Popular Joffre Lakes Park temporarily closed for Indigenous use, land management
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The Ministry of Environment says the temporary closure of the park, also known as Pipi7íyekw, is aimed at avoiding overuse of the park, which has become one of the busiest in the province.
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'As more people go to the park, there is a need for enhanced visitor-use management, ensuring the park is not degraded by heavy use,' said the ministry in an announcement Thursday.
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Joffre Lakes will be closed from April 25 to May 16. Starting on Saturday, May 17, adults and those older than 12 will have to get a free day-use pass in order to visit.
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The ministry started issuing day passes in 2021 to make sure there was enough parking and to offer visitors a less crowded experience. They can be reserved online starting from 7 a.m. two days before a planned visit.
Due to elevation, visitors should be aware there might be snow in the park and parking lot in the first few weeks after opening.
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Joffre Lakes/Pipi7íyekw is jointly managed by the Líl̓wat and N͛Quatqua Nations, says the ministry, 'with the primary goal of maintaining the natural environment, and so the Nations can continue their cultural practices on their territory.'
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A working group of the First Nations and B.C. Parks was created in 2018 that develops and implements a park visitor use management strategy.
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'As in previous years, more temporary closures are anticipated this season,' said the ministry, out of respect for the Nations' need for space and privacy to practise cultural activities. Future closure dates will be announced as soon as they are available.
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