BC Parks has announced significant improvements at Stawamus Chief Park and Garibaldi Park, enhancing visitor experiences and addressing safety concerns. At Stawamus Chief park, 37 new parking spaces have been added, easing congestion and allowing more visitors to enjoy the park.
Substantial upgrades have also been made to the Chief Peaks Trail, including installing wooden box steps and stone stairs to protect tree roots. A metal ladder on the first peak trail, known as the “dog slab,” has been replaced with wooden stairs, reducing congestion by providing more space for hikers.
“These upgrades are part of our commitment to ensuring high-quality outdoor recreation experiences for everyone,” a BC Parks media relations representative said.
At Garibaldi Park, the Diamond Head chain-up parking lot has been expanded to accommodate eight to ten more vehicles, and further road upgrades are under consideration.
The improvements are set against a backdrop of rising visitor numbers to parks along the Sea to Sky corridor, which has led to parking congestion and safety issues. BC Parks has implemented a parking enforcement policy at Stawamus Chief and Murrin Parks, ensuring visitors park only in designated areas. Vehicles parked illegally will be towed to maintain safe access for all.
More trail upgrades at Stawamus Chief Park are scheduled for the fall. These will focus on replacing aging facilities and further protecting tree roots on the second peak trail. BC Parks encourages visitors to adhere to parking regulations and look out for “no parking” signs to avoid penalties.
