British Columbians are encouraged to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day by exploring a B.C. provincial park on Saturday, July 16.

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

All over B.C., provincial parks are hosting family-friendly events in honour of Parks Day. Visitors can participate in scavenger hunts, try fishing through the provincial Learn to Fish Program, and discover wildlife on nature walks.

There’s even more to do at E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The park is celebrating its 75th birthday on Parks Day. Jerry the Moose is attending the fun filled day of activities, including a barbecue, community booths, art contest, face painting and crafts for both the young and young at heart.

In June 2016, the provincial government announced more than $1 million of funding is being invested in upgrades at the Hampton campground in E.C. Manning Provincial Park. This funding is a portion of a larger investment committed by the Province to invest in capital projects in provincial parks all over B.C.

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

Families and park visitors can add to the fun while exploring a B.C. provincial park by taking part in Jerry’s Search ‘n Sketch – the Ultimate Scavenger Quest. Participants are encouraged to find all the items on Jerry’s list and sketch them. A collectable Jerry the Moose souvenir will be given to those who complete the challenge. For more information about the scavenger quest, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/events/scavenger-quest/

Quote:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –

“Our world class provincial parks are treasured by all British Columbians. By continuing to invest in campground upgrades, visitor centres and other capital projects in BC Parks, we are enhancing the visitor experience and meeting the growing demand to help ensure our beautiful parks can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Quick Facts:

• Canada’s first Parks Day was celebrated in 1990.
• British Columbia has one of the biggest park systems and protected areas in North America.
• Over 20 million people visit British Columbia’s 1,031 provincial 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:

A message from Environment Minister Mary Polak: https://youtu.be/8iz7oBrjVgQ

Check out the festivities at E.C. Manning Provincial Park celebrating its 75th birthday: http://manningpark.com/75th-anniversary-celebrations/

For more information about B.C.’s provincial parks, visit: www.BCParks.ca

To learn more about Discover Camping, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/factsheet-bc-parks-discover-camping-reservation-system

For more information about Parks Canada, visit: www.pc.gc.ca

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

Discover BC Parks on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/yourbcparks/