B.C. Parks to Raise Camping Fees in 2026

The British Columbia government has announced a significant increase in camping fees for its provincial parks, effective June 15, 2026. This decision aims to address the challenges of maintaining park facilities amid rising visitor numbers and environmental issues, such as floods and wildfires.

B.C. Parks Increase Camping Fees for 2026

The fee adjustments will primarily affect visitors from outside British Columbia. A new $20 per trip fee will apply to both backcountry and frontcountry camping, including cabin rentals and use of mooring buoys. General camping fees will see hikes as well.

Details of the Fee Increase

• Camping fees at 59 high-use frontcountry parks will rise.
• Previous fees ranged from $5 to $35 per party, per night.
• New fees will cost between $5 and $51 per party, per night.
• Backcountry fees will increase from $5–$10 to $5–$25 per person, per night at four designated parks: Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes, and Mount Assiniboine.
• Cabin fees at Garibaldi and Mount Assiniboine will also rise.

The changes will remain in effect until Labour Day, after which off-season rates will apply until June 14, 2027.

Visitor Reactions

Reactions from campers have been mixed. Some, like Barb Bracko from Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, expressed concern for those financially affected by increasing costs. She emphasized the importance of access to nature for stress relief.

Others, like Terry and Pat Schiissler from Regina, Saskatchewan, acknowledged the need for price adjustments to maintain the parks. They believe the fee for out-of-province campers is reasonable, suggesting it may lead to similar practices in their home province.

Perspectives from Advocacy Groups

Louise Pedersen, the executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C., conveyed her group’s opposition to increased fees but understood the necessity behind them. She noted that the B.C. park system struggles to keep pace with population growth and rising interest in outdoor activities.

Pedersen urged that reliance on user fees should not be the sole strategy for funding park maintenance. She advocated for additional investments and support for volunteers, while seeing the out-of-province fee as a fair approach to sustain the parks that draw people from around the globe.

Conclusion

The planned fee increases reflect the B.C. government’s commitment to improving park conditions while balancing the financial aspects of park usage. As these changes unfold, the focus remains on preserving the natural beauty of British Columbia’s parks for all visitors.