McDonald Creek Provincial Park (British Columbia, Canada), a popular getaway located south of Nakusp, has added 39 new campsites.
As part of a broader CA$21.5-million investment to bolster outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the province, the move aims to encourage more visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural attractions.
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, underscored the motivation behind the investment.
He stated, “Every year, millions of people head to provincial parks to experience the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer. We know people care deeply about provincial parks and want them stewarded effectively. Investing in our parks provides more opportunities for people to connect with nature and makes the BC Parks experience even better.”
This expansion introduces a new campground loop, bringing the total number of vehicle-accessible campsites in the park to 112.
Featuring several kilometers of sandy beach along Upper Arrow Lake, an open grassy meadow, and waterfront campsites, the park provides visitors with a diverse range of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
Starting today, June 26, outdoor enthusiasts and campers can reserve 28 of these new campsites. The remaining 11 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Moreover, the provincial park has also focused on enhancing accessibility. All campsite furnishings and services within the new loop have been designed to be fully accessible, and eight pit toilets within the existing campground have been upgraded to meet accessibility standards.
The expansion of McDonald Creek Provincial Park has seen an investment of around CA$750,000. However, the park isn’t the only one benefiting from upgrades. Ellison Provincial Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, and Lakelse Lake Provincial Park are also seeing improvements to their facilities, including new campsites and trails.
With an estimated cost of CA$2.2 million, these upgrades are part of a broader commitment to boosting recreational opportunities and making BC Parks even more accessible for visitors.
Within the next three years, the operating and capital budgets for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC will see a substantial increase of CA$71 million. This funding boost will ensure the meticulous upkeep of the province’s vast network of facilities and trails.
BC’s provincial parks, renowned as one of North America’s largest park systems, currently attract more than 23 million visits each year.
They comprise over 1,000 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves, and protected areas, accounting for about 14.4% of the provincial land base.
This continuous improvement and expansion of provincial parks demonstrate the government’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of British Columbia, enhancing visitor experiences, and contributing to the province’s thriving tourism industry.
With this level of dedication, BC’s provincial parks will continue to serve as idyllic gateways to nature, providing unmatched outdoor experiences for residents and tourists alike.
