Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park will close to recreational visitors from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3, 2025, in what the province says will be the final temporary closure of the year.
According to a provincial press release, the closure allows the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua to reconnect with the land, carry out cultural and spiritual practices, and recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The closure also gives the park time to recover after a busy summer season.
The schedule balances the Nations’ request for additional closure dates with conservation goals and public access, the Province said. This year’s closures match last year’s agreement, which included three temporary closure periods while ensuring the park remains open during the Labour Day weekend.
“Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park is one of the busiest in the province, and managing high visitor numbers is critical to protecting the land,” the release stated.
The park is co-managed by BC Parks, Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua under the Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park Visitor Use Management Strategy, released in 2021. The joint plan protects sensitive areas, mitigates impacts on vegetation and wildlife, and ensures cultural access for the Nations while maintaining responsible public access.
Since 2021, day-use passes have been required at Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes to manage crowds, provide safe parking and improve the visitor experience. Passes can be reserved online at 7 a.m., two days before a planned visit, through the BC Parks website.
Earlier this year, the park was closed from April 25 to May 16 for the first of the season’s three temporary closures.
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