Joffre Lakes Park will be closed to the public during three upcoming periods in 2025 to allow Líl̓wat and N’Quatqua Nations uninterrupted access to the land for cultural and spiritual practices.
The closures — Reconnection Periods — will take place from April 25 to May 19, June 13 to 27, and August 22 to October 23. During these times, Nation members will use the area for traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, harvesting medicines, and ceremony. Visitors will not be permitted access to the park.
“These changes wouldn’t happen if we didn’t assert our inherent rights. It’s our responsibility as stewards to protect the land; it’s been overused for too long by too many people,” said Líl̓wat Nation’s Political Chief Kúkwpi7 Skalúlmecw Dean Nelson.
The reconnection initiative began in 2023 and is part of a larger strategy to restore balance to Pipi7iyekw, the Ucwalmícwts name for Joffre Lakes Park. The Nations say the time is critical for both the land and the well-being of their communities, offering space for healing and cultural renewal.
“We are noticing the Whiskey Jacks are becoming less conditioned to approach people for food, and the Pikas are being seen in greater numbers without dogs visiting the park,” said Casey Gonzalez, Director of Title & Rights at Líl̓wat Nation.
The closures are supported through a joint Visitor Use Management Strategy developed in partnership with BC Parks. The province’s day-use pass system, which helps manage crowding and ecological impact, will resume on May 17 outside. Joffre Lakes is one of the most visited provincial parks in B.C., with annual visitor numbers nearing 200,000 before the pandemic. Years of overuse have led to concerns over littering, habitat degradation, and traffic congestion along Highway 99.
