'''E.C. Manning Provincial Park''' [http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/manning.html] is in British Columbia, Canada. It is 70,844 hectares in size.
Understand
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
The only way to get in is on the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) via Hope in the west or Princeton in the east.
From Vancouver, it is approximately 3 hrs driving time east along Hwy 1 and Hwy 3. Coming from Kelowna, it is approximately 2.5 hrs driving by heading south along Hwy 97 and then following the 3A and Hwy 3 west.
Fees/Permits
Get around
See
Take in the view from the '''Cascade Lookout'''. The lookout is accessed from the road that climbs to Blackwall Peak, which begins across from Manning Park Resort.
Do
In summer, '''hike''' on the numerous trails in the park.
In winter, '''cross-country ski''' on 35 km of trails or '''downhill ski and snowboard''' at the Manning Park ski area.
Buy
The '''Country Store''' at the Manning Park Resort is the only place to purchase supplies in the park. It carries groceries, auto and camping supplies, some clothing, postcards and other souvenirs. Otherwise, the nearest town of any size is Hope, which is about 40 minutes away.
Eat
There is a restaurant at the Pinewoods Lodge building at Manning Park Resort.
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
'''Manning Park Resort''', 7500 Highway #3, ''+1 250'' 840-8822 and 1-800-330-3321, [http://www.manningpark.com]. A lodge and cabins situated in a valley within in the park. Lodge rooms have an occupancy of 4-6 persons and include bar fridge, microwave and TV. Cabins include the above plus a full kitchen and have an occupancy of 8-14 people. Amenities include fireside lounge, games room, indoor pool, sauna and hot tub, tennis courts and volleyball court. Rooms and cabins range from $164 - $369.
Camping
There are four campgrounds open for camping in the summer that are accessible from Hwy 3. The opening and closing times vary from year-to-year depending on snow levels. The park tries to have at least one campground open from mid-May to the Canadian Thankgiving holiday weekend (second weekend in October).
'''Lightning Lakes''' - Located on Lightning Lake near Manning Park Resort. Requires reservations after mid-June. $22/night.
'''Coldspring''' is located 40 km east of the park's western portal. It is near the Similkameen River with a few sites overlooking the river. Sites cannot be reserved. $14/night.
'''Hampton''' is located 12 km west of the park's eastern portal. It is the only campground not on water. Sites cannot be reserved. $14/night.
'''Mule Deer''' is located 3.5 km west of the park's eastern portal. It is also on the Similkameen River and tends to be the first campground to open. Sites cannot be reserved. $14/night.
Backcountry
There are 10 backcountry camping areas in the park accessed by trails. Facilities are limited and cost is $5/person per night.
Stay safe
Be bear aware in the summer. Some wilderness campgrounds have bear caches for storing food.
If driving through the park in winter, it's a good idea to carry chains. Black ice is common and the snow can accumulate quite a bit in a storm before it is plowed.
Get out