Camping and Outdoor Recreation in Canada: A Complete Guide for Newcomers

Why Outdoor Recreation Matters in Canada

Spending time outdoors is a core part of Canadian culture. Canadians value their parks, trails, and natural spaces, and outdoor recreation is something people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy year-round. For newcomers, exploring the outdoors is a wonderful way to connect with your new country, build friendships, improve your physical and mental health, and create lasting memories with your family. Whether you have never been camping before or you are an experienced hiker, Canada has something for everyone.

British Columbia alone has over 1,000 provincial parks and protected areas, while Parks Canada manages more than 40 national parks across the country. Understanding how these parks work, how to book campsites, and how to stay safe in the wilderness will help you make the most of your outdoor experiences. If you are still getting settled, you may also want to read our guide to healthcare in BC so you know how to access medical care if needed during your adventures.

National Parks and Parks Canada

National parks are managed by Parks Canada, a federal agency that protects and preserves natural and cultural heritage sites across the country. To visit most national parks, you need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which grants you unlimited entry to all national parks and national historic sites for the calendar year. The pass is available for individuals and families and can be purchased online or at park gates.

Popular national parks in BC include Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island, Glacier National Park in the Selkirk Mountains, and Yoho National Park on the BC-Alberta border near the famous Banff and Jasper parks. Each park has its own character, facilities, and rules. Some parks are very popular and require advance reservations for camping, while others are more remote and offer backcountry experiences for experienced adventurers.

The Parks Canada Discovery Pass

The Discovery Pass costs approximately $75 for an adult and $150 for a family or group (prices may vary slightly year to year). Children aged 17 and under get free admission to all Parks Canada locations. The pass is valid from the date of purchase through the calendar year. If you plan to visit national parks more than once or twice per year, the Discovery Pass is almost always the more economical option compared to paying daily entry fees. You can purchase it at Parks Canada's fees page.

Provincial Parks in British Columbia

BC Parks manages over 1,000 provincial parks and protected areas throughout British Columbia. Unlike national parks, most provincial parks in BC do not charge a daily entry fee, making them an excellent free option for newcomers on a budget. However, camping fees do apply at campgrounds, and reservations are often required during peak season (typically May through September).

Campsite reservations for BC provincial parks are made through the BC Parks reservation system. Reservations typically open in mid-January for the upcoming season, and popular campgrounds fill up very quickly. Setting a reminder and booking early is highly recommended. Some campgrounds also hold a portion of sites for first-come, first-served use, which can be a good option if you are flexible with your dates and willing to arrive early.

Choosing Your First Campground

For newcomers who have never been camping in Canada, starting with a front-country (vehicle-accessible) campground is a good idea. These campgrounds typically offer picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets or flush toilets, and access to potable water. Some even have showers and playground facilities. Provincial parks like Cultus Lake, Rathtrevor Beach, and Manning Park are family-friendly options that are relatively close to major BC population centres.

Essential Camping Gear and Preparation

If you are new to camping, you will need some basic equipment. Essential items include a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a camp stove, cooking utensils, a cooler for food storage, a first aid kit, a headlamp or flashlight, and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions. Canadian weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas, so layers are important even in summer.

You do not need to buy everything at once. Many communities have outdoor gear lending libraries or buy-and-sell groups where you can find affordable used equipment. Some organizations also offer free or low-cost camping programs for newcomers, which can be a great way to try camping without a large investment. Check with local settlement agencies or community centres in your area. Our guide to understanding banking fees can help you manage your budget for outdoor gear purchases.

Hiking Safety in Canada

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Canada, and BC has thousands of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day backcountry routes. Before heading out, always research your trail, check current conditions, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. The website BC Wildfire Service provides information about wildfire conditions that can affect trail access and air quality during summer months.

Carry the ten essentials on every hike: navigation tools (map and compass or GPS), sun protection, insulation (extra clothing), illumination (headlamp), first aid supplies, fire-starting materials, a repair kit and tools, nutrition (extra food), hydration (extra water), and emergency shelter. Even on a short day hike, conditions can change unexpectedly, and being prepared can save your life.

Trail Etiquette

Canadian trail etiquette includes staying on marked trails to protect vegetation, packing out all garbage (leave no trace), yielding to uphill hikers, keeping dogs on leash where required, and being respectful of other hikers. Many trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders, so be aware of your surroundings and yield appropriately. If you encounter wildlife, give animals plenty of space and never feed them.

Bear Awareness and Wildlife Safety

Canada is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, and encounters are possible in many camping and hiking areas. Understanding bear behaviour and knowing what to do during an encounter is essential for your safety. The Parks Canada bear safety page provides detailed guidance on how to prevent encounters and what to do if you meet a bear on the trail.

Key bear safety practices include making noise while hiking (talking, clapping, or using bear bells), travelling in groups, keeping food stored in bear-proof containers or hung from trees away from your campsite, never cooking or eating in or near your tent, and carrying bear spray. If you see a bear, stay calm, do not run, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly. The appropriate response differs between black bears and grizzly bears, so educating yourself before your trip is critical.

Other Wildlife to Be Aware Of

In addition to bears, you may encounter cougars, elk, moose, deer, and coyotes in Canadian wilderness areas. Moose can be particularly dangerous during rutting season (fall) and when protecting calves (spring). Always maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, never approach or feed wild animals, and store your food and garbage securely. If you are camping with children, keep them close to your campsite and within your line of sight at all times.

Camping with Children and Families

Camping is a wonderful family activity, and many Canadian parks have programs designed specifically for families with children. Parks Canada offers the Learn-to-Camp program, which provides beginner camping workshops and equipment at select national parks. Provincial parks often host interpretive programs, nature walks, and junior ranger activities during the summer months.

When camping with young children, choose campgrounds with good facilities, plan shorter hikes appropriate for their age and ability, bring familiar comfort items, and involve children in campsite activities like gathering firewood (where permitted) and identifying plants and animals. For more information about keeping children safe, see our guide to childproofing and home safety.

Campfire Safety and Fire Bans

Campfires are a beloved part of the Canadian camping experience, but they also carry significant responsibility. BC experiences regular wildfire seasons, and campfire bans are often in effect during dry summer months. Always check the current fire ban status on the BC Government fire bans page before building a fire. Violating a fire ban can result in fines of up to $100,000 and even criminal charges if a wildfire results.

When campfires are permitted, use only designated fire rings, keep your fire small, never leave it unattended, and fully extinguish it before leaving your campsite or going to sleep. Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and check that everything is cool to the touch before walking away.

Getting Started: Your First Outdoor Adventure

If you are new to outdoor recreation, start small. Visit a local park for a day hike, have a picnic, or explore a nature trail near your community. As your confidence grows, try a one-night camping trip at a well-equipped campground. Many communities in BC have outdoor clubs, hiking groups, and newcomer-focused nature programs that can help you learn the skills you need and connect with others who share your interest in exploring the outdoors.

WelcomeAide is here to support your settlement journey in Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about outdoor recreation, camping, hiking safety, and other topics in your language. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.