All B.C. provincial parks shut down immediately due to pandemic

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C. has closed all provincial parks in further efforts to try and stop the spread of COVID-19.

The closures take effect immediately, and are “in response to the widespread call for increased action” to address the pandemic, and to encourage physical distancing.

“With the desire of the public to get outdoors, many parks have already experienced peak season levels of use that have resulted in overwhelmed parking lots, trails and trailheads, making physical distancing difficult, if not impossible in some locations,” the BC Parks website reads. It adds the increase in visitors has also resulted in damage to both facilities and the environment.

“By taking this action, we align with federal and provincial directives for people to stay home to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk.”

All federal parks have been closed since March 25.

The closure at provincial parks will mean all vehicle and public access are prohibited until at least May 31. Trails, roads, day-use areas, beaches, lakes, boat launches, and backcountry areas are also closed to the public, and enforcement will be done through regular monitoring and patrols, the BC Parks website adds.

Anyone not obeying the closures will be evicted and could even be fined $115.

In addition to the park closures, the province says campground closures have also been extended until that date.

Anyone with an existing reservation can get a full refund during the closure.