April 2022 - Manning Park Resort

As I reflect over the past winter season, I am extremely grateful for the season we were able to provide as it was in serious doubt early on. As you know, there were significant challenges to overcome at the start of this past winter related to the atmospheric rivers and resulting road closures and travel restrictions, the ongoing COVID developments, supply chain issues and industry wide staffing shortages. With the support of our long-time partners, local heavy equipment operators and our resilient staff, we were able to complete the necessary repairs to the Alpine and Nordic areas and open our operations for our valued guests for winter operations on December 22/21.

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who visited MPR this past winter for their support, patience and cooperation as we navigated through the various COVID mandates, the Christmas cold spell and a variety of other operational challenges. It was gratifying to hear all the positive feedback with the opening of the new BC Parks Skyview RV Campground and the renovations made to the Standard Cabins and Bear’s Den. We had hoped to have more cabin renovations completed for this past winter but supply chain issues and other factors beyond our control caused delays on this front. We hope to resume our planned upgrades as the ongoing supply chain issues become resolved.

If there is one thing I have learned over these past two years, it is that there is no such thing as “normal”. This is both exciting and concerning at the same time. The concerning portion is that a great deal of what we will be faced with is unknown or new to us. However, this is also very exciting as this allows us to venture into new territory and explore our operations with fresh views and new perspectives. We hope you will be excited as we are with the new opportunities that have, and will continue to present themselves to all us to provide our guests with improved experiences here at MPR.

Again, we thank you for your support in allowing us to provide you and your loved ones with a safe and memorable winter experience. Summer will soon be upon us with new and exciting adventures to be had, so please stay safe and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Vern Schram

General Manager

We look to the stars for guidance, companionship, information, and history. Our dark skies are an integral part of humanity, and you can see them best here at Manning Park. It’s no secret that our Dark Sky fosters some of the best stargazing around! Surrounded by over 83,000 hectares of protected forest and almost no light pollution, our stargazing is unmatched.

Take advantage of our Dark Sky Discount to get 25% off accommodations this spring. Plan your stargazing trip this spring. All you need to do is subscribe to the Dark Sky Mailing List. That’s it!

Valid for lodge rooms, all cabins, and chalets. Blackout dates apply.

Manning Park’s Top 4 Stargazing Spots

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.

Lightning Lake

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. You can find parking in the day use parking lot.

Cascade Lookout

8km on the Blackwall Peak Road. This is a winding mountain road with 1150m elevation gain. Please use caution! Parking lot is at the Lookout.

Please note: there may still be snow on this road in the early spring months.

Subalpine Meadows Parking Lot

16km up Blackwall Peak Road. The road is paved 8km to the Lookout, then gravel. Parking is in the Lower Lot, near the Naturalist hut. Viewing is in the upper parking lot. Walking off the path is prohibited.

Please note: This road is not accessible until July 1st.

Although these spots may be the top favourites, any place in Manning is a great place to see the stars: in front of your cabin, on the side of the highway, out on a night stroll. Take the time out of your evening to enjoy the richness and enjoyment our stars provide us with.

We offer beginner Centron Firstscope telescopes for rent from our Front Desk for $7 ($5 if you’re a member of our Dark Sky Mailing List!). All astronomers report to Manning!