After a lengthy closure due to COVID-19, a popular summer destination for Prince Georgians is set to reopen next week, but with some conditions.
A free day-use pass system is being piloted at Mount Robson Provincial Park starting Monday (July 27) on its 'world-renowned' Berg Lake Trail, which is one of six places where the B.C. government will be testing the program with a goal to reduce overcrowding, according to a news release.
According to the province, Mount Robson saw more than 200,000 visitors during its 2018-19 calendar.
"People in B.C. love the outdoors, but some of our most popular parks are experiencing a high number of visitors, resulting in crowded facilities, packed parking lots and safety issues, such as parking along the highway," says B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman.
"This pilot program acknowledges that frequent park users have an important role to play in protecting these important natural spaces and the species that depend upon them."
The passes can be obtained on the Discover Camping website and will be released daily at 6 a.m. for same-day bookings.
Park staff will be checking passes, which visitors can download onto their mobile device or print.
Backcountry campers with camping permits are not required to reserve a day-use pass, but should carry proof of their camping permit if they are using one of the select trails that require a pass.
For Mount Robson Provincial Park, a maximum of eight people is required for the pass.
Those with a morning pass are expected to arrive before 1 p.m. while those with an afternoon pass are required to arrive after 1 p.m.
Detailed information about BC Parks' response to COVID-19 and which parks remain closed, can be found on its website.
Before heading out, people are advised to visit the individual park page for any changes to available services.
The six locations where this program will be piloted are:
- Mount Robson Park = Berg Lake Trail
- Stawamus Chief Park = Chief Peaks Trail
- Cypress Park = Upper mountain trails, including the Howe Sound Crest Trail, Hollyburn Mountain Trails and the Black Mountain Plateau trails
- Mount Seymour Park Upper mountain trails including the Seymour Main Trail, Dog Mountain Trail and Mystery Lake Trail
- Garibaldi Park Trailheads at Diamond Head, Rubble Creek and Cheakamus
- Golden Ears Park = All trails and day-use areas
- with files from The Squamish Chief
