This may help stem the tide of campers descending on the uber-popular Joffre Lakes, north of Pemberton, and being disappointed.
Campers can soon reserve sites at two popular provincial parks — Joffre Lakes and Tweedsmuir South near Williams Lake, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced on Tuesday.
As of April 2, backcountry tent pads at Joffre Lakes will be reservable through Discover Camping.
Camping is only permitted at the upper lake campground at Joffre Lakes.
The sites are at the end of a 5.5-kilometer trail. The 26 tent pads lining the lake can accommodate small backcountry tents. Campers without a reservation will be turned away.
As Squamish adventurers are all too aware, Joffre Lakes has seen increasing use over recent years — upwards of 170,000 visitors per year, according to the Ministry.
"The addition of camping reservations is part of the long-term approach BC Parks is taking to manage recreational use in a sustainable way," reads a government news release about the new reservation system. “Given the remote wilderness environment, visitors to Joffre Lakes need to be well prepared and self-sufficient.”
To reserve a BC Parks campsite through Discover Camping, visit discovercamping.ca/.
