Most BC Parks open for long weekend

It’s expected to be a busy long weekend for provincial parks in B.C.

Since opening in March, BC Parks’ updated website has processed a more than 102,000 campsite reservations. The system has more than 10,000 reservable day-use and overnight accommodations, ranging from campsites and backcountry permits to picnic shelters, backcountry cabins and a yurt.

While most provincial parks are fully open, wildfires, extreme heat and flooding last year caused significant damage to trails, campgrounds and facilities in more than a dozen provincial parks in 2021. Repairs have been made at several parks so they can open for the coming season, but some remain temporarily closed. People are encouraged to visit individual park web pages for the latest updates before heading out.

Some of the hardest-hit parks are in and around the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, such as Cultus Lake Provincial Park near Chilliwack. At Cultus Lake Park, floods moved rock and debris through the entire Maple Bay day-use area, covering picnic tables, the amphitheatre, grassy areas and the beach. Crews have been removing damaged picnic tables and contouring the day-use area at Maple Bay, which is expected to open this summer with a reduced number of picnic tables and smaller area for picnicking. Restoration of all Cultus Lake Park campgrounds at Entrance Bay and Clear Creek is now finished.

Parks that remain fully closed include Skagit Valley Park, Nahatlatch Park, Coquihalla Canyon Park and Skihist Park. Some parks have partial closures due to damaged backcountry trails or other circumstances.

The new, fully serviced Skyview Campground in E.C. Manning Park is open with 62 sites available during the winter and 92 sites available during the summer.

“The camping and hiking season is here, and people from throughout our province want to get outside and connect with nature,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “It’s important that people book ahead on the new BC Parks website and check online before heading out to ensure they know the latest conditions in order to have the best outdoor experience possible. While the majority of parks are open to enjoy, some remain closed for repairs following the unprecedented extreme weather events last year, which makes it more important than ever to plan ahead.”

For more information about BC Parks, visit: bcparks.ca (https://bcparks.ca/)

For more information about camping reservations, visit: bcparks.ca/reserve