Recent adverse severe forced the temporary closure of parts of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, a popular destination on British Columbia’s South Coast, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced.
Heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding in the area have affected several parts of the park, prompting officials to restrict access to ensure public safety and prevent further damage to park infrastructure. Visitors are encouraged to review current conditions before planning a trip to the area.
Sections of the park impacted by the closure include the Juan de Fuca Trail, backcountry campsites, and certain key sites such as the Sombrio Beach suspension bridge and Parkinson Trailhead.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that these closures aim to minimize risks to visitors and protect the park’s natural infrastructure. At the same time, it assured that some areas remained accessible for day use.
“Some areas of the park can still be safely accessed, including China Beach and Second Beach for day use, East Sombrio Beach, Botanical Beach and Botany Bay,” the ministry said, as reported by Nanaimo News Bulletin on November 12. Visitors are advised to stay updated on the park’s status through the B.C. Parks website, where active advisories are posted.
According to its website, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, situated on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, offers visitors a unique blend of natural attractions, from scenic coastal views to abundant wildlife and marine activity. The park’s diverse landscapes allow for a range of outdoor experiences, including hiking along the rugged coastline, observing local marine life, and exploring areas with ocean vistas.
The park is divided into four main areas: the China Beach Campground, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, the China Beach day-use area, and Botanical Beach. Each section offers distinct attractions.
A key highlight of the park, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, spans 47 kilometers along the southern coast of Vancouver Island, offering a wilderness experience for both day hikers and multi-day backpackers.
Camping within Juan de Fuca Provincial Park also includes options for both vehicle-accessible sites and backcountry hike-in sites. The China Beach Campground offers vehicle-accessible camping, while more remote camping opportunities are available along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Designated beach campsites are available at locations like Mystic Beach, Bear Beach, and Sombrio Beach, with forest campsites situated at Little Kuitsche Creek and Payzant Creek. Each site includes essential amenities like bear-proof food caches.
