BC Parks announced an update to its website, focusing on user-centered improvements to make park pages more “accessible and informative.”
The redesign, launched in September, builds on a version introduced in January 2023 and responds to ongoing user feedback. The revamped site seeks to streamline the visitor experience, ensuring that essential information such as park locations, operating dates, and campfire bans are easily accessible, contributing to a more efficient trip-planning process.
According to BC Parks, the enhanced website features a simplified design, with key information prominently displayed in the updated headers of each park page. Visitors can quickly reference park locations, check operating statuses, and see if specific parks are open year-round or seasonally. The inclusion of real-time data on park status and restrictions, such as campfire bans, addresses a critical need for up-to-date, easily navigable information.
“This section is all about efficiency and convenience, giving visitors everything they need to start planning their trip, at a glance,” BC Parks indicated.
Additionally, the redesign emphasizes accessibility, adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards. These changes ensure that the website is inclusive and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Updates to the color schemes improve visual clarity and scanning ease.
High-priority advisories, like fire bans, are conveyed with a color-coded system—red for high urgency, yellow for medium, and blue for low. “We’ve maintained our commitment to accessibility by adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA standards, the industry gold standard, and a specific commitment under BC Parks’ Commitment to Inclusion. This ensures that our site is accessible to everyone, including those with different abilities,” the park explained.
The language and terminology used throughout the site have also been revised. Terms such as “Parks and Activity Maps” have been simplified to “Maps and Location”.
An essential update component is the enhanced presentation of operational information, such as gate opening dates and times. This feature gives visitors insight into the specific times they can access the parks, enabling more precise trip planning.
Initially focused on park-wide gate times, this feature will expand to include detailed gate times for various campgrounds and day-use areas within the parks.
In response to user feedback, BC Parks also simplified the contact information section, addressing previous confusion about whom to contact for specific inquiries.
Looking ahead, BC Parks has announced plans to introduce additional features that will further improve user experience. These include a new tool recommending nearby parks based on a visitor’s location and detailed information on cellphone coverage across the park network.
Another upcoming feature will integrate EV charging station locations into the park maps, promoting eco-friendly travel options for visitors.