Epic Snow Dump + Winter Camping + Freshly Paved Highway 3

We just received a fresh dump of snow, and now have over 30cm’s up top (see picture above). We are gearing up and excited for our best season ever, and can’t wait to see you on the hill!
OPENING DAY IS DECEMBER 3rd, 2022
SO MUCH NEWS COMING YOUR WAY! Did you know?
  • Highway 3 has been repaved and had extensive improvements. It will be a smooth and safe drive out for all of our guests.
  • The Gibson’s Pass Road has now been paved from Highway 3 all the way up to the ski hill.
  • Our Alpine T-Bar has been repaired and is back in operation.
  • We have also done repairs on our Alpine slope and water system.
  • Lobby upgrades in the works!
Look no further for your ticket to Fresh Powder and Winter Adventures. At Manning Park, you can carve your way down the slopes, glide across 60km’s of Nordic trails, snowshoe the majestic and tranquil beauty of the Cascade Mountains, or soak in a hot tub and wind down for the evening at our Rustic Retreat. Your Adventure Starts Here…

We are your Winter Camping Destination, offering 60 full service winterized sites at:
Skyview Campground
An authentic Canadian Outdoor Experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, and the magic winter brings. Skyview campground is connected to the Manning Park trail network, offering you all the facilities you need for an unforgettable stay.

BOOK YOUR SITE TODAY

 

 

Manning Park Resort x Indy Pass

119 Resorts | Two Days at Each Resort | $329

Now in its 4th year, we are thrilled to be part of the @Indyskipass as it heads into its BIGGEST winter season yet. Offering 2 days of skiing per location, at more than 100+ independent resorts and counting. We are proud to be a part of something that aligns with our roots.

The best part is, our pass holders will get exclusive access to the AddOn Indy pass for nearly 30% off. Uncover the joy of skiing and riding at an independent ski resort and join the Indy Revolution today.

Follow the #IndyRevolution on Facebook and Instagram @Indyskipass
Reservations are not required at Manning Park Resort for Indy Pass users.

To buy Indy add-on pass click here

INDY XC PASS

Indy Pass now offers a network of top cross-country resorts from across North America. All Indy Pass holders will receive two trail passes at each resort in addition to their 2 days at downhill resorts.

Indy Pass developed the program in partnership with the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and will donate 10% of pass sales to the non-profit group.

To buy Indy XC pass click here

Wildfires and Parks Updates 2022

wildfire and park updates

September 8, 2022: The trails that were closed September 7th have reopened.

September 7, 2022: There will be temporary closures for some trails as of now. These closures were requested by BC Wildfire Services to allow helicopters to take water from Lightning Lakes. We urge everyone to keep away from the below-mentioned closure areas for your safety. If the pilots see anyone close to this area, they will have to stop until it is clear.

The temporary trail closures are as follows:

– The trail from the East side of the Lightning Lake Day Use Parking to the trailhead of Mount Frosty. This is the dam area.
– The North side of Lightning Lake Loop Trail from the trailhead of Mount Frosty to Rainbow Bridge.
– Mount Frosty Trail

These closures are temporary and only for fire suppression. There is no risk of fire in this area. Once these trails are re-opened, we will provide an update. 

September 3, 2022: BC Parks has implemented partial trail closures on the south side of HWY #3 within E.C. Manning Provincial Park as a result of the Heather Lake wildfire.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE OPEN:

Manning Park Resort

The resort is fully open and operating as normal. This includes our accommodations, Loon Lagoon, Boathouse, Pinewoods Dining Room, Country Store and full-resort facilities. It is currently under evacuation alert.

Trails South of HWY #3 Now Open

All trails south of HWY#3 are open for use.

Trails under evacuation alert

  • Lightning Lake Chain Trail
  • Canyon Nature Trail
  • Rein Orchid Trail
  • Skyline I (Lightning Lake to Despair Pass)
  • Skyline I (Shadow Lake to Despair Pass)

Trails outside the evacuation alert

  • Skyline II Trail
  • Hozameen Ridge Trail
  • Similkameen Trail
  • South Gibson Trail
  • North Gibson Trail
  • Poland Lake Trail
  • Three Falls Trail
  • Memaloose Trail
  • Silver Daisy Trail
  • Skagit River Trail
  • Steamboat Trail
  • Beaver Pond Trail
  • Bonnevier Trail
  • Upper Hope Pass (past Grainger Creek)
  • Nicomen Lake Trail (north of Nicomen Lake)
  • Whipsaw Rd (in the Park; outside of the Park is covered by an area closure)

The Dewdney and Whatcom Trails and facilities West of the Cascade Parking Area also remain open at this time.

Front-Country Campgrounds

Hampton and Mule Deer Campground and Hampton are closed. All other front-country campgrounds are open and operating as normal. This includes Lightning Lake, Coldspring, Headwaters Horse Corral, and Lone Duck 1 & 2.

The campgrounds are currently under evacuation alert.

Cascade Lookout & Blackwall Road

Cascade Lookout and Blackwall Road will operate as normal and remain open.

BC PARKS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES HAVE RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING CLOSURES:

These trails are under Evacuation Order

Trail Closures

The following trails remain closed as a precautionary measure:

  • Monument 78 Trail (Castle Creek Trail)
  • Monument 83 Trail
  • Pacific Crest Trail (PCT Camp to Monument 78 Camp)
  • Mt Frosty Loop (Similkameen Trail to Frosty Mt Peak)
  • Windy Joe Trail (Mt Frosty Loop to Windy Joe lookout)
  • Mt Frosty Loop (Lightning Lake Day Use to Frosty Mt Peak)

Evacuation Order vs. Evacuation Alert

Many wildfires in B.C. occur far from cities and towns, but sometimes they threaten homes, businesses and infrastructure. If a wildfire ends up threatening property or infrastructure, an Evacuation Alert or Order may be issued. What’s the difference?

Evacuation Alert

There is no immediate danger to those under an evacuation alert. This is the time to get prepared to leave your home on short notice. Get your grab-and-go bags ready (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents and important mementos.

Listen to local emergency officials for further information on the situation.

Evacuation Order

Leave the area immediately. Follow the directions of local emergency officials and evacuate using the route(s) they’ve identified. Do not return home until you’ve been advised that the Evacuation Order has been rescinded. For those needing additional support, an Emergency Support Services Reception Centre may be opened.

As always, the safety of our guests, community, and staff is our top priority. We are in daily communication with BC Parks and BC Wildfire regarding the status of local wildfires. Should any changes in the current situation arise, we will update the public immediately.

Just an additional reminder that no campfires are permitted as the entire park is under a campfire ban. Please always be responsible as any heat source can start a fire. For example: vehicle exhaust pipes, cigarette butts, etc.

For current wildfire information, visit: BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), and the Regional District.

For current highway information, visit: Drive BC

Manning Park’s Favourite Lookout: Open for 2022!

Many have been anticipating the opening, and we can finally say that Cascade Lookout is now open for the 2022 summer season! Come see the best views, accessible to all.

 

This breathtaking view is a favourite for many of our visitors, and it’s only a 30 minute drive from Manning Park Resort (no hiking required!). 

Located across the highway directly opposite from the resort, turn left at the first intersection and drive up to the lookout point to take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. 

The lookout is open 24/7, so while camping is not permitted, we encourage visiting at night for arguably the best stargazing in the park.

JULY 14, 2022 – UPDATE: Blackwall Road is now open to the public!

We thank you for your patience while we waited for the trails to melt out, and allowing bears access to critical habitat. 

6 Reasons Why You Should Canoe (or Kayak) in Manning Park

Canoeing on Lightning Lake is something out of a fantasy world: from the calm and clear water, to the tree-embellished views of the Cascade Mountains. The stillness and natural beauty is something that can humble anyone who experiences it.

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to get out in the wilderness while getting active, and here’s the top 6 reasons why we recommend it.

It’s Family Friendly

Canoeing or kayaking is accessible for anyone in the family. It’s a great low impact way to get everyone involved. You can even rent Tandem Kayaks or 5-person Mckenzie Canoes from our boathouse to help distribute the work! Grab grandma, grandpa, and the kids, and take it at your own pace. Remember to stop and enjoy the views.

It’s Cost-Effective

These activities certainly won’t break the bank; a 4-hour canoe or kayak rental is just under $50. It’s even cheaper if you bundle our Canoe Package with your stay here.

Reduce Stress

Being outdoors is one way to reduce stress, and exercising is another! You get both when you’re out kayaking or canoeing. Getting out on the boat is meditative and calming due to its low impact nature. If you’re having a bad day, we recommend getting into a kayak. Instant mood booster.

Getting Closer to Wildlife

You can find many critters in and around the lake. See ground squirrels at the shore, and look up to the sky to see birds. If you have a fishing license and know the regulations, you can even catch some fish.

Environmentally Friendly

This activity has very little impact on the environment. Canoes and kayaks are quiet and motorless, and they don’t cause any pollution or erosion to the lake.

Celebrate Culture

Canoes have been crucial to coastal Indigenous life, using these boats to travel along the waterways far before the arrival of settlers. These canoes were carved out of trees, creating a strong bond between land and water for Indigenous peoples. Celebrate this beautiful craft they share with us.

Bonus: It’s a Great Instagram Photo.

A snapshot of your kayak tip at the mercy of our natural landscape is really something special. Share it with your friends! And always tag #manningpark so we can see your adventures and share them too.

 

Photo by Jon Ross

A Letter from Our GM, Vern Schram

 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

Our Top 4 Stargazing Spots

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!

2022/23 Season Passes on Sale!

Purchase a season pass, and ski for free for the remainder of the spring season, starting March 1st!

It’s that time of year again – season passes are on sale March 1st. 

Can’t wait for next season to come around? New 2022/23 season passholders can ski March 1st until the end of this season. Buy early to get the most out of your pass! 

NOTE: We’ve changed our season pass sales from time-sensitive rates to new tiered capacity-based rates. Quantities are limited. Once a tier is sold out, prices go up to the next tier. Get your season pass early to secure the best price.

Nordic season passes now include snowshoe access at no additional cost. Alpine passholders have the option to upgrade with a Nordic add-on for an additional $79, which includes full access to all Nordic trails, including snowshoeing. 

All season passes are non-refundable, except if Manning Park Refundable Season Pass Option is purchased. See Alpine & Nordic Season Pass FAQ webpage for more details.

Reciprocal deals for the 2022/23 season will be available next winter.

RV passes are no longer available. Check Skyview RV Campground for daily, weekly, and monthly rates

 

Purchase Alpine Season Pass

 

Purchase Nordic Season Pass

Show us Your Manning Park Family – Video Contest

Show us your Manning Park Family this winter! Whether it’s your family by blood or your chosen family, we want to see your best winter experiences at Manning Park Resort. Show us in a 1–3-minute video, and you can be entered to win…

A 2022/23 Season Pass for your Family!

VIDEO CONTEST: Video footage should be of your family enjoying winter activities at Manning Park Resort. Show us what you love to do best here! Is it hitting up the terrain park with your buds? Playing board games by the fire in the cabin? Polar Coaster tube races? Cross-country ski up to the Cascade Lookout? Show us in a 1 to 3-minute video.

Be creative and have fun! We’d love to see some unique aspects of your Manning Park winter experience that we might not typically see.

PRIZE: A 2022/23 Family Season Pass (valued at $1899!)
Valid for 2 adults and up to 4 children (under 18 years) who live at the same address
*If a family pass is not required, winner can redeem up to 3 adult season passes.

CONTEST DEADLINE: February 28th, 2022

This contest is now closed.

RULES & CRITERIA:

Video requirements:
1080 preferred
Landscape, not portrait (required)

This is an amateur contest! While we don’t expect you to have professional video quality, here are a few tips to get the best quality footage you can:

  • Record in landscape mode (horizontal with your phone, not vertical.
  • Avoid shaky footage.
  • Have clear audio (if applicable)
  • Keep your editing simple.
  • Have fun!

The videos must be a minimum of 1 minute long, a maximum of 3-minutes.

ENTRY:

  • Submissions are accepted by DropBox video upload or via YouTube on your personal channel.
  • To complete your submission, you will need to fill in this GoogleDoc form, providing your details and express permission for us to share your video through our channels.
  • Multiple entries are permitted

FINE PRINT:

  • An adult (19+) must submit the video, and any children who appear in the video must have consent provided by their parent.
  • All mountain rules must be followed. (All laws for that matter!)
  • Drone footage is not permitted as drones are required to have a permit to fly in BC Parks.
  • Helmet use is recommended when doing Alpine activities.
  • Only current footage within Manning Park Resort will be considered. (As much as we love it, no Orange Chair, sorry!)
  • You must have full authority to enter this video into this contest and the video is original and owned by you.

CHOOSING A WINNER:

  • Winner will be chosen by a panel at Manning Park Resort at our discretion.
  • Prizes will be awarded upon winner verification.
  • The winner will be notified by email in early March.
  • If a family pass is not required, winner can redeem up to 3 adult season passes.
  • No transfer of prize to a third party is permitted. No cash value.

Skyview RV Campground Is Now Open

BC Parks has just announced that Skyview RV Campground is now open. 

This new BC Parks RV Campground is located on Gibson Pass Road in Manning Park Resort 4 km off Hwy #3. This year-round RV Campground is next to the Lightning Lake Day Use Area. With over 90 sites in the summer and 60 sites in the winter, this year-round location is sure to be an immediate favourite with all visitors of E.C Manning Park.

The RV Campground features large pull-through and back-in sites. All winter sites offer full services with 50-amp power, water, and sewer. The 32 summer use sites have 30-amp power, water and sewer. A large, bright modern washhouse is available year-round.

Rates and Reservations

There are nightly sites, weekly sites, and long-stay monthly sites available. Rates can be found on our website.
Reservations for the winter season are now open.

For more information and to reserve your stay, visit https://www.manningpark.com/skyview/ or www.bcparks.ca.

 

The campground offers a great location and access to all of Manning Park Resort’s winter activities. Once ski season is open, there will be a daily shuttle that will take you from Skyview to the ski area and lodge area throughout the day.

The cross-country trail from the Nordic Center at Manning Park Resort goes right through the campground in the winter, taking cross-country skiers to the higher elevations. The proximity to Lightning Lake also offers great snowshoeing access. A shovel is recommended as it does snow!

As the name of the RV campground suggests, the location offers great views of the sky, with very limited surrounding lights. Bringing a camping chair is suggested for evening stargazing.

In summer, a large new playground has been built for kids, and hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming at Lightning Lake are just a few steps away.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at Skyview RV Campground this winter!

 

Make Your Reservation at Skyview RV Campground!