B.C. residents can reserve campsites in provincial parks starting today.
The province said it expects a busy camping season because of limited travel opportunities due to COVID-19 concerns. BC Parks recommends being prepared with back up options for preferred sites and dates.
“Our provincial parks have never been as important as they are right now. They provide a special place to safely connect with nature and improve our health and well-being during these difficult times,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy.
“We are all looking forward to another summer of camping and outdoor recreation in B.C. and while public health concerns and advice remain, we are asking people to pick a campground as close to home as possible to avoid long road trips and non-essential travel.”
The BC Parks reservation service lets residents book a campsite two months in advance of their arrival date.
Campsite reservation opens to people living in other provinces on July 8, according to the province.
Reservations for day-use facilities, including picnic shelters and halls, remain closed for the 2021 season.
Public health guidelines for gatherings may change throughout the season and between the time of booking a campsite and a scheduled arrival date, the province said.
“We are looking forward to another great season of taking care of our spectacular provincial parks and welcoming you into our campgrounds. We are doing everything we can to ensure our parks are safe for visitors,” said Eddie Wood, president the Society of Park Operators. “Many of our campgrounds will be very busy, so it’s important to plan ahead, follow public health guidelines, and enjoy B.C.’s outdoors. It’s going to be a fantastic season.”
Backcountry camping reservations opened March 1 for the full season for two popular backcountry trips – the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park and the canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park
The Berg Lake Trail can be reserved from June 12 to Sept. 30, and the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit can be reserved from May 15 to Sept. 23.
