CampPing guide
Maple Bay Cabins at Cultus Lake: A Cozy Cabin Stay Near Vancouver
Heated lakeside cabins, mountain views, and outdoor adventure — about 90 minutes from Vancouver.
By Ahmed Mahdy
·British Columbia, Canada
If I had to pick one campground I keep coming back to, it is the Maple Bay Cabins at Cultus Lake. The rustic lakeside cabins are cozy in every season, steps from the water, and surrounded by everything that makes the Fraser Valley special.
They are not fancy. There is no running water inside, and they are still simple camping cabins, but they do include heating, lighting, a power outlet, and that classic cabin vibe that makes you instantly slow down.
And the best part? You are just a short walk from the lake.
Maple Bay Cabins, at a glance
Why Maple Bay Cabins Are So Special
These cabins sit on the southeast corner of Cultus Lake and are some of the most sought-after stays in the entire park.
- Lakeside location: Most cabins keep you close to the water, beach days, and easy morning walks.
- Simple and cozy: Cabin comfort without turning the trip into a hotel stay. Bring your own bedding and cooking gear.
- Close to everything: The beach, marina, trails, playgrounds, and family attractions are all easy to reach.
- Open all year: Summer is classic, but fall and winter stays can be quieter and easier to plan.
- Extremely hard to book: Demand is high and prime dates can sell out months in advance.
What's included
- Heating
- Lighting
- 110V power outlet
- Beds and mattresses
- Covered patio
- Picnic table
- Cooking surface
What's not included
- Bedding or linens
- Dishes or cookware
- Running water inside
- Private bathroom or shower
- Fridge
Things to Do at Cultus Lake
- Swim and relax at the sandy main beach
- Rent boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and lake gear
- Explore hiking trails around Cultus Lake
- Visit Cultus Lake Waterpark in season
- Enjoy nearby golf, mini-golf, and local restaurants
- Try a quiet off-season escape
Hikes Near Maple Bay Cabins
You do not need to turn the trip into a full hiking weekend. The best nearby trails range from a 30-minute interpretive walk to a half-day ridge hike.
Maple Bay Trail
Easy30 min return
Low gain
A quick interpretive walk from the Maple Bay day-use area.
Giant Douglas-fir Trail
Moderate45 min return
~76-90 m gain
A short forest walk to one of the park’s biggest old-growth trees.
Seven Sisters Trail
Easy1.5-2 hr return
~120 m gain
A campground-to-campground forest route between Entrance Bay and Clear Creek.
Teapot Hill Trail
Moderate5 km, about 2 hr return
~250-280 m gain
A steeper workout with lake and Columbia Valley views near Honeymoon Bay.
Cultus Lake Horse Trail / Road 918
Easy grade, long route20 km round trip, about 5 hr
~280 m gain one way
A longer gravel-and-shale route shared by hikers, cyclists, and horses.
Vedder Mountain Ridge Trail
Moderate to hard10 km, about 4 hr return
~500 m gain
A nearby ridge hike with bigger effort, forest sections, and occasional views.
Trail conditions can change with storms, windfall, winter weather, and maintenance. Check the current BC Parks trail conditions report and obey posted signs before heading out.
Why Maple Bay Cabins Are So Hard to Book
There are only 25 cabins and everyone wants them. Summer weekends sell out within minutes of reservations opening.
How the booking window works
- Book through BC Parks at camping.bcparks.ca
- New dates open daily at 7 a.m. Pacific, up to 3 months before arrival
- Summer weekends disappear fast — check early
- Cancellations happen regularly, especially close to the arrival date
Pro tip: If you do not have time to constantly check for cancellations, CampPing watches availability and alerts you the moment a cabin opens up.
Maple Bay Cabins — Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Maple Bay cabins are there?
- There are 25 visitor cabins next to the Maple Bay campground at Cultus Lake Provincial Park.
- Do Maple Bay cabins have running water?
- No. There is no running water inside the cabins. Shared washrooms and tap water are a short walk away in the campground.
- Are the cabins heated?
- Yes. Each cabin has electric heating, so they are comfortable in every season, including fall and winter.
- What should I bring to Maple Bay cabins?
- Bring your own bedding, pillows, towels, dishes, and cooking gear. The cabin supplies the beds, a covered patio, a picnic table, and a stainless-steel cooking surface.
- How far are Maple Bay cabins from Vancouver?
- About 90 km (56 miles), or roughly 1.25 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
- What if Maple Bay cabins are sold out?
- Cancellations open up regularly, especially close to the arrival date. CampPing monitors availability and sends you an alert the moment a cabin opens up.
Useful Resources
Maple Bay Cabins sold out? Get a cancellation alert.
CampPing watches for cancellations so you do not have to.