Camping has resumed at Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge after flood-related damage forced a months-long closure.
The park, which sustained extensive damage during an atmospheric river event in October, began welcoming visitors again on Friday, March 28, starting with the Gold Creek campground.
According to an article published by Surrey Now-Leader on April 3, Alouette and North Beach campgrounds are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, April 16, restoring full access to one of British Columbia’s most popular camping destinations. The reopening follows months of restoration work on park infrastructure and trails impacted by severe flooding.
Reservations for all three campgrounds are now being accepted through the BC Parks website on a four-month rolling window.
Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson and Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Childcare and MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, toured the park to review the completed repairs. They were joined by local dignitaries and city councillors during the site visit.
“I want to thank the skilled workers who tackled the complex technical challenges to restore road access and infrastructure at one of BC’s most beloved provincial parks,” said Beare.
Last year’s flooding damaged several sections of the Golden Ears Parkway, the main route into the park and the primary access point for the campgrounds. Park officials confirmed that trail systems and various facilities were also affected by the extreme weather event.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Parks, access to the northern portion of the park, including all campgrounds, will be limited to single-lane alternating traffic for a short stretch of road. Full two-lane access is expected to be restored by early May.
In an online statement, the ministry advised visitors to plan for possible delays when entering the park.
Campers can reserve sites by visiting bcparks.ca/golden-ears-park.