Day-Use Passes Returning To Some Of BC’S Busiest Parks For 2026 Season

Visitors planning trips to some of British Columbia’s most popular provincial parks will once again need to secure day-use passes this year, as BC Parks continues a program designed to ease congestion and protect sensitive natural areas.

 

The BC Parks Day-Use Pass Program will return for the 2026 season at Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park, Golden Ears Park and Garibaldi Park.

Introduced in 2020, the reservation system is intended to help manage growing visitor numbers at heavily trafficked parks, where crowded trailheads, overflowing parking lots and environmental impacts have become increasing concerns.

 

According to BC Parks, visits to south coast parks have increased by 52 per cent since 2010. While the parks themselves cover large areas, most recreational use is concentrated around developed trails and access points, which can quickly become overwhelmed during peak periods.

 

Without visitor management measures, BC Parks says increased traffic can contribute to trail erosion, vegetation damage, wildlife displacement and impacts to Indigenous cultural values.

 

Passes will become available online at 7 a.m. Pacific time, two days before a planned visit.

 

Trail passes will be required at Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park from May 11 to Oct. 25, 2026. Vehicle passes will be required at Golden Ears Park from May 15 to Sept. 7, and at Garibaldi Park from June 12 to Oct. 12.

 

At Golden Ears, passes are required Fridays through Mondays until 3:30 p.m., after which visitors may enter without a pass. In Garibaldi Park, vehicle passes will be required Fridays through Mondays at the Rubble Creek and Diamond Head trailheads, while the Cheakamus access point will require passes daily.

People visiting Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park will need an individual trail pass for each member of their group.

 

Visitors with valid camping reservations will not need a separate day-use pass.

 

BC Parks is also encouraging visitors to cancel unused passes so others can access the parks.

 

Those heading to Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park early in the season are being reminded that winter conditions may still be present, including snow-covered parking areas and avalanche hazards. BC Parks advises visitors to carry appropriate winter gear and training before entering alpine areas.

 

Backcountry reservations for Upper Joffre Lake Campground will open May 12 through BC Parks’ three-month rolling reservation system for arrivals beginning June 15.

 

The park will also close temporarily to recreational visitors on two occasions this year to allow members of the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua time to reconnect with the land for cultural activities and celebrations.

 

Closures are scheduled for June 20 to 27 during National Indigenous Peoples Day and summer solstice celebrations, and again from Sept. 8 to 30 for fall harvesting celebrations and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observances.

 

Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park is collaboratively managed by BC Parks, the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua through a visitor use management strategy developed jointly since 2018.

 

More information about day-use passes and park requirements is available through BC Parks Day-Use Passes.