Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is implementing a seasonal dog ban on Combers Beach from April 14 to October 1, 2022. Dogs will not be permitted on Combers Beach between Sandhill Creek and Green Point Rocks, including Combers Beach Trail and the boardwalk access to Combers Beach from Green Point Campground.
Dogs will continue to be permitted in all other areas of the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, but must be kept on leash at all times.
“In light of our increasing understanding of the importance of the Long Beach area to migratory shorebirds, this limited measure is being taken to decrease disturbance of shorebirds during a critical time of their annual cycle – migration,” Parks Canada said.
Migratory shorebirds depend on the national park reserve as a place to rest and forage for food during long trips between the Arctic and areas as far south as South America. When migratory birds are disturbed, the extra time and energy spent fleeing can affect their survival. The presence of dogs can also contribute to the habituation of wildlife such as wolves who frequent beaches to access coastal food sources.
The seasonal Combers Beach dog ban is being introduced by Parks Canada on a trial basis to study whether it helps migratory shorebirds and other wildlife, and a dog ban is being implemented as a last resort to protect wildlife.
