never step on or pick any flora.
- This park does not have cellphone service. The nearest public phones are at Manning Park Resort, located on Highway 3.
- ATVs and other off-road vehicles are not allowed within the park. This includes vehicles registered under the Off-Road Vehicle Act.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Backcountry campgrounds
Frontcountry campgrounds
- Coldspring Campground [PDF]
- Hampton Campground [PDF]
- Lightning Lake Campground [PDF]
- Mule Deer Campground [PDF]
- Skyview Campground (summer) [PDF]
- Skyview Campground (winter) [PDF]
For a detailed digital or hardcopy map of E.C. Manning Park, please visit Clark Geomatics.
Any maps provided on this page are for information only. They may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Getting there
E.C. Manning Park stretches for 58 km from portal to portal, with Highway 3 running all the way through. The western portal, marked by a carving of a marmot, is 26 km east of Hope. The eastern portal, marked by a carving of a bear, is 52 km west of Princeton. The core area of the park is 68 km east of Hope and 68 km west of Princeton.
The weather forecast for E.C. Manning Park can be found through the Weather Network.
Camping
Backcountry camping
Hike-in camping is available throughout the backcountry at E.C. Manning Park. There are 10 backcountry campgrounds in the park, offering a total of 55 campsites. All these campgrounds have limited facilities.
Backcountry camping during snow-free season is allowed only at designated campgrounds. Winter backcountry camping is allowed either at designated campgrounds or elsewhere.
You must make a reservation to camp at Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, or Frosty Creek during the peak season. To learn more, see the E.C. Manning Park backcountry reservations page.
Reservations are not available for any other backcountry campgrounds in this park. However, you need a permit to camp in any backcountry area. Learn more on the backcountry permit registration page.
For more information on backcountry camping opportunities, see the E.C. Manning: Backcountry camping page.
Responsible recreation
Please practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. For more information, see our backcountry guide. Take extra care when camping away from designated campgrounds during the winter.
Each designated backcountry campground is close to a water source and has at least one pit toilet. We recommended treating water gathered at the campground before using it.
Campfires are not allowed at Buckhorn and Kicking Horse campgrounds. Elsewhere, campfires are not encouraged, and fire bans may be implemented during hot weather conditions. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
Fees
There is a $5 per-person backcountry camping fee. This applies to backcountry permit registration as well as peak-season reservations. Children under six years of age camp for free.
You can pay for your permit in advance through our reservation service. All backcountry reservations must be paid for through the reservation service. Visit camping.bcparks.ca or call 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally).
You can also register for a permit at the park. Register at Manning Park Lodge, Skyview gatehouse, or Lightning Lake gatehouse. Payments can be made by cash, debit, or credit card. There is an ATM at Manning Park Resort.
For more information on backcountry camping opportunities, see the E.C. Manning: Backcountry camping page.
For campground maps, see maps and location.
When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.
Backcountry areas
Cabins and huts
Cabin rentals are available through Manning Park Resort. For more information, visit the Manning Park Resort website, or contact info@manningpark.com.
Some backcountry campsites, including Frosty Creek, Nicomen Lake, and Poland Lake, have rustic shelters. These are for emergency use only and do not provide a suitable alternative to bringing a tent.
Buckhorn backcountry campground has a large public shelter. This is for cooking only and does not provide a suitable alternative to bringing a tent.
Frontcountry camping
E.C. Manning Park offers drive-in campgrounds with a total of 450 sites. There are five campgrounds for summer camping as well as three areas set aside for winter camping.
Opening dates are weather-dependent. Snowpack may persist into June. Early season reservations may be affected due to operational requirements or limitations. Contact the park operator to check current campground conditions.
For campground maps, see maps and location.
Reservations
You can reserve sites at four vehicle-accessible campgrounds in E.C. Manning Park via the BC Parks reservation service. Unreserved sites at these campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis.
Skyview Campground reservations must be made through the Manning Park Resort website. Skyview is 100% reservable. For more information, contact the park operator. Skyview reservations cannot be made through the BC Parks reservation service.
Fees
For sites booked through the reservation service, all fees must be paid at the time of booking. For non-reserved sites, you can pay at the visitor centre or campsite gatehouses. We accept cash, debit, or credit cards.
Parking for one vehicle is included in your camping fees. If you wish to park an additional vehicle, there is an additional per-night charge. You can park a maximum of two vehicles at most sites.
| Mule Deer Campground | $25 per party per night |
| Coldspring and Hampton Campgrounds | $23 per party per night |
| Lightning Lakes Campground | $35 per party per night |
| Winter frontcountry camping | $13 per party per night |
| Skyview Campground summer | $71 per party per night |
| Skyview Campground winter | $53 per party per night |
| Skyview long-stay (winter only) | $225 per party per week $800 per party per 28 days |
Responsible recreation
Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 7 am. Music, generators, and other sources of noise must be shut off completely between these hours. Generators can only be used from 9 am to 11 am and 6 pm to 8 pm.
Dogs are welcome at frontcountry campsites in E.C. Manning Park. They must be leashed, and they are not allowed in beach areas. There is a dog area to the east of the Lightning Lake day-use area.
Frontcountry campgrounds
Group camping
There are three group campsites available at E.C. Manning Park. Groupsites can be booked through the BC Parks reservation service. To learn more about booking a groupsite, visit the group camping page.
Summer groupsites
Lone Duck I and Lone Duck II
These group campsites are both open from May to October, though dates vary depending on conditions. Lone Duck II is also available for winter camping (see below). Each site includes a shelter complete with picnic tables and wood stove.
Both sites overlook Lightning Lake’s Lone Duck Bay. They are 4 km off Highway 3 on Gibson Pass Road. There are several trails close to these sites, and it is a very short walk to the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre.
Winter groupsites
Cambie Creek
This group campsite is available for large group reservations from December 1 to March 31. It includes a pit toilet, parking lot, and a large walk-in camping area. Campfires no larger than 0.5 metres high and wide are permitted. Firewood must be completely burnt or removed when leaving. Use or collection of local wood and materials for fires is not permitted. The site has no running water or picnic tables.
Lone Duck II
This groupsite is available year-round for smaller camping groups. The site features a cooking shelter with a wood stove. It also includes tables, toilets, a fire pit, and various places to set up tents.
Over the winter months, water is not available at Lone Duck groupsite. This time period is typically from Thanksgiving weekend to spring.
Group camping fees
For regular group camping, each groupsite has a nightly base camping fee, which pays for use of the site. The base camping fee varies depending on which groupsite you are using. In addition to this, there are per-person camping fees.
There is no base camping fee for youth group camping, only per-person camping fees.
| Regular group camping nightly base camping fee | • $20 for Cambie Creek • $80 for Lone Duck I and II |
|---|---|
| Regular group camping nightly per-person fees | • $5 for each adult (16 or older) • $1 for each child (6-15 years) • Free for children under 6 • Minimum charge equivalent to fees for 15 adults |
| Youth group camping nightly per-person fees | • $1 for each adult or child • Free for children under 6 • $50 minimum • $150 maximum |
To learn more about groupsites and youth group camping, see the group camping page.
Groupsites
Winter camping
Lone Duck I
This area is 4 km off Highway 3 on the Gibson Pass Ski Hill Road. It includes a picnic shelter, pit toilets, and a parking area. You can pay your camping fees at the Skyview Campground Gatehouse using cash, debit, or credit card.
Lone Duck II
This walk-in group camping site includes a shelter complete with picnic tables. The groupsite also offers a fire pit, a parking lot, and pit toilets. You must book this site in advance through the BC Parks reservation service.
A wood stove is available at Lone Duck I and Lone Duck II. Firewood can be purchased at Manning Park Resort.
Over the winter months, water is not available at Lone Duck groupsite. This time period is typically from Thanksgiving weekend to spring.
Lightning Lake day-use area
We offer winter camping at Lightning Lake for campers, trailers, and RVs with everything needed to be self-sufficient. Camping is restricted to the day-use parking lot 3.7 km off Highway 3 on the Gibson Pass Ski Hill Road.
The pit toilets remain available during this time, but no other facilities are available. Fires are prohibited and no potable water or picnic tables are available. Pitching tents is not allowed.
Cambie Creek
This reservable group camping area is approximately 5 km west of Manning Park Resort. It includes a parking lot, pit toilet, and large walk-in camping area. Campfires no larger than 0.5 metres high and wide are permitted. Firewood must be completely burnt or removed when leaving. Use or collection of local wood and materials for fires is not permitted.
To learn more about groupsites, see the group camping page.
E.C. Manning Park backcountry
Winter camping is allowed in the backcountry provided you follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. You must register for a backcountry permit before any overnight stay during the winter. For more information, see the backcountry permit registration page.
The term ‘backcountry’ refers to areas more than 1 km away from any highway or park road. Backcountry campgrounds are not accessible by vehicle and have very limited facilities.
Learn more on the E.C. Manning Park: Backcountry camping page.
Things to do
The hiking season at E.C. Manning Park is dependent on snow levels. Most high-elevation trails are not snow-free until late June or early July. During winter, hiking trails are under snow.
At any time of year, trail conditions can change quickly. Use the resources below and watch out for advisories to check that conditions are suitable before you head out:
- E.C. Manning Park hiking trail guide and descriptions [PDF]
- The trail conditions report in the know before you go section
Easy trails
- Beaver Pond
500 m loop, 15 mins return, no elevation change.
Begins on Highway 3, 1.5 km east of Manning Park Lodge. A level walk with excellent bird-watching opportunities in May and June. - Little Muddy
2.5 km or 1 hour each way, 100 m elevation change.
Starts below the tennis courts at Manning Park Resort. Follows a double-track route (a groomed cross-country trail in winter) to Lightning Lake day-use area. - Paintbrush
1.5 km loop, 30 mins return, little elevation change.
Starts from either the upper or lower parking lot at the end of the Blackwall Road. Excellent wildflower viewing from mid-July to mid-August. - Rein Orchid
500 m loop, 15 mins return, little elevation change.
Begins 1.5 km along the Gibson Pass Road. The white rein orchid can be seen here and is best viewed in July. - Rhododendron Flats
500 m loop, 15 mins return, little elevation change.
Located 32 km west of the Manning Park Resort. Travels through an impressive stand of red rhododendrons, with peak bloom in early June. - Strawberry Flats
2 km or 45 mins one way, little elevation change.
Starts at Strawberry Flats parking. Connects to the bottom of the ski hill and the Three Falls Trail. - Sumallo Grove
500 m loop, 15 mins return, wheelchair accessible.
On Highway 3 about 10 km east of the park’s west entrance. - Viewpoint Loop
600 m loop, 20 mins return, 100 m elevation change.
Forms the start of the Heather Trail. Begins at the end of the Blackwall Road. Loops back after the first viewpoint. - West Similkameen
2.1 km or 45 mins one way, little elevation change.
Located 1 km up Gibson Pass Road, this is also the start of the Pacific Crest Trail. Ends at the Windy Joe Junction.
Moderate trails
- Canyon Nature Trail
2 km or 45 mins one way, 50 m elevation change.
Starts 1 km up Gibson Pass Road, just over the Similkameen River on the right. Follows a canyon along the river and returns on the other side. - Dry Ridge
300 m or 20 mins one way, 125 m elevation change.
Begins 500 m up the gravel road leading from the Cascade lookout. - East Similkameen Trail
4.7 km or 2 hrs one way, little elevation change.
Starts near the Similkameen River on the Windy Joe Trail and rolls along as far as Castle Creek. The bridge over Castle Creek is presently closed, so this trail is an out-and-back. - Engineers Loop
500 m loop, 15 mins return, 200 m elevation change.
Begins at the Westgate parking area. - Gibson
7.2 km loop, 2.5 hrs return, 125 m elevation change.
Starts at Strawberry Flats parking and follows winter cross-country routes. - Heather
21 km one way, 7-9 hrs one way, 292 m elevation change.
Begins at the Upper Alpine parking lot on the Blackwall Road. Explores the famous meadows of the Three Brothers Ridge and ends at Nicomen Lake. - Lightning Lake Loop
9 km loop, 3 hrs return, little elevation change.
Starts at Lightning Lake day-use area or at the Spruce Bay parking lot. Follows a route around the entire lake, with the option of shortening to a smaller loop at Rainbow Bridge. - Lightning Lakes Chain to Thunder Lake
12 km one way from Lightning Lake day-use area, 10 km from Spruce Bay parking, 4 hrs one way, little elevation change with either route.
Travels along the shore of all four lakes on the chain. - Monument 78
12 km or 4-5 hrs one way, 200 m elevation change.
Starts at Monument 78-83 parking lot. - Three Falls
4.5 km one way (2 km follows the Strawberry Flats Trail), 3 hrs, little elevation change.
Begins at Strawberry Flats parking lot and follows an old fire road to the base of the ski area, where the Three Falls trailhead is located.
Difficult trails
- Bonnevier
17 km one way to Heather trail junction, 8-10 hrs, 950 m elevation change.
Begin at Eastgate entrance sign. Strenuous uphill hike connecting to the Heather Trail. - Dewdney
25 km one way to Paddy’s Pond and the park boundary, 14-16 hrs, 1131 m elevation change.
Starts at the Cascade parking lot and ends at the Whipsaw FSR. - Frosty Mountain
10.4 km one way from Lightning Lakes or 14.2 km one way from Windy Joe parking, 4-6 hrs one way, 1150 m elevation change.
Begins at Lightning Lake day-use area or Windy Joe parking lot. Distances are to the summit. - Grainger Creek
9.2 km or 4 hrs one way, 952 m elevation change.
Starts from a junction 7 km up the Hope Pass trail and goes to Nicomen Lake. - Hope Pass
24 km or 10 hrs one way, 1 km elevation change.
Begins at Cayuse Flats. This historic trail was the old commerce route from Hope to Princeton. - Hozameen Ridge
3.9 km or 2 hrs one way, 450 m elevation change.
Heads south from the Skyline II Trail just west of Mowich camp. Picks its way along a sub-alpine ridge toward Mount Hozameen. - Memaloose
9 km or 4 hrs one way, 450 m elevation change.
Begins at the Allison Pass Highways Yard and climbs to Poland Lake. - Monument 83
16 km or 5 hrs one way, 850 m elevation change.
Starts at Monument 78-83 parking lot. - Mount Outram
8.2 km or 6 hrs one way, 1673 m elevation change.
Begins at Westgate parking. Most of this route is outside E.C. Manning Park and is not maintained by BC Parks. - Nicomen Lake Trail
7.5 km or 2.5 hrs one way, 300 m elevation change.
Runs from Nicomen Lake to the Hope Pass Trail. Rated as difficult due to its remoteness, though most of this route is physically moderate. - Pacific Crest Trail
12.2 km one way, 4-5 hrs, 450 m elevation change.
Begins at Windy Joe parking on the Gibson Pass Road and ends at the U.S. border. - Poland Lake
8 km or 3-4 hrs one way, 435 m elevation change.
Starts at Strawberry Flats parking lot. - Skagit Bluffs
5.7 km or 2.5 hrs one way, 225 m elevation change.
Connects the Cascade parking lot with Cayuse Flats via a route that was once part of the old Dewdney Trail. - Skagit River
14.3 km or 4-6 hrs one way, little elevation change.
Begins at Sumallo Grove parking lot and connects to 26 Mile Bridge parking on the Silver-Skagit Road. Most of this trail is in Skagit Valley Park. - Skyline I
14.6 km or 6 hrs one way, 775 m elevation change.
Starts at Spruce Bay parking or Strawberry Flats parking. Can be made a 20.5 km loop, combined with the South Gibson and Lightning Lakes trails. - Skyline II
18.6 km or 7-9 hrs one way, 500 m elevation gain, 1350 m elevation loss.
Connects the Skyline I trail to the Silver-Skagit Road. Mowich Camp is 12.5 km from Strawberry Flats parking. - Warburton Loop
7 km or 3 hrs one way, little elevation change.
To and from the Dewdney trail. Rated as difficult due to its remoteness and the difficulty of trail-finding in sections. - Whatcom
9.5 km or 5 hrs one way, 1082 m elevation change.
Starts 2.4 km up the Dewdney trail. A common loop is made with the Dewdney trail for a total distance of 22.5 km. - Windy Joe Mountain
8 km or 4.5 hrs one way, 525 m elevation change.
Begins at Windy Joe-Pacific Crest parking lot on the Gibson Pass Road. Climbs to an old fire lookout.
Lighting Lake is a great spot for a dip, but often remains cool well into the summer.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities on Lightning Lake. Canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals are seasonally available at Lightning Lake day-use area.
Lightning Lakes chain offers easily accessible fishing opportunities for rainbow trout. For the hardy hiker, Poland Lake and Nicomen Lake also offer good fishing for rainbow trout.
Motorized boats, including boats with electric motors, are not allowed on any lakes within E.C. Manning Park.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Interpretive programs at E.C. Manning Park run from late June through early September at Lightning Lake Amphitheatre. Interpretive nature walks are available at Alpine Meadows, Rein Orchid Trail, and other locations.
Additional special events run occasionally, including the Lightning Lake Lantern Festival and programs in conjunction with Jerry’s Rangers. Programs run rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.
Interpretive walks
Join the park naturalist on an interpretive tour of one of Manning’s many trails. Themes vary but the walks are suitable for all ages, and everyone is welcome.
Jerry’s Rangers
A summer program for kids and families. Get an official Jerry’s Rangers certificate and earn stickers, pins, and badges.
Evening programs
Evenings of educational fun for all ages at the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre. Everyone is welcome. Parking is available at the Spruce Bay Beach parking lot.
Visit the Manning Park Resort website, email camping@manningpark.com, or call the visitor centre (summer only) at 604-668-5953 for more information.
There are excellent opportunities to view wildlife throughout E.C. Manning Park. Animal life includes squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, pika, coyotes, beaver, muskrat, deer, bears, and moose. Over 200 bird species have been spotted.
The best locations for wildlife viewing include Beaver Pond, Rein Orchid, Lightning Lake day-use area, and the Similkameen Trail. Animals are most easily spotted during the early morning.
Dogs and other domestic animals must be leashed and are not allowed in most beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for your pets’ behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
There is a designated pet area to the east side of the restaurant at Manning Park Resort.
Bicycles are allowed on signed or designated trails within E.C. Manning Park. Cyclists must yield to hikers and horses. For details on e-biking, see the e-biking section, below.
The following trails are suitable for mountain bikes:
- North Gibson
- South Gibson
- Lone Duck
- Monument 83
- Poland Lake
- East Similkameen
- West Similkameen
- Windy Joe
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Bicycles are allowed on signed or designated trails within E.C. Manning Park. E-bikes are allowed on these trails if they meet the criteria for e-bike use outlined on the cycling page.
Horses are allowed on designated trails only. These include:
- Dewdney
- Hope Pass
- Little Muddy
- Monument 78
- Monument 83 (closed to horses at the 5 km mark)
- North Gibson
- Poland Lake
- Similkameen East and West
- Windy Joe
Skagit Bluffs Trail is closed to horses.
If you are on a multi-day ride, please camp only in designated areas. Horse camping is available at the Headwaters Corral in Manning Park Resort. Backcountry horse camps are available on the Dewdney and Hope Pass trails.
We advise carrying a backpacking stove as an alternative to lighting campfires. Horse camps generally include a toilet, a fire ring, access to water, a hitching rail, and grazing opportunities.
Hunting at E.C. Manning Park is only allowed in the MU 2-17 area (the former Cascade Recreation Area). This area is only open to the discharge of firearms, bows, and crossbows from September 10 to June 15. Please check the fishing and hunting guide for more information.
Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
E.C. Manning Park features backcountry trails for ski-touring and snowshoeing, as well as groomed cross-country ski trails. For more information, visit Manning Park Resort.
Check the trail conditions report in the know before you go section, before heading out.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for these areas of the park:
A children’s bike park is available for the use and enjoyment of visitors staying in the Hampton Campground.
A hand-launch is available next to the boat rental building at the Lightning Lake day-use area. Motorized boats are not allowed on the lakes within E.C. Manning Park, including those with electric motors.
Campfires are not allowed at Buckhorn and Kicking Horse backcountry campgrounds. We do not encourage campfires anywhere else in the E.C. Manning Park’s backcountry. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
If you do light a campfire anywhere in the park, please keep it small to preserve air quality. Always bring a portable stove for cooking.
To conserve vegetation and ground cover, do not gather firewood from anywhere in the park. Dead wood is important for many plants and animals, and it adds valuable organic matter to the soil.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
There are taps and hand pumps throughout the frontcountry drive-in campgrounds and the Lightning Lake day-use area. However, you should carry water with you when hiking in E.C. Manning Park.
All backcountry campgrounds are close to natural water sources. Some creeks may dry up during a hot summer. We recommend that you treat any water gathered from natural sources in the park before using it.
Skyview RV Campground offers 15, 30, and 50 amp power, water and sewer at all winter sites and 62 summer sites. There are another 30 summer sites that offer 15 and 30 amp power only. EV charging is available at Manning Park Resort.
There are EV Charging stations available at the Visitor Centre and at Manning Park Lodge.
The charger at the Visitor Centre is J-1772 compatible with a 6.24 kW output.
Twelve Tesla Superchargers are available at the Manning Park Lodge. The twelve chargers are NACS (Tesla) compatible with a 250 kW output. There are an additional four BC Hydro EV Chargers CCS1 compatible with a 180 kW output. To learn more information about the chargers available, visit PlugShare.com.
Lightning Lake day-use area
There are picnic areas at:
- E.C. Manning Park visitor centre
- Lightning Lake day-use area
- Blowdown
- Coldspring Campground
- Spruce Bay
- Sub-Alpine Meadows
- Sumallo Grove
- West Gate Portal
There are picnic shelters available at this park.
Flush toilets and pit toilets are available at campgrounds throughout the frontcountry of E.C. Manning Park. Campgrounds in the backcountry have pit toilets only.
There is a playground beside site 15 and the Spruce Bay Beach access trail in Lighting Lake Campground. Playgrounds are also available in Hampton, Mule Deer, and Skyview campgrounds.
A sani-station is available at E.C. Manning Park during the summer season. It is 1 km east of Manning Park Lodge, at the visitor centre. Opening and closing dates vary depending on weather conditions.
Showers are available for campers staying at Lightning Lake Campground, Lone Duck I and II groupsites, Skyview Campground, and Hampton Campground.
About this park
The area now known as E.C. Manning Park encompasses the traditional territory of over 20 Indigenous bands and three nations. Indigenous trading routes ran throughout the area. The western part of the park includes traditional Indigenous fishing and hunting areas.
Historic trails in the park include the Dewdney Trail, Hope Pass, Whatcom Trail, Engineers Road, Skyline Trail, and Blackeye’s Trail. Historic features include the remains of ranches, trapping cabins, mine shafts, and Buckhorn mining camp. There are historic fire lookout buildings at Windy Joe and Monument 83.
Established in 1941, this park was named in memory of Ernest C. Manning, chief forester of British Columbia from 1936 to 1941. During his time as chief forester, Manning championed setting land aside for future generations to enjoy.
Before the park as we know it today was established, the area was known as the Three Brothers Preserve. The preserve was established in 1931, to save the alpine meadows from overgrazing by sheep.
This was a 6,440-hectare area that is part of what we now know as Sub-Alpine Meadow. The preserve was doubled in size in 1936 and the Three Brothers Wildlife Reserve was formed.
In 1941, the current class-A park was established. Since then, there have been several revisions to the boundaries. The most recent was in October 1999, increasing the size to 70,844 hectares.
In 1949, the Hope Princeton Highway was completed, making Manning Park accessible to motor vehicles. In 1957, British Columbia’s first nature house was built in the park.
Conservation
E.C. Manning Park is home to a wide variety of birds and animals. There are 206 separate species of birds and 63 species of mammals. Many are common species, like the Columbian ground squirrel and the pika. But the rarer mountain beaver, wolverine, and the Cascade golden-mantled ground squirrel are also found here.
E.C. Manning Park and the Cascade Recreation Area are also central in efforts to recover the threatened grizzly bear population of the North Cascades. These areas form part of the core habitat area essential to the conservation of this small but significant population.
Rare spotted owls are sometimes seen in E.C. Manning Park. These owls are at risk in B.C. and a plan to protect them in the Manning and Skagit Valley areas is underway. They are at risk because much of their habitat has been impacted by logging or lost to land development.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Visitor centre | The visitor centre is 1 km east of Manning Park Lodge. It offers a picnic area, bathroom, and sani-station. It also provides maps and information on camping and other activities. Open 9 am to 6 pm daily, mid-June through mid-September. |
| Frontcountry campgrounds, day-use areas, and Buckhorn campground | These areas are operated by Sunshine Valley Recreation Inc. |
| Manning Park Lodge, cabins, and Skyview Campground | These areas are operated by Manning Park Resort. |
| Backcountry campgrounds and trails | These areas are maintained by BC Parks staff. Contact the BC Parks regional office at E.C. Manning Park. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
