Summary

• The final phase of a multi-year project focused on replacing aging infrastructure and improving accessibility in Paul Lake Park is nearing completion
• The 90 campsites in the park have been refurbished to an accessible standard
• The $1.6-million project also includes accessibility upgrades to all service centres and a trail

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The final phase of a multi-year project that focused on replacing aging infrastructure and improving accessibility at the Paul Lake Park campground is nearing completion so more people can enjoy the benefits of being in nature.

The 90 campsites in the park have been refurbished to an accessible standard. The upgrades include new accessible picnic tables and compact gravel surfaces that make it easier for people with reduced mobility to access and move around the campsite.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of parks. We want to ensure that more people – including seniors, families and people with disabilities – can connect with nature in a meaningful way,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “The accessibility upgrades at Paul Lake Park will help remove barriers so people of all abilities can enjoy camping, explore the outdoors and experience the landscapes that make B.C. so special.”

Multi-year project began in 2022

Paul Lake Park is near Kamloops in a Douglas-fir, pine and aspen forest. The park has more than seven kilometres of hiking trails and a large lakeshore campground.

The $1.6-million campground improvement project began in 2022 when 29 campsites were refurbished to accessible standards. Several upgrades have been made since then, including:

• reconstructing all service centres, such as pit toilets, garbage and recycling bins, and water taps so they are fully accessible
• creating a gentler slope and adding compact gravel surfacing to the 800-metre access trail from the campground to the day-use area, making it easier for people to use
• refurbishing the remaining 61 campsites to accessible standards

“These accessibility improvements are about ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can experience the natural beauty that defines British Columbia,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, chief executive officer, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “When we invest in inclusive infrastructure, we’re not just upgrading parks and camping facilities, we’re strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for residents and visitors alike. It is a practical step forward that reflects our values and ensures our outdoor spaces remain welcoming, accessible and relevant for all and for generations to come.”

Accessibility and inclusion front of mind in BC Parks

BC Parks has been creating more accessible facilities for years and many parks have now been upgraded to accessible standards. The focus is on high priority facilities first, such as washrooms, parking lots and trails to park features, in parks near urban centres.

Universal design standards are also incorporated into all new frontcountry construction projects. Where possible, aging facilities are being replaced by those with an accessible standard.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, accessibility upgrades were included in approximately 35 projects in BC Parks. An additional nine projects are expected to get underway in 2026-27.

“Parks matter to people across B.C. They’re places to connect with nature, play, explore and recharge,” said Dana Lajeunesse, parliamentary secretary for accessibility. “The accessibility upgrades at Paul Lake Park help ensure people of all ages and abilities can safely and comfortably enjoy these shared spaces. Through our AccessibleBC Plan, we’re removing barriers so communities are more inclusive and the services people rely on are within reach for everyone, whether they live here or are visiting our province.”

The campground at Paul Lake Park is scheduled to open on May 14, 2026. People can reserve campsites by calling 1-800-689-9025 or online: https://camping.bcparks.ca/

Quick Facts:

• Since 2017, the Province has invested approximately $200 million into campground expansions, accessibility improvements and upgrades to trails, parking and facilities, and includes adding more than 2,000 campsites in regions with the highest demand.
• As part of this investment, along with the Paul Lake Park upgrades, aging campground facilities at Lac Le Jeune Park are also being replaced and upgraded to an accessible standard.
• So far, about half of the campsites have been upgraded as part of the $630,000 project, with the remainder scheduled for completion this year.
• During the past three years, approximately $2.45 million has been invested into Wells Gray Park for trail upgrades and backcountry campground improvements in the Trophy Meadows area, and upgrades to the viewing platforms at Helmcken Falls and Spahats Falls.

Learn More:

• For more information about Paul Lake Park, visit: https://bcparks.ca/paul-lake-park/
• For more information about accessibility in BC Parks, visit: https://bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/accessibility/
• For more information about BC Parks, visit: https://bcparks.ca/