People living in British Columbia will soon be able to book campsites for the 2021 season.
In an announcement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Environmental and Climate Change Strategy said reservations will be open as of March 8. Priority access will be given to those who live in British Columbia.
B.C. residents will be able to book a campsite two months in advance of their arrival date on the Discover Camping reservation website.
"Our provincial parks have never been as important as they are right now," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in a news release. "They provide a special place to safely connect with nature and improve our health and well-being during these difficult times."
Once on the Discover Camping website, you must confirm you are a B.C. resident before continuing and BC Parks tells Glacier Media campers will be expected to prove they're the reservation holder once they arrive.
Also in the announcement, it states that people who do not live in B.C. will be able to make reservations for the remainder of the season starting July 8.
"We recognize the heightened importance of outdoor recreation during these uncertain times," said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment. "Our government is committed to ensuring British Columbians can safely enjoy the natural beauty of our province close to home."
Campsites will follow public health guidelines, including restricting the number of people who can be at a campsite and group sites.
"We are doing everything we can to ensure our parks are safe for visitors," said Eddie Wood, president of Society of Park Operators.
Officials are also warning that public health guidelines for gatherings may change throughout the season and between the time of booking a campsite and a scheduled arrival date.
"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," added Wood.
B.C.'s provincial parks have more than 23 million visits each year.
Two backcountry camping sites will be open a week earlier, on March 1. They include the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park and the canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park.
The BC Parks website to make camping reservations crashed in May 2020 after it was flooded with requests.
