Nature lovers will once again need a BC park pass to visit four of the province’s most scenic hiking destinations this summer.
Implemented by BC Parks, the pass system will soon be in effect during peak hours at Garibaldi Provincial Park, Golden Ears Provincial Park and Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
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BC Park Pass – What you need to know
According to BC Parks, the free day-use pass program is designed to “maintain a balance between growing numbers of visitors and conserving the natural environment.”
The passes are available online and can be reserved at 7 a.m., two days prior to the planned visit. Visit their website to reserve a pass. Keep in mind passes cannot be transferred to another date, time, location or person.
People will also be able to cancel a pass if they don’t intend to use it.
Visitors exploring Golden Ears Park and three trailheads at Garibaldi Park (the Diamond Head, Rubble Creek and Cheakamus access points) require vehicle passes, while each person visiting Joffre Lakes Park requires an individual trail pass.
The free passes are required during peak hours and will be checked by Discover Parks ambassadors.
If you have a valid reservation for overnight camping, you do not need a day-use pass. Instead, carry your reservation with you at all times.
When they will be required
Joffre Lakes
Day-use passes are required May 6 to Oct. 9 for visitors to Joffre Lakes trailhead.
Garibaldi
Day-use passes are required June 14 to Oct. 9 for visitors to Diamond Head (Elfin Lakes) trailhead, Rubble Creek (Garibaldi Lake) trailhead and Cheakamus trailhead.
Golden Ears
Day-use passes are required June 14 to Sept. 4 for visitors to Alouette Lake boat launch parking, Alouette Lake South Beach day-use parking, Golden Creek trailhead parking and West Canyon parking.
Buntzen Lake
Beginning May 15, drivers can reserve a vehicle pass for Buntzen Lake. Unlike the BC Park pass though, these day passes can be made on bchydro.com/buntzen starting from 7 a.m. the day before their visit. Users can choose a morning, afternoon, or all-day pass for the parking lot. Reservations are linked to the vehicle’s license plate and mobile phone number and are non-transferable. Those arriving at the park by transit, bike, or foot are not required to have a pass.
