Travel Review: Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Howe Sound, British Columbia, Canada.

One of my favourite places to go here in B.C. is Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Its one of those places that no matter the season or weather, it is absolutely beautiful. This place has a certain tranquility to it that I love so much, having raw nature all around you is something else. From being surrounded by snow capped mountains, rock faces, forests, and of course the water. 

 History: Translated from French (port d'eau) to English "Porteau" it means "Water's Gate". Dating back to 1908 when John F. Deeks was mining the extensive sands & gravel pits to supply Vancouver, a short distance away. Employees lived here until the start of the Depression. There was housing for them, tennis courts, a schoolhouse, and ferry service from the Union Steamship Company.

Porteau Cove is situated at the most southerly fjord in North America (Howe Sound). You can access this park by taking why 99 north from West Vancouver to Sea to Sky highway, the park is on your left hand side. The highway itself is very scenic and you will pass by other communities, parks & tourist attractions (which I will post on as well, labelled with Howe Sound incorporated in post title... stay tuned ;) This park is a marine conservation area, so its very important to note not to disturb or handle any marine life in the area. 

The scene at Porteau Cove changes with season and weather...on cold/cloudy days you may see low tufts of clouds float by and sometimes there's fog which gives a whole different ambiance to the place. On these types of days you will note the water takes on a minty colour. In warmer weather you can see the water ranging from a bright aqua, emerald and of course shiny blue waters as you go along the highway :)

What's there to do? Porteau Cove offers a variety of amenities, activities & facilities. One the best is the waterfront camping grounds. That's right.. you heard me...the campgrounds are situated right off the ocean ... its amazing. Not only can you have the experience of being in a forested area, the mountains around you..but you get the water too! 
Some of the activities available are; 
- canoeing and kayaking, nearest rentals are available in Squamish town few minutes down the hwy.
- cycling. exercise caution always keeping to trails & roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in B.C.
- fishing (outside park boundary, you can fish for salmon & bottom feeders (i.e.: Cod) in ocean area. Fishing or angling in B.C  does require proper licence. 
-hiking
- scuba diving. There's several man made reefs & two sunken vessels to explore with a diversity of marine species along shore and underwater.
- swimming. Surrounded by rock/pebble beach for ocean swimming.
- wildlife viewing. There's the occasional seal, marine waterfowl, and some rare times..Orca's who venture in.
- windsurfing & kite boarding. Howe Sound has strong winds, which is perfect for these sports.
- winter recreation. Winter camping is available however services are limited.

Facilities available: 
- boat launch. There are two paved double- wide boat launches. Boats are prohibited in the dive area. (Tide, wind and weather conditions can change suddenly in Howe Sound.  Use caution while boating or swimming in the area).
- cabin/huts/yurts & Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy cabins.
- campfires
- drinking water
- electrical hookups
- picnic areas
- portable propane campfire rental
- pit or flush toilets
- sani station/dump
- showers
- vehicle accessible camping
- walk in wilderness camping
- wheelchair access
- winter camping

For more details & fee inquiries please visit:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/porteau/
http://seatoskyparks.com/parks/porteau-cove/

I hope this sparked an interest in any of you international or local travellers into visiting this place. I assure you, you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy!! and let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com