Environment Minister Mary Polak, Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness and BC Park’s mascot Jerry the Moose joined British Columbians to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day at a fun family event at Cultus Lake Provincial Park today.

Parks Day is an annual celebration where thousands of people visit parks and historic sites across Canada to recognize the role parks play in creating and maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, while also contributing to human health and well-being.

Parks throughout the province are hosting a variety of events in honour of Parks Day. Families can take part in scavenger hunts organized by the park operator, Sea to Sky Park Services, try their luck at fishing with the provincial Learn to Fish program, and discover wildlife at the WildSafeBC tent.

With 1,029 parks and protected areas throughout the province, B.C. has the highest percentage of land base dedicated to parks and protected areas of any province in Canada. British Columbians can experience a wide range of landscapes, ranging from desert to mountains, when visiting provincial parks.

For more information about activities taking place this summer in provincial parks, visit the BC Parks event calendar: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/events/calendar/#eventList

To learn more about British Columbia’s park system, pick up a free BC Parks Passport at any visitor centre in B.C. and most provincial parks. The BC Parks Passport program encourages passport holders to have fun, and experience new places while collecting stamps and stickers toward earning great prizes.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of Environment Mary Polak -

“Parks Day is a great reminder to get out, explore B.C.’s provincial parks and discover all the amazing things you can see and do in nature. The activities are endless and the benefits of connecting with the outdoors play a role in our health and well-being. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity and make some memories with family and friends at BC Parks today.”

Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness -

“B.C.’s parks are well-known for their diverse landscapes and being home to many species of wildlife. I encourage British Columbians to visit their local provincial parks today and enjoy the fun activities taking place to celebrate Parks Day.”

Quick Facts:

• Canada’s first Parks Day was celebrated in 1990.
• British Columbia has one of the biggest parks and protected areas in North America.
• Over 20 million people visit British Columbia’s parks each year.
• Parking is free in all provincial parks making them more accessible to families.
• Accessibility is a priority for BC Parks in capital investment and refurbishment projects. This ensures that facilities continue to perform to expectations and meet the needs of the widest range of park visitors.

Learn More:

B.C.’s provincial parks: www.BCParks.ca

Parks Canada: www.pc.gc.ca

Connect with BC Parks on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834