Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy Cabins: Review & Information

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I have been coming to these cabins at Porteau Cove for more than five years and have always enjoyed and loved my stay. They’re an excellent escape from the city even though you’re only an hour away.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park, situated on Howe Sound, is a popular rest stop along the Sea to Sky Highway. While it may be a rest stop to some, it’s home to two iconic Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy Cabins.

While my overall review is positive, I recommend staying in these two beautiful cabins. Keep reading for more details.

My Review

I would give these Porteau Cove cabins a rating of 4.7/5 stars. The beds are comfortable, and the cabins are cozy and warm. These cabins provide a glamping experience, so you’ll have to pack as you would going camping.

However, the only downside is that if four adults are in the cabins, there isn’t much room to move around. Also, there’s a steep ladder for sleeping in the loft where there’s a queen bed. But honestly, I understand why they designed it like that to save space.

But overall, for a short-term stay, the cabins are perfect for a quick getaway from the city.

About Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy Cabins

Pioneer Log Homes built the cabins, which were used as information kiosks at Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Later on, after the Olympics, the cabins were converted into livable cabins for people to rent out for the weekends.

Defined by “North” and “South,” these log-style cabins sit side by side on the edge of the ocean bank, which overlooks Howe Sound and beautiful mountain ranges.

Unfortunately, each cabin’s capacity can only hold up to four people (i.e. two parents and two children or four adults).

The Olympic Legacy Cabins – Inside

While they’re identical on the outside, they’re as well on the inside. Both doors have key codes; you can arrange the code when you book.

As you walk inside, there’s a small common area with essentials such as a small kitchenette and a mini-fridge.

The park rangers have supplies of all the necessary cooking utensils, plates, cups, wine glasses, and mugs, though you’re welcome to bring your own.

There are also extra chairs folded against the wall near the door. They supply an electric kettle for hot water and a toaster. However, again, you’re welcome to bring whatever you need.

The kitchenette sink is also small, so be mindful if you bring big pots or use an Instapot.

💡 Tip: I recommend preparing meals at home and then assembling or cutting up vegetables while you’re there because there’s not enough room to cook a meal from scratch.

There could be a draft coming from the windows; however, the radiators located in the common area, the bedroom, and the bathroom, if all turned on, the cabin will become toasty!

You’ll need to bring your own bedding, pillows, towels, face towels, a bath mat, and kitchen towels.

There’s one bedroom on the ground, which has two spacious beds forming a bunk bed.

A step stool is provided for the bunk bed to reach the top bunk, and a full-length mirror is against the wall.

A ladder on the side, close to the window, opens into a loft. It’s a steep climb up and down as it feels on a 45-degree angle; however, it’s secured incredibly well.

There’s a light switch to turn off and on the lights upstairs in the loft. It’s behind the headboard on the right-hand side. You can also turn off and on the lights on the main floor.

Also, a lamp and clock are on one of the bedside tables and a luggage bench. (The luggage bench was on my right-hand side, out of view of the photo).

The plumbing system is run by a septic tank in the washroom and a sink in the kitchenette. A small shower is available, and hotel-size soap, shampoos, and conditioners are supplied.

There’s Wifi! However, the Wifi can be spotty at times, but that is okay; you’re here to relax and unplug!

There’s a TV to watch DVDs (old school, right?); however, there’s no cable. But there’s an HDMI cable if you want to hook your laptop to watch on the TV screen.

The cabins get cozy during the year’s colder months. The loft will feel warm/hot during the night, and fans are provided if you feel too warm/hot.

Outside And Surroundings

The North cabin is wheelchair accessible. On the patio, there’s a small BBQ and propane provided to cook. There’s also a propane-fueled fire pit, two big red lawn chairs, a picnic-style table, and benches.

While the South cabin is built identically, the only difference is that there are a couple of steps to get to the door.

Parking is free behind the cabins. There are designated parking stalls strictly for the cabins only.

Also, note that an active train track goes by behind the cabins. So, depending on the time of year, it might affect how busy they are. Of course, the time of day is a factor as well.

You do feel the rumble and hear the noise of the train, but eventually, you’ll forget it’s there.

You can walk around the central area of the park or through the campgrounds. At the end of the campgrounds area, there’s a lookout point.

About Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Porteau Cove Provincial Park isn’t far away from the hustle and bustle of city life and is situated on the beautiful fjords of Howe Sound. It’s a popular campground spot all year round because of its location.

It’s a great spot to look out into the scenic views of this pit stop, and the park is also a well-known scuba diving spot. A purposely sunken ship was used as part of the scuba diving attraction.

The dock, the face of Porteau Cove, is used for emergencies in case a significant landslide or avalanche ever occurs on the highway.

How To Get To Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Getting to the Olympic Legacy Cabins is easy to get from the city of Vancouver. There are two ways, depending on where you’re coming from in Vancouver.

As a note, driving along the Sea to Sky Highway from October 1st to March 31st requires snow tires on your vehicle. Be prepared for anything that could happen along your journey.

The first way is to travel along Trans-Canada Highway 1, which will turn into Highway 99. The drive will take approximately 40 minutes.

The second way is if you’re coming from Downtown Vancouver. You’ll want to get onto BC99 towards West Vancouver. It will be approximately a 40-minute drive as well.

The Sea to Sky Highway is also one of the best winter road trips in British Columbia.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Porteau Cove

The best time to visit Porteau Cove is from September to November. However, visiting during those months has some downsides but positives at the same time.

The downside is that there will likely be more rain, but there will be more moderate temperatures. Also, it will get darker earlier, and since you’re right on the ocean bank, it will be chilly during the evening and night.

However, on the positive, the cabins are extremely cozy during those months and make the experience ten times better.

If you book during summer, prices go up compared to the slower seasons, like early spring.

Things To Know Before You Go

These are some tips to know before you go to stay at these beautiful cabins.

✔ Plan Accordingly

There are no grocery stores or restaurants nearby. The closest would either be in Squamish or back in West Vancouver.

✔ Book In Advance

I highly recommend booking well in advance because once you have experienced these two cabins, you’ll want to come back every year! (This will be my fifth year going up).

✔ Watch Out For Wildlife

You’re still close to wildlife, so be mindful as there will be raccoons and other animals that can be around. Also, don’t leave any garbage or litter outside of the cabins.

✔ Weather Watch

Check the B.C. Parks website before you go and double-check weather conditions, park conditions or other possible advisories that may occur. I have stayed during a storm, and it was super cozy staying inside the cabins.

Things To Do Around Porteau Cove

Whether you stay put at the Olympic Legacy Cabins or want to venture out for the day, a few attractions are a few minutes’ drive away.

The Britannia Mine Museum is a great tourist spot if you travel with children. You can spend at least half the day exploring this historical site. Their main attraction is the mine tour which runs every hour.

Another attraction that is close by is The Sea To Sky Gondola. However, depending on the time of year you go, they may be closed for maintenance to keep up with the demands of the amount of tourists visiting during the summer.

You can also check out Shannon Falls, which you can see from the highway. It’s a short hike to the viewing platform from the parking lot. It will be busy during the summer.

If you want to venture out even further, you can explore the town of Squamish. There are many things to do on a Squamish day trip.

Conclusion

As you can see, staying in these two Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy Cabins is worth visiting as a quick weekend getaway with your friends or family. While I love staying at these cabins, I hope that you enjoy your stay too.

Have a good day 🙂