For the first time, visitors will be able to book some of the most popular camping sites in Garibaldi Provincial Park, a favourite backcountry destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Beginning at 7 a.m. on June 22, 2016, those looking to stay overnight at select campgrounds in scenic Garibaldi Provincial Park, nestled in the heart of the Coast Mountains along the Sea-to-Sky corridor, can reserve a spot through BC Parks’ Discover Camping Reservation Service.

Due to growing demand, and to provide visitors more certainty when planning their trips, campgrounds at Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows and Elfin Lake, as well as the Elfin Lake Shelter, will be available for reservations. Reservations can be made with arrival dates from June 29 to September 30, with the exception of the Elfin Lake Shelter, which will continue to be reservable on a three-month rolling window throughout the year.

Other backcountry campgrounds in Garibaldi Park, such as Helm, Cheakamus Lake (Singing Creek), Cheakamus, Singing Pass, Rampart Ponds and Wedgemount, will still be available for backcountry registration, but the payment will not guarantee a campsite. As these campgrounds are not currently experiencing the same demand as our busiest destinations in Garibaldi Park, they will still be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2016 season.

BC Parks is transitioning from a registration system to a reservation service for its high-use campgrounds during the summer season in Garibaldi to help address the increase in visitor demand currently experienced in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. These changes will also help protect sensitive ecosystems, such as Heather Meadows, by ensuring campers remain on the limited designated tent pads.

During non-peak periods (Oct. 1 to the last week of June), campers can still register and pay for their backcountry registration at Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows and Elfin Lake. However, the Elfin Lake Shelter will remain reservable year-round.

Please note all self-registration stations will no longer be available at the trailheads; park visitors who wish to stay overnight must pre-pay for their permits using the online registration system or the reservation service, depending on their destination and the time period for their visit.

With more than 90 kilometres of hiking trails, Garibaldi Provincial Park, named after its towering peak, Mount Garibaldi, is known for its natural beauty and unique hiking opportunities.

Discover Camping is an interactive reservation website that displays the availability, layout and amenities of 122 campgrounds - showcasing more than 5,800 campsites throughout British Columbia. As this website is compatible with mobile devices, campers can book their vacation destinations using their smartphones.

Approximately half of all BC Parks camping opportunities remain on a first-come, first-served basis.
 

Quote:

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky –

“Garibaldi Provincial Park is a stunning example of the rugged beauty unique to BC Parks, and draws thousands of visitors each year. By making available a reservations system, we can help Garibaldi Park visitors obtain a better backcountry wilderness experience.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2015, more than 158,000 reservations were made through Discover Camping, an increase of almost 19%  from 2014.
• 73% of all reservations in 2015 originated from British Columbia.
• Reservations can be made through the call centre at 1 800 689-9025 for a surcharge of $5.
• Parking is free in all provincial parks, making them more accessible to families.

Learn More:

• To book your trip at Garibaldi Provincial Park, please visit: www.discovercamping.ca
• For tips on making reservations, please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/top_reservations_tips.html
• For more information about British Columbia’s provincial parks, please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/
• For camping tips, including backcountry trips and taking pets, please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/campingEthics.html