During the pandemic, many people used their extra downtime and turned to outdoor recreation in provincial parks.
With an increase in visitation the Government of BC decided to extend free day-use passes for another year to select parks in the province, and add additional support to the BC Park Foundation.
The parks included are Mount Robson Park (Berg Lake Trail), Stawamus Chief Park (Chief Parks Backside Trail), Garibaldi Park (trailheads at Diamond Head, Rubble Creek and Cheakamus) and Golden Ears Park.
In order to access these free passes, individuals must register online the day prior, which you can do here. Changes have included extending booking times to 7am and youth not requiring a pass when accompanied with an adult.
As well the government plans to re-open Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in partnership with Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua, under a new visitor use management strategy.
This strategy is the first of its kind for BC Parks, but is set to demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality visitor experience and protect Indigenous cultural values and the natural environment.
“Including Indigenous knowledge and conservation values requires a consultative and adaptive approach, which means listening,” said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment. “I want to thank everyone who provided feedback to make this season more enriching and respectful of the special places we cherish.”
The Government of BC is also partnering with BC Parks Foundation to hire more than 30 full-time park ambassadors to welcome visitors and provide tips on safe and responsible recreation.
“We support the effort BC Parks is making to have discover parks ambassadors in some of our most popular parks to greet people and talk about safe and responsible recreation,” said Doug Pope, manager at North Shore Rescue. “This is a welcome development to the day-pass program and ensures everyone can enjoy a safer experience.”
Visitors to parks often stay on popular paths which can result in over usage. Over usage of trails can lead to many environmental impacts just as soil erosion, damaged vegetation, increased littering and trail widening.
Click here for more information on how you can travel smart this summer.
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