Manning Park Activities

The Dark Skies of Manning Park offer some of the very best stargazing around, with multiple viewing locations and very limited light pollution. Gaze up in wonder at the celestial show above, painted with twinkling stars against a canvas of the dark night sky, anytime of the year.

Our top recommended stargazing locations include, but are not limited to: Windy Joe Field; Lightning Lake Day Use Area; The Cascade Lookout and The Sub-Alpine Meadows. If you are an avid camper, then Skyview RV Campground is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature during the day, while enjoying the brilliant dark sky at night.

Windy Joe Field Located in the middle of our cabin loop to the west of the resort. This is a very accessible location, although there will be more light in this area as it is around the Resort. Year-Round

Lightning Lake Day Use 4km from Manning Park Resort on Gibson Pass Road. The viewing area is located at the far end of the parking lot in the field by the lake. Parking: Park in the Day Use parking lot. Year-Round

Cascade Look-Out 8km on the Blackwall Peak Road. This is a winding mountain road with 1150m elevation gain. Please use caution! Parking: Parking lot is at the Look-out. Spring- Fall only

Subalpine Meadows Parking Lot 16km on the Blackwall Peak Road. The road is paved 8km to the Lookout, then gravel. Parking: Parking is in the Lower Lot, near the Naturalist hut. Viewing is in the upper parking lot. Walking off the path is prohibited. Spring-Summer only

Reconnect with nature when you book your Manning Park camping vacation. Choose from a wide range of options including lakeside campsites, wilderness camping, group camping, and more – there’s so much to explore!

You can now book a site 120 days in advance, ahead of your desired arrival date.

All Manning Park camping reservations MUST be made through BC Parks. Manning Park Resort and Manning Park Visitor Centre do not facilitate any requests for camping reservations. Please call 1-800-689-9025 or visit BCParks.ca to make your camping reservation.

Check-in time is 1pm and check-out time is 11am.

With Manning Park Resort as your starting point, access a wide network of hiking trails that wind through the expansive valley and up to stunning peaks.

With options for both the beginner and experienced hiker, hiking in Manning Park is an outdoor adventure for everyone.

There are many mountain biking trails at Manning Park Resort, ranging from front to backcountry, and easy to difficult.

The information on the bike trails in Manning Park has been provided to you by Manning Park Resort. Users of this information do so at their own risk.

Measurements are approximate. Full topographical map available for purchase at Country Store and the Manning Park Visitor Centre.

Level of difficulty rating is based on physical effort.

For trail info and more, contact Manning Park Visitor Centre: 604-668-5953

Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals

OPEN Weekends ONLY until September 22nd (weather dependent). For weekday rentals, please visit the Front Desk at the Manning Park Resort Lodge.

Enjoy an adventure in a two-seater canoe, five-person Mackenzie canoe, rowboat, kayak, tandem kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. We have hourly and day rates available at the Boathouse (located at the Lightning Lake Day Use Area). This is fun for the whole family! The Boathouse also stocks a variety of snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream treats.

When the Boathouse is closed, rentals are handled through the Manning Park Resort Front Desk.

The mountains, lakes, and meadows surrounding Manning Park Resort provide a habitat for an abundance of wildlife and birds. Often you don’t have to wander far past Manning Park Lodge to catch a glimpse of our animal neighbours.

Wildlife & Safety Information

Wildlife such as black bears should never be approached when encountered. These animals are not tame or gentle; they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear. Bears normally make every effort to avoid humans, but a bag of garbage or an unattended picnic may prove irresistible due to their keen sense of smell. At Manning Park, we follow the recommendations of BC Parks when it comes to safeguarding wildlife. If you’re camping at Manning Park, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these safety precautions and general camping ethics.

Wildflowers at Manning Park Resort

When you think of Manning Park in the summer, do you picture a valley filled with wildflowers? You’re not the only one.

Manning Park is home to over 100 species of alpine and subalpine wildflowers — and that’s about how many places there are in the park to enjoy them! Each year we are treated to a spectacle of bloom and colour at Manning Park that starts in the spring, builds to its peak in July, and continues through to fall.

Wildflowers can be seen along trails, in park areas, and near Lightning Lake and the Similkameen River. If you’re keen to experience a true wildflower spectacle, seek a higher vantage point at Manning Park: hike in to Poland Lake, the Alpine Meadows, and along the Skyline and Three Falls trails.

At Manning Park, you will find yourself surrounded by beauty at all times of the year, but to see wildflowers like you’ve never seen you really have to come in spring and summer.

Guided Wildflower Walks

Wildflower walks happen 5 days/week during the summer.

Friday-Monday & Wednesday, typically at 11am. Check the weekly schedule to confirm. Meet at Naturalist hut at upper parking lot on Blackwall Peak road.

This is part of Manning Park’s interpretive programs. Donations are greatly appreciated and help our programs continue!

Bird Watching

Manning Park is a prime birding destination due to all the species that frequent the area and the numerous and scenic viewing areas. The rare at-risk Spotted Owl is seen here, and there is a management plan in effect for both the Manning and Skagit Valley areas.

Manning Park hosts the Bird Blitz every year in June. This weekend event brings together birders from near and far to participate in two days of sightings with a dinner and guest speaker. See hopemountain.org for more on this annual event.

The inspiration for photographers is endless at Manning Park Resort. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur looking to capture your family vacation, be sure to pack spare batteries because you might not want to stop!

The Loon Lagoon indoor pool facility is the perfect place to rejuvenate after a long day of outdoor play at Manning Park Resort. Entry to the complex is included for resort guests. In addition to a 50ft heated indoor pool, you can stay fit in the exercise room, or you can ease sore muscles in a sauna, two hot tubs, and a steam room (towels are included for guests, available in the facility).

Guests of Manning Park are also welcome to use our pay-per-use laundry facilities located in the Loon Lagoon building.

Even when not on the trails or slopes, there is so much to do and enjoy at Manning Park Resort.

The Loon Lagoon pool & hot tub facility is available to non-resort guests for an additional fee of * $10 for ages 13 & up and * $5 for ages 12 & under. Payment can be made at the Front Desk of the Resort. It is obligatory to shower before using this facility. Please note that we may limit capacity on busy days. For hours, see the Hours of Operation page.

Fitness Centre To stay in riding and hiking shape, our exercise room includes an elliptical training machine, programmable treadmill, and variety of free weights.

Exploring Manning Park by horseback is another of the many Fresh Air Experiences available in the area. Find your way into the backcountry wilderness along the many trails available for riding use, and spend the night in one of two backcountry horse camps.

Please be advised Manning Park Resort does not have horses for rent.

Horses are welcome on the following trails at Manning Park: * Dewdney * Windy Joe * Poland Lake * Similkameen East and West * North Gibson * Little Muddy * Hope Pass