If you go to Manning Park

(All prices in Canadian dollars — currently only a few cents different from U.S. dollars)

Getting there

E.C. Manning Provincial Park is about a four-hour drive (217 miles) from Seattle. Take Interstate 5 to Exit 255 in Bellingham, then go east on Highway 542/Mount Baker Highway for about 10 miles to the intersection with Highway 9 north. Continue north on Highway 9 for about 14 miles as the highway bends back and forth, passes through the small town of Nooksack and eventually ends in Sumas, a border town. Once across the border, head due north for about two miles to Highway 1. Go east for about 50 miles to Hope, and pick up Highway 3. Continue east for about 40 miles to Manning Park Resort. Lightning Lake Campground is about 4 miles west of the resort on Gibson Pass Road.

Camping

Campsites at Lightning Lake Campground (which boasts lovely flush toilets and free hot showers) cost $22 and are available for reservation by calling toll-free, 800-689-9025, or logging on to the Web at www.discovercamping.ca and clicking on "Search Campgrounds."

Lodging

Manning Park Resort offers lodging ranging from queen rooms to a triplex chalet for nightly rates from $164 to $369 plus tax. www.manningpark.com or 800-330-3321.

Hiking, swimming

and boating

Frosty Mountain hike: 14 miles round-trip from the Lightning Lake day-use area; add about two miles if you start and finish at Lightning Lake Campground. Elevation gain: 3,800 feet. High point: 7,900 feet.

Lightning Lake day-use area, located about a mile east of Lightning Lake Campground, offers swimming. Rent canoes, kayaks and rowboats for $15 per hour or $50 per day. No powerboats allowed.

Traveler's tip

Parking at the day-use area, and at Subalpine Meadows, costs $3 per vehicle.

More information

See www.manningpark.com, the resort's Web site, or the park's government site at