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GUEST COLUMN - LIBERALS
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DISCOVER B.C. PARKS AGAIN OR FOR THE FIRST TIME |
By Barry Penner, Minister of Environment
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As Minister of Environment, and as a former Park Ranger, I consider myself fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world – with the best and largest provincial parks system in Canada. BC Parks seeks to protect and to share British Columbia’s diverse wilderness areas and habitats for future generations to enjoy. With nearly 1,000 parks and protected areas in the province, experiencing the best of nature and the outdoors is easy.
Not only does the BC Parks system play an important role in conserving the province’s natural values, but it’s also a great place for families to take part in fun and healthy activities. People of all ages will find an incredible range of things to do in our provincial parks. You can take a leisurely stroll past meadows, waterfalls or thousand-year-old Douglas fir trees. In addition, many of our parks have large picnic and day-use areas that are ideal for family gatherings, special events and barbecues.
Those who enjoy the water can paddle down a gentle river in a canoe to pass the afternoon or they can experience world-class fishing with family and friends at our many stocked lakes and streams. More adventurous visitors can explore countless longer hikes and trails.
Recreational opportunities are available in every season and for every interest, whether it’s boating, cycling, sandcastle building, skiing or just relaxing. Many provincial parks also offer wheelchair-accessible trails, toilets and day-use areas. A lot of our parks offer interpretive programs through the summer months to help educate visitors about nature and wildlife.
Many visitors will be happy to spend just a day in a park, but those who would like to spend a night or more in a tent or RV can reserve an individual or group campsite at their favourite provincial park by visiting www.bcparks.ca. Facilities and amenities are in place to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, and parks staff will work hard to ensure your safety and enjoyment during your stay.
To reduce your carbon footprint, it may be worth considering staying closer to home for your next day out or vacation. In fact, there are more than 20 provincial parks within 150 kilometres of Vancouver. There are fishing opportunities available nearby at Alice Lake, Sasquatch and Chilliwack Lake provincial parks.
Large day-use or picnic areas can be found at Golden Ears, Rolley Lake and Cultus Lake for any activity planned. Get a close-up view of bald eagles and other wildlife at Brackendale Eagle, or spend an afternoon paddling on the waters of Pinecone Burke. Explore hundreds of kilometres of trails at Cypress, Mount Seymour or Garibaldi. Other provincial parks located near Vancouver include Porteau Cove, Indian Arm, Stawamus Chief, Bridal Veil Falls and Brandywine Falls.
I hope you will consider discovering BC Parks again or for the first time, and are proud of the rich natural heritage and legacy that belongs to everyone in British Columbia. If you would like to learn more about your provincial parks, please visit www.bcparks.ca.
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