The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced May 23 that 594 new campsites are being added to BC Parks and recreation sites throughout the province.

However, of that number only 37 sites are coming to BC Parks in the Kootenays, with 19 sites in Mount Fernie Provincial Park and 18 tent pad sites at Kokanee Creek Park near Nelson.

Ranging from walk-in tent sites to marine sites, 13 provincial parks will have 362 new sites and 12 recreation sites will have 232 new sites. The new BC Parks campsites are located in regions with the highest demand – the Lower Mainland, Thompson-Okanagan, Kootenay Rockies and Mount Robson.

“People from all over the world come to our province to experience the spectacular natural beauty and enjoy a range of camping opportunities,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Camping is more popular than ever, which is why our government continues to increase the number of campsites and enhance visitor experience.”

British Columbia has one of the largest protected area systems in North America. There are 1,033 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas, covering more than 14 million hectares – approximately 14.4% of the provincial land base.

British Columbia’s provincial parks receive more than 21 million visits each year.

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