British Columbia is updating camping fees for the first time since 2016 and introducing a new surcharge for non-residents to address rising visitation, extreme weather impacts, and infrastructure needs across its provincial parks.
The changes, announced by Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, are aimed at sustaining park operations while keeping costs manageable for B.C. residents.
“By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish,” Davidson said in a press release.
Over the past six years, BC Parks has seen visitation increase roughly 30%, averaging more than 27 million visits annually.
Popular parks have experienced significant pressure on trails, day-use areas, and aging infrastructure. Floods and wildfires have further damaged facilities, necessitating repairs and ongoing investment to maintain safe, accessible parks.
Since 2017, the province has invested about CA$200 million in campground expansions, accessibility upgrades, and trail and facility improvements.
Nearly CA$27 million has gone to repair infrastructure damaged by severe weather, including the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park and the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park.
The fee updates affect 59 high-demand frontcountry parks and four backcountry parks—Garibaldi Park, Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park, and Mount Assiniboine Park.
Starting May 15, non-B.C. residents will pay an additional CA$20 flat rate for frontcountry camping, backcountry trips, cabin rentals, and mooring buoys and docks. Residency will be verified via the home address provided at booking or on a first-come, first-served campsite.
For B.C. residents, average frontcountry camping fees will rise 40 cents per night during shoulder season and CA$13.29 per night in summer, bringing rates to CA$30.81 and CA$42.91, respectively.
Backcountry fees in the four highlighted parks will increase an average of CA$13.62 per night, ranging from CA$17 to CA$25 depending on the park. Fees remain unchanged for 388 other parks, as well as for sani-stations, mooring buoys, picnic shelters, and group camping.
Louise Pedersen of the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. noted, “Parks and trails are vital public assets that support community health, well-being, and local economies. Targeted reinvestment helps ensure these benefits remain available while supporting the infrastructure and stewardship needed to care for these places responsibly.”
Jamie Cox of the B.C. Lodging and Camping Association also said, “Campgrounds across British Columbia are seeing unprecedented demand. Updating fees in the busiest parks helps ensure the system remains safe, well-maintained, and able to support the growing number of people who rely on camping as an affordable way to connect with nature.”