As summer officially begins today, backcountry enthusiasts can head into the wilderness faster with a new online system that lets them prepay for their backcountry permit in 26 provincial parks.

The Discover Camping Backcountry Registration System allows hikers, campers and trailriders to purchase their backcountry permit through the BC Parks website before leaving home. This service provides the convenience of paying the registration fee by credit card and eliminates the need to carry cash or fill out a registration form at the park.

There are no new fees with the Backcountry Registration Service and no changes to existing fees - simply a more convenient way to pay.

Backcountry fees currently apply in 38 parks. Twenty-six of those are included in the new online Backcountry Registration Service and the remaining 12 may be added in future.

The backcountry permit system is for backcountry and marine site use only and will not be used for car camping or controlled back country permits (for example: Berg Lake Trail at Mount Robson and Bowron Lake). Self-serve registration facilities are still available at all designated trail heads and access points. Permits purchased online are non-refundable. Backcountry users are reminded to be prepared and travel within their abilities.

Parking fees were eliminated from B.C. parks on May 3 to help make them more accessible and inviting to families.

The Province has also launched a $500,000 Community Legacy Program to fund improvements to parks across B.C. and a BC Parks Passport Program offering rewards for visiting parks this summer.

Learn More:

For a list of parks participating in the online registration system, or to purchase a backcountry permit, go to: https://secure.camis.com/discovercamping/backcountry/

Share photos from your backcountry adventures at: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Contact:

Emily Laing
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9630