This park near Vancouver is the perfect summer escape with hidden waterfalls and dreamy lakes

You made it through another dreary winter in Vancouver, and now it's time to get out and explore. Just beyond the city is some of the most incredible nature the country has to offer, from jagged mountain peaks to waterfalls tucked away in lush forests.

This park, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver, is the perfect summer escape. Trails wind through the expansive park, nestled in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains.

While many people flock to the ocean shorelines in the provinces when summer hits, Manning Park is a more underrated trip — but it'll impress all the same.

While you're a relatively short road trip away from Vancouver, the park feels like an escape in every way possible. Peacefulness is easy to find here, either on the sparkling shore of the beautiful Lightning Lake, or among the blooming wildflowers in the mountains here.

There's camping sites within the park that you can book on the BC Parks website, so you can immerse yourself in the fresh air of the outdoors.

Three Falls Trail in the park will take you deep into the forest, getting a view of three separate cascades along the way.

There's also Manning Park Resort here if you want a bit more comfort. The resort is right in the park, so you won't miss out on the natural beauty, but you will be able to sleep in a bed.

If you want a weekend getaway when the sun comes out — this is the spot to go.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.