Overlooking the Howe Sound between Vancouver and Squamish, Porteau Cove is no secret for a frontcountry camping getaway. Less than an hour from the city, the provincial campground has amazing waterfront views. Myself being a spontaneous camper and Porteau Cove being one of the most popular campgrounds near Vancouver, I’ve never managed to get a reservation in the summer. Enter, winter camping!
As much as I complain about Vancouver weather, a mild winter allows for four seasons of camping. I kept an eye on the weather forecast and after one of the rainiest Januarys in Vancouver history, we finally got a break in the weather!
When we arrived, we were a little surprised how many people also had the idea to brave the cold at Porteau Cove. However, being Family Day long weekend also probably made for a busier campground. Plus there were quite a few RVs and trailers. We decided to opt out of the idealistic waterfront campground for a warmer, more practical site further inland. (I’ve learned from my mistake setting up camp on the little peninsula during a windy, wet and miserable Joffre Lakes trip.)
It was still a very brisk night. I’m just glad I ended up buying two bundles of firewood at the gas station! We got our fire going and had some delicious smokies for dinner, followed by a campfire charcuterie of cheese, deer sausage and whiskey.
Taking advantage of the clear sky, we went on a late night walk and took some photos of the night sky. It has been far too long since sleeping under a field of stars! We then retreated into the shelter of the Subaru (named Raphael after the Ninja Turtle, of course). Rey seemed to appreciate the extra blankets. We’re not gonna lie, it was still pretty damn cold sleeping in the car!
Porteau Cove was such a great weekend winter getaway. There’s nothing like unwinding from the city life with a night under the stars by a campfire. I’ll have to convince some of my friends to brave the cold for our next winter camping trip!
Campers: Josie Chow, Nickolai Zarchukoff and Rey
Camera Specs: Canon 70d body + Sigma 10-20mm lens