The cost of camping in British Columbia’s provincial parks is going up this year — especially for campers coming from out of province.
The B.C. government says the fee hike comes in response to “record levels of use” and increasing frequency of flood, fires and extreme weather. In an information sheet online, B.C. Parks said fees are going up to keep parks safe, accessible and healthy.
In particular, the province is introducing a $20 fee per trip for campers coming from out of province. It will apply to both backcountry and frontcountry camping, cabin rentals, mooring buoys and dock use.
But, fees are going up in general for all campers.
Fees are increasing at 59 “high-use” frontcountry parks, the province says, adding that fees vary by park to reflect the amount of care each site requires. Previously, fees in these parks ranged from $5 to $35 per party, per night. Now, costs will be between $5 and $51 per party, per night.
The fee hike goes into effect June 15 and will last until Labour Day this year, after which off-season fees will apply until next June 14, 2027.
Backcountry users will see increases at four parks: Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes and Mount Assiniboine. Costs will increase from $5 to $10 per person, per night, to $5 to $25.
Cabin fees at Garibaldi and Mount Assiniboine will also go up this year.
