Starting in the new year, campers will have to reserve campsites year-round at Garibaldi Provincial Park.
The province announced Thursday that starting on Jan. 2, online reservations will be required in all areas of the park, with the exception of Red Heather campground, which is only accessible during the winter.
Therefore, reservations are required for campsites at Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, Elfin Lake, Helm, Cheakamus Lake and Singing Creek campgrounds, which were previously only available to reserve during peak season.
“By making sites available for reservation throughout the year, sensitive ecosystems and the surrounding environment are protected from overuse by ensuring campers remain on designated tent sites,” read a government news release.
Four additional backcountry campgrounds will be available to reserve year-round in the new year through the BC Parks Discover Camping Reservation Service.
The new campgrounds being added to the system are:
Rampart Ponds Campground: 12 tent pads
Russet Lake Campground: seven tent pads
Wedgemount Campground: 20 tent pads
Red Heather Campground: 15 tent pads
Red Heather Campground remains available for winter camping reservations only, from Dec. 1 to April 30.
This particular area requires snow to camp on, so the fragile ground below is preserved.
Garibaldi Provincial Park moved to a reservation system in May 2016, due to growing visitor numbers, and to help in trip planning.
To book a campsite at Garibaldi Provincial Park, go to www.discovercamping.ca.
