Beginning June 22, BC Parks is implementing free day-use passes for Stawamus Chief trail, and for trailheads at Diamond Head, Rubble Creek, and Cheakamus in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
The free-day passes are also being implemented for Berg Lake trail at Mount Robson Park and at Golden Ears Park.
On June 22, BC Parks will also reopen Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, in partnership with Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua.
A free day-use passes will be in effect at Joffree Lakes park as well.
BC Parks Foundation will also introduce more than 30 full-time discover parks ambassadors to welcome visitors and provide information about safe and responsible recreation.
Day-use passes will no longer be required this summer for Mount Seymour Park and Cypress Park.
For the parks included in the summer pilot, the number of passes available each day will be adjusted to accommodate as many visitors as possible.
Changes include extending the booking time to 7 am the day prior to arrival, and youth will not require a pass when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a pass.
“We are seeing recreational demand grow exponentially in park systems across Canada. While it’s wonderful to see the public appreciation for parks and outdoor recreation, this is creating real environmental pressures and posing park management challenges for all jurisdictions,” said Dawn Carr, executive director, Canadian Parks Council.
“B.C. is in the forefront of trying to tackle these challenges and deserves credit for its innovative and responsive approach.”
In 2018-19 Golden Ears Park had 853,700 visitors, Garibaldi Park had 124,600 visitors, Stawamus Chief Park had 590,200 visitors and Mount Robson Park had 216,600 visitors.
