Due to a recent hairy encounter, hikers are being told to steer clear of the section of Cypress Provincial Park east of the Nordic Area parking lot.
BC Parks issued the closure of a swathe of terrain extending around two kilometres east of Hollyburn Lodge to Lost Lake. The closure area encompasses trails and terrain just over a kilometre north of Blue Gentian Lake, which marks the southernmost part of the boundary.
Some of the Baden Powell Trail appears to cross into the closed area, but most of it looks to be unaffected.
The closure is expected to be in place for two weeks starting Aug. 31 and tentatively ending Sept. 14, dependent on bear activity “to allow the bear to utilize the area undisturbed for feeding and natural processes,” according to a note sent out earlier this week by Vancouver area supervisor Sam Stickney.
A trail runner came in close proximity to a bear near Blue Gentian Lake, and the bear followed the runner for a short time afterwards, the Ministry of Environment told North Shore News by email. Read our explainer on what to do if a bear follows you.
"BC Parks, guided by our internal human-wildlife conflict prevention plan, immediately contacted the Conservation Officer Service, who are working with BC Parks to monitor the closure," a spokesperson said.
Signage has been posted in the area, and notification of the closure was posted on the park website Friday.
The ministry said park rangers and the conservation officer service will continue monitoring the situation.
"Park users should always be prepared while hiking. Carry bear spray, and travel in groups," the ministry added.
According to Stickney, the closure won’t impact access to Hollyburn Lodge or the Hollyburn Ridge cabin community, when accessed from the east end of the Nordic Area parking.
This article will be updated with any additional information about the closure.
