Golden Ears Day Pass Gear List
Cell service is poor or missing in much of Golden Ears, so BC Parks says to bring paper maps, consider a satellite phone and carry your 10 essentials. Water gets scarce on the higher trails, and snow lingers into June and July.
What BC Parks says to carry
Your 10 essentials
BC Parks says to carry them and know how to use them.
Paper maps
For backcountry hiking, because cell service is poor or not available in many areas.
A satellite phone
BC Parks says to consider one for emergencies.
Water
Take water on Alouette Mountain. Beyond Alder Flats, water may be scarce.
Equipment for the current conditions
Everybody in your party needs the equipment and ability the conditions require.
A bag for your garbage
There is no garbage removal service.
Conditions
Late snow
Expect snow on Alouette Mountain well into June, and on Panorama Ridge well into July.
Muddy trails
Some trails gather water and get muddy and swamped during and after rain.
Daylight
Make sure you have enough time to return before dark.
Waterfalls
BC Parks says waterfalls are dangerous and not to swim in the falls.
Bear country
BC Parks says Golden Ears is bear country.
Rules
Dogs on leash
Dogs must be leashed in campgrounds and on trails within 1 km of the Parkway Road.
No drones without permission
Operating one without permission is illegal in BC Parks.
One pass per vehicle
Download, screenshot or print it before you arrive. Visitors who arrive on public transit need no pass.
Gear questions for Golden Ears
Is there cell service at Golden Ears?
BC Parks says service is poor or not available in many areas, and suggests paper maps and a satellite phone for emergencies.
Is there water on the Golden Ears trails?
BC Parks says to take water on Alouette Mountain and that water may be scarce beyond Alder Flats.
Do you need a Golden Ears day pass on public transit?
No. BC Parks says visitors who arrive on public transit do not need a day-use pass.
Sources
- BC Parks: Golden Ears Park
- BC Parks: Golden Ears trail report (PDF, May 19, 2026)
- BC Parks: day-use passes
Checked against the agency pages above on November 9, 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in Canada, call 911.